Joglo Plawang Villa & Resort

There's a lot of open, undeveloped natural space around the resort, which makes the stay feel close to nature. It's a large, quiet, refreshing place away from busy, noisy Yogyakarta, and especially suited to families with more than five people and children.

The gardens are beautifully laid out, with plenty of green space and spots to sit around the resort. We had a lovely family stay here. The pool was well cared for, and the staff were kind.

The food felt like my mother's Javanese cooking, really delicious and homey. I also liked the TongJi tea and the fresh fruit juices, not juice from cartons. The villas are set apart by a quiet urban road. My room was clean and peaceful, with a large bathroom and hot water, surrounded by trees and a clean natural river. It's not perfect, but still my favorite place to unwind and heal. Merapi is about 30 minutes away.

The price is affordable for a boutique hotel room, but I felt uneasy here. The vintage architecture and all the Javanese ornaments made entering the room feel like stepping into another world. The paintings gave me a mournful feeling, and I felt as if something was watching me, both inside and while I sat outside. It just didn't feel right to me. A small river divides the property, and crossing it gave me a strong sense of spiritual energy, since the place sits between two rivers. If you're looking to sharpen your sixth sense, this place is highly recommended.