Yogyakarta: Wellness & Tradition

Arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport, where a local guide and driver will be waiting for the transfer to the hotel. Best known locally as 'Jogja,' Yogyakarta is the cradle of traditional Javanese culture, an artistic and educational center famed for its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. After lunch, check in at the hotel and unwind with a 30-minute foot massage, an easy way to relax after a long flight. Later, meet the guide for an evening stroll down Malioboro, Yogyakarta's famous street, to experience the city's evening life. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Overnight in Yogyakarta.

Depart this morning for Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple built in the 9th century, its sharp, jagged towers home to three shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Learn the history and symbolism behind the temple's unique architecture, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with scenic views of Prambanan and Mount Merapi. Continue to Karangrejek Village, on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, for the chance to meet local community leaders whose efforts have significantly improved the quality of life in the area. Explore the village and sample local delicacies such as fried tempeh, made from fermented soybean, and jamu, a traditional herbal medicine consumed daily for its health benefits. A special dinner, prepared by the villagers in honor of the guests, is served before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Yogyakarta.

Start the day at 6:30am with a 75-minute holistic sound healing session, using the vibrations and frequencies of traditional instruments to promote deep relaxation and restore mental, emotional and physical balance. Visit the Sultan's Palace, known as the Kraton, an exquisite example of traditional Javanese sultanate architecture built between 1756 and 1790. This living museum, still home to the Sultan today, showcases Javanese cultural relics, with the chance to see a cultural performance such as Golek Menak puppetry or classical Macapat poetry, depending on the day of visit. Continue for a scenic lunch amid the rice terraces near Borobudur, with views over the temple and the Menoreh Hills. In the late afternoon light, explore Borobudur itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate stone carvings and towering stupas. Return to the hotel for an intimate dinner in a romantic setting. Overnight in Yogyakarta.

Visit the residence and workshop of two master batik artisans in the city, and get an introduction to this UNESCO-recognized art of selectively dyeing cloth. Assisted by the artisans, create patterns, apply wax and color the cloth to develop a unique piece, taking delivery of the finished batik once it has dried. Continue to a local restaurant for a culinary journey through Javanese delicacies, meeting the chef for a brief introduction before a sampling session of four surprise dishes, with the chef sharing anecdotes behind each creation. Return to the hotel after lunch. In the afternoon, indulge in a 120-minute royal body treatment at the home of authentic Yogyakarta Royal Spa traditions, founded by the Five Princesses of the Yogyakarta Palace in a building dating to 1890, once the house of a king. Enjoy a relaxing body massage with green coconut oil, applied using ancient Javanese techniques, with a choice of fresh, plant-based scrubs to complete the treatment. In the evening, experience 'Ladhosan Dhahar,' a traditional dinner served in the style of a king's feast. Overnight in Yogyakarta.

Enjoy breakfast and the morning at leisure at the hotel, before the transfer to Yogyakarta Airport for the onward flight home.