By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Built between the 4th and 15th centuries, there are over 10,000 ‘candi’ or temples, in Indonesia. The ancient andesite stone structures, sculptures and pagodas are ethereal, imposing and majestic, representing the various ethnic groups that have called this lush archipelago home throughout its long cultural history. Most notable are the Buddhist and Hindu temples that appear to have been born from ancient roots knotted deeply in the very landscapes they have come to define. The intricate carvings, relentless arteries of steps and figurative expressions of gods, animals and symbols tell stories, evoke inherited customs and have compelled many authors, poets and artists.
Today, such treasures of Indonesia’s rich cultural and religious heritage are some of its prime tourist attractions. Across over 17,000 islands that comprise the country, visitors can find these architectural gems curled into islets or piercing the hazy sunsets with spires of tiered stone. Each temple is a relic of an age built on unknowable devotion and fantastical determination, and I can think of no sites more exciting to visit on your next, or perhaps your first, Indonesian getaway. This month, we’re rounding up some of the most impressive temples in Indonesia, from their architectural ingenuity to their sheer awe-inspiring presence.
Borobudur Temple
Widely considered one of the world’s seven wonders, the lotus-shaped Borobudur temple is located on the island of Java and was built around the 8th century. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, containing an impressive 72 statues of Buddha that can be found amongst its five concentric square terraces and three tiers. In fact, each of these tiers represents distinct ‘spheres’ of the universe, as understood in Buddhist cosmology, kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu. According to Unesco, the universal spheres, “[represent] respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form,” to the end of attaining Nirvana, a significant concept in Buddhism.
On the world stage, Borobudur Temple has become an icon of resilience in the face of earthquakes, bombings and event the volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010 when it was covered in acidic volcanic ash that experts warned might damage the site. A swift clean-up job helped to preserve the temple, though, and the site was reopened to tourists again after just 5 days.
Pura Besakih
The Besakih Temple is the single most important temple in Balinese Hinduism. The sprawling temple is the largest of its kind, sitting almost a kilometre up the side of Mount Agung in Bali and comprising 23 separate temples across beautifully planted terraces. Although the temple itself has roots in the 13th century and later in the Gelgel dynasty of the 15th century, experts believe that the site’s religious importance dates from prehistoric times.
Of course, Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations and the island is famed for its beautiful hotels, water sports and its nightlife, making Pura Besakih a must-see for cultural travellers. It is likely that there will be some sort of celebration at the time of your visit, too; there are at least 70 festivals annually that take place at the Besakih, each connected to a specific shrine on the site.
Tanah Lot Temple
This Balinese temple is one of the most visually arresting ancient architectural feats in Indonesia. Directly translated as ‘land in the sea’ Tanah Lot is situated on its own beautiful island, accessible only on foot during low tide. The Hindu temple is heavy with the weight of historical myths and legends, including the presence of venomous sea snakes that are believed to guard the temple from intruders and sinister evil spirits. The land on which the temple sits has been shaped by the sea over the centuries and in the 1980s, the Japanese and Indonesian governments worked together to help conserve the site with artificial rocks.
London’s Most Exquisite Secret Events Spaces
By Amira Hashish
Seeking a glamorous spot for a special occasion? There are the more obvious choices but there is something particularly fabulous about discovering an under the radar hideaway. From intimate restaurant takeovers to spaces that are as big on personality as size, here are some of London’s most exquisite settings you may never have heard of…
Peggy Jean
Master boat builder Mark Edwards MBE has lovingly restored the former Jesus College Oxford barge which has happily pitched up on Richmond Riverside with views of the Thames and Richmond Bridge. The historical features have been given a new lease of life with pops of pastel-coloured interior decor. Part of Australian restaurant group Daisy Green, the Peggy Jean seats 120 and makes for a pretty, quirky party space.
Book: daisygreenfood.com
The Pelican
Perched above Notting Hill’s most popular new pub and dining room is this low-key grand events space with vast ceilings and sash windows peering onto Tavistock Gardens. Ideal for a family feast by the open fire, or canapés and cocktails if you are seeking something more formal, The Pelican Room is brimming with character. A hand-crafted, private bar will keep everyone well-watered and there is integrated AV equipment. Capacity is 30 seated or 45 standing.
Book: thepelicanw11.com
KOL
Nobu trained Chef Patron Santiago Lastra quickly made his mark on the London restaurant scene by opening the first Mexican restaurant in the UK to scoop a Michelin star. For an even more special way to experience what all the fuss is about, you can book the KOL Chef’s Table and Mezcaleria for private dining and events. The culture and theatre of the restaurant is celebrated in the lower ground space with its own kitchen. Inspired by a traditional Oaxacan home, it makes for a wonderfully intimate dining moment.
