Losari offers respite for body and soul
Losari offers respite for body and soul
Kunang Helmi, Contributor, Magelang, C. Java
In 1991, Italian national and long-time resident of Indonesia
Gabriella Teggia discovered and succumbed to the charm of the 22-
hectare, historic Karang Redjo coffee plantation, which borders
the Central Javanese village Losari-Grabag.
Nestled at 900 meters above sea level in the highlands of
Magelang district, the plantation is easily accessible by car
from Semarang, Solo and Yoygakarta -- all with flights from
Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Teggia was not only impressed by the faded elegance of the
original 1828 Dutch mansion, set amid 5 acres of lawn and trees
atop the plantation's central hill, but also by the serene beauty
of the lush landscape, surrounded by eight guardian volcanoes:
Merapi, Andong, Merbabu, Telomoyo, Sumbing, Sindoro, Perahu and
Ungaran.
She was already familiar with the province of Central Java --
rich in historical sites of Hindu and Buddhist temples, as well
as its royal courts -- and the enterprising Italian had a vision:
the still functioning coffee plantation would provide an
exclusive setting for guests to recover from the stress of modern
life. Guests could walk freely around the plantation and
surrounding hills, or enjoy excursions further afield.
The plantation was renamed Losari -- meaning "soul of trees",
derived from Sanskrit and Ancient Javanese -- and Teggia realized
her vision: Losari Coffee Plantation -- Resort & Spa.
The 1992 inception of Losari's eco-resort and spa, blending
colonial, Javanese and modern architecture in its facilities, was
finally brought to fruition in December 2004 for a soft opening.
Teggia engaged compatriot Franco Cusumano as general manager
to oversee a staff of 165. Cusumano deals with daily logistics,
assisted by internationally experienced operations manager Yoni
Hendri.
The highly personable Cusumano, who is married to an
Indonesian, speaks fluent Bahasa Indonesia, has solid experience
working in Bali for Indonesian and international clientele and an
eye for details that count.
For guests, after unwinding in individual villas, a wide
variety of activities -- for mind, body and spirit -- are
available, centered around the spa and Turkish steam bath, or try
outdoor yoga, trekking, walking and tennis.
Losari takes a holistic approach to life, from traditional
Javanese remedies to the best of international treatment.
Guests are greeted at the plantation by the restored 1878
Mayong train station, which was rescued from destruction and now
serves as the resort's reception area.
Upon further inquiry, curious visitors will learn about
another extraordinary Java adventure to be had: A short drive
away is the Losari-Bedono train station, where the original 1909
Queen of the Mountains cogwheel steam train awaits passengers.
Scheduled to restart its run shortly, the train will take guests
on a two-hour journey through the spectacular landscape to
Ambarawa to the sole train museum in Indonesia and back. This is
only one of 11 excursions to places of interest nearby, which
also includes Borobudur, Prambanan and the Dieng Plateau.
The early morning guided tour of the coffee plantation is an
experience not to be missed. High-quality Robusta coffee is
cultivated here, mingled with some Arabica and a small percentage
of Excel coffee. Visitors learn all about how coffee is grown,
harvested and roasted.
Besides the coffee, which can be consumed in Italian and
Indonesian styles, most of the fresh vegetables and herbs on the
resort menu comes from local organic gardens, another destination
on the sunrise trek. In addition, Losari honey from fragrant
white coffee flowers and jam from dragon's eye fruit are produced
nearby.
The restored 1828 mansion and neighboring plantation bar are
spectacular venues for sunrise and sunset encounters, and are
where early breakfast or high tea is served. A fully equipped
library is waiting to be discovered here, along with the
excursions office, full of information about activities and
bookings. On weekends, a live performance on the resort's grand
piano floats in the air.
The free gentle yoga classes are conducted in different areas
of the garden at 8 a.m., while Javanese dance lessons are on
offer in the afternoon. A Javanese herbal remedy kiosk in the
lower garden offers fresh tonics -- also gratis -- mixed and
served by an authentic jamu lady whom guests can consult.
Losari has 26 centrally distributed villas built in harmony
with nature. Ranging from 100 sqm to 135 sqm, each villa is
unique in its architecture, incorporating the designs of
traditional wooden houses brought here from different regions of
Java.
Features common to all are large living areas, comfortable
king-sized beds, free-form bathtubs and breathtaking views from
private verandas over the plantation or at the surrounding
volcanoes. Antique and contemporary pieces from Teggia's art
collection provide unusual finishing touches to the decor.
