In Asia, an "Ultimate Library" concept has been launched in Bali, prior to expansion throughout the region. Charles Coleman, Regional Director, Asia, commented: "The idea arose from the premise that "Grey matter is the new Black", and as a way to ensure intelligent luxury at the properties.
At both Ubud Hanging Gardens and Jimbaran Puri Bali, a hand-picked reading and reference library of over one hundred titles each has been created for guests. Our collection of books has been selected to entertain, educate and inspire. It has a large section on the local area, its history, culture and wildlife; a wide selection on travel, history, global issues; and for those who want to escape, lots of prize winning literature, thrillers and jolly good reads.
The library includes books in multiple languages. Our aim has been to surprise and delight with the best possible selection to suit all needs and tastes - just like a good wine list!”
The book selection was made in cooperation with Philip Blackwell of the eponymous book shop in Oxford (http://www.ultimatelibrary.co.uk), during visits to Bali and Bangkok. Guests can peruse these works and enjoy the writer’s perspective, delving into the art, history, politics, nature, culture and cuisine of the locale. One thing all these books have in common is their commitment to giving guests a greater sense of place.
In addition, a selection of classic and award-winning DVDs has been collected for guests to watch in their rooms. This covers art house, classic and more mainstream films from around the world. Non-English films are subtitled in English and at least two other languages.
Whilst the libraries aim to entertain and inform guests, they also serve as a "novel" way to communicate with guests in newsletters, where special mention may be made of particular works recently added to the collection.
Amongst the books currently in the collection are:
Island of Bali (Miguel Covarrubias) - The classic book about Bali's people and civilization. Covarrubias, an intelligent traveller and a serious student, was able to penetrate deeply into the spirit of dance, theatre, music, religion, sexual customs and family life and to write this invaluable book.
Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert) - After her divorce, American Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a year’s journey. She travels to Italy (to eat), to India (to pray) and to Bali to find a balance between the two – but it is here she finds love. An inspiring and worldwide best-selling book.
Nathaniel's Nutmeg (Giles Milton) - The book deals with the competition between England and Holland for possession of the spice-producing islands of South- East Asia throughout the 17th century. Packed with stories of heroism, ambition, ruthlessness, treachery, murder, torture and madness, Nathaniel's Nutmeg offers a compelling story of European rivalry in the Tropics.
A Shadow Falls; in the Heart of Java (Andrew Beatty) - Set amongst Java's rice fields and volcanoes, this is an exploration of modern day multiculturalism played out in ordinary people's lives.
A Short History of Bali (Robert Pringle) - Covers the history of Bali from before the Bronze Age to the modern presidency of Megawati Sukarnoputri, this examination highlights the ethnic dynamics of the island and its place in modern Indonesia.
Other titles set in the region include, The Spice Islands Voyage (Timothy Severin), Bali; A Travel Adventure (Ian Lloyd), Balinese Music (Michael Tenzer), Bali: People & Art (Gregor Krause), Art of South East Asia – Rachel Kerlogue, as well as guide books and dictionaries.
Charles Coleman also added: "We hope that our guests will enjoy this new service at the properties, and that the libraries will not only underpin the concept of intelligent luxury, but also serve as a catalyst to meaningful conversations - between guests and staff and between guests themselves."
Charles Coleman
Regional Director, Asia
