Ayana's First Official Guests Return for Anniversary (Thailand)
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Ayana's First Official Guests Return for Anniversary (Thailand)
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Category: Asia Pacific - Thailand
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2010-04-02
One year ago, Andrew McKinnon and Jessica Grant had the honor of being the first guests to check into AYANA Resort and Spa Bali as the resort commenced its jo urney as an independent property. Formerly The Ritz-Carlton Bali, AYANA rebranded on 1 April 2009 after a management change initiated by the owner.
Coincidentally, the Australian couple happened to be in Bali for a repeat visit one year later, just in time to join AYANA for its first anniversary celebrations which began with a private party at the iconic Rock Bar, one of the new facilities added after the property’s rebranding.
Andrew and Jess joined a select group of media, travel agents and community members gathered at this open-air bar, perched on natural rock 14 meters above the ocean. They celebrated with the cool sounds of DJ Martin East from LA, an indigenous drumming band, Japanese saxophonist Chika Asamoto, fireworks over the ocean, and a magician who produced door prizes virtually from thin air!
General Manager Charles de Foucault expressed his delight that AYANA’s first official guests had returned to Bali a year later, totally unaware that the resort was planning a special event to mark the anniversary. In recognition of their continued support the couple were presented with the ‘Eternal Love’ couple’s treatment at the spa, which was recently acknowledged in a Conde Nast Traveller readers’ survey as the “World’s Best Spa”.
He also presented a Grand Prize of an accommodation package at Capella Singapore, AYANA’s sister property, as well as spa and dining vouchers to lucky guests. The lucky draw was conducted by the magician, who performed mind-boggling close-up magic tricks during the event.
New Executive Chef Giordano Faggioli served a sumptuous array of canapés that featured some of the spectacular seafood for which Jimbaran Bay is famous, including Bloody Mary with Jimbaran prawns, and Crepe parcel with lobster ragout and crème cheese. Sweet items included Iced spicy chocolate cream, and Pistachio lollypops.
“It is a great honor to gather with you tonight to thank you for your continued support, and it’s particularly pleasing to share this celebration with our first AYANA guests, Andrew and Jess. Your loyalty and relationship with our staff is what makes our work here so rewarding,” said Charles.
“The Rock Bar is a very appropriate venue for this celebration, because it represents the new enhancements at AYANA. The original owners have continued to invest to maintain AYANA’s position as south-east Asia’s leading destination resort, with other enhancements including the renovations of Padi restaurant, Damar Terrace restaurant and the Ballroom. Yet it is our staff who remain our greatest asset, and we’re proud that our Villa butlers recently graduated from a Certification Program with the UK Guild of Professional Butlers – the same organization that trains valets and butlers for royalty and celebrities worldwide. With your support, we will endeavor to continue to enhance our services and facilities, to take AYANA to the next level!”
The 77-hectare property retained the vast majority of its 950 staff and selected West Paces Hotel Group led by Horst Schulze, former president and founder of
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