Fresh catch

Gary Allen visits a local fish market and cooks with the professionals at a luxury Jimbaran Bay resort.

At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, a new restaurant is next to the hotel’s infinity pool on the beachfront, serving Indonesian and global food. It has a great vibe and has embraced modern technology which lends a contemporary edge. At the bar, they gave me an iPad menu from which to select my food and drinks. We sat upstairs where we enjoyed beautiful food and a great view; guests can choose from either the indoor or outdoor seating. A huge, fresh seafood platter from local waters was presented with fresh grilled fish and there’s also sushi.

The cooking class was a highlight for me of my stay at Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay – the only hotel on the island to offer a stand-alone cooking school. Lasting four hours, the class began in the morning when I took a trip to the local fish market with the hotel chefs. We went on to make a five-course meal incorporating traditional menus representing Bali, Java, Nusa, Neggara, Sulawesi and Sumatra. After cooking these dishes, I sat to devour them for my lunch. The chef took us to the hotel herb garden to explain the herbal flavours in each dish. People come from all over the island to take part in this class at Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

The spa offers a wonderful couples’ treatment called Karmic Cleansing. Based on traditional, ancient therapies, this treatment aims to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Running for two-and-a-half hours, it starts with a one-hour body massage in an open (but private) bungalow next to the ocean and includes sound healing with gongs and Tibetan singing bowls. A 45-minute private yoga session follows with breathing and meditation and then the most unique element – a blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest. This is all followed by a light lunch in the open bungalow – it’s totally refreshing.