Forget breakfast in bed: At luxury destinations across Asia and the Pacific, a "floating breakfast" is the way to go.
Snapshots of these picture-perfect spreads have populated Instagram recently, with resorts offering a variety of their own takes on the trend. But one delectable breakfast boat — served at Samsara Ubud on the Indonesian island of Bali — is especially show-stopping.
Designed by Bali architect Popo Danes, the layered architecture of the resort is a tribute to the island's centuries-old rice terraces. It grants all 17 luxury villas views of the surrounding lush jungle. Each one- to three-bedroom stay comes with a private heated infinity pool, where guests can indulge in the floating breakfast.
A diverse breakfast menu offers typical western fare alongside traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes. The signature dish is 'Samsara Lobster and Egg' with grilled river lobster, poached egg, ginger flower chilli and curried coconut hollandaise. An Indonesian favorite is 'Red Rice Porridge,' featuring lemongrass rice, chicken, ginger, cashew and quail egg.
The breakfast vessel's unique shape is a wink at an upcoming vacation experience. "We are going to launch 'Samsara Samudra', a luxury phinisi boat," says Giannilucha Permana, marketing communications coordinator. "[It] should've been sailing this year in 2021, but COVID happened, so we are postponed into 2022. That's why the floating breakfast at Samsara Ubud is boat-shaped."
With all the attention from Instagram, no doubt the idea is catching on even as we write, with homeowners sending boats of pancakes, scrambled eggs — even barbecue burgers and chicken — across the backyard pools of America.
This article first appeared in the September 2021 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.