It’s that time of year when restaurants go to town to create a special atmosphere. The festive season is always a great excuse to dress up, head to a romantic beachfront eatery and dive into fine cuisine. Of course gastronomy is not restricted to just the Christmas holidays, and there is a burgeoning scene in Lombok for epicurean eats. For me the cosier the better, and a trip to the Lombok Lodge fits the bill perfectly. Their new fine dining haven is called Flavors and ticks all the right boxes if you are really serious about top-notch beachfront dining.

It is helmed by talented chef Wayan Jiwa Raga who cut his culinary teeth at the Oberoi and Mozaic Restaurant, Bali. The North Coast ocean scenery at Lombok Lodge is an obvious lure for diners but the food itself hits a high mark few can match in Lombok. Flavors has created a distinctive ensemble of dining experiences far beyond the usual open air restaurant concept. There are just a handful of tables overlooking the pool and beach but there are a number of dining styles to suit any mood. It ranges from carefree social dining, a beach BBQ under the stars or how about a private table on the jetty overlooking the sea.

Tables in immaculate white linens are spread out on the breezy terrace, while more intimate dining can be arranged by the water’s edge. Fine international and Asian Cuisine is presented with a touch of arty flair at Flavors.  Rolling set menus feature classic dishes like rare black pepper tuna, beef tenderloin, roasted Peking duck and more. There are themed menus covering the gamut of classic Indonesian, BBQ, Italian and pan-Asian, as well as a few lesser known specialty dishes from each. New for 2020 is the lavish 6-course Lombok Lobster signature menu – an undeniable treat to impress your significant other.  

Flavors also organises special celebration menu packages for weddings, birthdays or any personal milestone complete with a celebratory bottle of bubbly, canapés and even pyrotechnics. There are also special festive spreads throughout the year to mark Christmas, New Year, and Valentine’s Day. An impeccable dining experience means a well paired selection of wines and Flavors boasts one of Lombok’s most comprehensive assortments of white, red, rose and bubbles.

Although it nestles on the edge of tranquil northern Lombok at Medana Bay, Flavors can organise pickup and transport from the Gili Islands and Sengiggi area so there really is no excuse not to pamper the palate.

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