a portrait of home | villa ardore

Rhythms in Bali seem to hum beneath everything, whether it’s the sound of the ocean at the Seminyak shore, the crackle of incense. At Desa Potato Head, those rhythms become something tasteful. More than just a beach club, Potato Head is a living ecosystem and creative laboratory of art, music, design and sustainability. A local village where every detail, from the furniture to the cocktails, tells a story about Indonesia’s soul.

Tucked within this community sits Akademi, a small cocktail bar that feels more like an artist’s lab than a lounge. Where glassware is rescued and reborn, herbs are fermented and distilled, and each drink becomes a tasteful exploration of biodiversity.

At the helm is Bina Nuraga, a Balinese born mixologist who started behind a modest bar in Kuta and rose to lead Potato Head’s beverage R&D program. Bina’s philosophy is simple but profound: “Understand every single ingredient, and you’ll learn to love the cocktail itself.” He’s part scientist, part storyteller, a craftsman translating local fruits, ancient tonics and island traditions into contemporary experiences. From arak and jamu to exotic ingredients like salak and mace, his creations celebrate Indonesia’s complexity in its own way, always rooted in respect for the land and its people.

You’re running one of the most popular bars in Bali. How did your journey begin?
My career actually started in the kitchen. I was surrounded by loud, rough chefs and quickly realized this isn’t my world. I asked to move behind the bar, even though I didn’t know anything, just making juices at first. One day, someone asked me if I knew where Potato Head was. Back then, in 2011, there were only two beach clubs. I didn’t know it, so I Googled it, applied and not long after, I joined the team. The rest is history and I’m still here today.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far?
To really know the beverages. To make cocktails that speak to guests. When you mix flavors, spices, and stories in a glass and see someone sip until the last drop with a smile, that’s the best feeling.

You’ve mentioned storytelling through cocktails. How do you bring that to life?
When I joined the Akademi program, one of my first cocktails used soursop, a fruit not many people know or use. I mixed it with jackfruit and orange to create what became ‘Dream Sour.’ When I serve it, I tell guests it’s inspired by my dream of serving people at the bar and introducing them to our tropical fruits. It’s not just a drink, but it’s a piece of our culture.

Akademi collaborates with local producers. How important is that relationship?
It’s everything. We work closely with our own farm and visit often to see what’s growing. Outside of that, we partner only with organic suppliers. It keeps us connected to nature and reminds us that everything starts from the soil.

You often highlight arak and jamu on your menus. What makes these drinks so special to you?
Jamu feels like a blessing, it’s deeply rooted in our culture. It’s thick and bitter, and not everyone loves it in its original form, so we modernize it. We make herb and spice waters with cinnamon, cardamom, and lemongrass to balance it out. It’s all about trial and error and respecting tradition while giving it a new life.

Are there local ingredients you think deserve more global recognition?
Definitely. Mace is one – very aromatic, used mostly in medicine, but it has so much potential in cocktails. Then there’s salak or snakeskin fruit. Some guests think the “snakeskin” is real! It’s actually a crisp, tangy fruit that gives a beautiful layer of flavor. And mangosteen. I make bitters from its dried skin mixed with rosemary and salt, then add it to a margarita. I call it the Mangorita. Sweet, salty and true to Indonesia.

Where do you draw inspiration from outside the bar?
Everywhere. Nature, colors, happy accidents. Sometimes I decide to make a cocktail that’s all white, like the Cloudscape. I observe how people react to drinks, both guests and my team. My colleagues love reading fermentation and cocktail books from around the world, and we experiment together. It’s a cycle of learning and sharing.

How do you mentor young bartenders at Akademi?
We start with the classics where everyone must know the basics first. Then, I challenge them to create something new. But to break the rules, you have to know them well. We focus on hands-on learning rather than too much theory. The ingredients always change, and so do we. 

Nowadays, many mixologists build their presence on social media. How do you balance craft and self-promotion?
For me it’s about being present in real life. I’d rather people know me because of the cocktails I make and the experience they have here. That’s more meaningful.

What do you hope guests remember after having one of your cocktails at Potato Head?
I always want to leave something behind. Sometimes it’s a small cultural element, such as a wristband tied around the glass. It’s a little piece of Bali that goes home with them and a reminder that every drink here tells a story.

