Having enjoyed a wonderful dinner, or perhaps a few cocktails, later on in the evening you find that you are in the mood to go clubbing with friends. Up until recently, not only was there a somewhat limited choice of nightclubs in Bali, but of those that did exist, most were arguably lacking in sophistication and international-style standards.
Not surprisingly then, stylish MIRROR Lounge and Club created a tsunami of excitement when it was launched in October 2014, unveiling a new sophisticated dimension to Bali’s night-time scene, an urban nightclub that you would typically find in major Asian cities, but not seen before on the island. MIRROR is also conveniently located in the midst of increasingly happening Petitenget, greater Seminyak, and within a short distance of many fine bars and restaurants. Operating Wednesday to Saturday, 11PM to 5AM, MIRROR offers patrons ultra-late closing hours, compared to other venues on the island. Immediately, MIRROR evolved as Bali’s hot new nightspot, with anyone from expatriates and tourists, to Indonesian celebrities, Jakarta party animals and the “beautiful crowd” flocking here.
MIRROR is actually the latest nightclub addition from Indonesian hospitality group ALL IN, highly regarded within Jakarta’s competitive FBE industry, with Fable nightclub and Odysseia Restaurant, Bar & Lounge already in their portfolio. Their GARDIN Bistro & Patisserie, which opened in June 2014 and stands in front of MIRROR in spacious leafy grounds, paved the way, literally, for the nightclub’s opening at a later date.
Set back from Petitenget’s main street, MIRROR is an unexpected, yet for many, welcome sight – it is truly colossal, surely the largest club on the island. Entering through imposing doors, up to 1,000 clubbers can “reveal their inner fabulousity” and escape into the nightclub’s inner sanctum, where unparalleled music, service and interior design converge.
MIRROR’s striking interior design appears heavily influenced by the European Gothic period – and, perhaps, New York’s hip Limelight Club – and with its stained glass windows, pointed arches, soaring vaulted ceiling with timbered beams and stone sculptures, dramatically mirrors a European cathedral. High above, a contemporary-style glass roof allows patrons the magical illusion of dancing under the stars – without getting wet or bitten.
Glitzy elegance abounds, with life-size gilded bird cages book-ending a lengthy marble bar and sprawling timbered dance floor overhung with crystal chandeliers – the pulsating scene illuminated with state-of-the-art lighting systems, featuring chromatic coloured lights and neon lasers. Eighteen tables and four VIP sofas are coordinated around the vibrant dance floor, as well as two VVIP sofas on an exclusive mezzanine level offering a bird’s eye vantage point of the proceedings below. On busier nights it might be wise to reserve these tables in advance, but all come with bottle service and a minimum charge – a relatively new concept for Bali. MIRROR serves a broad collection of premium spirits and boasts the widest selection of Magnum bottles on the island. An eclectic range of classic and signature cocktails are available, along with light bite options, if any late night munchies hit.
MIRROR’s main attraction is surely its prolific portfolio of resident and internationally acclaimed DJs – the latter, frequently invited for guest appearances – pumping out cool sounds from the elevated DJ booth and backed by an enviable world-class sound system. Music genres such as R&B, hip-hop, house and more are covered in MIRROR’s regular nightly events, hosted by resident DJs; for these and themed party nights, keep up to date on the nightclub’s social media.
Wednesday presents a newly launched “Dolce & Banana” night, while Thursday night’s happening “The Grind” (that is, grind your troubles away) has already showcased such impressive talents on the international DJ scene as DJ Tang, a hip-hop artist from the UK, who also happens to be resident DJ at the world’s largest Ministry of Sound, in Singapore. Friday night’s “Substance” has already wowed patrons with the dynamic duo, Rave Republic, spinning a diverse genre of dance sounds. Keep mega-busy Saturday night free for “Infinite” sounds.
MIRROR has an over-21 door policy and dress code that does not permit any scruffy attire (such as singlets and sandals), but ladies, however, get free entry. The mantra at this hot new nightclub is, “Sometimes you need to look into the mirror to realize your deepest fantasies,” but even if you don’t, you are guaranteed one of the best late nights to be had in Bali.
Lychee Mojito
INGREDIENTS:
45ml light rum
10ml lychee liqueur
60ml soda
Lemon wedge 2 pieces
Lychee fruit 2 pieces
Fresh mint leaves
METHOD:
1) Pour, muddle and stir the rum and liqueur.
2) Add generous serving of crushed ice, plus fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges.
3) Top up with soda.
4) Skewer the lychee fruit pieces on a cocktail stick and add to the cocktail glass.
