GOING IN DEEP: CAFE DEL MAR BALI
For many years now people have touted Bali as the Asian Ibiza, with its beautiful climate, beautiful beaches and of course its reputation for music and parties. Often the subject of heated over dinner debates never before have those who believe this to be true had a more substantial piece of evidence to back this claim up than now with the arrival of one of Ibiza’s most iconic and much loved brands… Café Del Mar.
Café del Mar was THE sunset spot on the white isle form the early 80’s renowned for the beautiful view and of course… the music. Under the watchful eye of the legendary José Padilla the venue was synonymous with chilled out beats for tired feet… roll forward 40 years and now the brand has gone in a very bold direction spreading its wings across the globe with beach clubs from Barcelona to Sydney, and Phuket to Bali.
There is no mistaking the Mediterranean influence in the architecture of the venue as soon as you walk into Café Del Mar Bali with white arches aplenty, once inside it’s absolutely stunning. Look up and you will see Balinese influenced roofing, a sign that the architect has clearly taken the time and trouble to marry the two cultures together.
Since opening it’s doors the venue has been really busy at a quiet time of year as well so they are certainly off to a very strong start. Next month they also throw their cards on the music table with the first music events and so far they have announced three dates…
Friday 1st November they welcome the iconic Stanton Warriors who have been throwing chunky beats, big basslines and kick ass dancefloor shaking tracks as long as we can remember.
Then on the Sunday that same weekend they welcome a genuine Superstar in Nick Warren along with The Soundgarden, his iconic label and dance party which is going to be absolutely huge with Miss Melera alongside Nick, fresh off the back of several worldwide dates including ADE in Amsterdam. Formerly one half of Way Out West Nick and his Soundgarden brand are the perfect fit and are guaranteed to deliver a musical masterpiece to keep your feet tapping long after the sunsets over the horizon.
Then later on in the month Café Del Mar hosts another UK DJ but this time one of its rising stars from the current crop is Christoph. From the North of England Christoph has been championed by Eric Prydz amongst many more of the industries longer established linchpins and has already got tongues wagging across the island ahead of his arrival.
We will be releasing a feature focussing more on all of these acts in the coming days but in the meantime we pinned down one of the senior management team, Kirk Bouffard, to get his thoughts on the Café Del Mar brand, the journey so far, and what the future holds for Bali’s latest world class Beach Club!
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK TO SECRET BALI LIFE TODAY KIRK, HOW HAVE YOUR FIRST FEW WEEKS BEEN SINCE OPENING YOUR DOORS?
“The reception has been great, not just from our customers but also the Bali community.”
HOW DID THE LINK UP WITH THE ICONIC IBIZA BRAND CAFÉ DEL MAR COME ABOUT AND WHAT INFLUENCE HAS THIS CONNECTION HAD WITH REGARDS TO THE DIRECTION OF THE VENUE MUSICALLY AND OTHER ASPECTS?
“John Zappia (CEO Café del Mar Australasia) is also part owner of the Ibiza venue and that is what brought CDMB to life. Café del Mar is the worlds leading chill house music label and birthplace to one of the longest running and most successful music series n history. With almost 40 years of history, this plays a massive role in the direction of music but also what we like to call the ‘Café del Mar experience’.”
YOU ARE ABOUT TO THROW YOUR HAT INTO THE EVENT ARENA IN BALI, WITH THREE EVENTS IN NOVEMBER. WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR BOOKINGS, PRODUCTION AND IS THERE AN ADDED PRESSURE FLYING THE CAFÉ DEL MAR FLAG DUE TO THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE IT CARRIES?
“I don’t think there is added pressure but actually added support, we get to rely on a world class brand to help guide and shape our overall strategy.”
WITH SEVERAL BEACH CLUBS ON THE ISLANDS COASTLINE WHAT WOULD YOU SAY SEPARATES CAFÉ DEL MAR FROM THE REST TO VISITORS WEIGHING UP THEIR OPTIONS?
“Our architectural design is the first thing that you would notice but just as noticeable is the “Café del Mar experience” and a major driver behind that is our staff and their amazing hospitality.”
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESIDENTS ROSTER FOR 2019?
“Our Residents Roster is shaping up nicely and should be out soon, can’t share too much at this point!”
IT APPEARS YOU HAVE AVOIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A ‘GRAND OPENING’, IS THERE SOMETHING IN THE PIPELINE ON THAT FRONT OR ARE YOU WORKING TO A DIFFERENT STRATEGY AT CAFÉ DEL MAR?
“With a venue of this size and magnitude we really want to make sure we get things right… that said, we are planning some really impressive events and activations for 2020 to celebrate the Bali opening and our 40th birthday as a brand!”
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR CAFÉ DEL MAR? WE HAVE HEARD RUMOURS THERE IS AN UNDERGROUND NIGHTCLUB IN THE PIPELINE, WHICH IS ALWAYS HANDY IN RAINY SEASON OF COURSE. CAN YOU EXPAND ON THAT FOR OUR FOLLOWERS?
“The venue and the property as a whole are quite large and that allows us some very unique opportunities moving forward. We are very excited to share our overall expansion plans when the time is right…that said, we will have some great areas that won’t be affected by rainy season.”
IF MONEY AND AVAILABILITY WAS NO OBJECT WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM LINE-UP FOR THE VENUE?
“Personally, it wouldn’t be just the line-up for me but the type of event and that would be a two/three-day festival with a selection of acts that holds something for everyone would be my dream.”
SUM UP THE ETHOS OF CAFÉ DEL MAR BALI IN ONE LINE FOR US PLEASE…
“It is all about the experience, eat/drink/listen and ENJOY!”
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME KIRK, WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO SEE AND SUPPORT YOUR OPENING EVENTS AND BEYOND AND LOOK FORWARD TO PARTYING WITH YOU LATER THIS MONTH!