7 places for social distance dining in Bali

Although take-out is the safest way to eat and support your favourite restaurant during this pandemic, there is nothing that beats the experience of dining out. Fortunately, Bali offers many options to dine, hang out and even swim at alfresco and semi-outdoor venues. We compile a list of venues where space is generous, health protocol is observed and food is delicious. Keep yourself and everyone around you safe by wearing a mask, washing your hands and adhering to the protocols.

Afternoon Tea at Raffles Bali

Invite your closest friend for an elegant afternoon tea at this recently opened resort. Situated in Jimbaran, The Writers Bar at Raffles Bali creates a Classic Afternoon Tea Ritual. Available every day from 3pm to 5.30pm, indulge in an assortment of sweet and savoury delicacies such as Heritage Pork Bao, Foie Gras Mousse, Bali Sakanti Chocolate Brownie, Manjari Cherry Tartlet, and Scones with Strawberry Bedugul Jam and Spiced Cinnamon Cream. Tea connoisseurs would be delighted by the extensive Dammann Frères loose leaf tea selection.

There are four Afternoon Tea Set menus to choose from, starting from Raffles Classic (Rp700,000/two persons) to Raffles Royal (Rp7,500,000/two persons) which includes a bottle of NV Moët et Chandon Brut Imperial Epernay and Kaviari Caviar. Watch the famous Jimbaran sunset from the bar and prolong the evening by heading to the adjoining Rumari restaurant for a feast of Indonesian cuisine. Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera 1A, Jimbaran. Tel: +62 361 2015800

Romantic picnic lunch for two at Duadari, a Residence by Hadiprana

Lavishly sprawled over a two-hectare ground, there is plenty of space for social distancing at this two-villa sanctuary in Ubud. As a sister property of Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, you can book The Art of Picnic Lunch experience in either one of the properties. While Tanah Gajah offers a rice field view, Duadari showcases the lush valley and Petanu River. A woven bamboo mat, white umbrella and beautifully presented Indonesian or Western dishes are part of the picnic fun. Priced at Rp750,000/two persons, you are more than welcome to linger and enjoy the scenic outdoor scenery. Jl. Gunung Sari, Peliatan, Ubud. Tel: +62 361 975685

Soak up the sun at Flamingo Bali Beach Club

With free entry and no minimum spend, the newly refurbished Flamingo Bali Beach Club in the east coast of Bali offers a less crowded alternative for those who seek a relaxing day by the sea. The spacious seaside restaurant and beach club offers an infinity pool, daybeds, lounge chairs and beanbags in cheerful fuchsia and turquoise colours. There is a dedicated kid’s pool featuring a pirate-themed playground for the little ones. The restaurant serves casual comfort food, from Nasi Goreng (Rp60,000) to The ‘Shake Shack’ Cheeseburger (Rp140,000). Open on weekends, from 11am to 7pm. For reservations, contact +62 878 6041 3636. Jl. Pantai Saba, Blahbatuh, Gianyar.

Craft beers and beyond at Shotgun Social

Sanur just got more exciting with the recent opening of this family-friendly beer garden. Built around the neighbourhood’s iconic old tree, the 1,400 square-metre venue is cleverly designed to cater to different needs in a casual ambience. There are various seating arrangements available, whether you are going solo or in a group. Adults can start with one of the 16 available beers on tap and relax while their children play in the tree house playground. An open-air communal grass area offers an idyllic place for a picnic, with bean bags and blankets available.

Go hungry for Shotgun Social’s tasty starters such as Mac & Cheese Bullet Croquettes (Rp75,000) and Wagyu Meatballs (Rp90,000). Its signature enormous pizzas, Trigger Hammy (Rp170,000) with its topping of ham, wild mushrooms, Napolitana sauce, buffalo mozzarella cream, and rocket leaves make for an ideal pairing with a cold pint of Little Creatures Pale Ale (Rp105,000). Jl. Pantai Sindu No.11, Sanur. Tel: +62 821 47046204

Beachfront access at Reef Beach Club

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in relaxing pool time at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. For Rp400,000/person, you are welcome to luxuriate at the Reef Beach Club. The Bubbly Day Pass includes an F&B credit in the full amount of Rp400,000 and access to the club’s 42-metre infinity pool and beach facility. A tasty mix of Asian and international comfort food is available throughout the day, from Ahi Bowl (Rp245,000) to Nasi Goreng Wagyu Beef (Rp230,000). Relax at the daybed and enjoy a leisurely beachfront escape with your loved one under the safety of Kempinski White Gloves Services. Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua. Tel: +62 361 2092288

Uma Cucina’s Italian Daycation

Take your swimwear and appetites to Uma Cucina for a long, leisurely day under the sun. Located at COMO Uma Ubud, the charming Italian restaurant is known for its house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and classic Italian gelatos and granitas. By spending a minimum Rp300,000 on F&B, you are entitled to use the pool, work in its private space with high-speed WiFi or work out a sweat in the fully-equipped gym. Have a cocktail on the leafy open-air terrace of the restaurant or by the pool. Open from 12pm to 8pm. For reservations, contact +62 821 4732 4042. Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud.

The Legian Seminyak, Bali’s luxurious pool day pass

With a minimum spend of Rp420,000/person on F&B, enjoy the privilege to use The Legian Seminyak, Bali’s pool and beach facility. Available daily from 8am to 7pm, the three-tiered infinity pool offers a stunning view of the ocean. Even your tan on one of the beachfront daybeds while enjoying a myriad of F&B offers from executive chef Stephane Gortina and his team. Renowned for its elegant fusion of European technique and Southeast Asian flavours, enjoy an alfresco lunch at The Restaurant’s terrace. Stay for the daily show of stunning sunsets. For reservations, contact +62 361 730622. Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak.