Photos by Jan Dekker & various sources

What is luxury? Obviously it's a very subjective question but according to the Oxford dictionary, 'luxury is the state of life in which one has and uses things that please the senses. E.g. beautiful and comfortable surroundings with good food, beverages and service'

Now, since most expatriates choose to live in apartments in Jakarta, as they are usually transferred or contracted for only 2 or 3 years and need to be near the CBD, we decided to check-out the top-end. Besides, over the next few months we will be visiting numerous luxurious homes.

In this month's Luxury Issue we are featuring 3 of the most luxurious establishments in Jakarta, namely, The Ritz Carlton, Jakarta (in Mega Kuningan) & The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, The Four Seasons & Four Seasons Residences, The Peak – a Beaufort Residence at Sudirman.  Again, we put the same opening question to their respective managers, "What is luxury?"

Pierre Perusset
(Managing Director – The Ritz Carlton in Jakarta):

"I think there are two elements that actually define luxury. Firstly, the condition of the facilities; for example, if you want to rent a luxurious apartment, does it incorporate quality marble, what kind of wood is used, how spacious is the layout, what kind of fittings and fixtures are provided, including sound systems, flat screen televisions (minimum 42"), closed circuit security screens, etc.?

The other very important element is of course the level of service provided by the people who service your suite or apartment. When you combine both superb service with unique facilities that make you feel not only comfortable and completely at home but almost pampered, you have what could be considered true luxury.

If you look at any Ritz Carlton in the world or for that matter any famous brand that is designed to reflect luxury, you look at how it is designed and built and see what level of comfort and satisfaction it offers the user. In the case of a hotel or serviced residences, you look at what facilities they offer, such as spas, fitness center, swimming pool and of course, restaurants, food and beverage outlets, combined with friendly, efficient service."

JJK: "Tell me about your most luxurious suite?"

Pierre: "That of course is our Presidential Suite – it is very spacious –
more than 400 m2, that's only with one master bedroom, add the other bedroom and it becomes 470 m2. It has lots of private areas like the lounge, the living room, partitioned dining area, walk-in wardrobe area and make-up room, which the ladies really appreciate. The bathroom is quite unique with it's large jacuzzi bath and rain shower. If you look around the suite you will notice that the quality of the marble, the carpets, the paintings, and even the audio visual equipment, is all very tasteful and there's lots of space and light throughout the suite."

JJK: "What sort of people stay here & for how long?"

Pierre: "Heads of State – Russia's (former) President Vladimir Putin stayed here, owners of private businesses and large companies – not so much CEOs and senior management, but actual asset owners, as most corporations today are very careful in terms of expenses and accountability. Of course there are also people that wish to use the suite for special occasions – maybe a wedding, anniversary or just a special reunion with friends.

Last year we had a guest staying here for a whole month in the Presidential Suite. We have 3 other suites very similar to this one but just a little bit smaller and one of them is permanently occupied all year round by a businessman. Of course he doesn't pay the full rate which is currently USD 5,880++ per night. The longer it is rented the less we charge e.g. if someone wanted our Presidential Suite for USD 30,000 a month, we would certainly think about it. And when you think about all they are getting for $1,000 a day, it's not a bad deal."

JJK:  "Tell us about the new Residences at The Ritz Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place?"

Pierre: "We opened in November last year and now we are running with over 70% occupancy. Price wise it is different, around USD 4,000 (plus tax only) per night for a suite, which is very reasonable, but of course the size is smaller. Mind you, we also offer special packages like our Bed, Breakfast & Broadband Package for USD 139++ per night and a luxurious weekend in a Club level room which includes access to the Club Lounge with 5 food & beverage presentations and recreational facilities. Not bad from just USD 198++ per room per night.

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