As Bali continues to top the ranks as the island of choice for many a jet-setting globetrotter, restaurateurs and bar managers are doing their best to satisfy demand for top-end experiences in exclusive beachfront settings.

 

It is no surprise that each year, we witness the emergence of a new batch of wannabe hangouts and – after a fair amount of sampling (life isn’t so hard!) – we’ve whittled down the options to highlight our favourite spots of the year, so far.

 

Read on to find out which establishments won our hearts on the island to visit of 2017.

 

Blanco Par Mandif

 

While most flock to Seminyak for its high-end dining, a gastronomic revolution is quickly taking hold in the cultural hotbed of Ubud.

 

Thanks to imaginative Papuan-chef Mandif Warokka (who also has a very successful Seminyak establishment), Blanco Par Mandif has introduced one of the most intimate dining destinations on the island. Seating just eight, expect a tasting menu of seven, nine or even thirteen courses – each an ode to the best of Balinese cuisine.

Guests are treated to a masterclass in cooking while sitting in front of the open-plan kitchen, the chef paying homage to more traditional Balinese dishes – with a distinctly modern flair.

 

Details: Open Mon-Sat from midday, lunch and dinner. Ubud. Booking essential.

 

Bikini

 

No stranger to the hospitality scene - with successful ventures in Sisterfields and BO$$ MAN - Adam McAsey completes the trifecta with Bikini; a chic restaurant that brings a modern take to world-cuisine.

 

Brash at times, industrial in parts, the restaurant melds the most progressive elements of contemporary design, and pairs with classic dishes of exquisite elegance – all served ‘sharing-style’. Whether tucking into the New Zealand Venison Tartare or a timeless Foie Gras, expect nothing but the best from an experienced troupe.

Welcoming guests with the message ‘U look hot in bikini’, you know you are in for fun-times from the moment you step foot in the door.

 

Details: Open 7-days from midday, lunch and dinner. No. 6, Seminyak.

 

Spice by Chris Salans

 

Hot off the heels of success-stories in Sanur and Ubud, it comes as no surprise that Chris Salans has brought his distinguished bar food to Seminyak. Hailing from the US, but firmly established in Bali, the chef aims for a more laidback vibe with eclectic fare that won’t break the bank - but will set taste-buds racing.

Placing a focus on the provenance of his ingredients, and balancing flavours across both the dishes and cocktails, there is a consistency to the offering that makes this a hard restaurant to pass by.

 

In no short order, this is the perfect setting for any catch-up among friends.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 11am, lunch and dinner. No.7, Seminyak.

 

Attarine

 

Any Bali stalwart will be more than aware of the Potato Head Beach Club - perhaps the most famous destination in Seminyak, if not the Indonesian continent. It is fair to say we are truly thankful to the team (who have an equally successful restaurant in Jakarta) for introducing Attarine into the lesser known district of Berawa.

 

Bali is well-developed, with precious few areas left for growth, so when a restaurant of such prominence elects for a neighbourhood of emerging interest - we take note.

With an array of small plates made up of locally-grown vegetables, as well as several meatier mains, Chef Jacob Burrell is certainly supporting the rise of this exciting new area.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 11am, lunch and dinner. Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara.

 

Da Maria

 

We have long come to recognise the popularity of Bali among winter-escaping Australians – chasing world-class waves in warmer surrounds as their own climate becomes a little more temperamental.

 

Yet, where some are seasonal visitors, others set up shop for the long term; meet one such arrival - Sydney chef Maurice Terzini.

Bringing a Mediterranean flair to sultrier shores, Da Maria combines the best of an Italian Trattoria with tropically-sourced ingredients. But, don’t just come for the food…

 

From 10pm, chef-whites are swapped for decks and DJ’s spin up classics, as the party continues long into the night.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 5pm, dinner, with brunch from 11am on Sunday. Petitenget.

 

KILN

 

Many mourned the final days of long-lived favourite Petitenget Café, yet with KILN picking up the mantel and driving the establishment firmly into more modern times, it won’t take long for the crowds to take the restaurant under their wings.

 

Mixing contemporary cocktails to the tune of progressive beats, served beside some of the most indulgent Mediterranean dishes plucked straight from the wood-fired oven, expect a loyal following of this resurgent Petitenget icon.

From oven-fresh bread to divine meat kebabs, Chef Morgan McGlone has a clear vision for his kitchen and is perfectly complimented by master mixologist Albie Barratt – this is a fitting replacement to a much-loved establishment.

 

Details: Open 7-days, 7am-11pm, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jalan Petitenget.

 

Sundays Beach Club

 

An exclusive setting on its own private stretch of sand – there is a common theme among many of the top Balinese hot-spots, and Sundays Beach Club has joined the throngs. With a 150m cliff as the backdrop, this Ungasan hangout has taken the reins since the relocation of Finns.

Retaining the laid-back vibes that its name suggests - in a spectacularly isolated setting - a day pass offers a variety of activities from water sports to drinks or food credit, with an option for starlit dinners followed by smores toasted over an open fire.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 9am. $5 kids (3-11 y/o {free if under 3}); $11 adults. Ungasan.

 

Akademi

 

As bars go, Akademi more than captures the imagination with its eclectic cocktail menu and playful presentation. With the option of mixing your own tipple under the watchful eye of an expert mixologist, there is a party-vibe to the venue that makes for a livelier gathering.

Blending the finest locally-sourced spirits with a variety of foraged herbs and spices – all served up in hand-crafted drinking vessels – unabridged creativity kick starts the party as clients discover their new favourite cocktail at the hands of their very own bartender.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 10am. Petitenget.

 

Alila Beach Bar

 

Blissfully returning to a bygone era, the simple terrace of Beach Bar nestles into the dunes of Alila Seminyak to create the most spellbinding of natural environments. Within sight of Petitenget’s most dramatic surf-spots, there is an aura to the surrounds that other establishments simply cannot capture.

 

Boasting a menu of nineteen different cocktails that take inspiration from the classics, before being given a modern twist, the bar is as ideal for a day-time drink as it is a sundown special.

Set to the tune of crashing waves, let days slip by in this esoteric spot.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 11am. Petitenget.

 

Double-Six Rooftop

 

Few bars boast the altitude of Double-Six - comfortably the best vantage point in Seminyak on the fifth floor of the hotel of the same name. Set across an expanse of over 1,700 square-metres, these are ample surrounds in which to breath in the majesty of the location, as much as drink in the beauty of the cocktails.

 

The capacious terrace enshrines a mesmeric fire pit that dances to the sun sets – the perfect accompaniment to the evening spectacle for which this spot is renowned.

Partnering imaginative cocktails such as a vodka, vanilla and sparkling wine mix, with a Balinese-inspired tapas menu, many ascend in the early evening for a pre-dinner tipple.

 

Details: Open 7-days from 3pm, light dinner and cocktails. Seminyak.

 

*          *          *

There is no hint of let up to the trendy development of this paradisiacal island.

 

With a creative population and idyllic seascapes, we can’t help but be excited at the host of new discoveries that constantly present themselves.

 

Establishing a base by renting one of the luxury accommodations offered through the likes of Asia Villas, before venturing out on a voyage of exploration, few vacations match the indulgent splendour of time spent on Bali.

 

If you’re yet to experience the majesty of the isle, delay no further and book the villa rental and vacation of a lifetime, today.