We came, we conquered, we drank Martinis. And then we partied like Romans.

On a pregnant late September 2012 evening expectation crackled at the Mozaic Beach Club in Batu Belig. There was electricity in the air.

Everything was set up; the weather threatened to intervene and turn the event into a damp squib. But we’ve got connections – we had a word with the weather gods, and they decided the annual Yak Awards meant too much to too many to end up as a washout. We thank them for that.

Under leaden skies the bold and the beautiful began to turn up for our celebration of “The Martini Days”. Fashionistas and foodies; the fab folks; the first-timers; and the full-on frequent flyers gathered, mingled, and sparked up the night on Mozaic Beach Club’s pool deck while the ocean roiled in the background.

Womenfolk shone in their finest threads.

Menfolk dressed up snappy.

Everyone was happy and martinis flowed.

Couples posed for some photographic chappies.

Crazily creative canapés came forth from the kitchens thanks to some of the most talented chef’s on Bali. They pushed the boundaries; they concocted sublime; they tempted and treated time after time.

The buzz rose to a crescendo as the Yakkers took the stage to make the announcements that all had come to hear . . . and the winners of the 2012 Yak Awards are:

Yak Man of the Year . . . Desmond James

Yak Woman of the Year . . . Suhaila Noordin

Outstanding Achievement . . . Ni Nengah Widiasih, Paralympian

Best Community Service . . . Bali Kids

Best Newcomer . . . Mamasan

Best Wine List . . . Metis

Best Event . . . Fatboy Slim at Potato Head Beach Club

Best Restaurant . . . KU DE TA

Best Chef . . . Michael Shaheen, Sardine

Best Sunset Venue . . . Potato Head Beach Club

Best Spa . . . Jari Menari

Best Bar . . . Mantra

Best Retail Space . . . Bathe

Best Ad Campaign . . . Deus Ex Machina

Best Fashion Label . . . Nakal by sKs

Best Jewelry Design . . . Tulola

Best Resort . . . W Retreat & Spa

Best DJ . . . Stuart McLellan

Then the dancing began. The tension that had pervaded the Beach Club ebbed – replaced by relaxed conviviality, and congratulatory backslapping and hugging.

We’d pulled off another one . . . we look forward to the next one.

Plans are already a foot for 2013.

Thank you one and all . . . we look forward to seeing you there.