Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: 2BR Pentingsari Villa w/ Full Board!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Yogyakarta jungle… of luxury, apparently. This isn't your sterile travel brochure review. This is me, me, after experiencing the rollercoaster that is the 2BR Pentingsari Villa w/ Full Board – Yogyakarta's “Hidden Gem,” they call it. Let’s see if it actually is.
First things first: Accessibility. Oh, boy. Okay, so the website says it has "Facilities for disabled guests." But, look, let's be real. This isn't the kind of place you roll up to expecting ramps and wide-open everything. Getting around the grounds, with its gorgeous, winding paths, is definitely… a workout. Might be a struggle for serious wheelchair users, honestly. But let's be honest. Accessibility in Indonesia isn't always top priority. So, keep that in mind.
Now, the stuff that does matter: Internet! Thank the wifi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – and not just rooms, but everywhere, I swear. Even the bathroom, which is honestly a little unnerving. And look, they do have Internet access – LAN, which is great for doing that awkward business stuff you probably need to still do whilst on vacation. I didn’t check, because, come on, vacation. But hey! Internet services are there, and it works.
Things to do & Ways to Relax: Ah, this is where Pentingsari shines. Forget the hustle of the city. This place is all about chilling the heck out. Now, full disclosure: I'm not usually a spa person. Like, I'd rather be wrestling a Komodo dragon (metaphorically, of course) than getting a body scrub. But the atmosphere… the whole vibe just made me loosen up.
And, good lord, the Pool with view! Epic. Absolutely epic. Infinity pool, overlooking… well, something stunning. I spent a solid afternoon just staring at it. Seriously, bring your camera. The pictures don't do it justice. They also had a sauna and steamroom. I didn't use them. I was too busy being a professional pool lounger.
They really, really seem to be emphasizing Cleanliness and safety. Loads of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. All this is great to see. They even had Staff trained in safety protocol and Hand sanitizer everywhere! I felt comfortable. The Hygiene certification probably eased a lot of minds!
Now, let's get to the good stuff: Dining, drinking, and snacking. Okay, the Full Board is a HUGE selling point. Seriously. No scrambling for food, no decisions to make. Everything is… there.
The Buffet in restaurant each morning was a thing of beauty and a beast. The beast was the number of choices. The beauty, the taste! Asian breakfast with, of course, a wide selection, and Western breakfast, too. The coffee/tea in restaurant was flowing like the fountain of youth. (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it was good.) There was, Coffee shop, which was brilliant.
The Poolside bar was a real winner. Sipping a cocktail, watching the sunset… pure bliss. The food? Mostly delicious! The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was exceptional. The International cuisine in restaurant was also good. There's the Snack bar, which is just what it sounds like.
I loved the fact that the meals are included in the Full Board! As for the details: A la carte in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, all present.
The food safety was great! Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are worth appreciating! Individually-wrapped food options were a great step! The Buffet in restaurant was really good.
Services and Conveniences: This place is all about pampering. They've got everything! Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, the works. They really make an effort!
The Rooms, available in all rooms, were incredible. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
For the kids: Though I didn't travel with children, I did notice the Family/child friendly aspect. They have Babysitting service, Kids meal, which sounds like a good touch.
Getting around: Airport transfer is essential, and they have it. Free Car park [free of charge], too, which is always a bonus. They have taxis, too.
Cleanliness and safety:
They really, really seem to be emphasizing Cleanliness and safety. Loads of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. All this is great to see. They even had Staff trained in safety protocol and Hand sanitizer everywhere! I felt comfortable. The Hygiene certification probably eased a lot of minds!
The Verdict:
Look, this isn't a perfect place. The accessibility could be improved, I wasn't so into the gym. But overall? The 2BR Pentingsari Villa w/ Full Board is a freakin' treat. It's a place to truly switch off, to indulge, to… well, to feel like you're living in a movie. The full board is a huge convenience, the staff are genuinely lovely, and the views… the views are worth the price of admission alone. Would I go back? Absolutely. Do I recommend it? Without a doubt.
