The butter melted as I rushed to prevent our breakfast from an untimely end. If I didn’t use my toe to nudge the tray back into position within seconds, everything was destined for a watery demise. And so was I.
It was October 2017, and I had glimpsed enticing images of breakfast floating in private pools. This leisurely indulgence was gaining traction in Bali, where you could enjoy your Eggs Benedict while lounging in luxury. I was determined to experience it, and honestly, I needed those Instagram moments.
But is a floating breakfast as delightful as it sounds? Can you truly savor your meal while submerged, and does the food just float away from you?
What a sight it was.
Our Floating Breakfast Adventure in Bali
From the start, our Floating Breakfast experience in Bali was a comedy of errors. Ordering was a challenge in itself.
Upon entering our stunning villa at the Royal Purnama, I noticed a flyer promoting the private Floating Breakfast. I was fortunate enough to win this villa stay from an Instagram contest.
Spying the listed activities, each priced per person, I assumed the Floating Breakfast—costing 575,000 IDR (£30/$53AUD)—would follow the same rule.
Since we had a generous buffet breakfast included, I cleverly suggested ordering the Floating Breakfast for one and then filling up later if needed.
Justin made the call.
“You want a Floating Breakfast for just one person?” the staff inquired multiple times.
“Yes,” he replied, sensing my resolve.
The restaurant staff, sounding confused, ended the call. The following day, they arrived with a strangely small tray of food.
As the staff set everything up in our pool, one lady inquired why we ordered for just one.
“The price is for two people,” she explained.
Suddenly, reality dawned. We were about to spend $53 AUD for half the service. Blushing, I quickly added that an extra coffee would indeed be appreciated.
While we waited, Justin and I attempted to embrace the moment.
But let’s be honest.
I bombarded him with photo requests, annoyed the food dripped towards the pool, and transformed into a model he never signed up for. To top it off, I posed for what felt like the thousandth shot, stressing over my appearance.
Explore more: The trials of being an Instagram partner.
Hubby: My Reluctant Model
I grappled with whether to dive in (with my less than toned arms) or remain on the side, bound in an awkward position. The lighting failed me, and my anxious face ruined my chances of achieving that perfect Instagram aesthetic.
Did that stop me? Absolutely not.
I leapt into the pool to rescue our breakfast as it neared an untimely demise, scrambled to reposition for photos, and asked Justin to back up until he was nearly reaching the bedroom.
By the time the rest of our breakfast arrived, I declared enough was enough. We finally submerged ourselves to savor the food, attempting not to upend the tray with every slice of Eggs Benedict.
We awkwardly managed to eat our breakfast, elbows practically touching our ears. One of us held the tray in place while the other attempted to slice pastries, eventually feeling a bit ridiculous.
After warming up, we transitioned to sitting at the pool’s edge while trying to keep things from slipping away with one foot wedged beneath the tray.
It was a unique and delicious breakfast we would never forget.
But was it worth it? That depends on how much you enjoy novelty versus practicality—and how much time you spend trying to capture everything on camera.
Where to Enjoy a Floating Breakfast in Bali
If you’re craving your own floating breakfast experience, check out these five destinations:
- Ayana Resort & Spa, Jimbaran
- Kamandalu, Ubud
- Aksari Villa, Seminyak
- W Bali, Seminyak
- Royal Purnama Art Suites & Villas, Sanur (our spot)
