Bali’s iconic beachfront lifestyle destination- globally renowned KU DE TA allures with laid-back beach vibe, fabulous ocean views, superb dining and exuberant nightlife.
August 30th, 2013
When it first opened back in 2000 on a fabulous site fronting a golden sand beach on Bali’s south coast at Seminyak, KU DE TA pioneered the concept of a multi-dimensional beach club / dining / nightlife venue on the island. With fortuitous prescience, the founding partners anticipated the demand for a sophisticated yet laid-back beachfront lifestyle destination, offering patrons for the first time in Bali something similar to the chic beach club concept found at glamorous Mediterranean resort beaches. Catering to a clientele seeking an all-day beachfront experience, KU DE TA’s impressive gourmet catering operations serve from a variety of menus commencing with early morning breakfast, transitioning as the day recedes into the evening through lunch, grazing and dinner. Integrating harmoniously into the daily transition, the DJs playlist encapsulates the mood of the moment, culminating in an up-tempo vibe as the late night party gets into full swing.
Renowned internationally as much for its vibrant nightlife as for its fabulous Indian Ocean beachfront locale, KU DE TA has retained its preeminent ranking as Bali’s iconic beachfront lifestyle and party destination, even with the establishment in recent years of a number of other world-class beach clubs on the nearby coastline. Astutely managed, KU DE TA has evolved to cater for a more discerning and sophisticated clientele of both island residents and tourists, perhaps best exemplified with the recent opening of its new Mejekawi Tasting Kitchen and Laboratory, a bold new dining concept that places KU DE TA at the cutting edge of contemporary gastronomy. With the new restaurant opening, KU DE TA now boasts an impressive assemblage within its beach front pavilions of four bars and three distinct dining options.
KU DE TA is a terrific all-day lifestyle destination- opening every day from 8 am until closing late in the night. Its formidable combination of stunning beachfront location, contemporary design and gourmet cuisine, complemented by a stellar drinks program, overlaid with its signature music style and vibrant party scene, continues to place KU DE TA at the forefront of Bali’s entertainment and lifestyle attractions. Information on upcoming events and parties is best found on the KU DE TA Facebook Page.
KU DE TA BEACHFRONT VENUE
At the core of KU DE TA’s enduring attraction is the wonderful oceanfront location – accessing one of the best stretches of golden sand beaches and safe swimming along the Seminyak coastline. Taking full advantage of the expansive 0.7 ha site, the U shaped series of three interconnected pavilions enclose the central garden courtyard creating a private zone of beach-side relaxation and entertainment. The contemporary design adopts a modern Balinese style – characterised by the high pitched, wood-shingled roof of the main pavilion, and extensive use of natural timbers and stone work. The site configuration ideally converts into a massive amphitheatre and party zone for the themed special parties that are a regular feature throughout the year- culminating in the extravagant events of the annual August “party season”.
KU DE TA RESTAURANT DINING & COCKTAIL PROGRAM
Catering at KU DE TA is conducted on an epic scale- typically preparing 1000+ meals per day- and with the kitchens operating virtually around the clock. The massive culinary team is headed by acclaimed executive chef Ben Cross, who deftly deploys his Antipodean flair for melding a diversity of cuisine influences into cleverly balanced menus that appeal to all palates. Cuisines represented in the menus range from Mediterranean to Japanese and regional Asian, whereas as much produce as possible is sourced locally- both for freshness and to support local farmers. Transitioning from the casual daytime eats, the kitchen steps up a notch or two for dinner- with a consummate menu of gourmet dishes that have earned KU DE TA accolades for its exquisite dining experience.
Equally impressive to the dining experience at KU DE TA is the drinks program headed up by Bar Manager Bruce Bartholomew. Drawing on his extensive international experience at some of the finest establishments in his native South Africa and later London, Bruce oversees a highly trained team of bartenders and servers who deliver refreshments throughout the day to satiate the thirsty crowds. An expansive list of cocktails embraces all the classic and tropical favourites, complemented by a constantly updated selection of innovative drinks concocted by the award winning mixologists. Beyond cocktails, KU DE TA offers an extensive wine list and full range of beverages- both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
MEJEKAWI TASTING KITCHEN & LABORATORY
Launched during June 2013 in a newly constructed upper-level space of the southern pavilion, Mejekawi showcases a stunning show kitchen, cutting-edge gastronomic laboratory, and innovative cocktail bar. Under the direction of executive chef Ben Cross the kitchen serves progressive 7-course and 11-course tasting menus that focus on showcasing the most exquisite local produce from Bali. (Full details in an upcoming review article)
KU DE TA Beachside
Three interconnected pavilions form a U shape around the central courtyard. The new restaurant Mejekawi is housed on the upper level of the pavilion to the left facing the ocean.
Timber-decked cafe space- at the absolute beachfront end of the southern pavilion- ideal for laid-back, all-day meals and snacks.
White marble topped “L” shaped bar extends along open-air lower level of the south wing- a popular “re-fueling” station all day and night.
Green lawns of the central courtyard extend down a gentle slope to the sandy beachfront. Two rows of rustic solid teak day-lounges overlooking the beach and surf are the prized day time spots at KU DE TA- and particularly for the famed sunsets.
The central courtyard between the U shaped pavilions features restaurant dining tables and woven rattan day-beds set on the stone- paved terrace that is dissected by the rectangular pond.
At the pulsating heart of KU DE TA- the DJ station commands the centre of the courtyard- overseeing all the activity along the pavilions and beachfront.
KU DE TA Restaurant & Bars
The moment of entrance to KU DE TA is impressive- with the circular paved driveway and carved sandstone facade. A sweeping slate staircase leads to the main reception area and central pavilion.
To one side of the front entrance is the “Tree Bar” – a sophisticated haven of sumptuous cocktails, wines and comfortable sofas for relaxing and soaking up the laid-back ambiance.
Spanning the northern pavilion between the restaurant dining room and the casual beachfront decked area is “Fidel’s Bar”- a handsome setting of raw timber paneling, copper-sheathed lights, and an impressive bar counter crafted from solid teak and faced with plush leather padding.
Elegant dining table settings in the main restaurant feature white table clothes, and comfortable black leather upholstered, teak framed chairs.
Restaurant dining tables occupy a large portion of the front pavilion extending seamlessly to the adjacent pavilions on either side.
One corner of the restaurant dining space with contemporary Balinese decor- perfectly exemplifying the aesthetic of understated- luxe.
Mejekawi Tasting Kitchen & Laboratory
A bold new dining experience in a recently constructed space atop the southern pavilion. Mejekawi is the platform for the culinary team to showcase their gastronomic talents in the cutting edge show kitchen and adjacent laboratory.
A new outdoor rooftop terrace opens off Mejekawi- offering a fabulous vantage spot for taking in the evening sunsets whilst enjoying a refreshing beverage.
(Full details on Mejekawi in upcoming review article)
KU DE TA- legendary nightlife & parties
KU DE TA are internationally renowned for their themed parties that draw massive crowds of revelers- with the annual highlight being the August “party season”. Some images above of the recent (August 2013) “KU DE TA Tribal Bikini Party” ( Images courtesy of KU DE TA)
KU DE TA- Beachside Lifestyle destination- Bali
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak. Bali Indonesia 80361
Reservations: +62. 361. 736969
Website: www.kudeta.net/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KUDETA
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday : 08:00 am – Late
Breakfast menu 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch menu 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grazing menu 12:00 pm – late
Dinner menu 6:00 pm – late