Three days of wellness: Jakarta

Wellness

By Ianthe Butt

May 17, 2023

Whether it’s learning batik techniques, finding calm at the coast, or indulging in age-old spa therapies, Jakarta has wellness boosts aplenty.

The importance of keeping one’s physical and spiritual health in balance is deep-rooted in Indonesian culture and has been for centuries, long before wellness became a 21st-century buzzword. This megapolis might not have a reputation as the calmest destination, but beyond its gleaming shopping malls, it’s packed to the gills with enriching cultural experiences, healing spa treatments and inspiring fitness ideas. This three-day itinerary weaves together our top wellness picks.

Day 1

Kick-start your day

Start as you mean to go on with a one-to-one workout at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta’s Fitness Centre. The expert trainers here are well-versed in creating low resistance, high-volume repetition workouts, which not only help to improve cardiovascular fitness, but also build strength and muscle tone.

Do something different

Undertaking creative pursuits can help to reach a state of concentration and enjoyment known as ‘flow’. Visit Palbatu Batik Village to see artisans at work on batik, an intricate form of wax-resist fabric dyeing that’s Unesco-recognised as a part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Alternatively, have a go yourself at Jakarta’s Textile Museum, with a batik-making session set up by the hotel’s concierge.

Settle into stillness

To help you sleep well – and wake up energised – head to Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta’s spa for a signature Royal Javanese treatment. It begins with a gentle foot ritual, followed by a soothing massage inspired by Javanese healing techniques, which uses deep-pressure stroking movements to unknot areas of tension, and stimulate the body’s lymphatic system

Day 2

Kick-start your day

Work up a sweat with a morning jog at Taman Menteng – a 30-hectare park just ten minutes’ walk from the hotel which has its own dedicated running track. There’s also a pretty greenhouse to explore, and tree-shaded benches that provide the perfect spot for post-workout recovery. Another good choice nearby is Taman Suropati, which sits in front of the impressive Governor’s Mansion; ask the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta concierge for a jogging map and the best insider tips.

Do something different

Spending time near ‘blue spaces’ such as the ocean has been proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health; even the sight and sound of water can trigger relaxing neurochemicals in the brain. For stylish ‘blue space’ therapy, head by yacht to Pulau Macan, a private isle ringed by sandy beaches north of the Jakarta coastline. Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta’s well-connected team can help to arrange trips, for time spent swimming and watching marine life scoot through the shallows.

Settle into stillness

Unwind back at the hotel with a Black Sea mud wrap treatment which – in a different way – harnesses the power of the ocean. Warm mineral-rich and aromatic sea mud is slathered generously onto the body, helping to alleviate aches and pains, reduce stress and stimulate circulation. As an added luxe touch, dinner in the treatment suite can be arranged, meaning you can dine fully blissed out.

Day 3

Kick-start your day

Start your day with a session at the hotel’s sleek Fitness Centre. Bored of your usual workout? A change always works wonders, so hit the kinesis wall to boost your flexibility, stability and strength.

Do something different

Getting to know a country’s food scene is always enlightening. Make for Pantjoran PIK on North Jakarta’s Golf Island. Inspired by the city’s original Chinatown, Pantjoran PIK has cemented itself as a go-to food market. Behind an impressive gapura (entrance tower) are a cluster of crimson-fronted eateries, including a new outpost of Wong Fu Kie, the city’s oldest Hakka restaurant, famed for its mun kiaw mien (braised noodles).

Settle into stillness

Round things off at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta’s fifth-floor outdoor swimming pool. An ideal spot for an evening dip – be it serious lengths or a leisurely splash – not only does the freeform pool have stellar views of the glittering urban skyline, it’s surrounded by landscaped gardens. Take a breather here post-swim; spending time outdoors in green spaces has been shown to aid relaxation.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the hotel team for more information.

About the Author

Ianthe Butt

Ianthe is an award-winning journalist, who has written for the Times, The Independent and Condé Nast Traveller.