Javanese Experiences Betwixt Mountainous Vista — MesaStila Resort and Spa

“Magelang Is one of the best places in Indonesia to work and enjoy your daily routine,” reflects Sugeng Sugiantoro, the General Manager of MesaStila Resort and Spa.

“We have created complimentary, scheduled in-house activities for our guests and their families to partake in; including morning yoga, coffee plantation tours, batikmaking, dance lessons, village tours, a labyrinth sensation walk, kids’ gardening, and pet feeding of our fish, goats, pigeons, and rabbits during their stay with us. The various paid activities outside the resort are also offered to help guests discover the resort area further.”

Who is Sugeng Sugiantoro?

I was born 49 years ago in Pati, Central Java, Indonesia. I have been deeply involved in the hotel and tourism industry since 1992 and started my career in some international chain hotels in Lombok, Bali, and Java. Since then, I had sharpened my skills and learnt new things to broaden my horizons and nurture my skills in sales and marketing; room division; food and beverage; spa and wellness; and certainly, leadership.

I currently hold the position of general manager at MesaStila Resort and Spa, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. My main duty is to provide leadership and strategic direction to the entire team in managing a wide range of activities, encompassing the operations, sales, and marketing to achieve the objectives and drive the growth of the company. I always believe that success is in our hands; it’s a matter of how to strive to our potential to deliver the best. A good leader is someone who can facilitate others to excel.

MesaStila Resort and Spa focusses on luxury yet keeps traditional, local, and wholesome experiences intact. Briefly tell us about MesaStila and how it does this.

MesaStila Resort and Spa is set within 22 hectares of outstanding natural beauty; surrounded by cooling highland air, eight mountains, a tropical garden, and lush vegetation. The true magnificence of MesaStila is in its spectacular setting and its Hammam Turkish Spa. We don’t focus only on the highest level of product and service quality, but also on creating Javanese experiences, through both cultural and fitness activities. Built within a charming coffee plantation, MesaStila Resort and Spa is an ideal place to relax and unwind from the busy city life.

Sugeng, do you think “wholesome” best describes a stay experience at MesaStila? Are there any additional words you’d use about the resort?

We are committed to offering our guests a stay full of wonderful experiences and facilitating a healthy lifestyle through food.

The meals we produce must be “SLOW”: sustainable, local, organic, and wholesome.

Please complete this sentence: With four villas to choose from, staying at the villas means…. Staying at a private house with a large living area, outdoor veranda with breathtaking views across the coffee plantation, landscapes, or the surrounding mountains.

The villas face either the mountain or the coffee plantation, and MesaStila is flexible with room allocation. Why? Each of the villas here is unique and reconstructed, on-site, in their original limasan or joglo form. These wooden villas encompass modern facilities and are decorated with original antiques and modern furnishings. Since they come in different looks even in the same category and value, we’re pleased for our guests to choose the villa based on their preference for an optimum staying experience.

Dining features a range of tastes and innovative takes on Javanese and international cuisines. How is this ensured?

The culinary team offers a passionate collection of recipes focussing on traditional Javanese flavours, prepared with a healthy twist. Dishes incorporate local and organic produce, healthy cooking techniques, and low-fat and low-GI ingredients for a nutritious menu predominately offering seafood, fish, and meat dishes to cater to both local and international cuisines.

What type of meetings and events can be held in MesaStila? How can they be arranged?

Tying the knot amidst a mountainous vista! We offer a remarkable setting for an unforgettable wedding fiesta, a memorable moment that will be cherished by the wedded couple and the whole entourage. Additionally, guests can experience a wide selection of events with stunning locations to exceptional service.

Spend a gloriously romantic moment with your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit outdoor dinner, or experience an indoor romantic royal dinner in a sophisticated set-up and decorations.

Whether you do themed events, meetings, team building, product launches, exhibitions, or a sophisticated incentive events, our dedicated team will ensure that any business meeting or event runs successfully.

What excursion activities are available? Are they customisable?

Yes, they are customisable. Guests can immerse themselves in a truly authentic Javanese experience, exploring many of the surrounding shrines and temples; including a magnificent sunrise or sunset at the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur; the Hindu temples of Gedung Songo, Dieng Plateau, or Prambanan; Ambarawa heritage railway station and museum; cycling to the royal bath of Candi Umbul; trekking to Sekar Langit Waterfall; hiking to Mount Andong; a Jeep tour to the summit of Mount Telomoyo; and many more.

The Hammam Spa is Southeast Asia’s only authentic Hammam from Turkey. Share with us the story behind this. The Turkish-style Hammam Spa is the only one in Southeast Asia, comprising seven treatment rooms, a beauty salon, and separate male and female Hammam areas, each consisting of warm and cool rooms, a cold plunge pool, and a steam room. The spa menu includes Jade and Tuina facials, Tibetan singing-bowl rituals, and body treatments inspired by classic and contemporary healing rituals from Asia and the Near East. The signature service includes the enlightening Turkish hammam experience, a combination of steam therapy, gommage, soapy cleanse, massage, and hair wash, followed by a restorative traditional Javanese massage.

Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, are there any recommendations on how to spend this special day at MesaStila?

Spend a gloriously romantic moment with your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit outdoor dinner, or experience an indoor romantic royal dinner in a sophisticated set-up and decorations. Complete your romantic journey with an intimate flower bath in our signature spa treatments.

How can our readers get in touch with you and MesaStila Resort and Spa? Readers can easily get in touch with us with the following contacts:

MesaStila Resort and Spa

Tel: +62 298 696 333

Mobile: +62 811 2655 963

Email: intouch@mesastilaresortandspa.com sugeng@mesastilaresortandspa.com

• After a fun-filled day, or perhaps a full day of nothing, continue with the worldrenowned vintages, premium Scotch whiskies, cocktails, or bubbly at Bar City.

