Hilton Hotels & Resorts has secured Brisbane-born Michelin-starred chef David Pynt to create the menu at Waldorf Astoria Bali luxury resort in Nusa Dua on the Indonesia island.
The Waldorf Astoria Bali is owned by a wealth Indonesia family who are regulars at his Singapore restaurant Burnt Ends, where Pynt made the announcement at a dinner last night, hosted by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, as part of the International Luxury Travel Market Asia Pacific 2025.
The Indonesian family also travelled to The Ledge by Dave Pynt, a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, which is located at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. It features a seafood-focused menu cooked in a custom-built, wood-fired oven, inspired by Burnt Ends’ modern Australian barbecue style.
Speaking exclusively to Travel Weekly Pynt – who has visited the island for three decades – said “the (Bali hotel) owner’s are delightful”.
“They dined here (in Singapore), and they dined in the Maldives as well, just to make sure the satellite was just as good as us, and we could work well together,” he said.
Wood-fired cuisine
The deal brings the wood-fired cuisine of the Singapore-based chef ever closer to Australians who are among those who have to book months in advance for the Burnt Ends experience in Singapore.
The Waldorf Astoria Bali Featuring 71 villas and 68 guest suites. Set to open in late 2027 will offer wellness journeys and immersive cultural experiences and Pynt’s destination dining alongside a chic beach club, reflecting the brand’s evolution for the next generation of luxury travellers.
Etienne Dalançon was general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi at the time of original signing the chef in 2019.
“It started on the beach,” he told Travel Weekly last night. “We wanted to create an extraordinary experience on the beach and barbecue could be one, and therefore we all agreed on going towards this direction.
“We looked for the right person and he happened to be the right person and he happened to be the best person.”
Dalançon said he was looking forward to the next chapter of the David Pynt story at Waldorf Astoria.
A lot on his plate
Pynt has a lot on his plate at present. It includes a proposed brewery on Sentosa Island, Singapore, set to open in early 2026, a partnership with Audi, a partnership with handbag maker Coach, which will include a white label handbag project plus plans to open a Coach Steakhouse in Singapore to add to their existing one in Jakarta.
“I think a lot of it comes from being able to build up a really amazing team,” Pynt told Travel Weekly. “And it should mean, as we do these extra projects we’ve got the bandwidth, we’ve got the knowledge, and we’ve got the people.”
The ventures are in addition to his existing restaurant, bar and bakery complex in Singapore where Burnt Ends has held a Michelin star since first awarded in 2018. The restaurant is currently ranked No.93 on the 2025 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants List, and No.38 on its Asia list.
“Today’s luxury traveller is seeking more than just a beautiful stay – they’re seeking meaningful, immersive experiences rooted in culture and authenticity. That is why resorts are becoming modern sanctuaries, with destinations like Bali continuing to be highly sought-after,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president, Hilton Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific in the official release.
“With Waldorf Astoria Bali, we’re meeting this desire by blending the brand’s timeless elegance with the opportunity to connect more deeply with one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.”
“Bali’s reputation as a global hub for discerning travelers makes it a natural home for Waldorf Astoria’s next culinary landmark,” said Marvin Alballi, vice president, Food & Beverage, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
“Across Hilton’s portfolio in Asia Pacific, we are proud to work with some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talents. In Bali, chef Dave Pynt will bring a new level of culinary sophistication and fire-driven flair to our guests.”
Chef Pynt added: “We’re really excited to bring our style of barbecue to the incredible cliffs of Nusa Dua. There’s so much to explore in the local produce and flavours, and when you add the magic of cooking over wood fire, it becomes something truly special.
“At Waldorf Astoria Bali, we’re creating an experience that captures the spirit of island life – through fire, flavour, craft, and connection – so guests take home memories that are
unforgettable.”
