Unbelievable Yogyakarta Luxury: Discover Omah Pelem's Secret 3-Bedroom Oasis!
Omah Pelem: My Yogyakarta Obsession (and Yours, Soon!) – A Review (and a Confession)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea, the jamu, and probably a little bit of my soul about Omah Pelem. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a full-blown Yogyakarta love affair. Look, I’ve been to Bali, I’ve seen the Koh Samui sunsets, but there's something about Yogyakarta, and specifically, this oasis, that just… gets me.
Let's start with the basics: Unbelievable Yogyakarta Luxury: Discover Omah Pelem's Secret 3-Bedroom Oasis! Yeah, that’s the official name. Quite a mouthful, but trust me, it's not hyperbole. I've spent way too much time researching hotels, and this place is a find. And as a person with some accessibility needs, I was thrilled.
Accessibility: Making Life Easier (and Enjoyable)
Okay, this is huge for me. I need to see places that care about the details. And Omah Pelem? They do! I can access most of the common areas, including the pool, which is a massive win. Now, while I didn't personally need the wheelchair accessible features, the fact they're there – thoughtful ramps, accessible bathrooms – speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusivity. Honestly, seeing that gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. The elevator is a lifesaver, and I really appreciate the facilities for disabled guests. They're really thinking about everyone.
Living the High Life: Rooms, Amenities & That Damn Pool!
My god, the rooms! I’m telling you, the 3-bedroom oasis is pure indulgence. Think spacious, stylish, with all the creature comforts. I'm talking air conditioning, because, hello, Yogyakarta heat! The blackout curtains are a godsend (thank you, Omah Pelem, for understanding the value of a good sleep!), and the extra long bed? Bliss! I'd rate it a solid 10/10 for actual sleep comfort.
- Available in all rooms: The usual suspects are there, but done right. **Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, complimentary tea and coffee, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, ironing facilities, in-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (and wired, with **Internet access – LAN!), mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom… it's all there, people.
And that Wi-Fi [free]? Rock solid, no buffering, and I’m a streamer, so you know I need it! Oh, and the mirror, let's not forget that! It makes me feel like a movie star and just in case, other goodies included Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
But the real star? The Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view. Okay, I can't even. Just the sheer relaxation of it all… I spent hours (and I do mean hours) floating in that pool, sipping something cold (probably a fresh fruit juice from the Poolside bar) and gazing out at… well, the view, which feels like a secret garden, even with other guests around, you feel like you're in your own private world. It’s pure escapism. The fact that the pool has Wi-Fi in public areas is almost blasphemous since you should be putting your phone away and enjoying yourself.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna & Beyond
Look, I love a good spa day, and the Spa/sauna, with the Sauna is a great addition, and since I didn't get them this trip, I'm going to need to come back, and it's the biggest reason to come back!
- I didn’t get to try the Body scrub or Body wrap, but the idea alone has me already planning my return! And while there's a Fitness center available, let's be honest, I mostly used the pool for my workout. But good to know it's there!
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, this is where Omah Pelem really shines. The Restaurants are exceptional, with a good mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. You can order A la carte in restaurant or enjoy the Buffet in restaurant, there's something for everyone. The Breakfast [buffet] is legendary. Seriously, prepare to stuff your face with glorious Indonesian and international delights. The Asian Breakfast is a must-try, and the Western breakfast has all the usual goodies.
Anecdote time: One morning, I went rogue and asked for a breakfast of just fried bananas. I wasn’t sure they’d do it, but they did! And they were divine. That’s the level of service you get here - Breakfast in room? Yup! Breakfast takeaway service? Absolutely! The room service [24-hour] comes in handy when you're having to do late-night writing, too - or maybe just need some Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Snack bar.
And the drinks?! There's a fantastic Bar, and I swear I spent half my trip at the Poolside bar. The Happy hour is a definite highlight. The Bottle of water is a nice touch, and the Coffee shop is perfect for a midday caffeine recharge.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind
In this day and age (and trust me, I'm a bit of a germophobe!), safety is paramount. Omah Pelem has got this down pat. All the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification are there to make you feel at ease. The staff is incredibly well-trained in safety protocols and the Rooms sanitized between stays. They even offered the Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. And they’ve got Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They are truly meticulous. Knowing they're taking safety so seriously, lets you just relax and enjoy yourself.
- They have Doctor/nurse on call, a First aid kit, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour].
