Le Méridien Jimbaran Bali’s “First Night”

A SEA OF LUXURY AT LE MÉRIDIEN JIMBARAN BALI’S “FIRST NIGHT”

IN A DRAMATIC DISPLAY OF FOOD, FASHION AND LIVE PERFORMANCES, LE MÉRIDIEN BALI JIMBARAN HELD A SPECTACULAR “FIRST NIGHT” PARTY IN MAY, TO MARK THE OPENING CEREMONY  OF THE CHIC BEACHFRONT RESORT.

As the latest property of the Paris-born brand, celebrations were thrown in true Le Méridien style, with over 360 art enthusiasts and creative minds travelling to the southwest coastline of the island to unlock this intriguing new destination. The evening began in the swanky Le Méridien Hub, adorned with contemporary high impact installations, artwork and iconic elements of Indonesian culture. We were welcomed by the shimmering sounds of traditional Gamelan and the mesmerising movements of Balinese dancers. As you overlook the resort’s breath-taking saltwater lagoons, the Le Méridien Hub is the perfect gathering spot for creative minds and socialites alike.

Surrounded by serene and refreshing water features, the hotel’s 118 guest rooms, suites and penthouses feature modern batik motifs and striking liquid art imagery by German artist Markus Reugels. Ground floor guest rooms open directly onto the uniquely designed 1,300- square-metre organic saltwater lagoon pool, while floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces offer inspiring views across the landscape.? A winding stairway led us down to the beautiful pool gardens for the “pop up dinner discovery”. Live cooking stations dotted the pool area, sizzling and sautéing Balinese and Pan-Asian delicacies.

The golden-brown whole babi guling stole the culinary show, slowly turning on a giant spit and glistening above the embers of glowing charcoal. Freshly sliced sashimi was also a firm favourite, closely followed by the soft and succulent pork belly rolls. The wonderful cuisine invited guests to taste the tantalising aromas, colours and flavours of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran’s dining venues. The Signature restaurant, Bamboo Chic, has been dazzling palates with its Asian recipes and lost Balinese flavours. Dishes are handcrafted by Executive Chef Paul Lewis, using the freshest organic ingredients sourced from Bali’s Bedugul mountain area. The resort also presents its enchanting sunset cocktail venues, Smoqee Lounge and Sky Bar, as well as homemade gelato, ice creams and high-quality coffees at WaLa.

As dinner drew to a close and the party kicked into full swing, the French musical collective, Nouvelle Vague, took to the laser-lit stage, covering an eclectic mix of new-wave, bossa nova-style tunes. A fabulous beachwear fashion show showcased the talents of celebrated local designers, Manda Rahardjo of Alleira Batik and Nico Genze of NicoNico Mare swimwear, while guests sipped and supped on the fantastically mixed cocktails,
late into the night.