The welcome
Katamama is so hip, it hurts. There’s no reception area, no check-in desk or receptionist. Instead, after dragging our bags up the stairs, we are greeted by the cheery “cultural concierge” in the small, relaxed, library-bar communal hang-out area. Advice and enthusiasm were abundant. After check-in, a waiter arrives in the room to prepare a welcome drink, utilising the room’s supply of fresh mint and house-infused brews, in the modest bar/kitchen area – a nice touch.
The neighbourhood
A recent offshoot of the renowned Potato Head – a beach club geared more to partygoers – Katamama sits at the northern end of Seminyak, a 15-minute stroll from the central strip of shops and restaurants. The neighbourhood, known for attracting affluent, young tourists and expats, is overflowing with trend-aware bars and spas. Katamama fits right in.
The room
The entry-level “island suite” – all rooms are “suites” – is a healthy mix of cool, comfort and quirky, with bright wooden furnishings and subtle lighting. The bed sits in the centre of the narrow, oblong space, pointing towards the relaxing wood-panelled terrace, which overlooks the pool area. A German phrase was stencilled on the wall (Google Translate was left flummoxed), and a copy of trendsetters’ tome Monocle was the room’s reading material. In place of a minibar, a kitchenette offers bespoke, refreshing ingredients for drinks that you can mix yourself and pay for later.
The service
Restaurant staff were friendly and amenable – much like the ever beaming “cultural concierge”. The pool is narrow and small, but offers a chilled terrace and bar area. The gym is equipped with the essentials. Guests can use the neighbouring Potato Head, which might seem loud and pretentious to anyone but a hardened party crowd. We found out later that high-fidelity audiophile equipment is available in rooms upon request – which might reveal much about the typical guest.
The scene
With Katamama, Indonesian architect Andra Matin has authored an impressive statement. A towering mix of brown, red and amber “artisan bricks”, imposing surfaces jut off in bold angles. Inside, small holes in the exterior walls create daring dots of shadow and light in the outdoor corridors. Pieces by local artists are reportedly spread throughout the 58 rooms.
The food
The bottom floor is given over to Movida, a contemporary Australian-born Spanish restaurant. This breezy open space has a casual daytime vibe and is also where guests can order from the extensive and alluring breakfast menu. Highlights include huevos revueltos – scrambled eggs topped with soft-shell crab. After dark, the volume inches up and things edge towards a loungier vibe.
Loved
Katamama is quintessentially Seminyak – young, vibrant, arty and cooler-than-thou.
Hated
Located down a narrow lane, cars were unable to reach the front door during our visit, meaning a lengthy lug of our luggage, past sceptical security guards, from the
main road.
The verdict
Katamama isn’t cheap – for these prices one could book an internationally branded resort stay on Bali’s much-desired southern coastline – but this place is more about making memories than escaping realities.
The bottom line
Rooms at Katamama (www.katamama.com) cost from 5,845,000 Indonesian rupiah (Dh1,614) per night, including taxes.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
rgarratt@thenational.ae