The Yak Awards 2017 Presented by Freixenet Cava arrived Cuban style this year at the fabulous Trans Hotel Bali where 500 revelers joined the fun to watch us give away the coveted Yak Awards to Bali’s brightest and best in all categories.

Guests were greeted first on the red carpet by host Gi Gi O’Brien who added her own style and glamour to what was a colourful night out – clearly signaled early by a stand out, sky blue Chevrolet (from Classics Rides Bali) at the hotel’s entrance … the perfect selfie backdrop.

From there it was upstairs to the ballroom and the Fame Wall, where everyone who was anyone had their picture snapped by the boys from Bali Prod.

Others stepped across the foyer to the Bali Photo Booth for their moment in the limelight.

Inside the ballroom Yak Production partners Virtuoso had gone all out to create a Little Cuba, in which Bali’s best bars, restaurants and brands set up free stalls to tempt guests.

Canapes circled constantly from Akua de Bilbao, El Kabron, Made’s Bakery, Mason Gourmet Choclates, Paletes Wey, Babi Bagus, Boy’n’Cow, Chachara, Da Maria and Motel Mexicola, Fat Gajah, Kitchenette, Nonè Kitchen, Scratch and Respect The Burger, Sardine, Ti Moris and Zibiru.

Our beverage sponsors included headliner Freixenet Cava, Albens Cider, Bootstrap Coffee, Bali Coconuts, Indowines and Plaga, Multi Bintang & Heineken, Nusa Cana Rum, 40 Thieves and Wild Turkey Whisky.

The entire event was captured on video by the awesome peeps at Bali Prod and Bali Tonight, while decorations were provided as ever by the wonderful Bloomz. The evening’s entertainment included performances by Erik Sondhy, Ninna, DJ Rafa and a dance finale featuring Cuban Rafael Navarro Gomez by D+M Productions. Diana Rosa and The Great Unsaid rocked the ballroom with a set from their debut album to close the night.

Awards were created by Philip Lakeman Ceramics, while Supaprint decked us in glory with the printed backdrops. Dancers and VIPS were primed at The Shampoo Lounge and Spoiled hairdressers, while Pro Motion Events keep the machine oiled as main event organising company.

We gave out 21 Awards on the night, and the winners were:

Best Newcomer: Mrs Sippy

Best Photographer: Herbaut Cedric – Bali Tonight

Best Designer: Magali Pascali

Best Social Media Stream: 360 Bali

Best Restaurant: Kiln – Petitenget

Health Consciousness Award: In The Raw – Canggu

Best Bar: 40 Thieves – Petitenget

Best Chef: Stephen Moore – Ku De Ta

Best Wine List: Kayuputi – The St Regis

Best Sunset Venue: Alila Seminyak

Best DJ: Rafa Lambert

Best Retail Space: Kim Soo – Seminyak

Best Resort/Hotel: Tugu Hotel – Canggu

Best Event: Mexicola Parties

Best Villa Under 7 bedrooms: The Edge – Uluwatu

Best Ad Campaign: Omnia

Best Bali Brand: Bamboo Blonde

Yak Man Of The Year (A tie): Andreas Bergel – W Hotels, Detlev Hauth – Smile Foundation

Yak Woman Of The Year: Karin Karner – Dog Rescue

Best Community Services Award: BAWA – Janice Girardi

Outstanding Achievement Award: Melati & Isabel – Bye Bye Plastic Bags

Best Host 2017: Trans Hotel Bali

More Photos By Bali Tonight Here!

More Photos By Baliprod Here!

More Photos By Robert Rosen Here!