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Breezing through Bali

 

Bali has always been a popular destination but, as the island becomes more savvy, it is now starting to attract high-end travellers as well, finds Jon Underwood.

The budget food, accommodation and shopping options still exist in Bali, but the number of top-quality restaurants and designer boutiques is fast rivalling Bali’s ‘big brothers’ Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Singapore. And with numerous airlines offering cheap fares, travellers have more money left in the kitty to spend on the good stuff, including upgrading their stay to one of the many luxury hotels now operating in Bali.

It’s not just Aussies and New Zealanders who are benefiting from Bali’s coming of age. The word is out and a growing number of well-heeled visitors from Asia, Europe and beyond are flocking to sample the best the island can offer.

So where can you find a more upmarket Balinese experience? Back in the 1980s, nearly all overseas visitors made a beeline for Kuta, with its hectic pace and nightclubbing lifestyle. But now Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua all offer world-class dining and shopping.

Kuta still has a few tricks up its sleeve to attract the big spenders. A restaurant with a French chef is always at an advantage and at Métis, Nicolas Tourneville makes sure that nothing is left to the imagination. Formerly known as Kafe Warisan, this fine-dining establishment was a Balinese institution for more than a decade, but Tourneville and co-founder Said Alem have taken it to a new level. The classic French Mediterranean cuisine remains, but Tourneville is adding Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. A recent visit by one food critic left him raving about new creations like king crab with seaweed ravioli in white-truffle beurre blanc.

Of course, a hamburger may not be most people’s idea of fine dining. As far as I know, not too many burger chains have Michelin stars. But at the Wah Wah Gourmet Burger Wine Bar, the burgers are practically a work of art. Located in the heart of Seminyak just across the street from The Legian Hotel, Wah Wah’s claims to be the birthplace of the ‘one and only zero-fat, black truffle infused Wagyu-tenderloin WW Baby Gourmet Burger’. That’s quite a mouthful in itself and the burger is designed to match. Don’t let its size fool you. This is one big-tasting burger, invented by Chef Wah, a 62-year-old, Shanghai-born extrovert. Once the highest-paid fashion designer in Hong Kong, Wah spent three decades working in London before arriving in Bali. If you get the chance to meet him, make sure you compliment the artwork on the walls: he painted most of them.

Burgers aren’t the only thing on the menu here. You can also get foie gras on toast, crab cakes, wild honey-glazed baby lamb rack, and the dangerously-titled Death by Chocolate, all washed down with such classics as martinis, wahtinis and margaritas.

And the good news is you don’t have to come here just for dinner. Wah Wah’s is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The restaurant can also provide a sit down dinner for private parties or functions of eight to 48 people. And how many burger bars do you know that also house an art gallery and souvenir shop?

If your idea of souvenirs is a little more refined than a straw hat and beaded necklace, Seminyak is also the place to shop for quality keepsakes. Here you’ll find exclusive designer boutiques, offering unique furniture, handicraft and contemporary artwork. For the fashion-conscious, there are chic ethnic designs in silk, chiffon or natural colours with divine beading and sequin work. The range is impressive, but check out Australian fashion designer Kerry Grima’s boutique on Jalan Raya Seminyak. Here you’ll find his creation of gowns, evening dresses and party dresses.

For something with a little ‘star power’, visit the shoe emporium of Niluh Djelantik on Jalan Raya Kerobokan. Cameron Diaz and top model Gisele Bundchen have bought some of her beautiful shoes, sandals, heels, wedges and flats.

Nusa Dua is home to one of the most comprehensive international shopping complexes in the region – The Bali Collection. This upmarket outdoor mall in the midst of the luxurious resort compound is a one-stop shopping delight. You’ll browse among a veritable pot pourri of the world’s trendiest brand names as well as local fashion labels, art and craft shops and jewellery stores.

Article courtesy of Vacations & Travel Magazine.