ERENE and minimalist, Raffles Jakarta at first sight is more a grand museum than a hotel, its cream marble lobby bringing pause to even the most well-travelled, to marvel, and perhaps pose in front of the giant ceiling-high mural at the far end, fashioned out of thousands of mosaic tiles. It is an haute couture retreat, an oasis, showcasing the works of celebrated Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan. While the style has echoes of its storied Singapore sister, the design is contemorary, not sola topi colonial. It offers a unique sense of arrival.

With its 2,500sq m Dian Ballroom it boasts the largest ballroom among all Raffles hotels, aimed squarely at the lavish weddings so popular in Jakarta. This is one of the best Jakarta conference hotels for glitzy events or classy small corporate meetings.

Much of the allure lies in its 173 elegant rooms, showing off vibrant colors. A Raffles Room is a generous 60sqm, more a suite really - think two flat-screen televisions, calming blue paintings, pale wood panels, cream marble floors, flashes of turquoise, and a writing desk with easy device connectivity. WiFi is complimentary, a brisk 10Mbps per room and butlers offer discreet, intuitive service. A pillow menu is on offer and there's that trademark shoeshine service.

Enjoy an afternoon tea at The Writers Bar, or the show kitchen at the Arts Café by Raffles, splash out in the outdoor pool, exercise, or jog through 350m of tropical trails. The soothing Raffles Spa on the 14th floor offers a raft of wellness treatments. Experience a shower with lights and sounds, followed by an ice fountain, and finally recline on one of the heated, sculpted stone lounge chairs.