In addition, the resort has Bella Vista Villa for large family
gatherings. One can book either three or five bedrooms in the
villa, formerly the country abode of a Javanese prince. Bella
Vista comes complete with a private swimming pool, a kitchen and
butler service. Needless to say, all villas come with the
requisite modern facilities, such as air conditioners, Internet
connection and satellite TV, among others.
Recently, the entire resort was booked over a long weekend for
an international wedding, with visitors arriving from throughout
the archipelago and overseas. Executive seminars and art
exhibitions are also possibilities in the two fully equipped on-
site meeting rooms, which hold up to 70 people.
The rooms are located off the spacious pendopo, or Javanese
hall, near the entrance to the resort, where children from the
neighborhood take their afternoon dance lessons. The hall also
functions as a venue for evening gamelan and kroncong recitals.
Losari has two restaurants to cater to guests: Java Red, with
its eclectic menu of Mediterranean gourmet dishes and fresh
interpretation of Indonesian nouvelle cuisine, is divided between
an air-conditioned dining room for special events seating 70
guests, while open air breakfast and all-day dining takes place
on covered Javanese wooden terraces above the spa; and the pool-
side Java Green, which specializes in lighter fare.
The focus of the Losari experience remains its spa, featuring
a genuine hamam, or Turkish steam bath, plunge pools and
individual treatment rooms for total pampering. World-weary
guests may choose from day packages and spa retreats from 90
minutes to five days.
Teggia emphasizes: "The three-story oasis facing a verdant
green valley with towering trees was created for the day spa's
tranquility and renewal, or a retreat in the art of personal well
being."
The 600 sqm crescent-shaped spa was designed by Italian
architects Andrea and Fabrizio Magnaghi. Inspired by ancient
royal Javanese baths, the outdoor octagonal swimming pool is
filled with fresh water from a pristine underwater river.
The hamam -- with separate facilities for men and women -- is
an authentic Turkish steam bath, with Javanese tiles of yellow
volcanic rock and complete with relaxation rooms. The moist,
steamy heat of a traditional hamam offers the perfect opportunity
for deep cleansing and detoxification, followed by a fragrant oil
massage incorporating gommage, a brisk exfoliation treatment
using natural salts and local loofahs.
Californian spa expert Susan Stein, of Jari Menari (dancing
fingers) in Bali, who has set up many renowned spas in Asia,
visits regularly to train Losari's spa staff in various massage
techniques while tending to quality control. In concert with
Teggia, she advocates the use of natural products and Indonesian
herbal recipes, such as the coffee-based soap developed
specially for Losari.
A 45-minute non-oil massage reassures newly arrived guests,
with an emphasis on the back, neck, scalp and feet. Among the
choices of spa treatments is the Losari signature long-stroke
massage for stress relief -- created by Stein -- that address the
pressure points along the body's energy lines. The massage is
combined with gentle stretching to stimulate energy flow and to
ease muscle tension, and a hot floral bath completes the
relaxation process.
Losari also offers the traditional Indonesian massage with a
slight modification by Stein. The energetic thumb-pressure
technique is employed to release muscular tension, followed by a
gripping technique to reset the immune system and muscle
strength. A hot stone massage is recommended on the following
day, which releases tight muscles with the penetrating heat of
basalt volcanic stones, relieved by cool massage pressure.
Another, 160-minute energizing treat is based on traditional
Italian marine mud wraps for the body, with original ahava
products from Italy. The detoxifying wrap contains an abundance
of minerals and organic plants with algae extracts to absorb
impurities and to stimulate blood circulation. Beneficial
treatments for hair, face and feet are also available.
At the fitness and yoga center, afternoon yoga lessons can be
booked. Javanese wellness therapist and yoga teacher, Azmi
Samdjaga, who spent three years studying yoga in Mysore, India,
flies in from Singapore at least once a month to train Losari's
resident yoga teachers and masseurs. He is also available for
individual guest consultations about fitness, exercise and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
True to Teggia's vision, the principle of rediscovering a
healthy approach to life is a distinct possibility at Losari. The
surrounding, unspoiled natural environment and the spa treatments
contribute greatly to the well-being of all guests. Of course, it
is also an ideal spot just to relax and read -- a stay of at
least five days is highly recommended.
Losari Coffee Plantation -- Resort & Spa, Desa Losari-Grabag,
P.O. Box 108, Magelang 56100. Tel +62-298-596333; Fax +62-298-
592696. info@losaricoffeeplantation.com;
www.losaricoffeeplantation.com. Special rates apply for residents
of Indonesia, inclusive of breakfast, high tea, coffee plantation
tour and airport transfers.