island life
Dadar Gulung
a breath of
fresh air Sweet, juicy and packed with nutrients, strawberries are one of nature’s healthiest foods, and thrive on the cooler slopes of the mountainous hinterland. Leaving the hustle and bustle of southern Bali behind, we head for the hills, Strawberry Hill in fact. The rich volcanic soil of the hill-
Its raining softly when we arrive, the
top region of Bedugul is known for
steamy heat of the southern plains
producing coffee, cloves and vanilla,
replaced by cool fresh mountain
and has become a centre for Bali’s
air, and we are soon sitting by the
flourishing organic farms. It is also
fireplace in the quaint mountain
home to Strawberry Hill Hotel and
lodge restaurant, warming our hands
Restaurant, a peaceful retreat with
and listening to classical music.
wonderful views over forested valleys.
Traditional wooden décor, wrought
Dating back to 1991, Strawberry Hill
iron chandeliers and batik table
started life as a losmen (guesthouse)
cloths create a rustic charm, while the
built around a couple of strawberry
pool table and darts board are just
patches. Renovations and rebranding
the thing for chilly nights. This wet,
a few years back, raised it to a hotel
cool weather makes me crave warm
standard, where charming guest
comfort food and we order steaming
cottages are edged by flowers in
hot Sekoteng, a Javanese drink of
every colour imaginable. The organic
hot ginger, lemon and spices. A
strawberry patches remain – and the
thick and wholesome Red Bean Soup
fruit is picked fresh each morning and
with potatoes and onions is equally
served to guests in the restaurant.
warm and nourishing. The Tongseng
Tongseng Kambing
Kambing is another hearty dish, made
52 let’s eat!
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