Serial | Reiko's Room ♥︎ Vol. 8: Savoring Bali Until Sundown

Serial | Reiko's Room ❤️

Vol. 8: Savoring Bali Until Sundown at Katamama

Enjoying Bali to the Very Last Light

Just when we were complaining about the cold, we started seeing early cherry blossoms blooming all over town… Yes, spring is finally here! It’s Reiko. Spring really does make you feel a bit giddy, doesn’t it? With so many potential encounters, I really need to focus on self-improvement! Anyway, I recently escaped the chill by visiting Bali. Bali has direct flights, almost no time difference with Japan, delicious Indonesian food, and it’s so nostalgic and feels like the abode of gods… I just love it. This must be my fifth visit. This time, I’ll share my relaxed stay and nightlife in Bali.

Photographs & Text by Reico

Staying at the Chic Boutique Hotel, Katamama

This time, I stayed at Katamama, a boutique hotel in Seminyak. It opened just about a year ago, and while it’s stylish, it also incorporates traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. It’s a hotel that truly stands apart from the typical thatched-roof resort, offering a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The interior, featuring traditional Indonesian bricks and hand-made tiles from Java, and the layered entrance – isn’t it all so stylish? What’s more, there’s no discernible check-in counter; instead, the staff work at tables in an open, relaxed mood, much like a home dining area. So new!

As for the rooms, true to the hotel's concept of 'home,' the interior design is like that of a chic house. Rather than a typical resort hotel, it genuinely feels like being at home, with no sense of unfamiliarity. With only 58 rooms, the intimate, hidden-gem feel is another plus. Each room has a private bar, and upon check-in, the staff prepare a welcome drink on the spot – a delightful touch. There are various appealing room types, including two-story rooftop suites spanning 268 square meters and two-bedroom Katamama suites with private oceanfront rooftop gardens.

On the first floor, there's the Spanish tapas restaurant 'MoVida,' where the course-style dining, featuring a succession of creative, bite-sized tapas, is highly recommended. There's also 'Academy,' a bar by renowned mixologist Dre Masso, where you can enjoy cocktails made with fresh fruits. During the day, I lounged by the pool. It’s truly a place where you can let your guard down and feel completely relaxed, yet this sophisticated boutique hotel offers a distinct experience from a typical resort hotel!

Nightlife at Potato Head, Adjacent to the Hotel!

Now, when you come to Bali, you have to experience the nightlife, right? Yes, another reason to choose Katamama is its adjacency to Potato Head Beach Club, one of Bali's largest! I immediately changed into my beach dress, put on my heels and red lipstick, and headed over. The exterior, composed of antique doors, is incredibly unique. You can also see it from the suites at Katamama. I immediately toasted with champagne while gazing at the sea! With lively music from the DJ, everyone relaxed by the pool and on the lawn. As sunset approached, the club reached its peak of liveliness! This is the true essence of Bali. After the sun went down, we moved to one of the on-site restaurants. We chose 'LILIN,' which offers traditional Balinese cuisine. The long, stylish table was impressive. There’s also a restaurant serving international cuisine, so you can choose based on your mood for the day. And so, the Balinese night unfolded. The best part is that your hotel is right next door when you've had a bit too much to drink!