El Kabron – famed outpost of sunset splendour – hits the half dozen with it’s sixth anniversary.
Celebrating their sixth anniversary this June (my, how time flies) El Kabron has matured like a fine wine – or rather, Champagne – from a Spanish-run, Chiringuito-style joint mobbed by Europeans, to one of the Bukit’s most sophisticated dining venues, adapting to a high-end patronage with discerning tastes; no selfie sticks or drones allowed here!
Despite the winding back road drive, El Kabron gets pretty packed (book ahead for sunsets and high season), mainly for the spectacular (albeit narrow) setting, 50-metres high on Pecatu’s cliff-top with 180-degree Indian Ocean views, plus the well-regarded Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, with signature paellas, tapas and more; rustic home cooking but superior stuff thanks to premium imports and a Catalan native Executive Chef, from previous stints in Spanish Michelin-starred kitchens.
With “the soul of Santorini and Ibiza meets Balinese sunsets,” El Kabron has increasingly evolved to self-proclaimed exclusivity, personalized service from slick staff and focus on gourmet dining – now Indonesia’s official venue for Moët & Chandon Champagne.
Three distinct sections, along with minimum pre-booking and access conditions, guarantees a controlled, intimate environment: a sleek dining room with glam long bar and semi-open terrace, a Cliff Club, still wowing with that infamous turquoise-hued pool, but the sandy floor and bean bags replaced with a timbered deck and wave-shaped sun loungers and lower-level VIP Balcony Lounges with exclusive bar, literally dangling off the cliffs and one of the island’s most unobstructed sunset perches and Instagram one-upmanship. A bottle of bubbly and glow-in-the-dark glass Shishas are suitable distractions.
Each year, El Kabron reinvents itself and 2017 is no exception: plans include a Gastro Tapas & Cocktails menu and international gastronomic dining experiences, while facility additions cover a tiered terrace with an overhead dining deck. Expect High season shenanigans featuring “Legendary Sunsets Sessions,” weekend concerts with live musicians and late, late bar, and Champagne Shower parties, illuminating Pecatu’s ‘hood with fashion shows, lighting extravaganzas and fireworks. We’d expect nothing less.
