For those who haven’t explored the suburban districts of Tangerang, you’re in for a surprise! While we city-dwellers think that everything revolves around Jakarta, those in the know about the satellite cities understand that many of the modern developments in hospitality, retail leisure and dining have taken place there. Atria Hotel Gading Serpong is a great example.
I was very happy to make my discovery based out of the elegant Atria Hotel, right in the centre of action surrounded by an absolute multitude of retail, led by the Summarecon Mall on its doorstep. But I wasn’t there to shop or eat, I was there to stay and play at the close-by Gading Raya Golf Club, owned by the same group, making the match effortless.
First, let’s look at my accommodation. I was lucky: kindly invited to stay in a beautiful suite with every modern comfort provided including a private swimming pool on the terrace. The suite consisted of a sitting/dining room, with cooker, fridge and microwave oven as well as a large screen with a lounge area and well-presented tea and coffee facilities. All-in-all, a wonderful retreat from the world before the challenge begins on the golf course!
And that challenge is best met at the very beginning of the day, before the sun heats up the course, and the birds are welcoming you to a very green, lush, tree-lined centre, beautifully crafted by famous golf course designer Graham Marsh, and what a delight the course is to play. Not too challenging for the true amateur but still enough of a challenge off the black tees for any low handicapper.
I was very impressed by the on-course, in-buggy, digital management system which uses satellite technology to geo-position your golf cart against each hole layout on a tablet, and which records your score on the same tablet, including number of putts, fairways hit and, unfortunately for me, bunker shorts! Very smart use of digital technology to make course management and scoring easy. At the end of the round, you just enter your PIN number in a console and an actual score card is neatly printed out – genius!
Of course, the golf club is also fully-equipped with a classy restaurant, meeting rooms, VIP rooms, a driving range, and even a swimming pool and tennis court, turning a golf club into a total country club for all the family.
Talking of facilities, the Atria Hotel has more than its fair share too, with a huge indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness centre, but I was most impressed with the elegant Batik Lounge on lobby level where I could enjoy single origin local coffees as well as a good selection of cocktails and wines.
So, if you are fed up of the urban challenges of Jakarta, head for a “Stay & Play” experience at Atria Hotel Gading Serpong. You will not be disappointed!
Atria Hotel Gading Serpong
Jl. Boulevard Raya Gading Serpong No. Kav. 2,
+62 21 29215999
@atriaserpong
parador-hotels.com/atria-hotel-gading-serpong
