If we were running away from the world, you’d probably find us at W Retreat & Spa Bali. It is one of our all-time favourites in the Island of Gods, and there is no reason to not swing by for a resort getaway.

Well, if we really need to dig out one to justify our recent trip back to the property, it is because Starfish Bloo – a gorgeous restaurant and seaside beach club that serves Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting – has a new chef leading the team. That only means more yums for the tums, right?

Having worked in Beijing for two years, Chef Matthew McCool is no stranger to Asian food. That aside, he has an admirable resume working under world-renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay at his three-star Michelin restaurant in London, Tom Aikens and two-star Michelin restaurant Chez Bruce, and Altitude Restaurant at Sydney’s Shangri-La Hotel which earned three hats from the prestigious Gault&Millau Australia and won Restaurant of the Year at the Tourism Accommodation Awards in 2014.

Whoa, that was quite a mouthful. But hey, Starfish Bloo deserves that attention! They are all about communal dining; the menu features a selection of modern Asian dishes done in a refined manner – dishes that you will find in top restaurants around the world.

The recommendation is to get 5 dishes for 2 people to share. Suffice it to say, it is best to dine here with a big group of friends so that you can try many dishes from the menu. Gluttons are exception.

There are too many dishes to love, but we will list our favourites to share. You have to start your meal with the Crab Taco’s (RP140,000) – BEST SNACK EVER. Plump crab chunks stuffed in crispy tacos with avocado, soy salsa and homemade chilli sauce. Need more guacamole? Sure, just squeeze it from the super cute tube like you are squeezing toothpaste.

Under the ‘Bao Buns’ category (RP135,000 each), spoil yourself silly with options such as Crispy Peking Duck Bun, Korean Fried Chicken Bun, Crispy Black Cod Bun and Pork Katsu Bun.

The Hawker section offers the best of South East Asia, and with a strong Thai influence. Think Green Curry of Wagyu Beef (RP185,000), Jimabaran Prawn Curry (RP180,000) cooked in a Thai red curry, Beef Short Ribs (RP185,000) and River Prawn And Ginger Yakitori (RP165,000) with kickass Indonesian sambal paste.

Go for the Grilled Black Cod (RP190,000) that is accompanied with corn, rice puffs and a subtle hint of green Thai curry; that is our absolute favourite for the myriad of flavours all in one seemingly simple fish dish.

Starfish Bloo sits at a corner of W Retreat & Spa Bali, and it has an incredible sea view to boast. We love the outdoor seats that come with a panoramic view of the Seminyak beach and the resort’s pool. Dining while watching the waves dance in the ocean is such a pleasure, and one that we’d do all over again.

And you there, Chef Matthew. Your brilliant culinary skills got us hooked. You will see us back at Starfish Bloo soon.

Starfish Bloo
W Retreats & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
Daily: 7am – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

It has often been said that one must stay at W Retreat & Spa when in Bali. We had the immense pleasure of staying there during our recent trip and we wholeheartedly agree. W Bali has that “X-factor” that cannot be replicated and this is why everyone goes to W Hotel when they are in Seminyak.

When I choose a hotel, one of the critical factors is the presence of good F&B establishments. At W Retreat & Spa, the restaurants and bars in the property are effortlessly chic and complete the true W experience.

Starfish Bloo is a gorgeous restaurant and seaside beach club, which delivers Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting. Highlights include Asian signatures with a twist such as the Roast Pork Belly Steamed Buns and Crispy Fried Salt and Pepper Lobster, and Western main courses infused with Asian flavours like Penang Curry of Slow Braised Wagyu Beef and Grilled Baby Chicken Balinese style.

There is also Fire, a stunning casual grill restaurant that is known for its carnivorous menu, and the star is undoubtedly the steaks from the wood-fired grill. We sampled a number of dishes prepared by Director of Cuisine, Richard Miller, including his foie gras chawanmushi and 48 Hour Beef Oyster Blade Steak.

WooBar, widely accepted as Bali’s premier party spot, is where the cool crowd hangs out and parties like that is no tomorrow. Ice and W Lounge are also equally popular for a well-made cocktail and some light bites.

Also, no one leaves W without a pampering session at their iconic and world-famous AWAY Spa. There is a reason why it has continuously been awarded with so many best spa awards. While there are no doubt cheaper options on the island, AWAY Spa is one of the best and definitely worth the splurge.

Of course, W Retreat & Spa is not just about restaurants and bars. What sets them apart is the culture of the workplace and the attitude of the talents. Service is not only attentive and intuitive, but it is also sincere and genuine. All the talents are very fluent and speak good English, and they take pride in everything they do.

The impression that we received is that the talents truly believe in the W brand, and they are there not just to work, but also to deliver the W experience to the guests. As we all know, wages in a country like Indonesia are not exactly the highest. Yet, at W Retreat & Spa, the talents are very motivated in delivering the best customer service and experience.

