THE GREAT ESCAPE
Bali beckons, so here is epicure’s guide to new wellness, dining and drink experiences that you must try on your next trip to the island.
The collective longing for travelling with loved ones is slowly being fulfilled as people take advantage of the world’s reopening. “Meet me in Bali” is no longer just a catchphrase – it is a possibility. With an everexpanding list of international flights, reunion trips with extended families after years apart will be a sweet occasion.
With this guide, explore memorable ways to reconnect with loved ones and make up for lost time together on the Island of the Gods. Chosen for their new and exciting offerings, these destinations excel at what they have brought to the table, served on their bar and curated for your well-being. From Ubud to Canggu, find meals, tipples and activities that renew one’s zest for life and bring the families closer together.
BRUNCHES & LUNCHES
Andaz Bali, Sanur’s newest beachfront resort is not only known for its charming, laid-back vibe but also for its gourmet offerings. Located by the beach, Fisherman’s Club is quickly garnering a following for its seafood-inspired menu and vibrant fusion dishes. It recently launched a Sunday Table Brunch, complete with complimentary pool access for the public. Served a la carte on the table, share dishes such as Lombok Oyster, Prawns with Chorizo and Parsley, Spicy Mud Crab, Fish Curry, and sweet treats (starting Rp490,000/person, every Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, +62 815 1403 8587).
Pier Eight at the recently rebranded
InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort has just unveiled its Saturday Table Brunch. Nourishing Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served a la carte
so guests can taste and repeat. Dine barefoot on the beach while grazing at Mezze Platter, Bacon and Potato Frittata tapa, Spiced Beef Fillet with Hummus, Yoghurt, Tabbouleh, and Pita Bread. Sanur’s calm waters are suitable for that post-brunch dip (Rp510,000/adult and Rp255,000/child up to 12 years old, every Saturdays 12pm to 4 pm, +62 811 3800 1775)
Lobster Brunch at CIRE, Alila Villas Uluwatu is the kind of relaxing Sunday feast that one needs to unwind. Opt for the three- or five-course brunch, featuring 20 varieties of lobster dishes, accompanied by a Rolling Mary Gueridon tableside service. There is nothing better than Lobster Ceviche and Bloody Mary to end the week. Prolong the day by doing laps at the resort’s iconic pool and chill out until sunset (starting from Rp700,000/ person, every Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, +62 811 385 5729).
For a modern Indonesian dining experience, search no further than John Hardy Boutique & Gallery at Seminyak. The Long Table offers an appointment-only modern take on traditional regional cuisine. The menu is constantly evolving and changes every two months, highlighting lesserknown dishes from different regions in Indonesia. Currently, guests can taste Bebek Tangkap, Balinese Lawar Biu Batu and Nasi Timbungan, (fragrant rice cooked in bamboo). Dishes are served on a long wooden table and made for sharing. Make time for a visit to the jewellery boutique afterward (Rp350,000/person with a minimum booking for two people, open daily from 11am to 7pm, +62 811 3800 3300)
The Apurva Kempinski Bali recently launched an all-you-can-eat Saturday Dim Sum Brunch at Bai Yun. Executive chef Ho Weng Kit has prepared 28 dim sum selections to please the whole family. Start with Ginseng Herbal Soup before moving on to Garoupa Spring Roll, Prawn Har Gow, Roasted Duck, Soft Shell Crab with Salted Egg, and more. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Complimentary access to the resort’s pool and beach facilities are available for a fun family dayout (Rp468,000/adult and Rp188,000/child aged 7 to12 years old, 12pm to 4pm, +62 811 3820 9541).
SUNSET TIPPLES
Batubelig Beach, the laid-back stretch between Petitenget and Canggu, just got more exciting with the opening of Mari Beach Club. Paying homage to Balinese heritage and craftsmanship, it celebrates the island’s bohemianism through tasty bites, creative libations, groovy tunes, and spectacular sunsets. Using bamboo and local materials, the organic, vernacular architecture showcases the beauty of its beachfront location. Open-air spaces and the turquoise-coloured pool invite guests to play, have fun and soak up the sun. Try their creative twists on the classics: Lemo Diablo, Espresso D’mari and Paradise Spritz as well as casual bites such as Grilled Octopus and Grilled Polpette with Smoked Yoghurt (open daily from 12pm to 10pm, +62 361 2173 45000).
True to its name, Ambar (which means sky in Sanskrit) at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a unique Ubud hanging bar experience. Perched high on a cliff, the location allows guests to enjoy a fiery sunset. Sit on one of the plush armchairs at the terrace or sit at the bar to witness Ambar’s mixologist in action. Come early for the high tea and stay for the sundowner. Local ingredients and premium spirits are highlighted at Ambar to create an array of Balinese-inspired craft cocktails such as Mangosteen Crushie and Ambar Spritz (open daily from 2pm to 10pm, +62 813 3910 1992).
Canggu’s iconic establishment The Lawn has reopened after a total renovation. Founded by pro-surfer Tai Buddha, The Lawn aims to build a bridge between Bali and the international stage, in terms of surf, art, music and community. Kick back amongst coconut trees and thatched grass roofs that surround the extended pool. Relax all day on the day beds or hit the bar and lounge area to imbibe. Order refreshing tipples such as Pear Negroni and Aperol Slush which are best enjoyed with the Grazing Board made of cold cuts, cheese and house pickles. Keep a look out for Indonesia’s renowned bands and musical artists on The Lawn Sundays Music Series. Pop in to Times Beach Warung next door for an elevated beach warung libation right on the beach (open daily, from 12pm to 10pm, +62 811 3800 4951).
NO ORDINARY DINNER
The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift is a dining destination 25,000 years in the making. Opened in May, Bali’s first cave restaurant is located six and a half metres underground. Chef Ryan Clift of Singapore’s famous Tippling Club has created two seven-course tasting menus for the 22-seat subterranean restaurant. Guests can go for the Classic or the Vegetarian. Savour imaginative dishes such as Savoury Doughnut and Foie Gras Cheesecake while enjoying the spectacle of projections mapping on the cave wall in between courses (starting from Rp1,400,000/person, open daily for lunch and dinner, reservation is mandatory, +62 361 8470700).
HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan’s approach to wellness is a wholesome experience. Its riverside villas, serene Ayung River Valley location, energy healing treatments at The Sacred River Spa, reinvigorating physical activities, and Sattvic soul food at Ayung Terrace are all available to elevate one’s well-being. After the challenging years, letting go of the negatives to create a secure foundation for emotions and actions becomes important.
The 120-minute Muladhara (Root Chakra) treatment focusses on the lower back and aims to bring inner peace. The recently launched Sattvic menu is rooted in Ayurveda and features Indonesian flavours in dishes such as Cakalang Sambal Bongkot, Asinan Ubud and Ketoprak, enforcing the ethos of food as medicine (fourseasons.com/sayan).
After a two-year hiatus, COMO Shambhala
Estate reopened with a new Integrated Wellness Programme. The perfect destination for those seeking a mind-body reset in an idyllic environment, the individually-tailored programme includes a private consultation with a COMO Shambhala wellness expert, bespoke daily treatments, eating and wellness activities plan, and a personal assistant. Nourish one’s body with COMO Shambhala Cuisine’s menu or alternatively, opt for the hearty Indonesian fare which are laden with comforting flavours and warm spices. True to the philosophy of “Inspiring Commitment to Lifelong Wellness”, the Estate’s extensive and immersive wellness experience combined with nourishing food and idyllic surrounds are the best gift for your body, mind and soul (comohotels. com/en/comoshambhalaestate).