DINING IN PARADISE

More than just beaches and temples, Bali has developed a world-class dining scene that ranges from cool neighbourhood spots championing natural wine to innovative fine-dining enclaves that give you an excuse to swap the sandals for stilettos.

Nick Walton looks at some of the island’s hottest tables for the year ahead.

Santanera

One of the coolest new openings in Canggu, Santanera is the brainchild of chefs-restauranteurs Andres Becerra and German Rincon, two culinary connoisseurs from Colombia who deliver a thoroughly modern take on Latin American cuisine laced with European sophistication and set against stylish interiors. Be sure to catch the sunset from the recently opened rooftop terrace before skipping down the wrought iron staircase and slipping into a deep-set booth to sample contemporary tapas-style sharing dishes packed with organic, farm-to-plate produce, including Hamachi cerviche with plantain crackers, gooseberries and Leche De Tigre; jicama cooked over coals and served with white chocolate and jalapeno mole; and a beef tenderloin modelled after the traditional Colombian dish Lomo al trapo, that’s rolled in rock salt and wrapped in a piece of cloth soaked in beer. santanerabali.com