Now I'll be the first to admit that I've been incredibly privileged when it comes to dining experiences. I've enjoyed an array of incredible restaurants from Perth and Sydney to Niseko and Vancouver, and back again. It's all too true that I enjoy food thoroughly whether it's from a Michelin star restaurant or a market stall. This all stems from my upbringing where each birthday or occasion was (and still is) just an excuse to go out for lunch or dinner. Now, when I head to my parents place to catch-up over a meal, they always manage to turn it into a culinary experience with fresh produce and great wine, even if we're just having sandwiches. So, it was only fair that we experienced the delights of the infamous St. Regis Boneka Sunday Brunch together when we met in Bali.

Arriving at 11:00AM at the St. Regis in Nusa Dua, we were ushered to King Cole Bar for complimentary aperitifs where we opted to enjoy the sunshine at the outdoor alfresco with extensive views of palm trees and perfect blue skies. Whether you'd like to begin your day with the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary, a passionfruit mojito or cosmopolitan, there's a selection of colourful cocktails floating around for the hour.

Before long, we're called inside for brunch at the luxurious Boneka Restaurant, with live jazz music setting the scene. Our first priority was, of course, food! The restaurant features an opulent international buffet, as well as a deluxe a la carte brunch menu. With just one sweep around the buffet, it is obvious that the St. Regis Brunch is influenced by all corners of the globe, from east to west. The menu offers only the finest seasonal ingredients from its signature egg nouvelle, indulgent lobster egg omelettes, prime waygu steak and eggs, freshly shucked oysters, sashimi and Avruga caviar blinis. Is your mouth watering yet?

The best word to describe my feeling about Boneka's sumptuous buffet is overwhelming at first, but then this feeling turns into pure thrill and delight for any budding foodie. As I circled the vast array of equally appetising options, I made note of the dishes I simply had to try. While I would've thoroughly enjoyed tasting each and every dish, it would be seemingly impossible, especially for someone of my petite stature. Luckily, each handcrafted creation is presented in grazing proportions.

The buffet features freshly baked breads and pastries, a generous selection of gourmet cheeses, Greek yoghurt and bircher muesli and fresh fruit, prawn cocktails, and an extensive assortment of salads with chicken, beef, fish and any dressing your mind can procure. There's sushi, dim sum and miso soup, and an array of hot dishes in seafood, meat, vegetarian and Balinese specialties. There's a dynamic display kitchen where one of Bali's best culinary teams prepares each perfectly plated dish, as well as an extensive carving station and Boneka's legendary chocolate foundation. The seductive and tantalising dessert buffet is an assortment of cakes, pudding, tarts, mousse, cookies, creme brûlée, meringue, macarons and tempura ice-cream, to name but a few.

While this kind of decadence is a rarity in my life, it is truly an unforgettable culinary experience. St. Regis somehow manages to redefine buffet style dining with exceptionally personalised, attentive and friendly service, and a gourmet spread that will seduce, tickle and tantalise every tastebud. Without a doubt, Sunday Brunch at St. Regis is at the top of my list for my next stay in Bali (and the next one after that, and that, and that). Just try and refrain from stuffing your pockets on the way out the door.

Beware: the following contains photo after photo of mouthwateringly delicious food.

________

Shilla dress | Spektre sunglasses (also here) | Old Sportsgirl bag (want this one) | Old Wittner sandals (similar here)