Discover more here.

photography. courtesy of Ola O. Smit
words. Dave Lantinga

Staircase in Villa Pliniana.
The hotel incorporates the original 16th Century palazio.
lartisien.com/hotel/il-sereno-hotel

On the sun-drenched eastern shore of Lake Como, serenity isn’t just a promise – it’s a philosophy. And at Il Sereno Lago di Como, part of the Sereno Hotels collection, founder Luis Contreras has crafted more than just a luxury retreat.

The historic Villa Pliniana, a 16th Century palazzo nestled among waterfalls and lush forest, offers a rare communion between architecture, nature and the senses. Whether it’s floating in silence at the lake’s edge, stepping into the scent of the gardens or immersing in high-fidelity soundscapes at the newly opened Listening Suite, every detail invites a pause.

In this conversation with Schön! alive, Contreras shares how Roman letters, Japanese jazz bars and the quiet drama of Lake Como shaped his vision – and how Il Sereno continues to evolve as a sanctuary of beauty, elemental wellness and deep listening.

View the full interview and feature now, only in Schön! alive.

Luis Contreras, owner of Il Sereno Lago di Como.
photography. Christian Oth

left
Local cuisine.
Guests can sample traditional dishes
in the nearby village of Torno.
right
View from Vila Pliniana.
From the restaurant to the rooms, Lake Como is
visible from every part of the hotel.

left
Darsena Listening Suite.
The world’s first suite created entirely
with the ‘art of listening’ in mind.
right
Il Sereno Lago di Como – Leading Hotels of the World.
Designed by award-winning architect Patricia Urquiola, the hotel features
local materials such as Pietra di Fossena and Ceppo Lombardo.

Signature Penthouse Suite.
Patricia Urquiola’s interiors and
furnishings were inspired by
post-war Italian glamour, Modernist
Italian designers and Como silks.

Get your print copy of Schön! alive at Amazon.
Download your eBook.

interview. Ilaria Sponda
photography. Gianluca Caruso

photography | Kevin Oetiker @unsplash

As summer comes to a close, the Algarve transforms into the ultimate autumnal escape: the crowds thin, the Atlantic softens after the heatwave and golden light lingers over ochre cliffs. It’s a season of slower rhythms, with morning swims in quiet coves and evenings spent with hearty seafood stews paired with local wines. The warmth is gentle, the landscapes serene and the pace perfectly unhurried. In autumn, the Algarve offers more than sunshine, it becomes a retreat for reflection, indulgence and discovery – the kind of getaway that feels both restorative and quietly luxurious.

(left) Ferragudo. photography | Nick Andreas @unsplash (right) photography | Daniel J Swartz @unsplash

What to see + do
Begin with the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, where golden rock formations rise out of turquoise waters, best admired on a boat tour or cliffside hike. For cultural immersion, wander through Lagos’ cobblestoned old town, where tiled façades and lively markets capture the region’s heritage. Autumn is also prime for outdoor pursuits like surfing in Sagres, cycling along the Ecovia trail or golfing at one of Algarve’s world-class golf courses. The Monchique mountains are known for their fragrant eucalyptus forests and panoramic viewpoints. Food lovers can indulge in seafood cataplana, fresh from the day’s catch, or explore vineyards producing local wines. As evenings grow cooler, cozy beachside tavernas and chic restaurants provide the perfect setting to unwind, making every day a blend of adventure, culture and slow-living charm.

(left) photography | Oriol Pascual @unsplash (right) Ponta da Piedade, Lagos. photography | KOBU Agency @unsplash

For something more off the beaten path, visit the sleepy fishing village of Ferragudo, where whitewashed houses spill down to the harbour. Kayak tours through Benagil’s caves offer a magical way to explore hidden coves, while dolphin-watching excursions from Albufeira provide an unforgettable connection with nature. Culture-seekers should head to Silves, the former Moorish capital, where a red sandstone castle overlooks orange groves and winding alleys. In autumn, the Algarve also comes alive with harvest festivals and food fairs, celebrating chestnuts, wine and other local produce. For a quieter moment, sunrise yoga on the beach or spa rituals in the region’s luxury resorts tap into the Algarve’s restorative spirit, rounding out a season of both adventure and renewal.