We found out that W practises a “Hire for attitude and train for skill” mantra. It values each talent’s unique abilities and empowers them to make independent decisions to solve customer issues. As every talent knows his/her work very well, not only can they ensure that everything goes smoothly, but they can also give a hand in any unforeseen situations.

One particular experience that left a huge impression on us was that when we went to the ocean-facing “sofa-tents”, the pool attendant offered to lay a huge towel on the seat for us, but we refused because we did not want to trouble him. However, he told us that it is for our safety in case there were any insects or sand particles on the seat, and that by having the towel, it would make his job easier and smarter as cleaning up after we leave would be more efficient for him.

Everything that we have experienced in the resort sets new benchmarks for us. Once you have stayed at W, your perception of luxury hotel will never be the same again.

W, you are indeed the talk of the town.

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4738106
Note: This was an invited media stay.

This post is in conjunction with ladyironchef x the union.

From its sunny shores and beautiful beaches to stunning ocean-view resorts and excellent restaurants, it is understandable why Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the region, and people keep returning to this island that is getting better and better with new swanky hotels and cool and stylish restaurants.

If you are planning to head to Bali in the near future, we have sussed out four fabulous hotels and resorts for a romantic retreat in Bali.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

The luxurious and spacious oceanfront villas at Four Seasons in Jimbaran Bay is the destination if you are looking for a little privacy, and to escape away from the world.

Tucked at the end of Jimbaran Bay, this is one of Bali’s most idyllic and exclusive hideaway resorts. Each villa comes with a private plunge pool and has an amazing view of the ocean. It is the kind of place that leaves you feeling fulfilled even without doing anything. But if you are the sort who cannot bum around for long, there are plenty of daily activities lined up by the resort. From joining morning yoga classes to partaking in a Balinese-style cooking class organised by the hotel’s chefs, and enjoying a selection of spa treatments in an open-air bale at the edge of the ocean – you need not worry about being bored at Four Seasons Resort Bali.

Not to mention that the coolest beachfront restaurant in Jimbaran can be found at Sundara, which combines exquisite cuisine with a relaxed beach-club vibe. It offers an unobstructed view of the sunset while enjoying their signature passionfruit mojito.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran Hotel

Jimbaran Bay is synonymous with the most delicious and freshest seafood, and if you are planning to head there for a seafood feast, stay at Le Meridien Bali Hotel, which is located right across the stretch of popular seafood restaurants by the beach.

It is a contemporary and artsy hotel that encourages guests to be creative and discover new inspirations. Some of the features of the six-month old hotel include the saltwater lagoon pool, sunset cocktail at Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar, Pan-Asian cuisine with a Balinese twist at Bamboo Chic, and a stunning rooftop pavilion which is a great venue for special events like birthday parties and wedding solemnisations.

Le Meridien Hotel is also notably kids-friendly. Parents can also drop their kids off at J Kids Club, where the well-trained and friendly staff will supervise and play with the kids while the adults get some alone time with each other.  Another good thing about staying at the hotel is its proximity to the airport. On a good traffic day, it takes only 10 minutes from the hotel to the airport.

Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran
Jalan Bukit Permai
Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 8466888

http://lemeridienbalijimbaran.com/

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The Stones Hotel in Legian is the first Autograph Collection hotel in Asia to be managed by Marriott. It sits on the strip of Legian, which is a stone’s throw away from Kuta, and also a short drive to Seminyak.

In the day, The Stones is a beach resort where you can hang out and frolic under the sun with some ice cold beer. It is so easy to just spend a day at the beautiful blue-tiled lagoon pool, or laze by the hammocks and be lost in your favorite book. At night, the hotel transforms into a sexy party scene, with dim and romantic lighting and chic lounge music.

The Stones Hotel combines a super convenient location, modern design with a sexy vibe, and good F&B establishments to provide a complete experience. It is the perfect place for travellers to retreat after surfing at the beach, or after a night of partying.

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection
Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta
Banjar Legian Kelod, Indonesia
Tel: + 62 361 300 5888

W Retreat & Spa Bali

W Hotel is the IT place to stay in Bali. It has that “X-factor” that cannot be replicated and this is why everyone — from well-heeled travellers, to love-struck couples seeking a romantic spa retreat, and families on their annual vacation — goes to W Hotel when they are in Seminyak.

The restaurants and bars in the property are effortlessly chic and attribute to the whole W experience. Party-goers head to Woo Bar, undisputedly one of the hippest bars in Bali. Starfish Bloo – the hotel’s signature restaurant and seaside beach club – serves Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting. Fire is a casual grill restaurant that boasts a stunning interior, and contrary to its name, it makes you feel cool just by dining there. And of course, it is a must to go for a spa session at W’s iconic and world-famous AWAY spa.

The irresistible charm and the impeccable service of W Retreat & Spa Bali make it all too difficult to get out of the resort. Once you are there, you will never want to leave.

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4738106