Type of luxury escape, destination or month

Blog 3/30/2020

April: Book List

  • Culture

    Culture

  • Discovery

    Discovery

Although the ability to travel has been paused, our mission remains the same - to inspire, guide and surprise you through the art of travel. We've teamed up our beloved hotel partners from around the world to bring you four book recommendations from their general managers that will influence, educate, excite and spark joy as we navigate this new world and all the 'free' time we now find ourselves with.

Escape the everyday as you get lost in a new world.

Elegant Simplicity by Satish Kumar

Recommended by Olivia Richli, Heckfield Place, UK

WHY

"One of the most inspiring people I have ever met is Satish Kumar. He is a former monk, long term peace and environment activist for the past 50 years, who I had the privilege to hear when he came to speak at Heckfield Place last year as a part of our Assembly programme. He spoke about his book Elegant Simplicity. It is the perfect manifesto for our times- to live in a more environmentally sustainable way that is spiritually fulfilling, socially just and harmonious to ensure that we live simply, with less stuff, more joy and encourage planetary wellbeing. And today it makes more sense than anything else I have heard, and should be compulsory reading for all mankind."

1984 by George Orwell

Recommended by Gary Obligacion, Post Ranch Inn, USA

WHY

"My favorite is 1984 by George Orwell. I graduated high school in 1984, so as a class we studied the book closely. The idea that our leaders/government could evolve to a point where they controlled our very thoughts was alarming then and becomes scarier as time goes on and some of the framework described in the book seems to be all around us. "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."

Chocolates on the Pillow Aren’t Enough: Reinventing the Customer Experience by Jonathon Tisch

Recommended by Donald Wong, Song Saa, Cambodia

WHY

"After reading this book, in this world full of technology and a savvy-consumer it taught me about people-to-people connections and how to invest in memories for our guests who stay on Song Saa Private Island. This book gave me an insight into attention to detail, having a passion for what you do, taking ownership and dedication for my contribution in the travel and hospitality sector. I will certainly be applying all these suggestions when we are ready to welcome back our guests and am taking this time to instill these practices with my team."

Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

Recommended by Rico Haus, Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

WHY

"I read the book when I was on my sabbatical in India  in 2001 and it opened my eyes not to worry too much about social conformity. Just be yourself and make the best of each day. See the beauty in art and travelling. Expose yourself to a total new environment, country and lifestyle."