Sometimes the best kind of joy doesn’t come from running away. It comes from choosing to be fully present somewhere new, even if it’s still in your own city. Some weekends don’t just rest your body; they quietly reset your spirit too.
Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The day I’d been waiting for finally arrived: staycation day with my husband! It had been ages since our last one. Unless you count that time I stayed overnight at the hospital (which I don’t, thank you very much). This time, we had a much better reason: a wedding. Since the venue was quite far from home, we figured, why not make a little weekend out of it?
After finishing some work and a blog post (because apparently, I can’t truly rest without typing something first), we headed out at noon to... drumroll... PIK 2. Predictably, it was scorching. The kind of heat that makes you question all your life choices. But honestly, I’d missed the seaside vibe too much to complain, fake or not.
We parked at The Land’s End, and after walking just a few minutes, I was ready to surrender to the nearest air-conditioned space. We ended up at Merry Mie, all the way at the far end. Thankfully, the noodles were good enough to restore my will to live. We sat outside because I insisted on a sea view. Never mind that the sea was technically man-made. Still counts.
Once we finished eating, we explored the area and realized there were way more nice spots than we’d thought. Some restaurants had beanbags right on the sand, full-on beach style. I mentally noted them for next time... when I feel like getting sunburned intentionally.
Since our next plan was coffee at Starbucks Reserve, we braved the heat and walked there. Every shaded seat was already taken, so we accepted our fate and sat under the open sky. My husband’s drink turned out surprisingly good, which helped distract us from slowly melting. We took a bunch of photos too. Partly for fun, partly for the Starbucks photo contest that could win us a trip to Tokyo. (Amen, anyone?)
When we couldn’t take the heat anymore, we escaped to our home for the night: Huafeng Hotel. And oh, it was love at first blast of AC. The lobby was cool and quiet, like stepping into a spa. Everything felt so nice and thoughtful. From the first moment, the hotel exceeded my expectations.
First, the service was excellent. All the staff greeted us with big smiles and warm gestures. Second, the place was sophisticated. Everything was automated: from lights to trash bins to a toilet that greets you like an old friend (warm seat included). There was even a robot that delivered things to your room 🤖. And third, my favorite part: so many freebies!
Upon check-in, they offered a full menu of welcome drinks: juice, coffee, tea, even cold mung bean juice, because why not? Then in the room, I opened the minibar expecting the usual overpriced water bottles, but nope! Everything was free. Coke, Sprite, juice, all of it! Even the amenities were complete to the point of comedy. Two pairs of room slippers and two pairs of flip-flops. Bathrobes, toothbrushes, combs... you name it. Basically, I could’ve moved in and survived for a week.
That evening was the main event: the wedding of Jessica and Dimas. Jessica is the co-founder of Jim’s Honey, a beloved local brand known for its stylish yet affordable women’s bags, recently expanded by opening its own factory in Indonesia. We first met her at an Aksoro seminar, stayed in touch over Instagram, and last saw each other at a BCA Wealth event last month. She looked sooo pretty in her white wedding dress. I wish them both a lifetime of happiness and a long-lasting marriage!
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| Natali, Dimas, Jessica, Nuniek |
The reception took place at Whistler’s Garden, which is also a hotel. Unfortunately it was fully booked when I tried to reserve it (apparently, everyone had the same idea). The dress code was “black or maroon night gown and suit,” and obviously, we took it very seriously. The funny thing was, the winners of best-dressed man and woman didn’t even follow the dress code. LOL.
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| Dresscode: black or maroon |
The party itself was so lovely. Intimate, elegant, not overcrowded. There was no traditional stage; instead, the couple went around greeting guests, which I found really sweet. The food was excellent, featuring beef steak and giant prawns. My husband made multiple trips to the buffet while I just sat, chewed happily, and enjoyed the live band performing right in front of us. They were so good I almost forgot how full I was.
There were also some fun games with prizes, but by that point, my shoes were plotting revenge on my feet. So we skipped the games, took some photos at the photo booth (for memories, of course), and picked up our souvenir. It was a huge box that I was dying to open. Inside? A classic black laptop bag from Jim’s Honey. Practical, elegant, and absolutely useful.
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| Mr. and Mrs. Smith |
Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Kota Belanda, a nearby area modeled after old Dutch towns. Thankfully, I had a pair of black flats in the car, because heels and cobblestones do not mix. I also restyled my black dress into a more modest version of itself. (Fun fact: that dress can be worn in sixteen different ways. Yes, sixteen.)
Kota Belanda used to be quite the hit, but now it’s much quieter. Many shops had closed, maybe because of the heat during the day. Still, the place was charming, with a little canal and small boats you could rent for a ride. We strolled around, took photos, and decided to skip snacks because we were still stuffed from the wedding feast.
Back at the hotel, we couldn’t wait to shower off the city heat. That’s when we discovered one last delightful surprise: the sleep-aid feature. One button press and the room filled with soothing lullaby music, like a spa soundtrack for bedtime. When the music ended, the lights automatically turned off. I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep; just that I woke up the next morning feeling like I’d been hugged by rest itself.
It was such a good Saturday. Sometimes we plan joy and make it happen. Sometimes it surprises us anyway. Either way, I’m learning to recognize it when it’s here. Because days like this deserve to be remembered, one staycation at a time.