What a crazy experience. The other night my friend and I went to Savaya, a club located in Uluwatu. We really wanted to go, because that day the Chainsmokers would be performing. So, in order to get in, my friend arranged for us to be guest listed.
The preparation
For the party, we were told to gather at 6 p.m. in Canggu. So, I knew I had to be ready before that time. But, so it happens, my time management is not always on point.
I got my nails done - which took way longer than expected -, had my late, late breakfast and decided to do some last minute shopping for the event. I got myself two nice necklaces and a shoulder bag - you know, it's all in the details - and by that time, it was already 5 p.m. As I was walking to the hostel. I was stressing, because I had to get ready within 15 minutes. I hopped in the shower - I had been drenched by the pouring rain -, chose an outfit with the help of a guy I literally just met in the dorm and tried to get some makeup on my face.
Big thank you, Grab drivers
5:30 p.m. I was "ready" to go, with the idea I'd fix my makeup in the bus, that would take us to Savaya. But when I tried to arrange a grab driver to take me to the meeting point, I got canceled three times in a row. The time was ticking and so was my ability to stay calm and collected.
But then, my savior agreed to take me. I decided to walk towards him, so he couldn't cancel me as well, and by doing so, I saved us a few minutes.
When I told him where I needed to be and at what time, he said he would try his best - and so he did. I arrived precisely at 6, where I was looking out for my friend - she was caught off guard by the crazy traffic and was afraid she wouldn't be able to make it. But nothing could be further from the truth. She was already at the parking lot with some other girls, which brought a sense of relief.
The private, party bus
In order to get to Savaya, we would have to drive two hours, hence the bus. But when we arrived at the parking lot, I immediately got the feeling I didn't get the dress code right. The women were all gorgeous, wearing as little and as much see-through as possible, with a lot of makeup and their hair perfectly styled.
Two buses were arranged and they were filled with women based on the promotor who had contacted them. I feel like my bus was filled with beautiful women who enhanced their best qualities, whereas the other was filled with women who enhanced everything. Fillers, fake boobs, botox and outfits to show it.
The moment I stepped in the bus, I did get a little paranoid: what if we are all being abducted to go to a secretive party and we'll go missing - like those allegations about the Dubai yacht parties.
But then again, I figured, we are going to Savaya, with Savaya promoters - what are the odds that they'd want us to disappear? So, I let go of my intrusive thoughts and focused on being in the moment. Seventeen girls, two promoters, most of them French, all dolled up, music booming, the bus shaking from left and right, liquor flowing, and positive vibes all over. It was quite the party bus.
The dream job
I thought to myself, this must be the dream job of so many guys. Getting paid to take as many pretty girls as you can to a party, free drinks, partying all night and chilling by day. Also, the guys were attractive in their own way, so I can imagine why a lot of the girls would want to hook up with them - and I'm sure they did. An English girl was all over the guy who put us on the guest list and an American girl didn't even try to hide her jealousy. What a battle... And that for a promoter, who probably will be with another girl the next day. Girls, girls, girls - what are we doing?
The VIP
Me being absolutely ignorant to the way of life, I asked my friend whether we'd still have to pay when we'd arrive at the club and how much it would be. She looked at me like I had just arrived from Mars - "What do you mean, we pay? We are on the guest list, we don't have to pay." Well, I must admit, that was a very pleasant surprise.
When she mentioned that she wouldn't be drinking much - she was on antibiotics - and I agreed - my reasoning was that I didn't want to spend too much money - she again looked at me funny. "You're so young when it comes down to these type of events", she said, as she tried to hide her laugh. "You don't have to pay for your drinks, we are in the VIP and you will get your drinks for free."
"Well, in that case, I might have a drink or two", I said. Can you imagine? Going to a performance of world famous dj's, in the number one club of Asia and number six in the world, for free and then also getting your drinks for free?? That's indeed a world I've never witnessed before.
Inside the club
When we arrived at the club, we got a wristband and were appointed our designated area. After we did a short walk around on the premises - with the luxurious ambiance, dazzling lights and vibrant atmosphere it is a sight for sore eyes - we went to the "VIP" area. Of course, we had to show our wrist bands to the security guards and after that, we made our way to the left side of the DJ booth.