Final Grade: A- (Minus the accessibility hiccups)
Compelling Offer for YOUR Target Audience:
Tired of the ordinary? Craving a getaway that rejuvenates your soul? Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Yogyakarta with our exclusive offer!
Book your 2-Bedroom Villa at Pentingsari with Full Board NOW and receive:
- UNLIMITED access to the stunning infinity pool with views that will take your breath away.
- Gourmet meals included! Savor a delectable array of Asian and International cuisine without lifting a finger.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Luxurious amenities and superior service.
- A free Massage!
- Stress-free stay with the staff and hotel that is dedicated to hygiene and safety.
This is more than just a vacation; it's an immersion in beauty, tranquility, and culinary delight. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the hidden gem of Yogyakarta! Click here to book your escape today!
(Note: Limited availability. Book now to avoid disappointment!)
Escape to Paradise: Grand Hotel San Michele, Cetraro, Italy
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously messy adventure in the heart of Indonesia! Specifically, Desa Wisata Pentingsari, that 2BR house with the promise of full board in Yogyakarta. Forget the polished brochure – this is my unfiltered, slightly-too-honest account.
The "Pre-Trip Panic & Packing Purge" (aka, My Life in Chaos)
Okay, so initially, I was elated. Yogyakarta! Desa Wisata! Full board! Visions of serene rice paddies and smiling locals danced in my head. Then reality hit. The packing. Oh, the packing.
Day 1: Descent into Yogyakarta & the Surprisingly Difficult Quest for Food
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up in a groggy stupor. Did I actually pack sunscreen? (Spoiler alert: I didn't, and I regretted it deeply.)
- 7:00 AM: Airport chaos. Flight delayed. Cue internal screaming. Apparently, Yogyakarta time is a suggestion, not a rigid schedule.
- 12:00 PM: Finally arrive in Yogyakarta. The heat hits you like a physical force field. Immediately feel a bead of sweat forming on my brow.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to Desa Wisata Pentingsari. The driver, bless his heart, kept trying to sell me batik scarves. I probably looked like a walking wallet at that point, overwhelmed and disoriented.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive! The 2BR house….is massive! And beautifully decorated with authentic Indonesian furniture. My first emotional reaction was: Woah. And then, Is this real life?
- 2:30 PM: The "full board" starts. Lunch is a delicious (and spicy!) Nasi Goreng. My mouth is on fire, but I can't stop eating it. This is what heaven tastes like.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The "settle-in" period. Unpack, collapse on the bed, and stare out the window, feeling a strange mix of jet lag and utter contentment. I'm also pretty sure I lost my passport for a solid 20 minutes, which, you know, is always fun.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to go find a place to eat outside the house. (The full board starts at the house for dinner but I felt like I needed to explore). The options were limited, the language barrier a challenge. Ended up at a tiny warung (local eatery) where I ordered something that looked vaguely like fried noodles. It tasted…interesting. Let's just say, my culinary adventure was just getting started.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the house, full of both food and a slight sense of accomplishment for finding it myself. Dinner, the actual "full board" meal, was amazing. Satay, Gado-Gado… So good. And the view of the rice paddies at dusk? Magical.
Day 2: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of My Batik Dreams & the Joy of Javanese Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of roosters. It's an experience, let me tell you.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More delicious Indonesian food. Coffee. Strong, black Javanese coffee. I'm pretty sure I could power a small city on that stuff.
- 10:00 AM: Batik class! I was SO eager to learn. Me, channeling my inner artist. The instructor (a lovely woman named Ibu) was patient, even when I nearly set the fabric on fire. My "masterpiece" vaguely resembled a…abstract blob. I'll call it "Modern Batik Expressionism."
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Yum!