Services & Conveniences:
Okay, this is where Omah Pelem becomes a true haven. They've thought of everything. The Concierge is super helpful with recommendations and bookings. The Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, are right there. Contactless check-in/out made things super easy, too. And the Daily housekeeping? Impeccable. Also, the Front desk [24-hour] service is amazing, too.
- There's also *Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (and Kid-at-Heart Adults)
I'm not traveling with kids, but I could clearly see Omah Pelem is Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities available. And they offer Kids meal!
Getting Around:
The Airport transfer is seamless. The Car park [free of charge], is a big plus. They also have Taxi service and Valet parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station. They've thought of it all!
Overall Impression (and My Slightly Over-the-Top Recommendation)
Look, I'm not going to lie. Omah Pelem is expensive. But you know what? It's worth every single penny. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and rediscover the joys of life.
Yes, I'm obsessed. Yes, I'm already planning my return. And yes, you should book this hotel. Now. Seriously.
My Unsolicited Advice:
- Book the 3-bedroom villa. Seriously, treat yourself!
- Spend as much time poolside as humanly possible.
- Embrace the buffet breakfast. It’s an adventure.
- Talk to the staff. They're genuinely lovely and eager to help.
- Go beyond the tourist spots of Jogja -- get lost in the local life
Omah Pelem Yogya: My Messy, Wonderful, Utterly Unfiltered Itinerary (and maybe a meltdown or two)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is me trying to navigate the magic and the madness of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, whilst staying at the oh-so-Instagrammable Omah Pelem (Pelem Private 3, for the record). Expect typos, spontaneous joy, and maybe a minor existential crisis fueled by too much nasi goreng. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coconut Water Debacle
- 08:00 - 10:00: Arrive at Adisucipto International Airport (JOG). Smooth(ish) landing. That tiny landing strip ALWAYS makes me a little nervous. The humidity slaps you in the face the second you step out of the terminal. Ah, Indonesia. You beautiful, sweaty beast.
- 10:00 - 11:00: Taxi/Grab to Omah Pelem. The driver, bless his heart, totally got lost. Took a scenic route through the backstreets, which was actually kinda cool, even though my phone was yelling "RECALCULATING!" every five seconds. The anticipation was killing me!
- 11:00 - 12:00: Check-in. Omah Pelem is stunning. Seriously. Pictures don't do justice to the lush greenery, the peaceful villas, and the way the light filters through the bamboo. Pure Instagram gold, I'm telling you! However… my room wasn't quite ready. Minor setback. Cue the first internal groan.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at the in-house restaurant (while they sorted out the room). I ordered what I thought was a refreshing coconut water. Turns out, they had the coconut, but it was… warm. And the straw kept collapsing. First world problems, I know, but I was hot and bothered. I’m telling you, that warm coconut water might’ve been the trigger for what happened next.
- 13:00 - 15:00: FINALLY! Room ready. Exploring the villa! It was bliss. The outdoor shower? Yes, please. The little plunge pool? Absolutely, right now. I spent a good hour just wandering around, feeling vaguely like a super-rich person who had accidentally wandered into their perfect holiday home. I may have squealed with delight. Don't judge me.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Relax by the pool, attempt to read a book (got distracted by the incessant chirping of the cicadas - it's unbelievably loud, but also kind of hypnotic). Half-dozed. Briefly contemplated the meaning of life. Landed on the conclusion that maybe the meaning of life is just lounging by a pool in Java.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Sunset cocktails (finally felt some real joy), at a nearby warung (small, local restaurant). It was cheap, cheerful, and the Bintang beer tasted like liquid gold. I befriended a stray cat, named him Mr. Whiskers, and decided he was my Indonesian spirit guide.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Dinner at the famous "ViaVia" restaurant. Delicious Indonesian food, live music, and a generally chilled-out vibe. I ordered the Gado-Gado (a salad with peanut sauce), and it was heaven. Then… the jet lag hit. Hard. I think I was asleep by 9:30 PM.
Day 2: Borobudur Bliss (and a Temple Tantrum)
- 04:00 - 10:00: Wake up. Ouch. The jet lag is still messing with me. 4:00 am is… brutal. But, BOROBUDUR. Gotta catch that sunrise. Grabbed a pre-packed breakfast from Omah Pelem (delicious fruit!), and hopped into a pre-arranged driver. The drive through the pre-dawn darkness was eerie but beautiful.
