Billy Bagus
Dec 23, 2025
What’s New Bali recently had the opportunity to attend Conrad Bali’s exclusive media preview dinner for its upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season. Held on 6 December 2025, the evening introduced a five course set menu specially curated as a preview of the resort’s Christmas Eve and New Year celebrations across two of its dining venues. Designed as an immersive dining performance rather than a conventional tasting, the experience unfolded at Spice, Conrad Bali’s grand function hall typically reserved for weddings, corporate gatherings, and large scale events.
The evening introduced a five course set menu specially curated as a preview of the resort’s Christmas Eve and New Year celebrations
A Festive Welcome at Spice Terrace
The evening began as invited local media gathered at Spice Terrace for a welcome cocktail session. Against a backdrop of white and silvery décor inspired by the Tropical Winter Wonderland theme, we mingled under soft festive lighting while Christmas melodies played in the background. The setting immediately set a celebratory yet elegant tone, blending the warmth of the holiday season with Conrad Bali’s refined tropical identity.
Opening Remarks and Culinary Introduction
As guests were invited into the Spice function hall, the event officially commenced with a welcome speech by Marco Neukom, the newly appointed General Manager of Conrad Bali and Hilton Garden Inn Nusa Dua. Following the introduction, Executive Chef, I Made Semawan, took the stage to present himself and set the scene for the evening. He explained that the five course menu was thoughtfully designed as a fusion of Christmas Eve and New Year offerings, with each dish paired to a classic Christmas carol, transforming dinner into a sensory storytelling experience.
First Course: A Bright Festive Opening
The first course arrived with a sense of ceremony. As Chef I Made Semawan explained the ingredients and inspiration behind the dish, a violinist appeared, cueing the start of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Servers followed in a graceful line, presenting the seared Balinese Tuna Loin to each guest. Drizzled with a balsamic ginger glaze and complemented by mango chutney, watermelon rind salsa, and kaffir lime gel, the dish was vibrant, refreshing, and perfectly aligned with the bright and joyful mood of the opening carol.
Second Course: A Gentle Transition into Comfort
For the second course, the atmosphere softened as Let It Snow filled the room. The violinist once again led the moment, followed by servers presenting the Fish Nage. The dish featured snapper agnolotti gently poached in a seafood broth, paired with braised leek and finished with crispy snapper skin. Delicate yet comforting, the course brought warmth and elegance, reflecting both the season and the finesse of Conrad Bali’s culinary approach.
Third Course: A Refreshing Interlude
Before the main course, guests were treated to a Cranberry and Champagne Sorbet, introduced alongside the playful tune of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Light, uplifting, and refreshing, the sorbet was finished tableside as champagne was poured gently over it, enhancing both aroma and texture. The moment acted as a palate cleanser while subtly building anticipation for the courses to come, with the cheerful melody adding a sense of lightness and fun that kept the festive spirit alive.
Fourth Course: The Heart of the Celebration
The main course marked the most dramatic moment of the evening, accompanied by Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Guests enjoyed a choice between two dishes based on their pre-selected preferences. The Turkey Roulade showcased a stuffed turkey roll with foie gras, chestnut, and sage, served with glazed vegetables, truffle mashed potatoes, and a rich port wine sauce. Alternatively, the Roasted Australian Lamb Rack featured a black olive crust, baked baby potatoes, glazed root vegetables, and a blueberry and syrah sauce. As the music swelled, the synchronized service and storytelling elevated the main course into a true festive highlight.
Fifth Course: A Live Dessert Finale
Dessert concluded the dining experience with a distinctive interactive moment. Chef I Made Semawan returned to the front of the room carrying a dessert rack, demonstrating live how the Raspberry Hot Chocolate dessert was assembled. One completed dessert was presented directly to a nearby guest before the rest were served. Featuring Jungle Gold 65 percent dark chocolate, raspberry curd, pistachio crumble, orange meringue, Speculoos macaron, and vanilla gelato, the dessert was paired with the lively tune of Feliz Navidad, bringing energy and joy to the room.
A Joyful Closing Under the Stars
The violinist then led everyone out to the terrace, playing We Wish You a Merry Christmas as guests transitioned into the closing celebration. The night ended with relaxed mingling at the terrace bar, festive cocktails in hand, as guests danced lightly to live music under the tropical night sky.
A Preview That Redefined Festive Dining
Conrad Bali’s Tropical Winter Wonderland media preview dinner offered a clear glimpse into the resort’s festive dining direction for the year end celebrations. The five course menu presented during the evening will be available to guests as part of Conrad Bali’s Christmas Eve dining on 24 December 2025, with elements of the menu also featured in the resort’s New Year celebrations on 31 December 2025 across selected dining venues. With its immersive storytelling, live music, and thoughtfully curated dishes, the concept promises a memorable festive experience for those looking to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Bali through a refined yet playful tropical lens. For more information on this tantalizing festive offerings, you can explore the full festive booklet here.
Jl. Pratama No.168, Tanjung, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Phone: +62 361 778 788
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