• Dive in at a pool party or dance until sunrise to the beat of Zouk’s guest DJs.

Accommodation

Embark on a sea-venture traversing Asia like no other with Resorts World Cruises. Resorts World Cruises propound two magnificent cruise ships that undoubtedly unique, memorable experiences – even while offshore – as the luxury and dynamic cruise line offers feast of the senses.

Genting Dream

Think grandeur aboard the Genting Dream. Travels cherishing tons of adventurous times never fail to stick in the heart. Nothing timid nor rigid is found – all guests are encouraged to simply carpe diem or seize the day with anything and everything they can make.

The Genting Dream is filled with amusement at a size that’s larger than a skyscraper, stretching up to 335m long and 40m wide, comprising 18 decks with 1,674 staterooms. This German-manufactured cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 150,695 tons fitting 3,352 passengers.

It’s a city on the water with ever-changing views! Every amenity and comfort required and desired for a cruise is attainable. Guests need to simply thrill or chill on a day on the Genting Dream as follows:

• Refresh the mind, body, and soul at Crystal Life Spa, which also dedicates a selection of healthy meals and beverages.

• Test out your adrenaline spirit by tackling the rope course and gliding above the ocean on a 35-metre zipline.

• Get drenched in fun on one or all six different waterslides.

• Leave the kids in good hands while having some well-deserved parents' time exploring the ship. A line-up of activities and classes dedicated to kids aged two to 12 will keep them entertained at the Dreamers Club.

• In fact, Genting Dream is World's first OIC / SMIIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation / Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries) standard Halal-friendly cruise ship, which offers international, Halal and authentic Jain Vegetarian certified cuisines presented in the buffet style restaurant, The Lido.

• Splurge on your favourite international luxury brands at the boutiques or outlet stores.

• Be mesmerised by live production shows from the acclaimed entertainment performers of Zodiac Theatre.

A ship-within-a-ship boutique hotel for luxury connoisseurs, The Palace is an exclusive all-suite, all-inclusive enclave with private facilities and European-style 24-hour butlers.

Choose from any of the accommodation below:

• Palace Villa

• Palace Penthouse

• Palace Deluxe Premium

• Palace Deluxe Suite

• Palace Suite

The Palace guests have access to the VIP lounge at the terminal, priority check-in with butler assistance, etc., upon arrival. More benefits include a welcome minibar with beverages and snacks, a Nespresso machine with gourmet coffee and tea, Happy Hour with complimentary selected wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages at selected venues, and so forth.

Resorts World One

Revel in world-class entertainment to new horizons on Asia Pacific’s agile cruise ship. The Resorts World One, also manufactured in Germany, has a gross tonnage of 75,338 tons and fits 1,856 passengers. This new vessel stretches 268m long and 32m wide, comprising 13 decks with 928 staterooms accented with a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, emphasising Italian designthemed spaces and tons of adventure.

Aside from outfitting The Palace and Zodiac Theatre, below are some highlights cruisers will certainly be obsessed with:

• Pool time in a Roman-themed pool deck?

The Parthenon Pool has Caesar’s Slide, hot tubs, a stage for live bands, and a mega LED screen.

• Esc EXPERIENCE LAB invites guests to escape the real world and dwell in the latest virtual and augmented reality technology.

• Take it easy at Palm Court, the sophisticated observatory lounge betwixt the ocean views.

• Savour Chinese and Western cuisine at the elegant Dream Dining Room.

• Food enthusiasts can opt for the Hot Pot.

• An assortment of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options are found at Seafood Grill.

• Modern fusion of classic Italian dishes and pizzas with a Japanese twist is only served at Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Accommodation

At Resorts World One, The Palace has over 42 suites adorned in chic Italian decor; including two opulent Palace Villas and private VIP facilities including your own swimming pool, lounges, and dining venues. Sample signature Asian and Western dishes in the Palace Restaurant while the dedicated team of butlers are at one’s disposal. Choose from any of the accommodation below:

• Palace Villa

• Palace Penthouse

• Palace Deluxe Suite

• Palace Suite

THE SEA TRAIL

Cruisers are bound to experience novelty when aboard the Genting Dream and Resorts World One. Each cruise ship caters to different routes and destinations.

Genting Dream

Explore Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore with the Genting Dream. This cruise ship sets courses from Singapore to:

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for two nights

• Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia for three nights

• Phuket, Thailand for three nights

• Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Phuket for five nights

Moreover, those departing from Kuala Lumpur’s Port Klang can solely visit Singapore for two nights or en route to Penang, Phuket, and then Singapore for five nights.

Resorts World One

Setting course from Singapore, Resorts World One allows cruisers to take a look at Singapore for a weekend, or travel up North to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

This cruise ship sails from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for two nights and Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia for three nights. For those departing from Kuala Lumpur’s Port Klang, the route covers Penang, Malaysia and Singapore for three nights.

Relocation Cruise with Resorts World One

Two special Relocation Cruise routes are exclusively available this March. The Resorts World One from 3rd to 8th March 2023 will sail from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh and Danang, Vietnam, then ultimately reach Hong Kong for a total of six days and five nights.

Meanwhile, from Kuala Lumpur’s Port Klang, the Resorts World One takes a longer Relocation Cruise route from the 2nd to the 8th of March, or for seven days and six nights. This route continues to Singapore, then Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh and Danang, and then arrive at Hong Kong.

Do not miss an expedition regardless of the destination! Create wholesome memories with your dearest ones, along with Resorts World Cruises.