Book: kolrestaurant.com
Brunswick House
The Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Vauxhall is an antique-filled haven that makes for the most exquisite events backdrop. A collaboration between architectural antiques company Lassco alongside brothers Jackson Boxer (Orasay, Notting Hill) and Frank Boxer (Frank’s Café, Peckham), there is a wealth of substance behind the style. Dining rooms of varying sizes are available to book for lunch or dinner. For an altogether bigger gathering you can hire the entire house.
Book: brunswickhouse.london
Curious Kudu
Peckham’s finest private dining room and events space accommodates up to 14 guests seated, and 25 for drinks and snacks. The food is provided by the neighbouring Kudu kitchen and is served feasting style. There is no room hire charge, but there is a minimum overall spend of £400. During the day the space doubles as a gallery so it is splendidly kitted out.
Book: kuducollective.com
Henry’s Townhouse
Named after Jane Austen’s brother, who once called this elegant Marylebone townhouse home, Henry’s is a boutique hotel that doubles as a private hire venue. Russell Stage Studio are behind the sumptuous interiors which blend Georgian glamour with curated artworks, antiques and contemporary amenities. As well as six intricately designed bedrooms, there is Monsieur Halavant’s Pantry which acts as a multifunctional dining space with discreet AV equipment. Events can be catered for up to 24 guests for standing receptions with formal dining in the pantry for up to 14 guests. The ideal central London party venue if you would like to include a sleepover.
Book: henrystownhouse.co.uk
104 Restaurant
The smallest fine dining restaurant in London, 104 is a sweetly exquisite affair tucked away next to a cobbled mews in Notting Hill. The whole restaurant can be hired for a bespoke private dining experience between Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with a maximum party size of 18 for a sit down meal, canapes and drinks. Prices start from £100 per head for three courses. This feels like stepping into your favourite new chef’s home with a stellar wine list to boot.
Book: 104restaurant.com
Pantechnicon
With six floors and eight spaces, Belgravia hotspot Pantechnicon has beautifully set tables, hidden nooks and private rooms that can be hired for different occasions. Whether you are seeking a smart setting for an important lunch or keen to host a party in the leafy, glass-covered roof garden and terrace, there are options for up to 160 people.
Book: pantechnicon.com
Luca
Overlooking the open kitchen, The Garden Room is a lovely indoor space which retains the stunning exterior features of the Grade II listed building in the style of a southern Italian garden. It is available for lunch or dinner bookings and can seat up to eight guests. Alternatively, The Pasta Room is where the chefs make pasta each day. Designed to look and feel like a traditional Italian home kitchen, it can seat up to 10. Then there is the bright and airy conservatory with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Tuscan terrace and walled garden. This room is suitable for a party of up to 48 guests.
Book: luca.restaurant
Lisboeta
The Adega is the private dining room at Lisboeta; on the lower ground floor of acclaimed chef Nuno Mendes’ Fitzrovia restaurant, adjoining the wine cellar. Underpinned by a passion for Portuguese food and drink, the space hosts up to ten guests who are served an ever-evolving, sharing-style menu crafted by Mendes and head chef Rodrigo Alves. It opens up for group dining on Thursday and Friday evenings, with alternative dates available upon request.
Book: lisboeta.co.uk
Bocca Di Lupo
The Remus Room is a warm setting for any party. It can accommodate up to 32 people seated or 45 standing, and is always served by its own chef in a dedicated, adjacent kitchen. A reclaimed teak table by Martino Gamper is at the heart of each gathering whilst feasting menus are changed monthly. Individual menus can be created on special request.
Book: boccadilupo.com
Spring
This elegant events space is set in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House. A dedicated event coordinator is at hand to take care of all the details. The Salon, a garden dining room, sits up to 36 guests in an enclosed interior atrium, allowing for dining throughout the year. Alternatively, the entire stylishly relaxed restaurant is available for hire and can accommodate 116 for a sit down dinner or up to 150 for a standing reception.
Book: springrestaurant.co.uk
The Micro Wedding Movement
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Coined in the slow, grinding months of the pandemic, the phrase ‘micro-wedding’ means very different things to many different people. For some, it’s the remembered agony of having to brutally cut guestlists in the face of relentless restrictions. For others, it’s a green light to have the wedding they always wanted, free from the pressure to host an ‘all the trimmings’ affair, inviting everyone they’ve ever known, worked with or blinked at. While the micro-wedding was, until very recently in the grand scheme of things, something of a necessity, it has become a style decision for couples who want a lower-key event. But, while such couples do tend to benefit financially from keeping things more intimate with fewer guests and smaller venues, micro-weddings can certainly pack a punch when it comes to thoughtful details and luxurious flourishes.
