Akademi, Centre of Mixology and Cocktail Bar in Bali

Created by award-winning bartender and author Dre Masso, Akademi is a hub for the world’s most celebrated and innovative mixologists and a centre for the craft. Located in the lobby of Katamama, PTT Family’s first hotel, Akademi offers patrons a curated selection of unique libations, utilising the finest local ingredients.

The focus of Akademi’s menu is the exploration of Indonesia’s fine tropical offerings. In addition to one of the biggest collection of premium spirits in the country, the bar houses a vast range of infused locally produced arak made from coconut, rice and cane. Dre and his team have worked with island tribes and local artisans as well as permaculture experts to grow the best produce on the hotel grounds, all to create drinks that showcase the best of Indonesia. Akademi plans to contemplate, dissect and transform a different indigenous ingredient every month in its quest to innovate while still respecting the local flavours.

Also a learning lab, Akademi welcomes a roster of international mixologists who will explore local flavours and create innovative cocktails as well as help train a new generation of local bartenders to international standards by passing on their knowledge and experience. Visiting experts already confirmed include Zdenek Kastanek of Singapore bar 28 Hongkong Street, Soran Nomura of Fuglen in Tokyo and Samuel Ng of Black Pearl in Melbourne.

Designed by the PTT Family in-house team, Akademi pushes the boundaries of constructability and explores the natural material of terrazzo. On entering the space guests are greeted with four shades of terrazzo, brass accessories and royal blue seating upholstery. Taking centre stage within the space is Akademi’s bar station designed by Dre with a vintage ’70s pendant light by Gaetano Sciolari.

The Akademi experience is complete with bespoke ceramic, wood and copper cocktail vessels made by local artisans and a vinyl turntable with a Klipsch hi-fidelity audio system. In addition, a library of rare and fascinating drinks literature, including a first edition of ‘The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks’ by David A. Embury, originally published in 1948 and a 1947 edition of the ‘Bartender’s Guide’ by Trader Vic is available for reference.

Opened on 7th January 2016, Akademi’s high regard for its indigenous ingredients as well as its commitment to education and community values makes it not only unique to Bali, but unique to the hotel world.

Now recognised as one of the leading figures in the bar and mixology scene internationally, Dre began his career in London. Over 20 years in the industry, Dre worked in some of the most famous bars in London including the Atlantic Bar & Grill, Lab Bar and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen. In 2004 Dre formed The Worldwide Cocktail Club, which consulted on the beverage programs for such legendary bars as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and Amy Sacco’s Bungalow 8. He has been named UK Bartender of the Year three times and in 2005 published his first cocktail recipe book, ‘Margarita Rocks’.  He has been with PTT Family since 2013 and recently published his second book ‘Classic Cocktails at Home’.

Katamama is a 58-suite hotel by PTT Family opening in April 2016. Set against the ocean in the upscale Seminyak region of Bali, Katamama showcases architecture and design inspired by local Indonesian influences and furnished with unique, handcrafted furniture pieces and objets d’art. Collaborators include the MoVida restaurant group from Australia and award-winning mixologist Dre Masso. Katamama is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection.

Web: katamama.com

PTT Family is an Indonesia-based hospitality and lifestyle company that currently runs operations in Jakarta, Bali and Singapore, including Potato Head Beach Club Bali, Lilin Restaurant Bali, Three Buns Jakarta & Singapore, Potato Head Folk Singapore and Potato Head Garage Jakarta. 2016 will see the opening of its first hotel in Bali and a new venture in Hong Kong, plus two more hotels scheduled to open in 2018 and 2019. Through a set of core values, hospitality management expertise, and original concepts and ideas PTT Family continues to foster collaborations with both local and international groups from the realms of architecture, design, music, fashion, art and craftsmanship.

Web: pttfamily.com

Jl. Petitenget No 51B, Seminyak, Bali
T: +62 (361) 302 9999