Celebrity Chef Heston Blumenthal mesmerized by Bali’s beauty and hospitality

The paradisical island of Bali never ceases to amaze those who have set foot on her enchanting shores: the English Michelin-starred celebrity Chef and Restaurateur, Heston Blumenthal is no exception.

The paradisical island of Bali never ceases to amaze those who have set foot on her enchanting shores: the English Michelin-starred celebrity Chef and Restaurateur, Heston Blumenthal is no exception. In his recent interview with telegraph.co.uk, owner of the distinguished Fat Duck Restaurant in UK shared his thoughts and experiences on what makes Bali so extra special.

The celebrity Chef explained that he and his loved one had spent two weeks relaxing on the island last year. “The level of hospitality is amazing and so friendly. I find the island completely calming and everybody has a smile on their face” said Heston describing the serene ambience of the island and friendliness of the Balinese.

Bali’s mesmerizing beaches definitely fascinated the celebrity chef. One particular beach resort, the Alila Villas Soori on the south-west coast became his favorite place to spend time. “The beach has black sand that sparkles in the sun like shimmering diamonds” he explained. There, Heston did Yoga or meditation and went to the spa where he said he had the most relaxing treatment in Bali where a therapist held a lantern over him that dripped hot oil on his forehead. The sensation of meditating as the waves crashed below was something that Heston found “cathartic”. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea on the island’s Bukit Peninsula on the south coast, Alila Villas Uluwatu is the best place to stay according to the Chef.

The owner of Fat Duck Restaurant also recommended anybody coming to the island to visit the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. First built in the 11th century, it was rebuilt to its present shape in the 16th century. The carvings here are made in the unusually dark grey hard coral stone. Here also lives a colony of monkeys who guard the temple. This is the best place to enjoy Bali’s spectacular sunset. Heston also pointed out other amazing spectacles among which are the thousands of bats that fly out of a caves just before sunset.

As a renowned Chef, Heston also recommended the Balinese suckling pig at the Clifftop Restaurant in Uluwatu for those who want to try the taste of Bali.

As to the perfect mementos one can bring home, Heston recommended Balinese furniture, although the shipping costs could make it an expensive purchase. On the other hand, some Balinese coffee and a chilli sambal, or other condiments, can also make great gifts.

A simple tip the chef gave was that when travelling to the island it is best to travel light.” Pack three less than you’d normally take because it’s such a relaxed atmosphere there. You basically live in shorts and T-shirts”.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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