Sublime cocktails and dining in relaxed luxury of beachfront restaurant and bar overlooking Jimbaran Bay
August 14th, 2013
Debuting in early 2013, Sundara Restaurant and Bar delivers the consummate dining and sunset cocktail experience on the Indonesian resort island of Bali- establishing a reputation as one of the island’s finest venues- sophisticated yet relaxed. Set at the water’s edge in a secluded corner of Jimbaran Bay, within a tranquil landscape of lush tropical greenery, Sundara envelops its guests with superb views, and tantilises discerning diners with a masterful rendition of contemporary international cuisine. A concept of the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Bali, Sundara excels at offering a laid-back, beach-club mood during the day where guests can relax poolside on comfortable daybeds, enjoy a casual long lunch either on the outdoor patio, or indoors at the open-concept kitchen and dining space. And with sunset the restaurant transitions into an uber-chic cocktail and dining scene- with grilled seafood and meats headlining the cuisine, and DJs playing chill-out tunes in the bar pavilion.
Occupying two free-standing Balinese-style pavilions- standing either side of a paved outdoor terrace- Sundara was designed by globally acclaimed Japanese firm Design Studio SPIN, and epitomises the finely executed confluence of traditional Balinese artistic style with a world-class, contemporary “informal meets luxe” design aesthetic. The smaller of the two pavilions operates as the Sundara Bar, with the larger pavilion set over two levels, home to the open-kitchen and a casual dining space on the lower level, and a mezzanine level that features a broad open-air balcony lounge and bar, and indoors, the main restaurant dining room. Extending across the entire frontage is the stunning Infinity Edge pool (55 metres) with a series of 14 daybeds built into the stone deck, and beyond that the white sand beach of Jimbaran Bay.
The kitchen at Sundara serves an enticing assemblage of classic and innovative international dishes, with several well-crafted menus created by executive chef Greg Bunt. Dishes on the Lunch menu include selections of salads, sushi, wood-fired pizza, plus local Indonesian street food favourites. An all-day Grazing menu offers a diverse variety of snacks and sharing platters to satisfy all tastes- including tapas style dishes, sushi and rolls, Asian comfort dishes, and selections of burgers and pizza. And for the compact Dinner menu– the emphasis is on wood-fired and grilled seafood (fresh local catches and imported fish) and premium quality meats including prime cuts of grain-fed beef ,and full 8 rib lamb racks for sharing.
Over at the Sundara Bar, the cocktail program showcases the innovative creations of renowned Spanish mixologist and bar consultant Javier de las Muelas– who was invited by Four Seasons Resort to spend a month training the Sundara bartenders in the intricate preparation techniques in blending the unique textures and complex flavors of his creations into sumptuous cocktails. The impressive cocktail list embraces refinements of classic favorites such as martinis and mojitos, and selections of Javier’s “Specialties”, one-of-a-kind signature creations.
Sundara are offering a number of attractive promotions including the popular Sundowners at Sundara– which offers two drinks for price of one plus complimentary canapes- daily from 5 pm to 7 pm- perfectly timed for the exquisite sunset cocktail experience. And on weekends- the Weekend Graze & Gaze Packages offer special weekend “Longest Lunch” packages, allowing guests to keep their table all afternoon- from 11:30 am to 4 pm.
Reservations are recommended for dinner tables in the restaurant- and note that daybeds cannot be reserved- available on first come basis.
See also 2014 updated article
Sundara Bar & Sundara Patio
The Balinese-style pavilion housing the Sundara Bar is adjacent to the main entrance and reception. An elegant outdoor terrace- the Sundara Patio- occupies the space between the bar pavilion and the restaurant and mezzanine lounge pavilion.
Inside the Sundara Bar pavilion- comfortable furnishings in soft natural shades exude under-stated luxury and sophistication. Traditional elements of Balinese style are evident in the carved wood and stonework, and the towering alang alang thatched ceiling.
Several sofa settings at the front of the pavilion face out over the pool deck offering panoramic views across Jimbaran Bay.
Intricate “mother-of pearl” inlays on the frames of chairs and barstools add a subtle element of luxury and exemplify the exquisite attention to detail of the interior designs. The bar itself is faced with a layer of woven coconut husk material- softening the clean lines of the black marble bar.
The handsome “U” shaped bar anchors the interior space- its clean, uncluttered design allows guests to observe the bartenders as they prepare the sublime cocktails that are the specialty of Sundara Bar.
Highlights from the Specialties Cocktail Menu
Sand Storm- berries, spring mint, pineapple juice, lemon juice. Non-alcoholic cocktail.
Coconut Rhapsody- Bombay Sapphire Gin, coconut puree, coconut liqueur. Sundara signature cocktail.
Bloom of Sundara- Ketel One Vodka, grape fruit juice, passion fruit puree, Giffards Grenadine Syrup, lemon juice, egg white. Sundara signature cocktail.
Sundara Pool & DayBeds
Generously proportioned daybeds are built into the pool deck level offering a luxurious and comfortable for long afternoons at the beachfront pool.
The Infinity Edge pool spans the entire frontage from the Sundara Bar to the far end of the restaurant. An adjacent sundeck is reserved for Four Seasons Resort guests only.
Sundara is built right onto the edge of Jimbaran Bay- only metres above the white sand beach. Tables on the Sundara Patio offer a delightful open-air setting for casual yet refined evening drinks and dining.
Sundara Restaurant & Mezzanine Lounge & Dining Room
An open-concept kitchen and casual dining area feature on the lower level of the two-level restaurant pavilion.
Full height timber-framed glass doors across the front of the lower level fold back to open the space up to the fresh ocean breezes and serene views across the waters of Jimbaran Bay- a wonderful relaxed setting to enjoy fine cuisine.
The counter of the open-kitchen is faced with intricately carved wooden panels, topped with white marble, a bold and attractive presence in the lower level dining space. A decor palette of natural tones blends harmoniously with the polished dark timber floors, creating a light and breezy atmosphere for comfortable dining.
On the upper level of the pavilion the Sundara Mezzanine Bar features a spacious open-air balcony, a setting of dark timbers and casually elegant furniture, with large fans whirring overhead- quintessential tropical laid-back sophistication.
The sleek central bar is set low into the deck space so as not to obstruct the panoramic views.
The main dining room of the Sundara Restaurant- an exquisite room of grand proportions and elegance- featuring the stunning “alang alang” style soaring thatched ceiling.
Selections from the Sundara Restaurant Dinner Menu
From the wood-fire grill:
(L) Salt Bush Lamb Rack– full 8 ribs- to share– with all sauces, six vegetable chop salad, fetta
(R) Striploin- Campbell NSW Australia- Dry Aged 220g
(L) Roasted Pumpkins
(R) Sambals
Orange Pudding dessert
Sundara- Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay- Bali
Address: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Bali, 8036 Indonesia
Reservations: +62. 361. 708333
Website: sundarabali.com/ & www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/
Facebook Page : www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsResortsBali
Opening Hours: Daily
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m
Dinner: 6:00 pm – 11:00 p.m
Cocktails: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
Swim Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
Promotions:
Sundowners at Sundara– Two drinks for price of one + complimentary canapes. Daily 5 pm – 7 pm
Weekend Graze & Gaze Packages- Special weekend lunch packages- keep table all afternoon
Music: Resident DJs nightly
Dress Code: Smart casual
Food images courtesy of Four Seasons
