High Tea at The Apurva Kempinski

Have you head of the Apurva Kempinski? I hadn't til I started researching accommodation for Bali.

It describes itself as:

Which I would say is pretty accurate.

The Kempinski hosted world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron for the 2022 G20 Conference. Look, it's a pretty swanky affair.

I had looked into the Koral Restaurant but honestly couldn't justify the AU$300+ price tag. I instead opted for the very reasonably priced High Tea, known as the Exquisite Afternoon Tea.

Including tax this comes to under $30 Australian which seems like a pretty cheap way to pretend to be rich for an afternoon.

We had spent the morning at the extraordinary Museum Pasifika, which I whole-heartedly recommend. Then make our way by taxi to the Kempinski.

Our first impression is of shock and awe. It is as close to a palace as can be imagined. You can smell the money here. We have a wander around the immaculately presented grounds for about 20 minutes, taking in the views, the perfectly manicured gardens, the monkeys, the endless acres of pools and gaze up in admiration at some of the suites.

Coming up to 2 pm, we are shown to our daybed with surely one of the greatest views on the Island of the Gods.

Although I certainly think I would get my monies worth with the two hours of freeflow sparkling wine for around $65, we instead settle on a glass of NZ Sav Blanc each.

We are directed to the nibbles buffet where we each collect a little "high tea tower". (Maybe we were supposed to have one between us, but alas)

The spread is indeed beautiful but is overwhelmed with a crowd of people, and not enough tongs. Perhaps it would be better to go at 2.30 or even 3pm to allow for the initial rush to pass. But we do our best to grab what we think we'll enjoy.

We start with savouries, a teeny tiny chicken slider, a savoury Danish, vol-au-vent, baby quiche, and a polenta bite with Jimbaran prawn. Each is absolutely delightful. Not one could be faulted in taste or presentation.

We also try a selection of sweets, choux pastry, tiny chocolate tarts, miniature donuts. There are cakes and scones and every sweet you can imagine, but we go back for more savouries. And end up full to the brim.

I am ever-so-slightly disappointed that there are no finger sandwiches. And it's hard to have a scone, jam and cream as all of these need to be loaded onto the tower wine only one hand.

I order a pot of tea as we laze the afternoon away taking in the views.

It was an amazing experience in a fabulous place. Some of those around were a bit on the snooty side, and I can imagine are the type not to make eye contact with a lowly waiter.

If you would like to see more of this PALACE, Please enjoy this review from my favourite reviewer, The Flip Flop Traveler