- 06:00 - 09:00: Borobudur Temple. Wow. Just… wow. The scale of it is incredible. The sunrise was magical, painting the temple in hues of orange and gold. Wandering around the stupas and the Buddha statues was an utterly meditative experience. I felt a sense of peace I haven't felt in… well, a long time. I kept thinking, "I'm so glad I'm here, I'm so lucky…"
- 09:00 - 10:00: Okay, here's where things get a bit… unhinged. Descending from Borobudur, I got caught in a tourist trap. A vendor, with a thousand-yard stare and a slightly pushy demeanor, tried to sell me "authentic" souvenirs. I, tired, sun-baked and fueled by instant coffee, said no. Multiple times. He. Wouldn't. Stop. I may have yelled. I may have stomped my foot. I may have muttered something unrepeatable about aggressively-forced smiles. *Note to self: learn the phrase "Tidak, terima kasih" (No, thank you) in a *very* firm tone.*
- 10:00 - 12:00: Retreat back to Omah Pelem. Regroup. Needed a shower, a nap, and a large dose of self-soothing. The villa’s tranquility was a life-saver. Ordered room service of tea.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch. Re-emerged. Ordered fried rice near my pool. The peace was worth the price. Washed my frustrations away in my private pool. I felt like I'd come alive again.
- 14:00 - 17:00: Explored the surrounding area. Visited a local batik workshop. The whole process of creating batik is fascinating – the wax, the dyes, the patience! I even tried my hand at it… let's just say my piece looks more like a Jackson Pollock than a beautiful pattern.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Cooking class at Omah Pelem! Learned how to make Gado-Gado (again!), nasi goreng, and some delicious prawn skewers. A fantastic way to immerse myself in the local culture, and eat some seriously good food! I’m slightly ashamed to admit I devoured everything I made in about five minutes. No regrets.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Another early night, despite feeling more energetic after the cooking class. The jet lag is still there. But the day was great overall.
Day 3: Prambanan and the Search for the Perfect Coffee (and a Surprise)
- 08:00 - 12:00: Prambanan Temple. Another incredible ancient temple complex. The sheer size of the structures is humbling. I spent a solid two hours wandering around, admiring the carvings and trying to imagine what life was like back then. It was slightly less crowded than Borobudur, which was a bonus. Found a hidden shaded spot and just sat and observed, taking in the magic of the place.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch. Failed coffee attempts. I seem to be on a mission to find the perfect Indonesian coffee, but everything I've tried so far is either weak or bitter. The search continues! Ate a delicious local meal, but the coffee quest is ongoing.
- 14:00 - 17:00: Explored the surrounding area. Visited the Kraton (Sultan's Palace). Fascinating glimpse into Javanese history and culture. The architecture is beautiful, the atmosphere is peaceful. After my earlier experience, it soothed me deeply.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Back to Omah Pelem. Pool time. Relaxation. Prep for dinner. I decided to walk around. Met a local and practiced my Indonesian with him. It went very well, and I went home feeling good.
- 19:00 - 21:00: The Surprise! A friend of mine told the hotel I was there, and they arranged a candlelit private dinner at my villa. The meal was fantastic, and they were thoughtful enough to bring a bottle of wine. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and I felt so grateful.
- 21:00 onwards: Packing. Sadly, tomorrow is departure day. I'm going to miss this place. The tranquility, the beauty, the warmth of the people. Indonesia, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart.
Day 4: Departure
- 08:00: Final breakfast at Omah Pelem. More delicious fruit! Said goodbye to the friendly staff. Feeling VERY sad to leave.
- 09:00: Taxi to the airport.
- 10:00: At the airport, feeling a deep sense of reluctance to leave.
- 12:00: Flight takes off. Looking down at the beautiful green
Unbelievable Yogyakarta Luxury: Discover Omah Pelem's Secret 3-Bedroom Oasis! ...or Will It Break Your Bank?
Okay, spill the beans! Is Omah Pelem REALLY as amazing as the pictures?
Alright, alright, settle down, you impatient travel bugs! The pictures? They're... well, they're slightly embellished. (Don't they always are?!). But listen, Omah Pelem? It's close. Like, *really* close to jaw-dropping. Think lush greenery, a pool that whispers sweet nothings, and enough space to lose your travel companions (which, frankly, can sometimes be a *blessing*). Seriously, the feeling of walking in... it's like a warm, luxurious hug after a cross-country bus ride. I actually gasped. Okay, maybe it was a slightly dramatic gasp, but still!
