RASA Speakeasy Bar

Services

Interior Design

Project Information

Location

Badung, Bali

Samma Studio Team

Daf Ashari

Muhammad Feby Trylenium

Archipio Dimas Astaferro

Photographer

Indra Wiras

RASA Speakeasy Bar: A Hidden Sanctuary in the Heart of Bali

Translationg visions into responsible expression.

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of Kerobokan Kelod, Bali, RASA Speakeasy Bar is more than just a destination—it is an experience waiting to be uncovered. Behind an unassuming entrance, whispers of warmth and exclusivity invite only those who seek something beyond the ordinary.

Stepping inside, the world outside fades into obscurity. A floating wooden ornament marks the threshold, a subtle yet deliberate statement that this is a place of transition—where the mundane dissolves into the extraordinary. The air is tinged with quiet anticipation, a sense of something rare and refined awaiting within.

WOOD

MARBLE

POLISHED CONCERTE

RASA was envisioned as a retreat—a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of craft, both in cocktails and in design. The challenge was clear: to create a space that is intimate yet unrestricted, luxurious yet understated, rooted in culture yet undeniably modern.

The design embraces a Minimalist Modern philosophy, where every element has purpose and every detail speaks to craftsmanship. Earthy tones blend seamlessly with a soft, greyish mood, grounding the space in warmth while allowing shadows to dance freely. The absence of harsh, direct lighting is intentional—here, illumination is a whisper, not a declaration. A system of indirect lighting highlights textures, carving depth into the walls, ceilings, and wooden screens, making light itself an integral part of the experience.

The elongated layout of RASA is a journey in itself. The space unfolds in layers, designed not to overwhelm, but to reveal itself one step at a time.

The front facade of RASA is a statement of quiet strength, defined by the use of Indian slate stone. Chosen for its natural variations in tone and texture, this material creates an interplay of light and shadow, adding depth to the exterior while maintaining a restrained elegance.

The earthy, layered surfaces of the slate subtly shift in appearance throughout the day—cool and muted in the morning light, rich and dramatic under the evening glow. This natural material not only grounds the building in its tropical surroundings but also enhances the mystique of the entrance, reinforcing the idea that RASA is a place waiting to be discovered.

At the center of the bar, a curved ceiling hovers above like a sculptural embrace, accentuated by hidden lighting that traces its form. Below, the bar gleams—a stage for the alchemy of mixology. Each seat along its length is designed for intimacy, encouraging slow conversations, deliberate pauses, and the quiet appreciation of a well-crafted drink.

Beyond the bar, group seating areas emerge, divided by intricately carved wooden screens. These partitions are more than just functional dividers; they are storytellers in their own right, echoing the traditions of Balinese wood carving while maintaining the contemporary elegance of the space. They allow privacy without isolation, framing each moment as if it were a scene from a carefully curated narrative.

And then, there is the Moroccan-carved wooden door—a striking centerpiece, yet one that leads not to the main entrance, but to the lavatory. Its presence is both a riddle and an invitation, reinforcing RASA’s ethos: that mystery is part of the allure.

Inside the lavatory, red-painted architectural metal mesh and bronze-tinted mirror cladding transform a utilitarian space into an unexpected jewel box. The interplay of reflection and texture shifts perception—what seems solid becomes ethereal, what appears enclosed feels expansive. It is a testament to the belief that every corner of an experience matters.

RASA’s design is as much about the unseen as the visible. The materials speak in hushed tones, yet their impact is profound. Limewash-painted walls and cement-polished flooring set the foundation, their organic textures absorbing light rather than reflecting it. Carved wooden screens lend a tactile softness, filtering views and creating layers of privacy.

One of the most innovative elements of the space is the use of bamboo charcoal fiber panels with a hairline stainless steel texture. This choice is not just aesthetic but intentional—offering the sleek, metallic sheen of stainless steel while embracing a sustainable and eco-conscious alternative. The illusion is seamless; at first glance, it is steel. But upon touch, it reveals itself as something warmer, something crafted, something thoughtful.

Every material, every line, every texture contributes to the bar’s quiet symphony—a space where the past and present converge, where raw meets refined, and where design is felt as much as it is seen.

At RASA, exclusivity is not about excess, but about intention. There is no grand signage, no flashing lights—only a controlled entry through an electric lock, ensuring that each guest is meant to be here. Those who enter are not just patrons; they are part of the unfolding story, part of a place that exists not for the masses, but for those who seek something deeper.

This is not just a bar. This is RASA—a space where design, experience, and storytelling come together in perfect harmony.