Text by Yohanes Sandy
additional text By Alex H. Simanjuntak

We are a dedicated lot, the editorial team at JakartaJavaKINI, so when we decided on the theme for this special section: "In Search of Luxury" there was no stopping us!

Throughout this whole issue you will find stories related to Luxury, from shopping, to apartments, to villas. Here we look at some of the special providers of luxury in our capital city, in hotels, in dining, and suites.

First let's start off by asking some of our friends and colleagues what they think "Luxury" really is:

Sylvain Julien
Managing Director The Dharmawangsa, Jakarta

The Managing Director of the classy Dharmawangsa explains why the hotel has been considered as one of the most luxurious hotels in town. There are a few main factors that the Dharmawangsa always maintain to give its guests the best during their stay. "The quality of service at the Dharmawangsa is first class rate. We indulge our guests with services that makes them feel comfortable and at ease." Guests at the hotel are always addressed by name and there is also a 24 hour butler who is always prompt at the guests' requests. "We also give our guests lavish treatments with the products that we have. Most of the products at the Dharmawangsa are imported and of the finest in quality". Other than that, the hotel's location can also be said to be somewhat luxurious because, "The Dharmawangsa offers quietness and tranquility unlike other hotels in Jakarta because of its residential location. This is definitely a luxury here considering the level of noise this city is known for".

JJK then moves onto his personal understanding on a few luxurious things in life. Sylvain says that goods that are expensive, well-crafted, and has signs of wellness, opulence, and affluence are what luxurious goods are. Asked about his opinion on luxury apartments or suites, he answers, "The hardware, equipments, and decorations must be unique and superior. Same goes to the furniture that must have the best materials and designs, as well as offering optimal comfort."

We also asked about his ideal luxurious holiday, to which he replied, "Traveling business class is already a luxury that could only get better when the destination is not yet popular and perhaps has difficult access. That's a luxury holiday I would like to experience in the near future".

Robert O'Kennedy
Director of Marketing Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta

Robert O'Kennedy is new in Indonesia. He has been in the country for only three months. For him, luxury is physical comfort and satisfaction of some things that produce pleasure. This is evident at the Four Seasons Hotel. "We combine a physical product and experience. It means, we combine luxury and service," he tells us. As a five star hotel, the Four Seasons have a contemporary look and essence of space. Robert explains that the rooms at the Four Seasons are spacious so when people stay there it will bring calm and pleasure that is hard to get in Jakarta. He adds that the hotel also always prioritizes service, "Four Seasons worldwide is famous for its service. It gives guests a luxurious experience."

Robert suggests those who seek some luxurious time to take a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. "The rooms have a lot of space and great lighting. It also has a dinning table and wonderful sauna" he says. Then he tells us about the Presidential Suite that is located in its own tower in a separate wing from the main hotel with its private lift access. Complete with its own terrace with a beautiful view of a private garden and swimming pool, this is a lavish experience you might want to try.

Coen Masselink
General Manager Shangri-La Hotel & Residences, Jakarta

According to Coen Masselink, General Manager of the Shangri-La Hotel & Residences, "The Shangri-La is completely aware that human power is the ultimate drive behind the opulence of the properties. That is why we invest so much in training and human development. We believe that happy employees make happy customers - therefore it is crucial to keep our employees delighted who in turn will delight our customers"

At the Shangri-La Hotel & Residences, employees are encouraged to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sincerity, helpfulness, and empathy during all guest contacts. It is important that employees should not stop when they meet the guests' expectations, but also exceed those expectations. Lastly, it is very crucial to also give the guests the valuable and innovative services that they cannot find elsewhere. "This is what I call ‘luxury' in my properties both the Hotel and the Residences," adds Coen.

For luxury collection, Coen considers those that make him fall in love at first sight and after years and years of acquiring it, he won't lose the love for that collection. "Every time I look at it or hold it, I would still feel the same love that I felt the first time I laid my eyes on it or purchased it" he explains.

Asked about luxurious villas and whether he has fond memories of a specific villa, Coen tells us, "Luxury villas give unforgettable memories. It doesn't have to be expensive, as long as the services are fine and create a memorable staying experience. There is one villa in Ubud, Bali that I find very luxurious because of the memory of staying in there that I will forever cherish: it was where I proposed my wife, Ingrid."

In Search of Luxury
Luxury Accommodation