So you’re going to be in Bali for Christmas? Whether you’d like to spend it surfing the land of the lefts in between sipping on margaritas in the sunshine or feasting on all you can eat and drink buffets, we have the best Bali Christmas spots for you and the crew. Stay local in Seminyak or get out of town. Wherever you choose, it’s going to one helluva festive season in Bali! Rain (torrential), hail or shine.
Written by Laura Buck
SUMPTUOUS SEMINYAK IDEAS
LACALACA CANTINA MEXICANA
@lacalacabali | www.lacalacabali.com
Feliz Navidad! Head to our favourite Mexican spot this Christmex Eve for some tequila with jalapeño spice and all things tasty. Putu Carlos and the gang are prepping a five course oh so slowly cooked roast dinner and drink specials. The celebration continues Christmas Night with Thank God it’s Christmex from 5pm with two for one classic margaritas and beats by resident DJ to get you feeling nice and jolly. If you like a little fire in your festivities, fiestas at Laca go loco. Set menus from IDR 350K ++.
CORNER HOUSE
@cornerhousebali | http://www.cornerhousebali.com/
Corner House has one of the most beautiful fit outs on the island with an industrial meets Frenchy chic feel that you could stare at for hours and a menu to match. You are invited to attend their annual Christmas Eve Dinner party with bubbles on arrival and three courses of heaven from 7pm. Dinner including Chandon IDR 500k.
PEPPERS SENTOSA
@peppersseminyak | www.peppersseminyak.com
The Laneway at Peppers Seminyak kicks off Christmas Eve featuring classic sips and everyone’s favourite holiday dishes. On Christmas Day, festivities continue with a lavish brunch served by the pool, live music and a magician to add a little more magic to Christmas in paradise. We heard Santa might be coming to tan poolside too. Set menus start from IDR 550K ++.
SAIGON STREET
@saigonstreetbali | www.saigonstreetbali.com
Saigon is Christmas to a T minus the 99% humidity and turkey. Cool down and be merry with frozen coconut daiquiris and a tweaked out modern Vietnamese menu to be savoured and shared. It’s the perfect spot to keep eating post lunch time feasting when you think you’re too full but could probably fit in a Pho, some spring rolls and a prawn filled rice paper roll or ten.
W BALI
@wbaliseminyak | www.wretreatbali.com
Happiness is an endless buffet, an all you can ‘Drink Me’ package followed by an afternoon by the pool at the renowned W Retreat Bali. Choose from the Night Brunch Fire menu that is a traditional Christmas menu with a twist, where east meets the Wild West. Or sit back, relax and dine on Starfish Bloo Chef Matthew McCool’s heavenly degustation menu. Both Night Brunch and Dinner Set Menu IDR 880K ++ and drink packages start from IDR 550++.
KU DE TA
@kudetabali | www.kudeta.net
Lounge all day by the ocean and enjoy the live and breezy vibes of Louie Austen and DJ Set by Downtown Party Network. Sip on your fave KU DE TA cocktail and dig into their classic Christmas 4-course set menu with the fam for dayze. Set menu for adults IDR 950k and Kids IDR 400k.
LA LUCCIOLA
#lalucciolabali | inquiries@lalucciolabali.com
Envision platters of Seafood Antipastos, Roasted Balinese Duck Breast, Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey with Fig Stuffing and Baked Ruby Plum Pudding. You can taste this at the happening beachside pioneer affectionately known as La Looch. These are only a few of the tantalising treats you will find on the set menu but be sure to get in early it always books out. We wouldn’t expect anything less from a restaurant that offers such beautiful oceanfront views, picture perfect palms and that can only be accessed via a carpark and moat bridge. Adults IDR 1,050,000++ and children under 12 IDR 450,000++.
J E M M E
@jemmebali | www.jemmebali.com
If there is anyone in Bali who knows how to roast with all the trimmings, it’s Jemme. Head their way from the 24th – 26th December for 12pm, 4pm and 8pm sittings. Tuck into egg-nog or mulled wine on arrival, a three course menu including Roast Turkey and tasty little home-made mince pies. Santa will be visiting here too and the carollers will assist in singing you in and out of food comas. Set Menu IDR 595K ++ and IDR 295K++ for children under 12 years old.