This month, I spoke to some industry insiders and micro-wedders to get some expert insights, tips and tricks to share as the smaller, intimate, more exclusive weddings gather popularity long since the restrictions were lifted…
Adrian Meyers, CEO and Founder of ami Creates, www.ami-creates.com
“The biggest thing that I have noticed when photographing micro-weddings is the intimacy with their guests that couples can achieve on their big day. It’s really nice and intense from a photographer’s perspective. You can almost be more gentle in your approach to photographing the day. You capture something so beautiful if you spend a day surrounded by only their very best friends and closest family members.
If there is one thing that people don’t always appreciate about the role of a wedding photographer, it’s the huge emotional buy-in. My team and I forge strong emotional connections with the couples and wedding guests that we photograph, and the physical energy that commitment brings with it is huge and can be exhausting. At smaller weddings, this is magnified and it’s even more intense. As the photographer at a micro-wedding, you’re not just a fly on the wall; you’re part of the wedding group.
Compositionally, the key difference between the kind of shots I am able to produce at smaller weddings against larger events is down to intimacy and action. Larger weddings are more likely to incorporate some kind of dancefloor, a device that yields action-packed, candid shots. You can rarely achieve this at lower-key, smaller weddings. Generally, it’s easier to capture more intimate moments when the party is smaller and quieter, so couples do miss out on those higher-energy pictures achieved on a dancefloor. But, the bottom line is that you have to find a style that works for you, choosing a photographer that will capture the day in the way you want to remember it.”
Bride Holly Chapman, Global Head of PR and Partnerships at Papier, www.papier.com
“As I walked out of Islington Town Hall, my face broke into a huge smile as there, throwing confetti at me and my new husband, were 11 beaming smiles from some of the friends and family that we love the most. The most special part of a smaller wedding meant that we got to spend time talking, laughing, hugging, holding hands and dancing with every single person who was there. I’ve never felt so much love!
With a smaller wedding, we didn’t need to consider so many people or opinions, giving us the freedom to design a wedding day that felt very suited to our style. After our official ceremony, we walked to our favourite London pub and had a pint. Looking around the Islington pub with our friends and family all sat around relaxed and laughing was so special and I knew we had made the right choice.
It’s important to remember that small doesn’t mean less special. Despite the size, don’t skimp on the details. We loved sending luxurious paper invitations, having delicious food and wearing something special. Go big on whichever details make your heart sing! For me, I love clothes and it was all about the outfit and accessories, even though only 35 people would see it. I chose to-die-for Prada platforms, a sparkly bag by Paco Rabanne and a suit by The Own Studio. Altogether it probably cost more than a third of the wedding budget but it was worth every penny.”
Andreas Christodoulou, Private Jeweller, Kensington Parker, www.kensingtonparker.com
“For my clients, I feel the pandemic has made smaller weddings less political. They are far more socially acceptable now, and couples aren’t bucking any trends by opting for shorter guestlists. Before the pandemic, if you wanted a smaller wedding, you almost needed to arrange a wedding abroad, hoping that this would do the work of indirectly producing a smaller wedding. We all feel like we have obligations to certain people in our lives that perhaps we haven’t spoken to or spent much time with recently. There is no reason, now, for these people to be invited to your special day. You need to please yourself, not everyone else.
The best part is that smaller weddings can still be very lavish. With little details and bespoke elements, from the engagement ring and the wedding bands you choose to the place cards you design, your cost per head can increase while you save money that you would have spent on a larger event.”
Rose Roobeek, Journalist and TV producer at CNN, edition.cnn.com
“Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamt about a big wedding surrounded by vineyards in Tuscany, wearing a long white dress and having all our family and friends scattered around the world in one place at last, but Covid forced us to change our minds.
I never expected to get married while heavily pregnant without my parents by my side but it still turned out to be one of the best days of my life. It was incredibly intimate and stress-free and I could just focus on my love for my husband rather than worrying about whether others were having a good time. We ordered takeaway from our favourite restaurant to eat in the garden and managed to book part of a beer garden to have some friends over for drinks afterwards. We had no big expectations for the day but decided to still go all out with balloons and bunting. My mother-in-law baked a fantastic cake and the champagne was flowing.”