FROM FISHING TO FLAVORING CULINARY JOURNEYS AT ALILA HOTELS IN BALI

Bali’s exotic charms take in both the spiritual seeker and the pleasure lover. It is for the latter that three of Design Hotels™’ Alila members on the island have decided to open up their secret spice boxes and whisk guests along a Culinary Journey. Atop a 100-meter high cliff, Alila Villas Uluwatu offers up both its beloved traditional recipes to learn and spacious ocean-front villas to recuperate. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and Bali’s sacred Mount Agung, Alila Manggis is the right place to experience the lifestyle of a Balinese fisherman. Surrounded by verdant rice terraces and bordering a soft black sand beach, Alila Villas Soori is an altogether different experience of luxury and privacy. It’s also one of the few places that encourage both senior and junior chefs! http://www.designhotels.com/specials/alila_culinary_journeys

A Taste of Local Markets
For those curious about the local food markets or interested in the traditional dishes of Balinese cuisine, Alila Villas Uluwatu’s Journey of Gastronomy satisfies all the senses. Come morning, step into the buzzing excitement of the Balinese market with swift fishmongers and eager vegetable and fruit vendors, permeating scents of herbs and spices as well as street side eateries. Watch from afar or be part of the frenzied bargaining in return for the freshest ingredients for dinner. Back at the resort, learn the ancient recipes that produce these finger-licking aromatic Balinese dishes from the Executive Chef and end the day with a mouthwatering dinner.

From Ocean to Kitchen
The early bird always catches the fish. Set out at 7.30am with local fishermen on colorful fleets of ‘jukung’ (traditional local fishing boats) to start right at the Alila Manggis’ Seafood Cooking School. Try your luck reeling in some fish and other seafood. Back ashore an open-air kitchen setup in the garden by the sea is the perfect backdrop to learn traditional Balinese seafood recipes, including fish and prawn curry, Bumbu Bali sauce and pepes ikan (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves).

Lovingly Crafted Kids’ Treats
Every junior master chef needs to start somewhere, so why not while holidaying on an exotic island in Asia? Parents can leave their kids in the creative hands of Alila Villas Soori’s pastry team who will guide the budding chefs on a flavorful and colorful culinary day of cookie-making and cake decorating. Equipped with a chef’s hat and an apron, kids learn about simple ingredients and make their own delicious discoveries. Head back to the bakery after a relaxing day at the spa or beach and try the treats handmade with love. An array of temptations await - from cookies with Smarties to cupcakes with marshmallows.

Notes:
Rates apply to all activities, approximately USD30 for Alila Villas Soori “Journey of Little Soori Chef”, USD 130 for Alila Villas Uluwatu “Journey of Gastronomy” and USD 95 for Alila Manggis “Seafood Cooking School”, excluding taxes.