Bali's Best Dining and Bars

Bali’s Best Restaurants, Bars, And Cafes 2015 Crowned

A gala award ceremony was held on Friday, October 2, 2015 on Tanjung Benoa in South Bali to crown Bali’s best restaurants, bars and cafés. 

The awards are conducted by NOW! Bali
150 dining establishments and bars were vying for the 20 prestigious “best” titles determined by an on-line voting process that tallied more than 350,000 votes.
Before a crowd of more than 200 hospitality, and food and beverage professionals - an evening of fine food, entertainment and the presentation of the much-awaited awards unfolded.
The winners announced on the evening were:

BEST COCKTAIL, WHISKY, & WINE LOUNGE

• WINNER: VIN+ Seminyak Bali
• First Runner Up: ZJ’S Bar & Lounge
• Second Runner Up: The 18TH Rooftop Bar 

BEST CAFÉ

• Winner: The Dusty Café
• First Runner Up: Sprout 
• Second Runner Up: Biku 

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

• Winner: Pencar Seafood & Grill
• First Runner Up: The Holy Crab 
• Second Runner Up: Crab Bar 

BEST STEAK & GRILL RESTAURANT

• Winner: Hog Wild in Bali
• First Runner Up: Char Char Bar & Grill 
• Second Runner Up: Cut Catch Cucina

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN RESTAURANT

• Winner: Avocado Café Bali
• First Runner Up: Fivelements Sakti Dining Room

BEST INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT

• Winner: Sateria Beach Restaurant
• First Runner Up: The Cafe 
• Second Runner Up: The Shore Restaurant & Bar 

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

• Winner: The Sayan House
• First Runner Up: Ginger Moon Canteen
• Second Runner Up: Kwee Zeen 

BEST BALINESE RESTAURANT

• Winner: Plantation Restaurant
• First Runner Up: Raja’s Balinese Restaurant
• Second Runner Up: Paon

BEST INDONESIAN RESTAURANT

• Winner: Balique
• First Runner Up: Ikan Restaurant & Bar
• Second Runner Up: Waroeng Tugu

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

• Winner: Table8
• First Runner Up: Ru Yi Chinese
• Second Runner Up: Chopstick Restaurant

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

• Winner: Queens of India, Kuta
• First Runner Up: Queens Tandoor
• Second Runner Up: Ganesha Ek Sanskriti Indian Restaurant & Bar

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

• Winner: Edogin
• First Runner Up: Benkay Japanese Restaurant Second
• Runner Up: Tenkai Japanese Restaurant

BEST SPANISH RESTAURANT

• Winner: Velada Tapas Bar & Kitchen
• First Runner Up: La Finca
• Second Runner Up: El Kabron Spanish Restaurant & Cliff Club

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

• Winner: Sorento Mediterranean Restaurant
• First Runner Up: Soleil
• Second Runner Up: Ultimo Italian Restaurant

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT

• Winner: The Bistrot
• First Runner Up: Ju-Ma-Na
• Second Runner Up: Chez Gado Gado 

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT

• Winner: CasCades
• First Runner Up: Bridges Bali
• Second Runner Up: Bale Sutra

BEST MEXICAN & AMERICAN RESTAURANT: Motel Mexicola

BEST MULTIPLE JAPANESE RESTAURANT: Sushi Tei Bali

BEST MULTIPLE CAFÉ: Nebula

BEST PUB & SPORTS BAR: Centerstage

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARDS

• BEST THEMED DINING: Tsavo Lion
• MOST EXQUISITE DESIGN: Robert Marchetti The Plantation Grill
• BEST BEACH CLUB: Potato Head Beach Club
• TANTALISING MENU INNOVATIONS: Locavore
• FINEST FARM-TO-TABLE DINING: Mozaic Beachclub
• FINEST SUNDAY BRUNCH: Kayuputi
• BEST WATERFRONT DINING: Sundara
• OUTSTANDING DEGUSTATION MENU: Blanco par Mandif

Article attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.

Wonderful Indonesia as a Brand

Indonesia Preparing to Spend US$244 Million on Tourism Promotion with Emphasis on Branding

In a bid to increase tourism arrivals, the Indonesian Tourism Ministry is budgeting Rp. 3.25 trillion (US$244 million) for promotional activities, including “branding” of Indonesian travel abroad.

Quoted by the State News Agency Antara, the deputy of the Ministry’s for the development of international tourism promotion, I Gde Pitana, during a Friday, October 2, 2015 visit to Bali, said, “Next year, we will be undertaking “branding” campaigns in several international media. “

Pitana said the promotional budget has received the approval of the House of Representatives with 50% of the total set aside for branding promotion.

Pitana, a tourism educator who once served as head of the Bali Tourism Service, underlined the importance of strong branding in promoting a tourism destination. He said that “branding” provides an identity for a destination, helping to define in the minds of the public a destination’s character.

According to the ranking tourism official, past national tourism branding that used “Wonderful Indonesia” is less effective in comparison to other branding exercises in the region, such as “Uniquely Singapore” or Malaysia’s “Truly Asia.”

Pitana feels that in order to be effective, “Wonderful Indonesia” must be backed up by an effective and professionally delivered promotional program.

News attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.

Bluefields Bay offers to let Summer last a little Longer

 

As sad as it is to admit, Summer’s end will soon be here.  Now is the time when thoughts turn to what festive days might be around the corner.  Fall festivals and Halloween are making their approaches.  Would you like a last-minute reprieve from the inevitable change of the season?  Would you like to forget about Trick-or-Treaters and sweater weather for at least 1 more week?  Well then, come enjoy Bluefields Bay and let Summer last a little bit longer!  We want to offer to guests who book now for travel that takes place between today and Oct. 31st a Spooktacular good deal!  We will extend to new full-week bookings a discount of 15% off of our all-inclusive rental rate PLUS a $200 resort credit!  Trade in costumes and candy for swimsuits and delicious sumptuous meals prepared especially for you by your private chef!  Call us today so we can help plan your extended summer getaway!  

 Three simple ways to get more information or reserve your villa:

• Click here to request a no-obligation quote online (Use promo code: Boo)
• Call: 1-877-955-8993 (USA, Canada) or on +1-202-232-4010 (other countries)
• Email: reservations@bluefieldsvillas.com

Website: http://bluefieldsvillas.com

Getting a New Spin on Bali

Bali Adventure Sky Tours Introduces its New B2 Helicopter to the Island’s Travel Trade

Bali Adventure Tours held a “second” launch of its Bali Adventure Sky Tours helicopter service. Normally based at Bali Adventure Elephant Parkin Taro, Central Bali, the helicopter was positioned at Bali Adventure House at Benoa to allow inspection by industry partners and leading media.

During the course of the mid-day festivities, a lucky draw saw 25 guests won a Kuta Beach joy flight aboard the newly introduced B2 Squirrel Helicopter.

With the formal introduction into service helicopter flights by Bali Adventure Sky Tours a large range of helicopter products are now on offer, including: scenic charter flights, airport, hotel and inter-island transfers; medivac evacuation, aerial photography and filming support, and volcano flights from Ubud.

Bali Adventure Tours operates four heliports connecting their service to a network of more heliports operated by leading hotels and resorts across the region. A small fleets of luxury limousines provide land transportation to and from the heliports.

The luxury Eurocopter (airbus) B2 helicopterfeatures air conditioning, full white leather interior, the latest in electronic navigation systems, emergency floatation and wire cutters, and the latest 4-camera video and photo equipment. The B2 boasts a “smooth as silk” flying characteristic and a jet motor with lifting power capabilities exceeding many other helicopters in its class.

Article attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.

Wonderful Indonesia – Bali: Simply the World’s Best Island

Travel and tourism go from strength to strength

The weakening of the Rupiah is attracting foreign tourists to Indonesia as local prices are becoming cheaper. 

In addition the government with waive visa requirements for 30 countries in early April.

It has some of the best spas, not to mention volcanoes, rainforests, beaches and wildlife.

Travelers are now branching out to more remote islands. Some are using the growing network of domestic flights, others are sailing on luxurious small boat charters.

This also opens up the full potential of Indonesia’s diving — some of the best in the world.”

ITB Berlin 4th - 8th March 2015

Your personal Invitation to meet RP Marketing clients

Cuba Real Tours
Trans Niugini Tours
Kamandalu Ubud-Bali

Dear Colleague

  

Three of RP Marketing's clients are exhibiting at ITB Berlin which takes place from 4 - 8 March.

