There is an unexpected calmness at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali considering that it is situated on the bustling street of Kayu Aya, Seminyak. It has something to do with the sprawling landscape where old trees and fragrant frangipanis age and take root. In return, they gracefully shade the resort’s 74 lanai rooms and private villas.
The resort’s history started in 1972 when it was built as a beach club before being transformed into an iconic resort in 1978. There are plenty of taxi drivers who still refer to Jalan Kayu Aya as Jalan Oberoi. David Bowie, Gianni Versace, and Julia Roberts have stayed at the resort. Should a new generation of celebrities wish to stay at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali, they can be sure that the recently appointed executive chef Natalino Ambra will take care of their culinary demands.
With almost 20 years of experience, the Italian native is no stranger to cooking for the rich and famous. His previous stints include working in luxury hotels and restaurants across Italy, Dubai, Shanghai, and Singapore. His last stint before joining the resort was OSTERIA BBR by Alain Ducasse at Raffles Hotel Singapore. It is one of the experiences that provided him with a meticulous approach to using seasonal ingredients and locally-grown produce.
Under his leadership, the resort’s two signature restaurants, Frangipani Cafe and Kura Kura Restaurant, are transforming into a sophisticated culinary destination. “My goal is to make The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali, one of the top dining destinations on the island,” adds the chef. During his spare time, he explores the island’s restaurants and eateries for local and new flavours.
The beachfront all-day dining Frangipani Café is where guests have their breakfasts. Lunch option comprises Italian, Indonesian, and globally-inspired fare such as the Indian-influenced Tomato Shorba, Ham & Cheese Sourdough Panino, Kway Teow, and a range of stone oven-baked pizzas. With the resort’s sparkling blue infinity pool, cosy sunbeds, and beach companies, leaving the resort is entirely optional.
At night, guests are invited to indulge at Kura Kura Restaurant. With its ocean view, the open-air restaurant is a romantic venue to wine and dine in the evening. Executive chef Natalino Ambra and his team have come up with tantalising land-to-sea menu that focuses on premium local and imported ingredients such as Sumbawa honey, vanilla from Papua New Guinea, sashimi-grade and line-caught fish, Australian Black Angus beef, and many more.
The chef’s background and expertise shine in dishes such as Paccheri di Gragnano with Lobster with Sweet Peas Puree, Saffron Risotto Milanese with Ossobuco Ragout, and Seared Barramundi in Clam Water with Broccolini. His modern meets traditional cooking philosophy is evident in various curing, smoking, sous-vide, and hibachi charcoal grilling techniques to coax the best flavour from each ingredient. This attention to detail ensures that every guest will leave The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali with a lasting impression.