Sunset bars in Bali
If you’re off to Bali for a well deserved lounge-around or to kick up your heels, what better way to soak up a majestic sunset than sipping a cocktail and listening to some Balearic beats? Spoilt for choice as we have been here for some years, we went in search of what’s new with a view.
Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran
Top on our list has to be Sundara, the Four Seasons’ new and exclusive sunset beach club and restaurant in Jimbaran. Situated on one of Bali’s most fabulous stretches of sand, Sundara, which means ‘beautiful’ in Sanskrit, won’t disappoint. You’ll be greeted by a welcoming concierge but please do remember to make a reservation ahead of time. The beach club is all out five star, with a really relaxed ambiance care of an international DJ spinning sunset classics. With an enviable view of peaceful Jimbaran Bay and the Indian Ocean, you really feel part of some secret select few, chosen to enjoy the finest sundowners in Bali.
Sundara
The cocktail list is delivered via iPad no less. Drafting in the finest mixologists via Barcelona, Sundara has a cocktail (and mocktail) list to die for, and they are not shy on the servings either! Using only the finest spirits, they may well have the best signature cocktails in Bali. We plumped for the Spicy Mai Tai with Myers White Platinum and rum, orgeat and spices and a Smoked Lemon Drop Martini (yes, it really does have a smoke droplet in it). If you’re with a group of friends, the pitchers of Sangria, Margarita and Long Island Ice Teas will go down as fast as the Bali sun! The prices are surprisingly reasonable. To compliment the cocktails aplenty, there is a well crafted al fresco menu with light bites such as oysters, sushi and original cocktail and tapas combinations like Wasabi Martini with tuna tartare.
Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Bali, 80364, p. +62 (0) 361 708333. Open daily 11am-1am, 1130am-3pm (lunch), 6-11pm (dinner).
Unique bar
Rimba Jimbaran
A little further down the strip is newly opened luxury hotel Rimba. Make the chic rooftop bar Unique your first stop: it is another superbly stylish hangout by the creators of award winning Rock Bar at sister hotel The Ayana Resort and Spa. Aptly named, Unique has 360 degree views from any location with stunning vistas over the Indian Ocean and tropical palms. Oversized daybeds and a 25-metre infinity pool make Unique a stylish pool club by day. After sunset it transforms into a hip hangout, with split level seating and enough room to host a happening party.
Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant
If you love authentic Cantonese food, you’re in luck as Rimba is also home to Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant. Head there for an Asian feast, with a mouthwatering live seafood selection. Just minutes away from Jimbaran’s famous fish markets, you’re guaranteed the freshest catch of the day. We were excited to see silky Winter Melon soup and Duck Breast in a signature sauce. Abalone is of course the star of the menu. We ordered a melody of amazing delights; bean curd with spicy salt, pan-friend Imperial Birds Nest with egg white, melt in your mouth braised duck with four treasures and baked pork rib Zhenjiang style. Oh of course, not forgetting the live Alaskan king crab, which was brought to our table for inspection, trying to claw its way out of the bag! We couldn’t resist and had ours prepared chilli Singapore style, which they carried off like pros.
Unique Bar at Rimban Jimbaran Bali and Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant, Karang Mas Estate, Jimbaran, Bali, 80364, p. +62 (0) 361 846 8468 / +62 (0) 361 846 8478. Unique Bar open daily 11am-midnight (weekdays), 11am-1am (weekends). Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant open daily 11am-3pm (lunch), 530-10pm (dinner).
Top image: Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran
