The romantically inclined resident of Bali is offered a plethora of superlative dinners for two unmatched in Southeast Asia. As just one example, it would be difficult to emulate the intimacy of The Bale’s romantic dinner served in one of 20 stately private bungalows, all within sight of the sea.
This sanctuary resort, nominated by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “80 Best New Hotels in the World Hot List” is a charming little jewel of a hotel. The sound of falling water is everywhere and the gardening and elegant architecture is nothing less than spectacular.
Under the watchful eye of Swiss chef Andre Buser, The Bale offers a number of different options for a romantic dinner of contemporary cuisine to tickle your appetite. With a minimalist unique style and concept, The Bale is the perfect place to express Andre’s creativity and inspiration.
Recently, after an intense exchange of emails with the enthusiastic and ebullient GM, Jose Luis Calle, a gentleman from Hong Kong recently arranged for a surprise seafood barbecue (Rp 850,000++ per person) for his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
At three in the afternoon the host used the pretense of taking his wife out shopping so that preparations could begin. Upon their return, the unsuspecting woman of his life opened the door to find rose petals scattered across the yard and pool, a tingklik rindik (bamboo xylophonic instrument) playing and a private butler standing at the ready. Lobster, baby snapper and king prawns were grilled right before their eyes in the open air, accompanied by a full complement of condiments and dressings.
Another almost unimaginably romantic setting is the elegant dining experience staged in the lush gardens of The Legian. In the early evening, guided by a pathway lit by hundreds of flickering candles, the lucky couple is seated in a private open pavilion within sound and sight of the waves to enjoy the sunset while sipping Moet champagne.
Tended by a private maitre d’hotel, the six course “Intimate Evening” (Rp1,000,000++ per person) is truly a spellbinding occasion. This flamboyant five-course affair commences with mouthwatering appetizers, flaky springrolls and seared tuna sashimi with truffled green papaya and pickled ginger dressing, miso-glazed black cod and sesame crusted rack of lamb for the main course, as well as fresh grilled seafood.
The spacing between courses is very civilized with ample time allowed to become more acquainted and intimate with your dining companion. Accompanied by fine wines, the meal ends with an elegant tropical fruit stir-fry and that wonderful Legian Blend Coffee. Whatever your selection, The Legian’s privately arranged dinners are distinguished for their extraordinary taste for decoration, splendid service and fantastic personal touches.
Lastly, a delightfully unique way to celebrate your love is to arrange an unforgettable tête-à-tête at the Tugu Hotel, renowned for its flower gardens, private lotus ponds, beautifully decorated pavilions and priceless antique furniture and statuary. Here couples can choose to dine literally anywhere on the property, from an 18th century Chinese temple to a lotus pond hut or a sunset beach.
For Rp500,000++ per person, a silver plate Chinese Imperial Dinner is presented inside a 300-year-old Chinese temple which has been transported plank by plank from Surabaya. While you and your partner are seated at an antique 20-seater long dining table, candles illuminate the entire room as if the guests were the imperial emperor and empress behind the walls of Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Sous Chef Gusti prepares a lavish selection of fine Chinese delicacies such as Pearl Ball (Steam Prawn Ball with Glutinous Rice), Yin Yang Basket (a selection of “animated” steam dumplings, and crisp imported Peking Duck, each course served by an appropriately attired waiter and waitress as tones of an ancient mang khim instrument play in the background.
Chef Jamil’s love for Asian culinary arts equip him to recreate such rare traditional Indonesian dining experiences as an authentic Balinese Megibung, the grand colonial-style Grand Rijstaffel served by a 12-waiter parade or a Javanese waroeng dining lit by oil lamps. All feasts are fit for a king and queen in historical museum-like settings.
Contact Info:
The Bale, Nusa Dua, tel. (62-361) 775-111,
fax. (62-361) 775-222,
email: bliss@thebale.com,
homepage: www.sanctuaryresorts.com.
The Legian, Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak Beach,
tel. (62-361) 730-622, fax. (62-361) 730-623,
email: legian@ghmhotels.com,
homepage: www.ghmhotels.com
The Tugu, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu,
tel. (62-361) 731-701, fax. (62-361) 731-704,
email: bali@tuguhotels.com,
homepage: www.tuguhotels.com.
E-mail : pakbill2003@yahoo.com
Copyright@2005 PakBill
You can read all past articles of
Indonesian Explorer at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
