Mesa Stila Resort

Mesa Stila Resort and Spa is and exclusive wellness retreat set within beautiful grounds and a working coffee plantation, with volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop, the location of Mesa Stila is perfect for a wellness retreat. It’s rare to find a resort with grounds this beautiful. From the trees and plants that looked like they had been there for a lifetime already, to the buildings that gave us a real sense of history, there was something to amaze us at every turn.

Each of the 23 villas are unique, and have been reconstructed from original Javanese antique Limasan, Joglo or Kudus wooden houses. They were beautifully decorated with period antique furniture and have all of the amenities a guest may require.

Our villa had a beautifully carved wooden bed which was integral to the structure of the building and also offered a peaceful view of the surrounding countryside from the large balcony.

There was plenty of room to relax, with a day bed and various seating options. There was also a table and chairs both on the balcony, and inside the villa, which allowed us to order room service and enjoy some of our meals in the comfort and privacy of our own villa.

The view seemed to change regularly as clouds drifted by and the sun went in and out, showing the volcanoes in the distance in different light and revealing their magnificent beauty, there was a stunning infinity pool which enjoys the same exceptional views as the rest of the resort and was the perfect place to lounge around in the sun.

The Vegan Food

Our daily vegan food adventure began before breakfast each morning with a daily dose of traditional Indonesian herbal medicine. Made from herbs and plants like ginger, tumeric and tamarind, these plant-based concoctions have different natural healing properties.

This plant based magic continued at breakfast where Chef Arya created some vegan dishes for us that we absolutely loved. We were served an impressive coconut porridge that was made from freshly milled coconut and piled high with fresh fruit.

We had a delicious rice milk Bircher muesli that was full of nuts, dried fruit, freshly grated apple and spiced with cinnamon, also the most amazing homemade vegan gluten free bread that was made with milled nuts which gave it a great flavour and texture.

Indulgent fried cassava pieces tasted like the best roast potatoes; crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Little bananas had been caramelised in palm sugar and were delightfully sticky. Coconut banana rolls were a perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty.

All delicious, all local foods, and all 100% vegan.

Each night we dined at ‘Java Red’, where we had a great choice of vegan Indonesian food meaning we got to try local dishes that had been veganised for us as well as those which were naturally plant-based.

We ate tasty salads made with the Mesa Stila homegrown mushrooms and we got a hit of local cuisine with vegan ‘lotek’, a salad of cooked and raw vegetables in a sweet and spicy peanut dressing served with traditional ’emping’ crackers.

More local food was eaten for our main course with a vegan ‘Pepes Tahu’ allowing us to tick one of our must try dishes off our ‘to eat’ list. Tofu replaced the usual fish element of this dish which is made by steaming the ingredients (that include a tasty spice mix) in a banana leaf which gives a distinct flavour that we can only liken to vine leaves.

The Mesa Stila nasi campur (‘rice with a bit of everything’) was served with rice cooked in coconut milk, sweet and spicy tempeh, a green vegetable dish and sweet, spiced tofu ‘becam’ which is not only typical of the region but is also vegan and tastes really good.

Although we were often so full by the time it got to dessert, we did manage to squeeze in some gorgeous ‘Solo srabi’ pancakes. Made from coconut milk and rice flour and served with a a sweet coconut milk sauce and maple syrup, we absolutely loved them!

The light and spongy thick pancakes, that are steamed in special pans, originate from the nearby town of Solo and we were very grateful to have a vegan version made for us (they sometimes contain egg in the pancake mix).

The Vegan Food Quest Verdict

Check-in to Mesa Stila if you want a relaxing break in a stunning location. You’ll get to stay in traditional Javanese accommodation and marvel at the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.

In between taking part in the great activities available, you can create your own vegan food adventure from the huge choice of great tasting Indonesian vegan food available, all with a bonus healthy twist.

We were guests of Mesa Stila but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views

MesaStila Wellness Resort and Spa
Losari – Grabag
Magelang
Central Java 56100
Indonesia

Telephone: +62-298-596333
Email: reservation@stila.mesahotelsandresorts.com
Cost From: £130 / $195 per night (May 2015)