What’s New Bali had the rare opportunity to indulge in an enticing culinary journey at Conrad Bali. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a full moon, this special dining experience, as part of the resort’s Signature Sensory Odyssey program, perfectly showcased the island's natural beauty and rich cultural charm, making it an unforgettable evening of culinary delight. Join us as we explore this extraordinary experience firsthand.
Scenic Dinner Bliss: A Memorable Full Moon Feast and Cultural Experience at Conrad Bali
Immersive Cultural Experience
Our evening began under the open sky at Conrad Bali's lush garden, where the serene atmosphere set the perfect tone for an authentic Balinese cultural experience. With the sounds of the nearby ocean and a soft breeze from the trees, we gathered to partake in Canang Sari making. Guided by a local host dressed in a traditional kebaya, each of us was given the opportunity to create our own offering. The intricate process, using colorful flowers and leaves, was both calming and meaningful as we crafted our Canang with care and reverence.
Following this, we were led to Pura Sari Sedana, Conrad Bali’s designated temple, for a private prayer session. The peaceful ambiance of the temple, surrounded by nature, added a spiritual depth to the evening. As the full moon began to rise, casting its glow over the temple and nearby beach, we felt a deep connection to Bali’s rich spiritual traditions.
'Purnama' Dining Bliss
The highlight of the night was the Full Moon Dinner at Eight Degrees South Restaurant, located just steps away from the beach. The Full Moon Celebration (known as ‘Purnama’ in Balinese), held once every 28 days. We were greeted with a refreshing Balinese Spice mocktail, a mix of cengkeh, cinnamon, fresh ginger, and Sprite, which set the stage for the culinary journey ahead.
Our three-course meal began with Tuna ‘Sambal Sere’, a fresh slab of tuna caught during Purnama, accompanied by "Plaga" baby greens and a shallot kaffir lime dressing. This starter was vibrant, with the tuna's flavors beautifully enhanced by the citrusy dressing. It was a magnificent start to the evening.
Next came the Kakap Lemon Bearnaise, a delightful dish of pan-seared red snapper served with sautéed Bedugul root vegetables, citrus bearnaise, and lime basil oil. The combination of seafood with fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and yams, all subtly glazed with Balinese bumbu genep, was a perfect harmony of flavors.
The grand finale was the Purnama Sweets, a dessert that captured the essence of Bali's tropical offerings. We enjoyed a Bedugul strawberry moelleux with a black sticky rice micro sponge, mango mint salsa, Muntigunung cashew nut crumble, and passion fruit sorbet. The sweet and sour flavors, combined with the rich textures, brought the meal to a picturesque close.
As we dined, the full moon shone brightly across the ocean’s horizon, casting its reflection on the calm waters below. The uninterrupted view from the restaurant was nothing short of breathtaking, creating an enchanting, surreal vista that perfectly complemented the evening’s festivities.
Cleansing Ceremony
After the dinner, we moved to the beach for a meditation session led by two Balinese Jro Mangku Priests, absorbing the energy of the full moon. This was followed by a Melukat ceremony, a traditional Balinese ritual to cleanse away negative vibes. As part of the ceremony, we wrote down our negative thoughts on paper, which were then purged in a bonfire, symbolizing a fresh start. During the ceremony, we also learned about the four types of waters used in Melukat and the significance of Purnama in Balinese belief. As the evening came to a close, each of us was given a Tridatu bracelet, a traditional symbol of protection, as a memento of this magical night.
The Signature Sensory Odyssey Full Moon Dinner at Eight Degrees South Restaurant of Conrad Bali offered a perfect blend of cultural immersion, culinary delight, and spiritual renewal. With the full moon illuminating the ocean, the entire experience felt like a timeless celebration of Bali’s natural beauty and traditions. This evening was truly unforgettable, a must-try for anyone seeking to experience the island’s unique charm.
Conrad Bali
Jl. Pratama No.168, Tanjung, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Phone: +62 361 778 788
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