Raffles Hotels & Resorts strengthens its Asian portfolio with the opening of Raffles Jakarta. A beacon above the thriving commercial hub of Kuningan, the hotel is exclusively linked to Ciputra Artpreneur Centre, a landmark development dedicated to the celebration of art and theatre, at the heart of Jakarta's golden triangle.

The hotel's opening in early 2015, brings the company to 12 hotels and resorts - from the flagship Raffles Hotel in Singapore, to China, Cambodia, the Philippines, Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Paris and most recently Istanbul.  There are plans for further openings in Jeddah, Sharm-el-Sheikh and Warsaw over the next few years.

Like all Raffles hotels, Raffles Jakarta will be an oasis in the city, a meeting point for art and ideas, business and leisure, glamour and fashion. Service is, as always, exemplary and the generous proportions and space of the reception areas and rooms greet guests with an overwhelming sense of grandeur. Warm golden marble with rich veins of onyx and explosions of colour throughout the interior, transform an everyday hotel experience into an exploration of art.

Peter French, President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts said:  

“Jakarta is the economic and cultural seat of one of Asia's fastest growing economies with an increasingly sophisticated dining and entertainment landscape, and Raffles is delighted to be part of this growth.  With Raffles Jakarta, we are bringing to Indonesia an authentic expression of Raffles Hotels & Resorts' philosophy – the hotel has its own individual personality, its own story to tell and a combination of both Indonesian and global influences that gives it a unique sense of place. The interpretation and display of Hendra Gunawan's artwork in this hotel is a truly special tribute to Indonesian art.”

An artistic spirit

In keeping with its location, the hotel is a celebration of artistry and an homage to the iconic Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan. An activist and campaigner against injustice and colonialism, much of Gunawan's work was rarely seen until after his death in 1983. Now his legacy comes to life at Raffles Jakarta, where some of his most important works punctuate the elegant interiors with their trademark vibrant colours and strong flowing lines. The hotel's Art Concierge conducts walking tours of Gunawan's art pieces, providing insights into his fascinating and turbulent life. 

Alongside the colourful and artistic spirit of Hendra Gunawan, the hotel maintains the richness and elegance of classic design that the Raffles name has become synonymous with. Here, over 127 years of Raffles heritage and experience in luxury service is evident in every area of the hotel. Classical architectural details are felt throughout the hotel and are especially evident in the lobby, ballroom, meeting rooms and of course, guest rooms.

Rooms and Suites

This influence of Hendra Gunawan is felt even in the hotel's 173 luxurious rooms and suites, which are some of the largest in the city.  Floor to ceiling windows frame a view of the energetic, urban landscape of this bustling capital city. The guestrooms are a representation of the artist's retreat, with elegant Indonesian aesthetics and supreme comfort, to ensure that each one is a tranquil sanctuary. The bedroom is kept separate from the lounge making each guestroom feel like a suite within itself.  The authentic Raffles touch is personified by the legendary Raffles Butler service that is part of the anatomy of every Raffles hotel.

Restaurants and Bars

Raffles' classics come to Jakarta in the form of their exceptional food and beverage outlets.   Amongst these, The Writers Bar, a revered institution at Raffles Singapore, is reinterpreted as an oasis of art, Indonesian history, literature and artefacts in this modern metropolis. Away from the bustle of the city, the bar is a haven where a fine wine, a sophisticated cocktail, or a perfectly made martini is something to savour.  Once again the bespoke design is inspired by Gunawan's love of nature and colour. The ceiling is sculpted with showering crystals, whilst vibrant fish swim through the custom made carpet below.

At the Arts Café, guests will find a tableau of art and cuisine, where sights, sounds, textures and aromas from theatrical show kitchens create a delightful sensory experience.  The menu offers an inspired selection of Pan Asian and European dishes. Alternatively Navina – deriving from the Indonesian word for 'fresh' – provides a more informal poolside setting for light meals, tea or aperitifs amid the lush tropical gardens.

The Place to Meet and Celebrate

Raffles Jakarta is perfectly placed for meetings and social celebrations; all are conveniently located on level 11, with direct access from the car park and express lifts from the lobby entrance.  Inspirational spaces range from a private boardroom to the Grand Dian Ballroom, a stunning 2,500 square meters of unobstructed space. An experienced team of Wedding Planners will make sure that every ceremony is different, personal and unforgettable.

An Oasis in the City

Guests will also appreciate the Signature Raffles Spa – set to be one of the most comprehensive in the city, a calm urban oasis, with six treatment rooms and suites, saunas, steam rooms and experience showers, a choice of swimming pools (including a Children's pool and play area), a full service Fitness Centre, a Yoga Terrace, tennis courts, two open air pavilions and a jogging track around and through the lush Hendra Gunawan inspired garden.

A Sense of Place

Step out of Raffles Jakarta's impressive lobby and there is an exciting and fascinating city to explore. Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, on the northwest of the island of Java. It has become the economic, cultural and political centre not only of Indonesia but Southeast Asia as a whole. The city is filled with an array of museums, exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping areas and is also known as the centre and melting pot of Indonesian culture. 

Raffles Jakarta's General Manager is Richard Schestak who, after three very successful years as General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, moved to Jakarta in summer 2013 to prepare for this important opening.  Austrian-born Schestak brings with him a wealth of international experience having held senior roles for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Dubai and management positions for iconic hotels, resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants in North America and Europe.

On opening Raffles Jakarta, Richard Schestak says:

“Raffles is able to bring the best of both worlds to this opening:  the most modern facilities, technology, exciting, stylish restaurants and bars - alongside the 127 year Raffles heritage of providing warm and graceful service, embodied by the legendary Raffles Butlers.   When it opens, this hotel will also be infused with an artistic flair and I believe that this, together with the service we will offer, will really set us apart, and bring a whole new element to the experience of staying in a hotel. At Raffles we know that good service is not just about what you give people, it's about how you make them feel.  We call this 'emotional luxury' - an authentic Raffles experience that we will strive to deliver to guests of this incredible city.”

To celebrate its opening, guests staying from 1 January 2015 – 31 March 2015 can enjoy 25% off the best available rate for rooms and suites www.raffles.com/jakarta/offers.

Raffles Jakarta, Ciputra World 1, Jl Prof. Dr. Satrio, Jakarta 12940 – Indonesia

Tel:  +62 21 2988 8080 | Email: jakarta@raffles.com  | www.raffles.com/jakarta

Raffles Hotels & Resorts ~ the story continues in Jakarta….

For Further information:  Jane Corbett-Jones JANE CORBETT-JONES COMMUNICATIONS

T +61 (0) 417 772 783  |  jane@janecorbett-jones.com

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore.  The portfolio currently comprises 11 luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world:  in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Philippines, Paris and Istanbul each one is an oasis of calm and charm.  The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in key destinations scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place.   However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by FRHI Holdings Ltd, a leading global hotel company with more than 110 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. www.raffles.com