ALILA SOLO TO DEBUT IN JAVA, INDONESIA

By: Christian Stan

Alila Hotels & Resorts announced one of its most exciting openings in recent years – Alila Solo, in Surakarta Central Java, will be unveiled in October 2015 as the city’s first luxury hotel of international standard.

An urban retreat that’s both tradition-inspired and technology-driven, Alila Solo is poised to claim an iconic position in Surakarta’s skyline, offering culturally-rich encounters and resort-inspired facilities within a city oasis. Furthermore, the hotel will set new benchmarks as home to the city’s largest event space and unmatched rooftop bar, a lavish lifestyle venue to wine, dine and socialise.

ABOUT SOLO

Surakarta, or Solo, as it is better known, is the older of the two royal capitals of Central Java, considered the heart of the ancient Javanese kingdoms and cradle of Javanese culture. A city historically ruled by two palaces, it’s steeped in rich court arts, rituals and traditions. Today, Solo is one the fastest developing economic centres of Indonesia, combining the charm of a small city with the ambitions of a metropolis.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

On a leafy tree-lined street, rising above the heritage-rich city’s main commercial avenue, Alila Solo’s strikingly innovative design features eight avant-garde accommodation towers of varying heights which create a star-like pattern of interior corridors. A formidable stone palette – marble, travertine and granite – is softened by light wood hues and elegant batik highlights. The stunning and stylish lobby – with its monumental ‘floating’ batik sculpture – sets the tone for what’s to come.

THE ROOMS

The 255 rooms and suites – all with wonderful city views – meld modern style with subtle Javanese nuances. Each room showcases an exclusively commissioned batik design, a feature that unites all of Alila Solo’s spaces. Ideal for business travellers, the Executive Rooms and all Suites enjoy upgraded amenities and exclusive access to the rooftop Executive Lounge. Four Alila Suites (90sqm) offer a luxurious living space that extends to a private ‘hanging garden’ terrace with plunge pool. While the pinnacle of accommodation perfection, The Presidential Suite (200sqm), features a separate living and dining room with full service pantry, , a multi-functional room (whether for a private meeting or personal workout zone), heavenly bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and 24-hour butler service.

GATEWAY TO THE ‘SPIRIT OF JAVA

A 15-minute drive from Adi Sumarmo International Airport, Alila Solo lies within easy reach of the city’s main attractions: two centuries-old Sultan’s palaces, Triwindu Antiques Market, the Laweyan Batik District and the famed Pasar Gede Hardjonagoro market. It’s also adjacent to some of Solo’s more modern developments including Solo Square Mall for shopping, dining and entertainment. While venturing a little out of the city, the countryside reveals fertile paddy fields and volcanic peaks dotted with mystical temples such as Candi Sukuh or the better known 9th century Prambanan (a complex of Hindu temples) and the iconic Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.