Stepping into Cloud Lounge and Living Room is akin to hanging out in the heavens. Perched on the 46th and 49th floor of The Plaza Office Tower, this lux modern day tree house, as its logo denotes, is a classy addition to Jakarta’s city scene and definitely a must-see for any newcomer.
PHOTOS BY: Bagus Tri Laksono
Boasting a 360-degree view of the city skyline from almost every corner, Cloud Lounge & Living Room is all about the view. The five rooms of Cloud Living Room, aptly named after different types of clouds - Cirrus, Stratus and Cumulus – are housed on the 46th floor. Ideal for board meetings or private gatherings – they are equipped with smart boards, large flat screen TVs and dining tables. Whatever your purpose, all rooms offer panoramic views of the city.
Cloud Lounge, sitting aloft on the 49th floor, maximises the spectacular view of the sunset to the west. LA based DJR Design Group, headed by Principal Designer Dan Ricketts, created velvet banquettes so patrons can enjoy watching the sun disappear into the horizon whilst nursing a drink or having a bite to eat. And the breath-taking view of the southern skyline in the evenings can be savoured at the main outdoor bar that comes complete with a built in fire that hovers majestically above it.
Oozing sophistication at every corner, the Lounge is a feast for the eyes with lighted onyx bar tables, illuminated drinks tables that come in different hues, arched ceiling in the main bar and glass ceiling in the main lounge area.
“Our intention in designing the (illuminated onyx) bar tables was to have a focal point in each area of the club that would have a glow to them so that it would physically draw them to the space,” Ricketts said, adding that all the materials and furniture were sourced locally, with the exception of some outdoor-proof fabric.
It is interesting to note that the original idea of the Lounge was something else altogether. “We came up with several concepts that had LA club themes with a more street vibe. However as the design process took shape with the clients, we came to an overall design that was more luxurious than most LA clubs, so that it better suits more upscale Indonesian customers,” said Ricketts.
However, anyone in search of something edgy won’t be disappointed as smack in the middle of the Lounge, almost like a pride of joy, is a walk-in Vodka Room 0 degree. Even a non-drinker might be tempted to have a few vodkas. Ricketts added, “we had particularly wanted to keep that throughout our design concept revisions, as we thought it would be new and fun for Jakarta”.
And for those who need to line their stomachs before downing some cocktails, Cloud Lounge has eschewed a predictable restaurant section and gone instead for a full Tapas-style menu with a seating style that encourages eating in a more convivial atmosphere.
Helmed by a Spanish Chef Victor Taborda, the range of finger-food and Tapas will have something to please everyone. From salads and dips such as guacamole with pico de gallo and corn chips, to 5 types of gourmet pizzas. Among the best-sellers are ‘Broken Fried Eggs with Spanish Sausage and Foam Potato which came in for special mention by many diners. The ‘Fried Pork Ribs, Potatoes with Aioli, Kimuchi and chilli sauce’ and ‘Stewed Beef on Toasted Ciabatta Bread with Gratin Aioli’ were also highly praised by many.
For those less interested in food but more into the ambiance and the view, they will appreciate resident DJ Andezzz, who will set the tone for Cloud Lounge with soulful, house and chill out music on Fridays and Saturdays. Even the impressive view promises to keep guests occupied as according to Ricketts, “the view focus would change throughout the day - with the view of sunset to the west being most impressive at dusk and the southern view being most impressive at night”.