Rebirth at Ground Zero - Arturo Caruso Brings Sophistication to Bali’s Infamous Club Scene

Published in Gaming & Leisure Magazine

www.gamingandleisuremagazine.com

Winter 2010

Through local legend and tradition, the island of Bali has been labeled the Island of Gods.  To many tourists, Bali has been called Heaven on Earth.  As one of Indonesia’s 17,500+ islands, Bali is often ranked at the top of the world’s best islands.

The Kuta district on Bali’s south coast had gained a reputation as the one of the best nightlife spots in SE Asia.  It has been a frequent draw for young surfers and beach goers.

Tragedy struck Kuta on the 12^th of October 2002, a Saturday night.  While tourists were out enjoying the local night scene, two bombs ripped through popular nightclubs in Kuta, killing 202 people (164 foreign nationals, 38 Indonesian).  A third, smaller device detonated near the US consulate in Denpasar, causing minor damage.  Along with the loss of life and devastation, tourism dropped significantly, having a long lasting financial impact on Bali.

Italian restaurateur Arturo Caruso, a long time resident of Bali and a fixture in the Bali restaurant and club scene, had owned The Maccaroni Club across the narrow street from one of the massive explosions.  The club, open since 1996, was devastated to the point they had to close for reconstruction and renovation.

In an effort to maintain some of the club’s history, while offering a contemporary and non-aggressive feel, Arturo re-enlisted Giovanni D'Ambrosio for the reconstruction effort.  Since the Rome-based architect had designed the original Maccaroni Club, he was able to redesign the club, blending modernity with local tradition.

The Maccaroni Club is once again known as a multi-faceted dining and nightlife destination, offering a casual spot for upscale Italian meals or local fare.  The club is also known for its attentive wait staff, and DJs that spin the latest house & club music.

A few years on, tourists began to return to Bali, and the Maccaroni Club had regained its former stature.  However, through 2007, the two locations bearing the brunt of the bombs remained vacant. 

Believing that tourism had rebounded and Bali was considered a safe destination, Arturo committed to building his second location in Kuta.  Once again enlisting Giovanni D'Ambrosio, they went to work on designing and building Vi Ai Pi on one of the vacant lots.  No expense was spared as ViAiPi has been fitted with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, hi-tech DJ equipment and the best furniture and accessories.  

Open in late 2008, Vi Ai Pi has become known as an innovative and trend-setting restaurant – lounge – nightclub.  Along with Maccaroni, the two have become Kuta destinations for sophisticated dining and clubbing … located at the center of global headlines of October 2002, yet providing a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

The face of Kuta had changed considerably when The Maccaroni Club opened in 1996 with their avant-garde design.  Arturo Caruso’s latest creation, Vi Ai Pi once again added a higher level of sophistication to the Kuta tourist and nightclub scene.