JIMBARAN - BALI, 12 July 2010 � Fresh from the 25th Marathon Des Sables in the Moroccan Desert, Jerome Colson has joined AYANA Resort and Spa Bali as Food & Beverage Executive Assistant Manager (F&B EAM), responsible for all 13 dining outlets across the award-winning property.
 
The Belgian native and father-of-two joins AYANA after nine years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in F&B management roles, most recently as F&B EAM at the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai, China. 
 
His arrival comes between two celebrations at AYANA: the resort�s own 1st anniversary of its rebranding on 1 April, and the Rock Bar�s 1st anniversary event scheduled for August the 5th. This event will also unveil an extension to the bar which will provide new seating areas and a second bar, increasing capacity by some two-thirds and catering for the high demand of visitors coming from around Bali to experience a famous Rock Bar sunset. A new merchandise shop will be launched, along with the new website www.ayanaresort.com/rockbarbali and a signature Rock Bar CD compiled by resident DJ Martin East. 
 
An ultra-marathon runner who considers covering 250 kilometers in 50 degree-plus Celsius temperatures a form of fun, Jerome literally hit the ground running in Bali. He found time to clock a fast five kilometers in the Bali International Triathlon fun run, and brings this same high energy and endurance to his new position.
 
Within just weeks of his arrival, he arranged a wine dinner with Casa Lapostolle wine ambassador Diego Urra which was a sell-out on July 1, and is preparing for two additional wine dinners in upcoming months. 
 
�I am extremely proud to join the high-caliber team at AYANA and to once again work with Horst Schulze, this time under his new management company West Paces Hotel Group,� said Jerome. �The West Paces team represents some of the world�s top hoteliers who are bringing fresh vision to world-class resorts, among which I believe AYANA is second to none. It is also a true honor to be working with the Balinese, whose natural hospitality and genuine warmth makes this island such a special place.�
 
AYANA�s General Manager Charles de Foucault said Jerome�s appointment further strengthened the F&B management team, after the arrival of Executive Chef Giordano Faggioli in January from the St Regis Beijing, and F&B Manager Harry Nugroho in April from the Grand Hyatt Bali.
 
�Under the new F&B management team, we are looking forward to taking AYANA�s world-class restaurants and bars to an even higher level of personalized service to cater for individual guest needs. This is what sets AYANA apart,� said Charles.
 
AYANA�s 13 dining and lounge venues range from the chic cliff-top Dava Restaurant and Martini Bar, to Kisik beach-front seafood restaurant, authentic Italian at Sami Sami, Asian cuisine at Padi, Balinese banquet and dancing at Langit Theatre, the iconic Rock Bar, and the newly-renovated Damar Terrace. In addition, Jerome will also oversee catering for weddings, corporate functions and other private events.  
 
About AYANA Resort and Spa
Named after a �place of refuge� in Sanskrit, AYANA is perched on limestone cliffs up to 30 meters above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali�s south-western peninsula. The 77-hectare property enjoys majestic views and a secluded location across its 1.3 kilometer coastline, yet is just 15 minutes from Bali�s airport. The 368 guestrooms comprise 78 private pool villas and a 290-room hotel.
 
Resort highlights include the 22,000sqm Thermes Marins Thalasso spa with one of the world�s largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pools and the Spa on the Rocks villas set amidst the Indian Ocean. There are five purpose-built wedding venues; the avant-garde Champa Garden for grand-scale events; four freshwater swimming pools including a children�s pool; a salt-water, infinity-edged Ocean Beach Pool at the cliff�s base, accessed via an inclinator; 13 dining venues; 18-hole golf putting course; tennis pavilion; jogging/cycling path; fitness center; children�s center; boutiques; comprehensive meeting facilities and business center; and resort-wide WIFI. 
 
About The West Paces Hotel Group 
The West Paces Hotel Group based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. was founded in 2002 by Horst Schulze along with several former Ritz-Carlton executives. The principals of the company leverage unparalleled hospitality experience and a diverse track record of operating world-class hotels and resorts to create value through superior service at luxury, world-class properties and conference centers in gateway cities and high-profile resort destinations around the world. 
 
In less than six years, West Paces successfully launched two hotel brands, Capella and Solis. Co-Chairman and Founder Horst Schulze has helped reshape concepts of luxury service throughout the hospitality and service industries.  As chairman of West Paces Hotel Group, he has created the unparalleled Canon service standards introduced at AYANA. For more information, visit www.westpaceshotels.com.