 

Cuba Real Tours is a leading DMC based in Havana and they will be on the Latincoming stand no 238 in Hall 3.1. If you would like to meet Andre, Barbara or Marcel to learn about working with them in this part of the world which is on the point of great change, please email ourselves or barbara.eichinger@cubarealtours.eu.

 

Trans Niugini Tours is the main DMC in Papua New Guinea, a country that is one of the new emerging destinations. Bob Bates, who has been at the forefront of PNG tourism for very many years, will be on the Papua New Guinea stand no 106 (from 4-6 March only), near the South Pacific village, in Hall 5.2a. Email Bob at bob@pngtours.com to make an appointment or contact RP Marketing to learn more about this fascinating destination.

 

The Kamandalu Ubud-Bali has an idyllic setting on the terraces overlooking the river and close to Ubud. The accommodation is traditional in design but with contemporary facilities to make your clients' stay a very memorable one. If you would like to meet Deasy Swandarini, the General Manager of the resort, between 4 and 7 March, please email gm@kamandaluresort.com or give us a call. Deasy will be on the Indonesia stand in Hall 26a, table number 29.

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If you would like to speak to me on Skype, my contact is Richard J Parks. Please do contact us to discuss your requirements.

Best regards

RICHARD PARKS

rpmarketg@aol.com

Why Vietnam? Top Ten Reasons to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has a wealth of attractions that make it one of the must-visit destinations in the world. It is a beautiful country with a stunning coastline, highland areas inhabited by colorful hill tribes, miles of lush green rice paddies, several World Heritage sites, a rich imperial history, delectable cuisine and fun-loving, friendly people.

Here are the top ten reasons to visit Vietnam, selected by Anita Sach of Luxury Travel and five star Emperor Cruises www.facebook.com/emperorcruises .

1. The people
It goes without saying that Vietnam is a particularly beautiful country, but this is enhanced by its people, who are hardworking, forward looking, hospitable and who have a wonderful sense of humour.

2. The variety
Vietnam is a country of contrasts with its lush green patchwork of rice paddies, dramatic mountains, unspoiled coastline and the watery worlds of the Mekong and Red River deltas. Other top attractions include the enigmatic limestone karsts in Halong Bay, bustling Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, laidback Hue and also Hoi An.

3. The accommodation
Whatever your budget there is somewhere to stay that is perfect for you from simple mini-hotels, through to welcoming mid-range hotels, stylish boutique hotels and smart international chains.

4. The food
Vietnamese food combines the best of Thai and Chinese cuisines with a twist of French heritage and Vietnamese creativity. Seafood is fresh and a hearty bowl of pho a must. Whether you choose to dine in a roadside café with the kitchen out front where you can watch your selection being freshly cooked or in a chic restaurant in an old colonial mansion, you won’t be disappointed. Of course, if you are hankering for a burger, curry or pizza, you won’t have to look far.

5. The culture
Culture vultures won’t know where to start! Take in ancient temples and pagodas such as the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Jade Emperor in Ho Chi Minh City and Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh. In Hue, wander round the intriguing, beautifully landscaped tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors and try to imagine how the imperial palace would have looked in its heyday.

6. Colonial history
Wherever you look you will see the remnants of the French colonial period from the freshly baked French-style bread to the gorgeous old villas in the former hill stations. Dalat could be a typical Provencal town surrounded by alpine scenery. The hill tribes selling vegetables in the market are a reminder that you are actually in Vietnam.

7. Luxury journeys
With new luxury hotels and world-class golf courses opening as well as helicopter tours and sea plane flights over Halong Bay Vietnam is fast emerging as the world’s latest luxury destination. For train lovers, the evocatively named Victoria Orient Reunification Express is a must.

8. Cruising
From the decks of a smart river cruiser, enjoy viewing river life as you cruise along the waterways from the Mekong delta deep into Cambodia or overnight on Halong Bay.

9. Shopping
Leave plenty of space in your suitcase for those must-have items, clothes, silk bags and lacquerware all of which can be found in the colourful markets. Enter into the fun by bargaining hard!

10. Authenticity
Travelers always want new and exotic experiences, plus value, both in terms of personal value and value for money. They seek new destinations, new hotels and new experiences. They want to be the first to discover a destination. Many have moved towards a quieter understated luxury and plan their trips with a focus on authenticity and experiential travel, particularly enriching once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For travel experts, it is essentially about creating a experiential travel that is personal as well as authentic and memorable.