In the VIP area there were private tables, some filled with women, a lot with men. When I say, a lot with men, it is the men paying for the tables and the women - like us - surrounding the men for the "free" drinks and food. When we stopped at a table - because of the pouring rain - I got to talking to one of the guys. He was surprisingly friendly, an artist, who tried his pick up line - you look like a model - and then moved on to the next girl. But not, after offering me a drink and food from his table.
Are we taking advantage?
I felt guilty in a way. I'm sure the men had enough money to pay for the table and the women surrounding them, but it's also a way of taking advantage of their success. Later in the evening I talked to the other guy. He was even more friendly and didn't try to put it on me, which made me feel comfortable enough to ask him whether he didn't feel used, with all the women eating and drinking on his account. He said that he is happy to share his wealth and enjoys watching other people having a good time - which included some guys, he didn't know.
The entire evening, he made sure I had enough to eat and to drink, whether it was water or an alcoholic drink. I am not sure whether he did this out of the goodness of his heart or whether he wanted to pursue something, but I - as the idealist that I am - would like to think of it as the first.
The Chainsmokers take the stage
A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought being in the VIP during a show like this, wouldn't spawn the same experience. But being able to dance, move and enjoy, without being smothered in the crowd, might have upgraded the experience to another level. Seeing everybody in the regular crowd get their freak on, was an incredible experience. Whilst I made my way, closer to the DJ's, the guy from the private table stayed behind and offered to watch my and my friend's bags. So, while we got our freak on where the action was taking place, our bags were being "protected".
Flashing lights and bad decisions
At the end of the party, my friend and I didn't know how to get home - I don't think the promoters took care of that part. So, we were thinking of getting a Grab home, when one of the guys offered to take us home in their private car. I'm not sure whether it was me being intoxicated or the fact that I actually trusted this guy - maybe a combination of both - but we agreed.
Once we stepped in the car, the lights were being turned on - now, I don't mean the lights in the car. Apparently, they had flashing lights installed on top of their car, enabling them to move through the traffic more easily. As everybody was falling asleep, I was watching our driver race home, with the lights flashing the streets. Within no time -definitely not the 2 hours it took us to get to Savaya in the first place - we were both dropped off at our hostels.
Schooled by mum
The next day I had a chat with my mum, where I told her about my extravagant night. When I told her about the drive home, she lectured me: "One of the first things I ever taught you, is to not get in a car with strangers, and what do you do? Get in a car with strangers - drunk." She made me promise to never do anything like that ever again, which I did.
I must agree, it might not have been the wisest decision. Even though it might have felt right in the moment, I was nowhere near in my right mind to make a decision like that. I was drunk and couldn't think straight. In this case it turned out well, but I'm sure there are situations where circumstances can unfold for the worse and once you realize that, you're probably too late.
A question of Sexism
This amazing night, did show me the manifestation of gender stereotyping. The men have the ability to showcase their status and ability to provide and the women showcase their beauty and dependance. And in itself, doesn't that link to sexism? Women being discriminated if they aren't pretty enough? Men being discriminated because they do not have enough money? Can you be discriminated in a club when you don't have enough money or is that just the way capitalism works?
This experience definitely raised a lot of questions within myself.
Do men buy VIP tables, to get the beautiful women?
Do women want to be VIP, to get with men?
Do women want to be VIP, for the free drinks or status?
Is everyone in the VIP after someone or something? Or are they actually enjoying themselves?
Is the guy I met enjoying himself or would he prefer getting together with someone?
Is it all transactional or is it pleasure?
Maybe there's no clear answer to these questions. But I do know one thing: that night at Savaya gave me more than a story - it gave me a glimpse into a different world.
Final note
I’m definitely going back to Savaya. Next time, though, I’ll probably join the “regular” crowd. I’d love to enjoy the VIP again, but ideally on my own terms - paying for my own table, and that’s just not on the cards right now.
I’m curious to see whether the vibe feels any different outside the velvet rope - or if the mindset stays the same no matter in which area you find yourself.
If you ever get the chance to experience Savaya’s VIP, take it. Dive in. Enjoy it fully. Then decide for yourself what kind of night you want it to be.
