Part II Conrad Bali: Weddings and Eight Degrees South (current page)
Part III Conrad Bali: Things To Do
Earlier this year, I wrote a piece about Balinese chocolate farms. What I didn't get into were the details of why I was there. In May, I stayed Conrad Bali, where my cousin was being married at Infinity, one of the most beautiful beachfront wedding chapels I've personally seen to date. During my stay, I got to experience Conrad's lovely quiet surroundings. The resort is located on the south coast of Bali, away from the noise and bustle of Seminyak.
The Wedding
My cousin Natalie and her newlywed husband Matthew, myself and the rest of the family (cousins, aunts, uncles, and niece!).
My cousin Katie and her daughter, outside the venue
The beachfront wedding chapel
My cousin Laisan, me and our precious niece
At nightfall, Conrad Bali arranged for a firework display at the end of the banquet
Sunrise in the Bales
After the wedding festivities were over and my family departed back to their respective home cities in Taiwan and Hong Kong, it was down to business on discovering how the magic happens at Conrad.
In the Bales (photo by Conrad)
In the bales bright and early just after sunrise, having brunch with our host Kevin Girard and other media from Indonesia (Epicure), Hong Kong (Oriental Daily), and Singapore (Food & Travel).
photo source: Conrad Bali
The view from Suku (Balinese, Indonesian, Asian cuisine), one of Conrad's 5 restaurants, overlooking one of the resort's main pools. Besides the private pavilion 'bale', this spot is particularly my favorite for breakfast similarly for the sunrise view.
Eight Degrees South
I was also had the good fortune of being able to sample Conrad's upcoming menu for their newly renovated restaurant along the water. Along the beachfront, the Eight Degrees South restaurant was scheduled to be renovated later in the year, the resort set up a romantic beach side tent for us to dine at with our toes in the sand and sample their new menu.
The view from Eight Degrees South
Eight Degrees South is Conrad Bali's signature restaurant. Previously serving simple Mediterranean dishes, the restaurant now offers a new organic menu based on locally sourced Balinese ingredients. Chef David Laval, director of Food and Beverage & Culinary Operations, works closely with the Balinese community to search for the best of organic produce from the island. In turn, the Balinese farmers have regular work from the luxury resort, ensuring an intelligent and happy co-existence.
Some of my favorite dishes included the Fresh green peas cappuccino with seared scallop and organic aloe vera; the gelée of rock oysters in champagne stone crab with local organic sweet corn sorbet and Sevruga caviar; and Black cod and lobster with local sea salt fricassée of clams and sea urchin kedondong curry leaf-lemongrass-kaffir lime local white bean purée.
Using the locally-supplied chocolate (POD Chocolate), Chef Laval creates a decadent dessert: chocolate pod filled with tapioca pearls and passion fruit. (photo by Conrad)
As a side note, I find Conrad Bali rather special. Bali is known as a tourist destination, filled with luxury resorts and villas. It's heart-warming to see that even well-established luxury resorts take their surroundings into careful consideration, working together in a meaningful way with the local farmers and communities. Conrad Bali also works with ROLE Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization to educate the underprivileged as well as ensuring environmental sustainability. This includes creating opportunities for women in Bali by equipping them with skills and education, and training local farmers in permaculture farming practices.
Conrad Bali
Jalan Pratama 168
Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua
Bali, 80363, Indonesia
Tel: +(62) 361-778788