HEART AND CRAFT

Stunning and unique, Katamama is a luxurious brick fortress that defies all expectations of a typical Bali resort.

Balinese-style pavilions and water features are something we have become familiar with globally. Yet in the heart of Seminyak, a resort named Katamama has boldly departed from this form, or so it would seem. From the first impression, the angular brick mass of its exterior seems at odds with the island’s typical organic feel but is somehow familiar. That’s because the multi-tonal bricks are the same ones that were used to build the island’s palaces and temples. Indeed, while it may not seem obvious, the spirit of Balinese architecture is very much alive here.

Katamama is designed by renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin, who

collaborated with the resort’s developer, PTT Family, for Potato Head Beach Club just steps away. Matin had a clear vision for this resort: “The idea behind Katamama was to represent Bali. It should feel Balinese, but modern at the same time. It’s very geometrical.” Modernity is evoked through the clean lines of the architecture, while the Balinese sensibility is reinforced in the choice of materials – a deft mix of the aforementioned bricks, teak accents, handmade tiles and bespoke terrazzo.

Within this envelope, Martin designed 58 suites with larger living spaces than any other hotel in the area. The 320sqm Katamama suite offers a private rooftop garden with jacuzzi, two bedrooms with kingsized beds and an open-plan living and dining area (rates start from 18.8 million rupiah, RM5,900.)

Each space is a showcase for local design and craftsmanship executed by Ronald Akili, CEO of PTT Family and Singaporebased design company Takenouchi Webb. As one of Indonesia’s leading entrepreneurs, Akili is known for his passion for the mid-century look and Katamama’s interiors, fixtures and furnishings reflect this craftfocused take on hospitality – from the Louis Poulsen lights to vintage Hans J Wegner rocking chairs and Arne Jacobsen seats, some from Akili’s personal collection. Other additions were created for the hotel, down to the table runners, the work of Balibased husband-and-wife team Tjok Agung Indigo, to the reed diffuser bottles, a collaboration between Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara and Ubud-based Gaya Ceramics.

With such a unique approach to design, it would follow that Katamama’s other facilities subvert the norm as well. The lobby bar, Akademi, has its own mixologist

“The idea behind Katamama was to represent Bali.”

and custom-mixed terrazzo in shades of blue. Tucked behind Akademi is Movida, an outpost of the popular Spanish restaurant from Australia. Here, its rattan furniture, teak tables and ceiling fans give the feel of a living room.

All these components come together to make Katamama a platform for Indonesia’s rich heritage in a contemporary context. Akili adds: “Katamama - which means ‘mama says’ in our native language – is a reference to the wisdom handed down from generation to generation, and our hotel has so many stories to tell: from its contemporary architecture to its locallyinfluenced cuisine.” www.katamama.com Δ