Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

It is always nice to stay in the Kuta area in Bali. A recommended place that I would suggest  for a really great place to stay in Kuta is Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. It is not only because the hotel itself is great but also the surrounding.The hotel is facing to the beautiful Kuta beach and is directly connected to Beachwalk mall. Although the surrounding in Sheraton Kuta Resort is quite busy of the tourist but certainly my two night stays was really an enjoyable experience. 

The arrival lounge on the second floor.
Two Balinese dancers who are welcoming the guests and giving a Fragipani flower to be put on behind the guests' ear.

The traditional Balinese gamelan music.

Sheraton's bicycles and Vespa rentals are available at the arrival lounge.

As soon as the elevator reached the third floor, I saw the spacious lounge where guests can have their cocktails from the bar. They also can see the view of the pool and even the Kuta Beach which is directly across from the hotel.

There is also wine at the Lounge.

The Infinity pool and Kuta beach view from the Lounge.

The reception desk area. 
During my stay, the occupancy of this hotel reached 95%.

The Social Courtyard (garden) where guests can sit, lay down and relax.


Deluxe Ocean View Room.
I like the contemporary with warm Bali interior.

Lay down chair beside the private terrace.

The left view from my room.

Turn to the right... this was the view :)

King size Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. 
It was so lovely sleeping on the comfortable Sealy mattress covered with luxurious sheet, a warm duvet and a selection of feather down and hypoallergenic pillows. I really slept well during the two nights.

A 37 inch LCD TV hanging on the wall. 
I was so happy to use the high-speed WIFI internet access.

The desk inside the room.

Welcome bread with four type of fruit jams.

The second night, when I came back from dinner, I got a surprise from the hotel. It was such a sweet surprise to see a plate of parlines on the desk.

Ah... seriously, it brought a smile on my face :)

From the see-through glass, can directly see the spa-inspired bathroom from the bedroom.

Deep soaking tub.

The big mirror decorated with mother of shells 

Deluxe bath amenities.

Separate toilet and freestanding rain shower

Sandals are provided!

But I still wore my FitFlop to the beach! Wrong decision! :D

Kuta Beach.


Feast Restaurant.
It offers buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and buffet dinner. It opens daily from 6 am to 12 am.

The Shine Spa.
I made an appointment a day before. When I arrived at the Shine Spa, they served me a cold towel and refreshing drink while I waited for the masseuse.

I tried the traditional Balinese massage. First I had a quick foot massage with scrub, followed with an one hour massage. It was so good! The massage session, ended up with a cup of hot ginger tea.

Beside offering massage, there are also facial treatment, waxing, manicure and pedicure.

For guests who love to shop, I believe they will be happy staying at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort because it is connected directly to the hotel via the exit next to Feast restaurant to BeachWalk - a new, modern, open air shopping complex. There are about 200 retail shops and entertainment.

BeachWalk.

Beachwalk mall beside Sheraton Bali Kuta.


The Infinity Pool overlooking to the Indian Ocean.

At 6 pm daily, the Balinese dancers perform at the swimming pool area.

The dancers were dancing like birds.

Bene Italian Kitchen.
I had a wonderful authentic Italian dinner at this restaurant. Adjacent to this restaurant is the outdoor Infinity pool.

From the Lounge looking toward Bene. 
A music DJ is playing songs from 5 pm to 7 pm daily.

I had a relaxing time watching sunset on the top roof above Bene Restaurant while having a drink and feeling the nice sea breezes.

Beautiful sunset.

The Pantai Kuta street and also Kuta beach can be seen from the Bene's top roof. 

Overlooking to the Indian Ocean.

Dusk view from the lounge.

For more information about this hotel, you can check out the official website: www.sheratonbalikuta.com

Location:
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Kuta, Bali 80361
Phone: (62)(361) 846 5555

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Modern Mexican Kitchen at Bengawan - Keraton at The Plaza

Starting the end of March 2014, Chef Lamberto Valdez Lara - the culinary director of Keraton at The Plaza, had launched a modern interpretation of the finest and most popular dishes from Mexico. The Mexican a la carte menu will be available daily from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch and 6 pm to 10.30 pm for dinner.

So, today, I tried the Express Lunch Set Menu - Rp. 150.000 net per person. It is definitely a really good deal for a satisfying Mexican lunch.

Totopos
with Salsa Verde, Sour Cream, Tomato Salsa dippings.


STARTERS

Guacamole 
This tasty creamy avocado dip (using Hass avocado) is served with crispy corn totopos.

OR

Sopa de tortilla 
A really comforting soup! Made of chicken strips, avocafo, tortillas strips, sour cream pasilla chili.

MAIN COURSES

Iron Skillet Fajitas
Your choice of grilled fajita, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, guacamole, Mexican rice, flour tortillas. 
Choices: Chicken - Adobo marinated. 
Hanger Steak - Tequila guajilo onions marinated.
Portobello mushroom - braised and grilled.

OR

Tacos
served on soft or crispy corn tortillas, Mexican rice and re-fried pinto beans. 
Choices: Carne Asada - Grilled skirt steak, Cotija cheese.
Chicken Tinga - Chipotle onions.
Lamb birria - Leg of lamb slowly braised for 12 hours. 

OR

Grilled Quesadillas
Choices: Chicken - Mexican cheese, roasted tomato, chipotle sauce, crema agria, pico de gallo.
Steak - mexican cheeses, roasted tomato rajas, chipotle sauce, creme agria, pico de gallo.
Portobello - Chipotle sauce, crema agria, pico de gallo, cpinach, tomato.

The melted Mexican cheese inside this Quesadillas tasted wonderful.

DESSERTS

Cinnamon Sugar Churros 
Cajeta (goat milk) caramel, white chocolate sauce, chunky mango compote.

OR

Pastel 3 Leches
3 milks cake, berry compote, Kahlua sauce.

OR

Choco Flan
Vanilla flan, chocolate, pistachio caramel crunch.

Starfruit Passion (this drink is not included in the set menu lunch)
Current currency:
1 USD = Rp. 11.445

Location:
Bengawan Restaurant 
Keraton at The Plaza A luxury Collection Hotel
Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 15
Jakarta 10350
Tel: +62 21 5068 0000
Fax: +62 21 5068 9999

Related posts:
Bengawan - Keraton at The Plaza, Jakarta
Royal Weekend Indulgence - Brunch at Keraton at The Plaza
Mexican Food Extravaganza Sizzles at Bengawan - Keraton at The Plaza