The Apurva Kempinski Bali once again celebrates the achievement of its homegrown talent on the international stage. I Kadek Arianta, Mixologist at Reef Beach Club, has been crowned Campari Red Hands Indonesia Champion, earning the opportunity to represent Indonesia at the competition’s Asia Pacific Grand Final in Milan, Italy, in January 2027.
The national competition, held on 19 October 2026 at Secret Garden, Bali, brought together talented bartenders competing to reinterpret Campari’s iconic aperitivo heritage through creativity, technique, and cultural storytelling.
Kadek’s victory further strengthens The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s track record of developing Indonesian hospitality professionals who have gone on to compete and earn recognition internationally. In 2024, the resort’s young culinary talent, I Kadek Sumiarta, represented Indonesia and Asia Pacific at the Young Talents Escoffier Global Final in Paris, securing third place and a special sustainability award. This momentum continued in 2025, when I Wayan Nara Iswara represented Indonesia at the Young Talents Escoffier Asia Pacific competition in Vietnam. In the beverage category, I Wayan Edi Arista also secured second runner-up at Campari Red Hands APAC 2025. These achievements reflect the resort’s continued investment in talent development, professional mentorship, and opportunities for its team members to gain international exposure.
Bringing Indonesian Heritage to Milan
Kadek secured the national championship with his signature creation, Karma Americano, a reinterpretation of the classic Italian aperitivo inspired by Tri Semaya, the Balinese philosophy connecting the past, present, and future.
The cocktail brings together wedang uwuh, a traditional Indonesian herbal infusion originating from Yogyakarta, with Campari, Cinzano Bianco Vermouth, and fresh kemangi (Indonesian lemon basil). Its distinctive preparation incorporates bamboo, with the spiced soda rested inside bamboo for 24 hours to develop a more rounded flavour and subtle woody aroma. The presentation further highlights Indonesian craftsmanship and the use of locally familiar ingredients. “Karma Americano is an expression of how tradition can inspire innovation without losing its roots. Every cocktail tells a story, and I wanted to bring together Italian aperitivo culture and Indonesia’s rich traditions in a way that feels both distinctive and authentic.” – I Kadek Arianta, Mixologist, Reef Beach Club, The Apurva Kempinski Bali.
Kadek began his hospitality career at Reef Beach Club in 2022. His professional development reflects the resort’s approach to cultivating talent through practical experience, continuous learning, and opportunities to explore Indonesian ingredients and traditions through contemporary mixology. His upcoming participation in Milan marks another important milestone – for his individual career and in the resort’s continued commitment to developing Indonesian talent capable of competing at an international level.
Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, commented, “At The Apurva Kempinski Bali, we have always believed that our greatest strength lies in our people. Kadek’s achievement is another example of what Indonesian talent can accomplish when provided with the right mentorship, opportunities, and encouragement to grow. Our commitment to Indonesia is deeply embedded in our DNA. It is not only about showcasing Indonesia’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions through our resort, but also about empowering our people to become ambassadors of Indonesia on the international stage. We are immensely proud to see another member of our team representing the nation.” As Kadek prepares for Milan in January 2027, The Apurva Kempinski Bali continues its commitment to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals, creating opportunities for Indonesian talent to develop, compete, and contribute to the country’s growing recognition within the international hospitality industry.