Praia do Camilo, Lagos. photography | Claudio Schwarz @unsplash

Where to stay
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Falésia Beach, Epic Sana Algarve Hotel epitomises contemporary coastal luxury. The property’s sleek, modern architecture blends effortlessly with its natural surroundings, with earthy tones, lush gardens and sweeping views of the Atlantic creating a sense of serenity from the moment you arrive. Guestrooms and suites are designed with light-filled spaces, minimalist lines and private balconies that frame ocean or pine forest vistas. 

Epic Sana Algarve Hotel

For those seeking deeper relaxation, the award-winning Sayanna Wellness Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments alongside saunas, steam rooms and a tranquil indoor pool. Beyond the spa, the resort caters to every kind of traveller with five outdoor pools dotted across landscaped gardens, dedicated children’s areas for families and direct access to one of Portugal’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Epic Sana also serves as a gateway to Algarve’s natural and cultural highlights, with cycling routes, hiking trails, padel classes and nearby golf courses within easy reach. 

Iberostar Selection Algarve Hotel

Just steps from the golden sands of Meia Praia, Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve offers sweeping ocean views. The resort’s design is modern yet warm, with airy interiors, sleek lines, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood rooms with natural light. Guests can choose from sea-facing rooms and suites with private terraces or swim-up options for an added touch of indulgence. 

Wellness takes centre stage at the spa, offering hydrotherapy circuits, a sauna and rejuvenating treatments inspired by the Algarve’s natural elements. Outdoors, two shimmering pools mirror the Atlantic horizon, while a fully equipped fitness centre, tennis courts and nearby golf courses cater to active travellers. Dining is equally elevated, with a focus on Mediterranean and Portuguese flavours, from freshly caught seafood to seasonal produce. Ideally located a short drive from Lagos’ historic centre, the hotel offers both relaxation and easy access to cultural exploration.

Iberostar Selection Algarve Hotel

Where to eat

Al Quimia is fine dining elevated into something almost mystical, a culinary journey into the roots of the Algarve. Chef Luís Mourão sources seasonal local produce and reimagines it through three tasting menus – Fish & Seafood, Meat and Vegetarian – each designed to transport the diner with delicate, inventive flavours. The restaurant leans heavily into its regional heritage: ‘Roots’ is its manifesto, exploring traditional Algarvian ingredients and techniques in modern, sophisticated form. 

Al Quimia

Even the experience is crafted to evoke wow-moments: from sensory presentation to wine pairings, dinners here are as much about theatre and texture as taste. Every dish feels like an artwork. Signature dishes include Scarlet Prawn from the Algarve coast paired with citrus and algae, Iberian Pork with fig and carob and a delicate vegetarian creation of pumpkin textures with smoked almonds. 

Al Quimia

Tucked into a restored 1938 windmill, Windmill offers an intimate, romantic dining experience with just 12 seats. The historic building, thick stone walls and elevated top‑floor dining room with views over the sea and Albufeira’s rooftops make it feel like a hideaway in the sky.

The seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu highlights high-quality Portuguese produce with simple, refined technique. Signature dishes include Scallops served with spicy piri piri wakamé seaweed, Slow-cooked Lamb with blue cheese, and a decadent Custard Tart for dessert. Vegetarian options are also available.

Warm hospitality from hosts António and Patricia enhances the charm. Between the candlelit ambiance, panoramic views, and thoughtfully crafted dishes, Windmill is perfect for a slow, mindful dinner where food, place and company are the stars. Reservations are essential, especially for a window table.

Uddo offers a refined take on Japanese Izakaya dining, blending traditional techniques with the Algarve’s fresh local ingredients. Chef António Mano crafts dishes that are both visually stunning and rich in flavor. Signature dishes include the delicate Usuzukuri de Hamachi (thinly sliced yellowtail drizzled with ponzu sauce), and the indulgent Karaagei (Japanese-style fried chicken known for its crispy exterior and tender interior). The menu also features a selection of nigiri, such as the Nigiri Toro with caviar. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with an extensive collection of Japanese sakes, shochu and whiskies.

Uddo

The restaurant’s elegant interiors, designed by architect Nuno Rodrigues, incorporates natural wood and soft marble, creating a serene ambience that complements the culinary artistry. Whether seated at the sushi bar or in a cozy corner, guests are treated to a memorable evening where every detail is meticulously crafted.

words. Meehika Barua