June is the perfect month to feel the sand between your toes and the fresh tropical air. Picture yourself strolling along a beach, relaxing on silky soft sands, with the gulf of neighbouring islands glistening in the distance while the gentle touch of the ocean breezes flutter through the palm trees nearby. And keeping the beach vibe going by dining out at an upscale restaurant featuring stunning water vistas along with a mouth-watering meal.
They say that sea air really works up an appetite. For sure, there’s no science to support that statement, however, if the number of restaurants dotting the southern coastline of Bali is any indication, this seems like a valid conjecture. Plus, a backdrop of the ocean is definitely a treat that will tantalise your taste buds.
Feeling hungry while helping your kids build sandcastles can be a drag. Thanks to the dining spots next to the beach, you don’t have to give up the coast life. Whatever your dining style, kick-back casual or dress-up elegant, there are plenty of places on this island to grab a bite in sight of the shore.
In Ungasan, Karma Beach Bali is a pioneering beach club in Bali. Situated on a limestone peninsula known as the Bukit, this is a laid-back lounging spot on the private beach with a five-star hippie vibe. The fact that this beach club can only be reached by a hill elevator that descends 85 metres down a cliff face makes the place rather exclusive.
Perfect with either friends, families with kids or couples, all can enjoy the nuances of a secluded Karma Beach while relaxing in the whimsical, cosy surroundings. To keep the guests from the heat, the club also houses a dedicated kitchen under a classic thatched roof and a bamboo platform. Those beachgoers looking for something fancy can opt to dine at Di Mare Restaurant, which is located on the edge of a rocky crag high above the surf of the Indian Ocean.
Driving 30 minutes down to Jimbaran, you can spend your day by the sea viewing the exotic curve of Jimbaran Bay coastline at Sundara. Meaning ‘beautiful’ in Sanskrit, this is most exclusive dining destination in the area. There are several sections of Sundara you can choose from.
You can enjoy the sun on daybeds or poolside cabanas by the infinity pool, get a few sips of Sundara’s crave-worthy cocktails at the bar at ground level, find the more private lounge-style area inside the building with an intimate vibe, or go full fancy dining on the second floor.
Whichever spot you finally end up in, the entire place guarantees a relaxed seaside vibe. After the sun has taken its leave for the day, the fire pits on the beach are lit and transforming the place to be more elegant and sensual. You can then move on to a fancy dinner, highlighting Asian mixed with classic Middle Eastern dishes, Spanish and Australian flavours. Those who arrive late can join the Late-Night Bar promotion every Friday and Saturday.
Inside the ITDC area in Nusa Dua, cooled by a soft ocean breeze along the prettiest white sand of Mengiat Beach, Ayodya Beach Club & Grill is the newest outlet of Ayodya Resort Bali. The contemporary décor of the club showcases authentic colourful wooden furniture and relaxing bar space, facing directly to the ocean and pool. Beanbags and cushions are available to maximise the ambience of an open-air, breezy concept of the place.
Browsing the menu, the beach club bears a classic vibe of the magical island by serving a variety of grilled items as well as a good selection of steaks and plates of seafood that will satisfy the palate of all ages. You can also enjoy a variety of menu items at Ayodya Food Beach Market, which includes choices of sandwiches, briskets, tapas, grilled pork ribs, pizzas and many more. For the nightcrawler, a DJ is spinning on Sundays until 11 PM, making for a fun evening under the cool glow of the rising moon.
In Seminyak, the rooftop venue Sunset on Seminyak is extending the restaurant area located at the lobby level, providing larger space around the pool and offering a better beachfront experience. Lounge on beanbags and witness the stunning sunset with the sand between your toes. Optionally, stay indoor in the cool dining room overlooking the pool and Seminyak Beach.
Either way, you can discover a number of experiences in this casual chic venue. Everyday between 3 to 6 PM, you can enjoy three types of savoury bites and three different sweet treats, highlighting Indonesian and International favourite snacks. For those who are keen to see the chefs working on their mouth-watering creations, by all means, come to the open-kitchen concept of S.O.S Dining at 12 PM every day.
Driving westside to the famous surf spot at Berawa Beach, Finns Beach Club invites you to laze the whole afternoon away under the sun on a white sand beach or in an infinity pool with cocktails on hand from the swim-up pool bar, allowing anyone to have a guaranteed ocean view from any spot of the venue. If you want to capture the best surfing moment in action, go to the second level which provides a sunset lounge with a cinemascope ocean view.
For those who fancy a bit of sushi, the beach club has just announced their new Sushi Bar. The menu is comprehensive without being overwhelming. Unlike many sushi restaurants on the island, Finns Sushi Bar doesn’t have pages of options to pour over, but a succinct selection of flavoursome and fresh food done well. Take some shots of the dish before you sample as a reminder of just how good these dishes are! If you would prefer to soak up the sun at the same time, simply grab a daybed and kick-back with one of their Bento Boxes.
GO THERE!
Karma Beach Bali
Karma Kandara Resort, Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan, Bali
Call +62 361 8482200 or visit www.karmagroup.com
Sundara
Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, Bali
Call +62 361 708333 or visit www.sundarabali.com
Ayodya Beach Club & Grill
Ayodya Resort Bali, Jalan Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua, Bali
Call +62 361 771102 or visit www.ayodyaresortbali.com
Sunset on Seminyak
Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort, Jalan Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, Bali
Call +62 361 737773 or visit bali.anantara.com
Finns Beach Club
Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali
Call +62 361 8446327 or visit www.finnsbeachclub.com