The rooms? Gorgeous. The bathrooms? So big, I considered moving in permanently. (My partner, however, vetoed that idea. Apparently, "rent" is a thing.)
Three bedrooms? Who are you, royalty? Is it *actually* worth it for a smaller group?
Alright, look, my budget is usually "instant noodles and a prayer." But, we went with a group, and it totally paid off. Think about it... splitting the cost makes it surprisingly affordable, actually! And having the extra space? Bliss. We had friends coming and going, and it never felt crowded – which, let's be honest, Yogyakata can feel a bit... *intense* sometimes. You know, vendors, motorbikes, the constant hum of life. Omah Pelem is your sanctuary.
But, if it's just you and another person... hmmm. Debatable. You could stretch out and feel like a sultan, but... Maybe look at the smaller villas in their portfolio. Or, invite some friends! That's always a win. Unless your friends snore. Then, maybe skip the Omah Pelem part. Just kidding... *mostly*.
What about the location? Is it in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, this is key. It's not *in* the frantic, touristy heart of Yogyakarta. Which, honestly, is a HUGE selling point. It's a little bit outside, tucked away in a quiet, leafy neighborhood. Think "serene" not "sardine can." Seriously! You can actually hear birds chirping in the morning. Birds! I haven’t heard birds chirping in ages where I *live*.
That being said, you'll need a driver or readily available Grab/Gojek (local ride-hailing apps). It's not walking distance to the main attractions. But, the peace and quiet? Totally worth it. It’s a trade-off, like deciding between a beachfront bungalow with no wi-fi and a hotel with a working lift: What’s valuable to you?
Speaking of peace and quiet...is it actually QUIET?
Mostly. And, blessedly so. I came from a place (literal home) where my neighbor thought starting a band was a good idea. Twice a week. So, yeah. Quiet is… heaven. You'll probably hear the call to prayer from the mosques, which I actually found quite beautiful. Then occasionally the cheerful chatter of staff making breakfast. And maybe some faint music from nearby. But mainly? Peace. And the gentle hum of the air conditioning, which I appreciated, since Yogyakarta’s heat can be, well, oppressive. Just another reason to stay indoors and relax!
The pool! Tell me about the pool!
Okay. The pool. This is where things get... personal. I adore a pool. This was not just a pool, it was a *vibe*. Imagine: crystal-clear water, perfectly positioned for maximum sun-soaking (or shade-seeking, depending on your preference!). The tiles shimmered – and that *smell* of clean chlorine... it transported me. I spent a solid afternoon there, and I'm not ashamed to admit I may have almost fallen asleep in it. *Almost*. The water was at the perfect temperature, the sun warming my skin… I'm getting emotional thinking about it. Seriously. Best pool ever. And… I never, ever want to work again.
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff were phenomenal, and the definition of "helpful". They’re unobtrusive but attentive. They actually seemed to anticipate our needs before we even knew what we wanted! Breakfast was brought to the villa, and it was delicious - especially the fruit. There was an issue with the AC in one of the rooms (it’s *never* perfect!), but they sorted it out immediately. They really went the extra mile, like arranging a driver for us and giving great local recommendations. They even helped us find a pharmacy when I got, *ahem*, a mild tummy upset from trying too much of the local spice. And they spoke excellent English. Truly a gold star experience.
Food! Is there food? (Because, let's be honest, that's important.)
Breakfast is included, and it's, as I mentioned, delicious! They have a good selection of food. And the fruits were so fresh and colourful! Beyond that? The villa can arrange for a private chef, which we didn't do, but wish we had! (Next time!). Or, you can order in. Or, venture out. There are some great restaurants a short ride away. The staff can help with all of it. You have options. And… you *will* eat well in Yogya. Guaranteed.
Is there anything… *wrong* with it? (Come on, nobody's perfect!)
Okay, honesty time. Yeah, there were a couple of VERY minor things. The Wi-Fi wasn't always *lightning* fast. (But really, who needs to be glued to their phone 24/7 when you're in a tropical paradise?). And, as I mentioned before, the AC situation initially. But honestly, these are nitpicks. You're not going to find *perfection*. This villa? It has character. And the good definitely outweighs the... let's call them "minor inconveniences" byBlog Hotel Search Site
