Holiday favourite Waterbom not only offers a sensational day out getting wet – it’s a great event venue too, writes Sarah Douglas.

There is something fairytale-like about standing in the gardens of Waterbom as the light fades. A strange quiet descends on the water park when the punters have gone and the rides have closed down.

Waterbom is laid out over almost four hectares of landscaped gardens. Within the park there are private gardens and hidden lawns that are perfect for private events. During the day, kids love Waterbom for birthdays and celebrations of all kinds. Parents love how easy it is, but turning this into a sophisticated event venue is unexpected, yet it works beautifully.

Long-term partners, MnM Concepts, are one of the island’s most prestigious caterers, so a collaboration of the two is going to be exciting. It’s also surprising and a lot of fun. Or as sophisticated as any five star resort.

There are a whole host of event, celebrations and function options to choose from. From a group of 10 to 400+ guests, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and corporate functions come to life here in the shadow of the giant slides.

The first option takes in the park by day and is informal and fun. The ‘Keep It Simple Package’ works perfectly overlooking the Lazy River. Mini hot dogs and hamburgers are circulated on platters with barbecued corn and little packets of French fries, mini boxes of fried rice and fruit kebabs. A bar offers soft drinks, beer and wine. It’s an easy solution for a kid’s party or a small office party. Up to 30 guests can relax in bales and scattered beanbags while the park operates around the event.

The second sample is a far more grown up event. The park shuts down, the lights come up and a larger garden space is decorated with flaming torches and gourmet food stations. A band plays and the bartender is mixing up cocktails, pouring glasses of wine and beer.

The food stations are a great example of their five-star catering. An army of chefs man the temporary stations, smart looking wood structures are dressed with crisp canvas, blackboards announce the menu at each station and choosing is very hard indeed.

The smell of barbecued steaks and seared seafood is carried on the warm breeze. The food is perfectly portioned for a cocktail style event and most of it is cooked to order. The barbecue station is grilling perfect steaks, which are sliced to order; there is a selection of Balinese-spiced seafood including large prawns, squid and fish. Sides include grilled corn, Cajun rice, kangkung, and a biting sambal matah.

Organisers can take their pick of a whole range of themed stations that might include a gourmet burger station with selections like the mystic mushroom, a prime beef patty with garlic mushrooms, bone marrow and sautéed herbs.

There is also a Thai curry station, fragrant green curry is served with fresh roti and grilled vegetables with a choice of chicken, beef or pork. There is also a shawarma station with all the traditional Middle Eastern sides. A babi guling station, a sate station and a Mexican station are also on the menu.

The dessert station will thrill kids and adults alike, with build-your-own sundaes, rich and delicious chocolate cakes, hot crepes made to order and fresh fruit to pile high.

The mother of parties held here in the gardens of Waterbom are their fully catered, five-star seated events. Catering for up to 400 guests, the private space within the park adds a colourful element to formal events. From the band to the glassware, a cocktail menu that would be at home at any luxury resort, chefs who create exciting events every day and years of experience combine to make these events sparkle.

The tables are laid with white tablecloths, flowers are artfully arranged, the crystal is polished and waiters line up to serve guests from start to finish. No matter how old you are, events at Waterbom are a treat that can be as fun or as fancy as you like. Combining the beautiful grounds of Waterbom with one of the island’s top catering companies results in events that make a real splash.

www.waterbom.com