MERAH PUTIH
@merahputihbali | www.merahputihbali.com
Fuse the tradition of Christmas with the taste of Indonesia. Surprise your senses, step away from a traditional Christmas palette and embrace a different kind of cuisine. Merah Putih’s dining space is surrounded by sky high palms underneath an impressive translucent roof perfect for star gazing. Select from their traditional or modern menu. Highlights include the traditional ‘Jangkang’ soft shell crab, salted egg, leek sambal or the modern take on the Sulawesi Coral Trout Curry.
BARBACOA
@barbacoabali | www.barbacoa.com
The Latin American BBQ Kings of Pettitinget do Christmas Day with a mouth-watering four course set menu including a glass of Domain Chandon Sparkling Wine to warm the cheeks. Be sure to leave room for a liquid dessert and one of the best Espresso Martinis on the island. Set menu including glass of sparkling wine IDR 650,000 ++ per person.
JAMIE'S ITALIAN
@jamiesitalian | www.jamiesitalian.co.id
Located just a stone's throw away from the famed Kuta Beach, Jamie’s Italian sits in the heart of Bali's prime entertainment and shopping district. A stunning addition to the group, its rustic design echoes Bali’s history and features beautiful works from local artists. From the sunny street-facing terrace to the large bar packed with gorgeous Italian spirits and bustling open kitchen upstairs, you cannot help but get caught up in the excitement of this buzzing beachside resort. Great for family lunches, a quick post-surf pizza, an ice-cold beer in the afternoon or a late romantic dinner, Jamie's Italian Kuta Beach has something for everyone.
LET'S GET OUTTA TOWN
Take the rice fields west to see the serial chillers of Canggu, the scenic route south to the beautiful beaches of Jimbaran or trek up into the lush jungles of Ubud this Christmas.
LACALITA BAR Y COCINA
@lacalitabali | www.lacalitabali.com
Sister friend to Lacalaca Cantina Mexicana and fellow tequila advocate is bringing sexy-Mexi back. Stuff your stockings with two for one classic margaritas and fresh El Draque mojitos at their weekday happy hour doubled from 5-7pm. Lacalita will be open right through the festive season to support your celebratory hangovers with a copious amount of Bloody Marys, their new breaky menu and trusty tacos to soak up the eggnog.
PRETTY POISON
@prettypoison___ | #prettypoison
The shortcut road to Canggu is paved with laid back skate lords who are too busy grinding to worry about roasting turkeys. Their rad pad has parties lined up on 26 and 31 December including a psychedelic 70s NYE with lives bands and DJ. If you wake up feeling hungover and everything seems to be closed or beyond the Canggu vortex never fear, their new Café and sister Crate are both open 8am daily including Christmas morning.
PELOTON SUPERSHOP
@pelotonsupershop | www.pelotonsupershop.com
It’s their first Christmas in the hood! The tasty vegan delights have a huge menu for all the earthlings this festive season who wish to #treadlightly. Be adventurous with your coffee and try their house made milks including coconut or cashew. Our picks include the Lance Lasagna and the Tandem Toast with breaky bruschetta and smashed pumpkin, pesto, watercress and dukkah. The team also have a retail space selling bicycles, threads and Salt Store skincare products. Chow down and shop for Christmas all at once.
FOUR SEASONS
@fsbali | www.fourseasons.com/bali
Surfing with Santa! Because Bali Santa is gnarly. Head down at 9am to the beach, grab a wave and photo with the big jolly man himself on December 21 to kick off the Four Seasons Festive Program. The Jimbaran Bay waves are perfect for beginners and long boarders. Stay and play for the day and join the resort management for cocktails and festive treats as they illuminate their Christmas tree and spread that holiday joy with carols. Check out the resorts festive offerings of salt-air, ocean views, Christmas flavour buffets and set menus from IDR 220,000 ++.
BRIDGES
@bridgesbali | www.bridgesbali.com
Head into a beautiful village of Ubud for a casual Christmas and fine dining experience. Forget about the big city life and get back to nature. Bridges Bali has it all from jungle views to a three course Christmas menu and paired wines both local and premium. With Rum-infused chocolate fondant, Christmas Meringues or Poached Pears we are not sure how you will choose your dessert. Head up earlier in the week to catch the Bali Community Choir, a group of both locals and expats performing 20 December from 6:30pm. Three course menu IDR 450K ++ and paired wine packages from IDR 280K++.