Located on the northeastern coast of Bali, nestled between  the soaring peaks of Mount Batur and its fertile foothills boasting bountiful produce, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is proud to welcome Martin Büchele as its new Executive Chef. Specialising in sophisticated cuisine for a healthy lifestyle, Büchele comes from great culinary training and has grown to appreciate the importance food has on wholesome living, making him the perfect addition to this holistic and intimate 31-room sanctuary.

Growing up in an epicurean household in Austria, Büchele's passion in cuisine was honed at a young age - groomed by his father, a chef and his mother, a hotel manager. This has led him to travel the world; Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia have all been home to this enthusiastic chef. After being the first Sous Chef of Relais Chateaux's Hotel Jagdhof in Austria, he took charge of a kitchen brigade at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada and more recently excelled as Executive Sous Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Evolving his techniques throughout his career, Büchele has implemented an innovative array of menus including macrobiotic, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Heart Healthy, low carbohydrate, diabetic, monosodium glutamate (MSG)-free, gluten-free and lactose intolerant.

Deciding to embark on a journey of self-rejuvenation in 2012, Büchele chose to explore his vocation in depth and find the purest ingredients. This mission led him to a Buddhist Monastery in Kathmandu where he studied the Bon Tradition and was initiated in several Buddhist practices such as generating positive energy and transforming negative energy. Marrying such learnings at the monastery with his experiences in the culinary world has resulted in a contemporary culinary style most beneficial to his new role as Executive Chef at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

Chef Büchele will guide guests on harnessing and changing the energy of their body, mind and soul through nutrition and lead them to live a healthy, enlightened lifestyle through delicious meals. This intuitive culinary approach, matched with Bali's seasonal, fresh local produce, which includes lush vegetables and herbs, plump tropical fruit such as papayas, dragonfruit and mangoes as well as fresh mackerel, tuna and snapper, will set the stage for presentations on food preparation and the healing power of wholefoods. By focusing on live-food or Vibrational Cuisine, guests will gain a better understanding that besides being delectable, food is also the key to increased quality of life and great health. Optimum meals enhance digestion, help detoxify, and support an overall sense of wellbeing.



Eager to fuse healthy lifestyle cuisine together with the holistic immersion of Spa Villa Resort Tembok, Bali's upcoming School of Life (S.O.L.) Wellness Programmes, Chef Büchele will also take part in consultations and personalise menus based on the principles of health and natural living. Students will have the opportunity throughout the year to learn about food alchemy and how to transform their lives through the practices of vibrational and live-food cuisine.

Visit www.spavillageresort.com or contact travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my to take part of the wellness and lifestyle programs at Spa Village Tembok, Bali.



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New Executive Chef Martin Büchele's innovative approach to healthy cuisine champions seasonal, fresh and local ingredients perfect for the holistic lifestyle

About Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

Set in a small village located on the northeastern coast of the island, against a landscape of soaring peaks, black volcanic sand and the deep blue of the Bali Sea, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is infused with the gentle spirituality and rich culture of the island. The resort's philosophy of wellness extends beyond the daily spa treatments and encompasses every aspect from activities to lifestyle and cuisine, making every experience a holistic getaway to the heart of true Bali.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003.

In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group's Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information. For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com.my/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60327831000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Ms Aja Ng
Director of Public Relations                
Email: aja@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007

Ms Mariana Escamilla
Public Relations Manager
Email: mariana_escamilla@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007

Ms Felicia Lee
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Email: felicia_lee@ytlhotels.com.my
Tel: +6018 799 9007