Three Picture-Perfect Places to Stay in the Chillest Little City in Indonesia

For lush living in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, stay at one of these affordable accommodations.  

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia — Yogyakarta is a romantic city that never loses its charm, — especially to me. In 2012, I moved from Jakarta to Yogyakarta for school and ended up staying for three years. The atmosphere was different than my hometown, which is filled with urban congestion and can feel stressful.

My new city was the opposite: quiet and peaceful. Yogyakarta is where I first understood the the concept of slow living. As a newcomer, I couldn't get enough of the culture, food, art, and uniqueness of my surroundings. The people are incredibly kind and creative. The scenery is varied — spanning from volcanoes to forests to beaches — and the streets are lined with independent galleries and coffee shops, green hotels, and an abundance of awesome Airbnbs. Although I've since returned to Jakarta, I try to visit Yogyakarta whenever I can. These three accommodations are my go-to places to stay in my favorite Indonesian city.

Kvlatresna

The Airbnb is not your typical hidden villa in a city. Located in Desa Wisata Krebet Bantul, which was once a vast forest area before it turned into a tourist village, the modern Javanese structure is peaceful and quiet — a true local experience that takes you back to nature. The modern, all-white, one-bedroom hideaway nestles into lush greenery with big windows that let in sunshine each morning. There's a dining area and kitchen where vegetarian breakfasts are provided, a heavenly outdoor shower, and free airport transfers when requested.

Greenhost Boutique Hotel

Close to the hip Prawirotaman and Tirtodipuran neighborhoods, the stylish eco hotel feels like a breath of fresh air, with raw concrete walls and plants overtaking the distressed wood furniture. The hotel is pared down and unpolished but sophisticated. Each artist-designed room is uniquely furnished. Art Kitchen, the indoor-outdoor farm-to-table restaurant, dishes up traditional Indonesian meals made from local ingredients.The lively rooftop bar, Agenda Resto & Vibes, feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. Make sure to pack a swimsuit: The sun-drenched industrial-style swimming pool is not to be missed.

Adhisthana Hotel

There is a calm and homey feeling to this hotel, making it the type of place I never want to leave. The interiors are low-key and minimal, with white walls, natural lighting, and teak furniture. The breakfast is simple and light. And the affordable price doesn't hurt either. I often find myself thinking about the swimming pool, which is surrounded by palms and reminds me of my visits to Bali.

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