Tucked just behind the iconic Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Bali, sits a hotel that feels both ancient and modern, grounded and elevated. Katamama, designed by Andra Matin, is not your typical tropical resort. It doesn’t scream paradise—it hums with quiet confidence. With its terracotta-toned walls and minimalist geometry, Katamama is a masterclass in how to celebrate local culture through contemporary design.
Built by Hand, Brick by Brick
At the heart of Katamama’s identity lies its material honesty. The entire building is constructed from over 1.5 million handmade Tabanan bricks, each fired by local artisans using traditional methods. These bricks, with their warm, earthy tones, carry the imperfections of the human hand and the wisdom of generations.
Unlike polished, glassy resorts that chase international style trends, Katamama feels rooted—tactile, textural, and timeless. Every surface invites you to touch, every shadow plays off the deep brick reliefs, creating an ever-changing rhythm as sunlight moves across the day.
Tropical Modernism, Bali Edition
Katamama’s design doesn’t ignore the climate—it embraces it. Wide overhangs, shaded corridors, and carefully positioned openings allow for natural cooling and light, creating a space that breathes with the tropics. This approach makes the experience feel both luxurious and deeply grounded in its context.
The layout subtly nods to Balinese spatial traditions, but through a contemporary lens. There’s no kitschy decor or clichéd motifs here. Instead, there’s restraint—space is allowed to speak for itself, revealing the beauty of materials and craftsmanship over time.
A Celebration of the Local
Everything about Katamama champions the local—from materials to labor to cultural references. It stands as a quiet resistance to the generic luxury hotel model. Here, luxury means authenticity, craft, and connection to place.
Whether you’re admiring the custom furnishings, walking barefoot over handmade floors, or simply watching shadows fall across a brick wall, Katamama reminds you where you are: Bali—not just in geography, but in soul.