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the village. This is where the Desa Wisata experience really shines. We visited a local farmer, saw the rice paddies up close, and got a glimpse into a life so different from my own. The kids were adorable, and even though we couldn't understand each other, we connected through smiles and laughter.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee break. Need. More. Coffee. Plus some traditional snacks.
- 6:00 PM: Another amazing meal at the house. They really feed you here! 8:00 PM: Stargazing. The sky in the village is unpolluted by the city lights, so it was magical.
Day 3: The Borobudur Bungle & the Bliss of Temple Solitude
- 5:00 AM (Yes, I'm out of my mind): Wake up before dawn to see Borobudur Temple at sunrise. It's a drive, and it's early, but people rave about it.
- 7:00 AM: Arrive. The temple, majestic, breathtaking…but swarming with tourists. It's like a pilgrimage of selfie sticks. My initial reaction? Annoyance. The whole serenity of the experience felt diluted.
- 7:30 AM: The sunrise. And then…it happened. The sky exploded in colours, painting the temple in hues of gold and rose. The sheer grandeur of Borobudur, the history, the beauty…it took my breath away. I teared up. (Don't judge me, I'm an emotional traveller). The noise faded away. I was able to experience the temple in its sacred glory.
- 9:00 AM: Explore the temple ruins. Find a quiet corner away from the hordes. Sit. Breathe. Feel the weight of history. This is what I came for.
- 11:00 AM: Head back to the house. We were tired but happy.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Rest, recover from the early morning, and attempt to learn some basic Indonesian phrases. "Terima kasih" (thank you) is my current favorite.
- 5:00 PM: More village exploration, specifically to shop the local goods.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
Day 4: The End is Nigh (and also, More Food!)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last minute souvenir shopping.
- 11:00 AM: Farewell lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Head back to the airport as the travel comes to an end.
Final Thoughts (and Post-Trip Meltdown)
This trip was messy, imperfect, and utterly fantastic. I faced challenges (the heat, the food anxieties, the language), but I also experienced moments of pure joy and wonder. I met incredible people, ate amazing food (even the weird noodles!), and learned a little bit about myself.
Lessons Learned:
- Pack sunscreen. Seriously.
- Embrace the mess. That's where the best memories are made.
- Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. It's where the real magic happens.
- Indonesian coffee is life.
This is just the beginning. Yogyakarta, I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing more sunscreen…and a bigger appetite. Now, excuse me while I go book my next adventure!
Lisbon Luxury: Your Dreamy Purple Telheiras Apartment Awaits!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: 2BR Pentingsari Villa w/ Full Board! - The Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, They're Not Gonna Be This Honest)
Okay, so, *is* this place actually a "Hidden Gem" or just… a *gem* of a headache?
Alright, deep breaths. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti, right? And yeah, Pentingsari *is* pretty darn special. Found it whilst desperately trying to escape tourist-trap overload on my last trip. Think: rice paddies stretching out before you like a velvety green carpet, sunrise over Mount Merapi (IF it isn't cloud-covered, which, spoiler alert, it often is). Honestly? It *feels* hidden. You're tucked away in this tiny village, far from the manic buzz downtown. You can breathe. That alone is worth the price of admission. Now, is it *perfect*? Ha! Define perfect.
Full Board – Sounds fancy! Does that mean I can finally avoid the dreaded "warung roulette" (where you're forever hoping the street food won't turn on you)?
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. Full board means breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. And the meals *are* seriously good. Home-cooked, Indonesian goodness. They're basically feeding you the heart and soul of Yogyakarta. The nasi goreng? Forget about it, it was out of this world. But listen, my first day, I got *way* too excited by the lack of warung roulette. I inhaled like I was in a competitive eating contest - and paid the price with an ungodly stomach ache. I should have paced myself because there was SO much food! Like, they kept bringing out plate after plate. It's a marathon, not a sprint, people. Lesson learned painfully. It's fantastic, truly, but be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two. Or three.
