Expanding on the passion for sustainability and community engagement that lies at the heart of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, its new rustic-chic cocktail bar, TELU is a celebration of modern mixology rooted in a soulful connection to Bali’s heritage, environment and people. Fusing traditional products and techniques with creative artistry, TELU offers an elevated and inspiring experience crafted with conscious care for the island and its resources.
Launched on 9th June, TELU takes its name from the Balinese word for ‘three’ – a reference to the traditional Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Kirana, celebrating harmony with nature, people, and soul as the basis for wellbeing and prosperity, as well as the three local community initiatives the bar supports. A project that began during the nation’s lockdown when industrious members of the Four Seasons team built the bar from upcycled materials, TELU’s caring ethos has now expanded to include vibrant and sustainable menus, charity engagement, support for local artisans, and more.
Nestled in a hidden aromatic herb garden in the centre of the oceanfront all-villa resort, TELU is home to an inventive drinks’ menu by Bar Manager, Jan Jurecka. Showcasing not only a zero-waste approach but the fragrant flavours of Bali, over 80 per cent of the menu’s ingredients are homegrown or sourced within Indonesia, including honey from the resort’s own Trigona beehives, part of the country’s bee conservation and community enterprise program.
The menu is divided into three sections inspired by the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, with proceeds supporting inspiring Balinese charities: three drinks honour harmony with nature’s rhythms and support innovative charity, Sungai Watch to tackle river pollution; another three celebrate harmony with people, with proceeds going to helping the island’s youngsters escape poverty through education with Bali Children’s Project, and the final three creations represent harmony with soul and are dedicated to the coral reef restoration work of local community initiative, Ocean Gardener.
Indonesian ingredients take centre stage including Bali’s beloved arak, a traditional spirit made from the fermented sap of coconut trees. Silky smooth Down to Earth celebrates nature’s inspiration with gin, spirulina and matcha; passionfruit; guava; honey nectar, and coconut milk whey. Unusual Suspects features ecoSPIRITS Vodka; Cascara; coffee grinds; honey nectar, and cocoa nibs for a dazzling take on an Espresso Martini that honours harmonious community connections. With a nod to soulful living and ocean protection, Coral Guardian is an artful blend of Palwana Arak, spiced Nusa Cana Rum, pandan, peanut, lime, and dragon fruit jam.
Artfully complementing the drinks menu, a mouth-watering selection of epicurean bites highlights unique Balinese flavours. Laidback feasting options include Bali Tacos - whipped
tofu, avocado, snake fruit and lawah; Chicken Crisps made with shredded chicken, crispy skin, and local sambal, and Jimbaran Clam Dip served with wood fired sourdough bread, chorizo, and garden herb butter.
Harmoniously integrated in its stunning natural location, the majority of TELU’s artful interior is upcycled from elsewhere in the resort, including the bar counter, display and bar lamps, with the bar stools made by local craftsmen. Rustic décor, local artwork, and soft lighting make for a warm, feel-good ambience in TELU’s intimate setting, with bar counter seating for up to 8 people, alongside six tables and an atmospheric arak cellar.
“TELU comes from the heart,” comments Bar Manager, Jan Jurecka. “It’s a celebration of everything we stand for in terms of sustainability, connection and community while being an opportunity to showcase Bali’s fantastic array of artisanal products and regional flavours. Making a place that you call home - temporarily or permanently - a better place is very fulfilling and the simple act of making a positive choice can inspire others to do the same. TELU is our invitation to spread good vibes with every sip.”
Constantly pioneering fresh ways to address waste is part of Jan’s vision for TELU. From choosing suppliers such as ecoSPIRITS - an innovative closed-loop distribution system that vastly reduces packaging waste in the premium spirits supply chain – to using fermentation, distillation and composting to address organic waste as well as preservation techniques like lacto-fermenting, dehydrating and pickling to help to prolong the shelf-life of homegrown ingredients, every detail is carefully considered.
Recognising the “incredible craft, creativity and hard work found in Bali”, Jan is also delighted to collaborate with like-minded individuals. Custom-made recycled glassware comes from Balinese creatives, CJ Recycle, while coasters are made by Plastik Kembali, an innovative artists’ collective transforming one of Indonesia’s biggest challenges – plastic pollution – using one of its greatest strengths: traditional arts and crafts.
TELU is also open for cocktail classes and workshops by appointment, allowing guests to learn how to craft their own sustainable cocktails with ingredients foraged from the surrounding herb garden, and to discover more about Bali’s ancient arak traditions. Monthly events showcasing local distillers, producers and guest bartenders invite guests to further explore Bali’s unique terroir.
TELU is part of a world-class luxury experience rooted in Balinese heritage at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Sheltered in a calm bay along three miles of sand, this blissful resort channels a traditional Balinese village, infused with the island’s magical energy and
inimitable culture. Here an array of authentic arts, gastronomy and cultural experiences pay homage to Bali’s ancient traditions and modern treasures.
For reservations and inquiries, please chat with us via FS Chat | Keep up with the latest happenings at @TeluBarBali