In the heart of Bali lies the artist community of Ubud, and in the heart of Ubud you will find the Royal Palace: a place of history, magic and grandeur, hosting regular gamelan and traditional dance performances. However, it is on the periphery of this unique village that the Viceroy has infiltrated and taken residence.

On route, a dramatic driveway cuts through the rice terraces and flood lit statues of Garuda herald the entrance of the new elite; an establishment of such elegance it’s a wonder the monarch doesn’t reside here himself!

From the lobby one glides down to the Restaurant, Cascades, which, true to its name, hangs on the valley side enjoying the most audacious panoramic view of the Petanu River Gorge. The architecture is eloquently contemporary, incorporating many Balinese traits in its open plan layout. An infinity pool curves around an open air dining area - suitably there’s only sitting space for two - before dropping over the edge of the ravine and along to The Viceroy Bar. Here is the most perfect of places for a pre-dinner cocktail; the retro walnut fittings and ambient lighting convey a feeling of a bygone era.

A step up leads into the first dining area, also situated under the large coned alang alang roof which houses the bar. Here you have the option of perching, cross legged on a raised bale, with its soft cushions and low table, this makes for a very relaxed and comfortable dining experience. Or, if you prefer to be seated in a more traditional manner, there are well presented dining tables spreading backwards and across under an adjoining tier, in front of which a paved area allows the option of dining under the stars, alongside a delightful small gazebo, offering a dining room with an unparalleled view.

All the tables are well spaced apart and wherever you choose to be seated you will enjoy the view of the Petanu River Gorge, the scents and sounds of the jungle and the feeling of tranquillity that it brings. Water cascades along a pond flowing through the restaurant, enhancing the beauty of the garden and providing a soothing wash of sound to compliment the soft music.

The menu, devised by renowned French chef David Sosson, is simply ‘perfection enhanced’ and is turning heads, not only in Bali, but all over Asia. David was awarded the ‘Best Personality Chef’ medal at the Hospitality Asia 2003-2004 awards held in Kuala Lumpar. It was here, whilst at the acclaimed Carcosa Seri Negara, that David worked for five years alongside Pastry Chef Haliz Razali and Sharusmizal, the Chef de Cuisine. Both Chefs accompanied David on his journey to The Viceroy Bali and, with David now a Consultant Chef - returning on a regular basis, it is they who are in charge of the daily activities in the kitchen.

An outstanding wine selection accompanies the fantastically worded menu; starters include, ‘Petite Tarte Hallucinogene’ – wild mushroom & goat cheese tart with parma ham, salad & port wine reduction, ‘Un Petit Jésus Dans Une Culotte de Velours’ – pan fried duck liver on onion, and dates compote with passion fruit sorbet. Recommended main dishes are ‘Canard Enchaîne’ – duck leg confit, braised le puy lentil, caramelized endives & port wine sauce, and ‘Petite Queue Frétillante’ – baby lobster, ‘a la plancha’ flanmbé with grand marnier, mussel farcie on fennel, bacon cabbage, sun dried tomato & xeres marinade. As you’ve perhaps noticed the cuisine is emphatically French, the A la Carte Menu offers a choice of five starters, three soups, four meat mains and four seafood mains, topped by an eclectic selection of deserts: ‘Orgasme de Chocolat’ – araguani dark chocolate fondant with milk chocolate sorbet, liquorice and cocoa viennois is just one of seven temptations.

Alternatively you may prefer to sample the Dégustation Menu, an innovative and immaculately presented six course tasting menu, which offers a sumptuous array of gastronomic delights, plus incredible value for money (the full menu is presented within the special offer at the end of this feature).

One thing is for sure, once you’ve immersed yourself in the rarefied atmosphere of Cascades you will have no desire to leave. The excellent news is you don’t have to! The Viceroy Bali boasts a number of exclusive private villas, individually designed, all with sizable private pools and ravine views, plus The Royal Lembah Spa, one of the finest in Indonesia.

Here is the really excellent news; Villa & Yacht are pleased to offer a weekend stay at The Viceroy Bali to our readers, free of charge! The lucky winner will be treated to two nights/three days accommodation for two people. This will include a candle lit dinner as below:

Dégustation Menu

Trilogy Gourmand
Duck liver terrine ‘mi-cut’, crab and fennel delight, fondue of pimiento del piquillo
***
Coco N-5
Coco bean soup served with fresh water prawn
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Que Du Plaisir…
Sliced lamb loin, stuffed baby eggplant, caramelized pears & provencal jus
***
Pain, Beurre et Fromage
Cheese platter with traditional condiments and walnut bread
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Gourgandine en Habit Blanc
Trio of apple-calvados, caramel & fromage blanc ice cream
***
Petit Fours
With coffee and tea selection

Plus a 270 minute treatment at The Royal Lembah Spa; starting with a steam bath, followed by a traditional Balinese massage, then relax whilst your skin is cleansed with a sea salt scrub and continued with a soothing Javanese lulur, with a splash of yoghurt. After which, refresh the body in The Lembah’s hot Jacuzzi whilst enjoying a herbal tea, before concluding the treatment with a cleansing facial and a fresh fruit juice.

To enter this fantastic prize draw visit www.villayacht.biz and follow the simple application procedure. Offer ends 15th August 2006, good luck!