The Villa - Is it actually nice? Or is it one of those "rustic charm" places that really means "falling apart"?
Okay, real talk: it’s not *exactly* a gleaming, five-star hotel. There are quirks. The "rustic charm" is definitely present. Think comfortable but not overly modern. We had a slight… *encounter*… with a particularly enthusiastic gecko in the bathroom one night. It was clinging to the side of the mirror in a menacing way. I may have let out a shriek that could shatter glass. My partner, bless his heart, dealt with it. So, there's that. But the beds are comfortable, the aircon works (thank the heavens!), and the view from the balcony? Sublime. Picture yourself there, sipping your morning coffee, watching the sun paint the rice fields orange. Forget about the gecko for five minutes, you're good. Oh, and make sure you take some bug spray. The little guys are hungry.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they helpful, or are they more "discreet"?
The staff are absolute *angels*. Seriously. Sweet, patient, and genuinely happy to help. They're not hovering, which I appreciate. But if you need anything – a taxi, some advice, an explanation of Javanese customs (which, trust me, you'll need) – they’re right there. I remember one day, I was completely lost trying to navigate a scooter (BIG mistake, my skills were absolutely atrocious, I mean, seriously). I ended up stranded on a dirt road, looking like an idiot, and they sent someone out to rescue me! Super embarrassing, but they handled it with such grace and a giggle. Honestly they made the experience. They are the real gem of this whole set up; no question.
Scooters & Day Trips? Is it Easy to get around and explore?
Okay, scoots: Renting a scooter is tempting. I mentioned my disastrous, and frankly embarrassing, attempt earlier. The roads in Yogyakarta are… well, let's just say chaos is a constant companion. The main roads are crazy and if you're not used to Indonesian traffic… DON'T. But, the villa can arrange for drivers, which I *highly* recommend. You get a local perspective, you don't have to worry about getting lost or eaten by a rogue tuk-tuk, and you can actually enjoy the scenery. Day trips? Plenty. Borobudur Temple (a must-see, even if it means fighting through the crowds), Prambanan Temple (equally impressive, and easier to get to), the beaches… SO much to see. You can always arrange the trip through the villa, which makes it much easier.
What's the vibe like? Romantic getaway? Family adventure? Backpacking basecamp?
Honestly, it's a chameleon. It *could* be uber-romantic. Imagine: sundown, cocktails on the balcony, complete peace. But it’s also great for families (the kids will love the rice paddies, if you’re willing to let them get muddy), or simply a base to explore the area. I saw a few solo travelers there too – a great place to recharge and detox from the everyday. The vibe feels relaxed and easygoing, but it can still be exciting. It does depend on who else is staying when you’re there, to be honest, you might end up making some friends. So, it really depends on what you're looking for. But if you're looking for a place where you can truly switch off and reconnect with yourself (or your partner/family), this is definitely a strong contender.
Any major downsides I *need* to know about before I book?
Alright, let’s lay it all out. The biggest potential downside is the distance. You’re not right in the heart of the action. Getting to the city center takes a little while. Traffic can be a beast. That’s honestly not a plus for some people, but if you need to unwind from that, the villa is the best. Also, because you're in the village, internet can be spotty. Prepare to disconnect a little. That might be a *good* thing, depending on your perspective. Also, and I mentioned it before, the geckos. They're harmless, but… well, they're there. And finally, and this a bit controversial, there is a tiny chance you might get bored. But you won't. You can also learn to cook nasi goreng.
Would you go back? Seriously, would you?
Absolutely. Without a doubt, YES. Despite the gecko, the sometimes-dodgy internet, and the fact that I gained approximately five pounds from all the delicious food, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin, in a good way. You leave feeling refreshed, reconnected, and with a whole bunch of amazing memories. Plus, I'm pretty sure I left some of my heart there. Consider me convinced. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to google "Indonesian cooking classes."Book Hotels Now
