Review of Amanjiwo 5*

My partner has never been to an Aman and wanted to experience it. So we chose Amanjiwo as it's close to where we live (Singapore). Getting there was a breeze as there's a direct flight, and the Yogyakarta airport on arrival was virtually empty and we were out and met the Aman resort car in minutes.
The drive — the resort is about 1.5 hours drive away, passing by some beautiful country side. I noticed the drive is much more beautiful than a similar drive in Bali, where it's usually lined with dingy and dirty shops and buildings, not to mention the horrible traffic.
The resort — the building and architecture is iconic and amazing, somewhat a blend of temple and palace. I have been to a few Amans but feel the older generation is more to my liking than the new batch of Amans (New York, Tokyo, etc. ). The older ones like Amanjiwo are much more unique, blending local architure with Aman's signature minimalism. We got a pool suite — the pool is actually quite large, overlooking trees and rice paddy. What I love the Aman the most is the peace and tranquility it installs in you. I honestly don't know why other $1000+ resorts can't replicate this, but it's this profound peace that makes me loving almost all the Aman properties I have visited. Service — impeccable of course, the staff manages to be both attentive and "invisible" at same time.
Food — not bad but I wouldn't say it's the best I have ever had at a resort, wish there are more non-local varieties.
Borobudur — Amanjiwo arranged a VIP tour, the guide took us way up to the top and work our way level by level down, instead of upwards. SO we avoided the group tours, that was brilliant.
All in all, my partner was so impressed that he was checking which Aman he wants to visit next on day 2 of the stay at Amanjiwo.