The extravagant beauty and delights of Bali also extends to its much-celebrated local cuisine. Discovering the tropical island paradise also requires the exploration of its traditional cooking by treating yourself to such delicacies as slow-roasted chickens and ducks in banana leaves; superbly fresh grilled seafood; tantalizing sates; soups from banana stems, green papayas and mushrooms; a large selection of vegetarian dishes; and an ever changing selection of Balinese cakes; black rice pudding; not forgetting the daily changing selection of tropical fruits found at the local markets. This are just some of the delectable creations, certain to even please the palates of Bali’s fabled Gods, that await the gastronomically curious visitor to our beloved Indonesian island.

MÉTIS, the culinary artistry is gracefully complemented by contemporary colonial style, infused with elegant architectural design elements inspired by Indonesian batik patterns. Beyond the glowing fire-caldron-lined portochere flow open rooms punctuated by floor-to-ceiling glass walls encasing an art gallery and boutiques. Natural timbers and nature’s own elements embrace in a graceful synergy, creating a brilliant combination of earth-toned hues and clean lines set against the sweeping backdrop of Bali rice fields.

The restaurant offers a varied French Mediterranean menu of original cuisine made with sumptuous ingredients. Starters include King Crab and Seaweed Ravioli with White Truffle Beurre Blanc and Grilled Fresh Japanese Scallops with Gratined Sea Urchin Sauce. Main courses feature a memorable Morocan Lamb Rack Mechoui served with Pumpkin Couscous or a Fresh Scallops and Prawns Provençal with Baby Roasted Potato, Asparagus and Shimeji Mushrooms.

The Frommer’s call it “a place to see and be seen” but I prefer to call it a cuisine sanctuary. If you want to have a lunch without any hullabaloo of the Kuta’s crowd while still have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanted view of the beach and a nice breeze without any unnecessary obstruction from a structure called “wall”, La Lucciola is just the place for it. La Lucciola is on walking distance from Hotel Oberoi, but for visitor with vehicle, the parking area appears reasonably safe for such a public area, as security guards abound! After crossing the canal by an old wooden bridge, you are at the La Lucciola Beach Club! Strolling along the stone path, in the midst of the well-manicured grounds, you wind your way around to the restaurant’s front entrance. For lunch then you will also be faced with the rear view of a line of deck chairs from those enjoying their sun & surf, as well as a little sustenance, on the beach.

The name comes from the old word for ‘Seventh Heaven’. This private Bali villa estate is truly heavenly. In fact, we believe it is the very best Bali luxury villa. It rests on the south west tip of Bali in lovely gardens on a high cliff top, above a white sand beach. The villa offers one of the best views in Bali, with a grand vista of the ocean. It is hard to find another luxury Bali villa with such a good view.

The villa’s charm lies in its design. It is made up of two clusters of traditional, antique, wooden houses from Java. These were once the homes of noble men. They have been carefully grouped to echo the mood of an old village. The villas are set in a huge garden, with dense beds of yellow flowers, gently swaying palms, shrubs and trees. The villa is quite different from any other luxury Bali villa or luxury Bali resort.

We were going to have an informal "pool party" reception, 1 day after the wedding.