A visit to Tree Bar at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is always a pleasure. Offering a distinctly different vibe, it’s like a cross between an apothecary’s workshop and a shady semi-outdoor garden.
The garden feel comes thanks to the mature Pule tree that towers through the roof of the bar – the wood from which is used by Bali’s artisanal carvers to create mystical masks like those for the Barong and Rangda, views across the resort’s lush green garden through the latticework open walls and the abundance of plants hanging from the ceiling.
Meanwhile, a multitude of bottles in a whole spectrum of colours, some filled with herbs and spices, add to the apothecary’s workshop feeling, which in its own way is what Tree Bar really is. Crafting a range of bespoke concoctions inspired by infusions with local herbs, refined Balinese arak and premium spirits, the bar team at Tree Bar, led by mixologist Dewa Ari, are masters of what they call the Balixology cocktail experience.
Drawing on their experience and passion, Dewa and his team let their imaginations loose as they explore Bali’s heritage and craft tempting drinks, each with its own story. While there are monthly specials, the main menu includes treats like the Loloh Gimlet, which mixes house-made loloh cordial with gin, while the Kelapa Old Fashioned combines Jim Beam bourbon, caramelised coconut sugar and chocolate bitters, and if you’re looking for an uplifting pick me up, then the cheekily named Bloody Wayan Mary should do the trick thanks to the addition of sambal terasi and arak to the tomato and lime juices.
Dewa Ari
mixologist
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“Our cocktails honour Bali’s heritage; they are crafted from local spirits, spices, herbs and fruit, and they all have their own story.”
“We have a really special place here. The first thing people notice at Tree Bar is the Pule tree, one of Bali’s sacred trees. We believe it has positive energy, which is great in the bar,” says Dewa. “The cocktail concept is also interesting, because we combine local stories with local arak, spices, herbs and tropical fruit and the get creative with the presentation. We have some unique glasses too – you should try the Purple Bird!”
Dewa is also proud of the warm and helpful bar team who are happy to recommend cocktails and to share the stories behind them. “Tree Bar is about more than the drinks. The cocktails must have a unique taste, while being refreshing at the same time; then the ambience is important, so our guests have a good time here, and, of course, it’s interesting to get an insight into the Bali bartending world.”
On top of all the liquid deliciousness, there are also some excellent light bites to accompany your drinks and a great speakeasy ambience and live music to add to the experience.
Tree Bar
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 10
Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3612099999
E: hotelindigobali.reservations@ihg.com
Exquisite Taste September – November 2019
