The Yak checks out six of the best spots to while away some happy hours…
THE origins of the Happy Hour are a little murky. The earliest recordings can be traced to the US Navy, when the wives used to organise semi-weekly smokers on board the ships. It also appears to have become the “fashion” during Prohibition but the less said about that, the better. Needless to say, we’re happy someone thought of it. Pharrell Williams may as well dance his way in our direction, because some of Bali’s best venues can be enjoyed for less, with perks in some cases, during these legendary happy hours.
WOOBAR
Swoon now as you imagine yourself in one of Bali’s coolest venues watching the sun sink into the ocean, serenaded by international DJs and feeling like you’re at the pointy end of life. Woobar at W offers two-for-one signature cocktails for Rp160,000++ from 4pm to 6pm each week, Monday to Thursday. Upgrade to two W bellinis for Rp250,000 and watch the sunset in style. A range of light and tasty bites is also available with plates starting from Rp110,000. This is the ticket for those who believe that happiness is a half priced cocktail and a room without a roof.
Tel: 3000106 | www.wretreatbali.com
WINEHOUSE
Despair not wine lovers, here’s the ticket to get some of the best wine available at prices that won’t send you spare. The gregarious host at Winehouse, Katrina, knows a thing or two about the gorgeous grape and each month she selects five red and five white wines to serve by the glass at the intimate bar at the back of the Winehouse shop. Carefully selected, it also gives wine lovers a chance to try before they buy. Glasses are offered in tasting sizes, half glasses and full glasses and are discounted by 50 per cent on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5pm to 7 pm. At the bar, in a cosy corner, at the communal table in the wine room or upstairs on the airy terrace, this is a rare chance to enjoy great wines by the glass at a great price. Small plates are also offered including the hostess’ own chicken liver pate, a cheese plate or a salami plate, served with crunchy sourdough bread to soak up the excesses we’ve been known to indulge in.
Tel: 737217 | www.winehousebali.com
MOZAIC BEACH CLUB
Yet another classic venue where prices take a dive along with the sun every sunny afternoon. Laze by the pool, grab a private cabana, sit on the terrace overlooking the beach or by the bar, there are plenty of options. Drinks are offered at a cool Rp70,000 each from 4pm to 7 pm each glorious afternoon. That’s right, three hours of delectable cocktails, selected wines and spirits at great prices. Mozaic Beach Club also turns up the style stakes with complimentary bites from one of Bali’s best kitchens. The tunes are cool, the drinks are perfectly priced and delicious and then there’s the food. You may not want to leave, so relax and have another swig, er … swim.
Tel: 4735796 | www.mozaic-beachclub.com
SUNDARA
One of the hottest new destination beach bars, on the quiet sands of Jimbaran beach, Sundara at Four Seasons Resort has some stunning cocktails created by one of the leaders in the industry, Barcelona cocktail master, Javier de las Muelas. So expect the unexpected and revel in the chance to enjoy something truly spectacular. Order cocktails from the extensive menu and enjoy two for the price of one from 5pm ‘til 7pm each evening. Swoon over bar bites from this glamorous kitchen and enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Bali’s favourite playgrounds. One of Bali’s longest horizon pools overlooking the sandy beach is a highlight here. Jump in, cool off and see where the stylish Bali crowd comes to play.
Tel: 708333 | www.sundarabali.com
KARMA BEACH BALI
A free ride down the island’s most dramatic inclinator is reason enough to visit the jetsetter’s favourite beach bar. Throw in some 2 for 1 cocktails, discounted wines and bubbles, free food and one of the best views in town and we’re happy to be at Karma Beach at Karma Kandara. Monday to Friday from 5.30 to 7.30 the calm turquoise water laps the white sand beach as DJs serenade the crowd. Linger on the sofas, hang off the giant bamboo bar or feel the sand beneath your toes as the sun hits the endless horizon. Monday night is movie night and the big screen is erected right there on the sand, stay and play, get wet, enjoy classic Mediterranean food and celebrate the happiest time of the day.
Tel: 848 2200 | www.karmabeach.com
APERITIVO AT SEMINYAK ITALIAN RESTAURANT
We’ve been waiting ages for this little beauty to arrive and finally it has. Sample some of the Italian-style cocktails and inspired hot and cold canapes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 7pm and watch the sun set on Double Six beach from a prime position. The newly opened Double Six Resort is filled with sexy features and the first of Australian chef, Rob Marchetti’s, restaurants, Seminyak Italian Restaurant. With a selection of six Italian-inspired cocktails on offer at half price during Aperitivo, expect to get a little racy with drinks that are inspired by la dolce vita. With an entire menu and drinks list that sing with an Italian accent, the open-air restaurant overlooks the sights and sounds of Bali’s funkiest beachfront.
Tel: 7344300 | www.seminyakitalian.com
