Eva Malmström Shivdasani Creative Director, Soneva, Maldives Hattie David-Wilkinson Global Head of Wellness and Longevity, Maybourne Valentina de Santis CEO and Owner, Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy Kit Kemp Founder and Creative Director, Firmdale Hotels Gillian Mylles General Manager, The Resident, Edinburgh Marie-Berengere Chapoton General Manager, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, Middle East Anne Golden VP Operations, UK and North America Pan Pacific Hotels and General Manager, Pan Pacific London Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
Curating Book Collections with Pioneering Women in Hospitality
6 Mar 2025
Scroll right: Valentina de Santis (© Mariela Medina), Eva Malmstrom Shivdasani (© Matt Porteous), Hattie David Wilkinson, Kit Kemp (© Firmdale Hotels), Gillian Mylles, Marie-Berengere Chapoton, Anne Golden (© Boutique Hotelier)
Although women make up the majority of the hospitality workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in the upper ranks—holding just 30% of leadership roles. This stark imbalance highlights the need to recognise and celebrate the women driving change in the industry. As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, we shine a spotlight on the visionary women redefining luxury hospitality and sculpting unforgettable guest experiences worldwide.
Over the years, Ultimate Library has collaborated with trailblazing female hoteliers and senior leaders to curate bespoke literary experiences that capture the essence of their destinations and distill the ethos of the brand. From the Maldives to the Middle East, and from the UK to Italy, we explore seven partnerships that showcase the power of women’s leadership in hospitality.
Swedish-born Eva Malmström Shivdasani is Creative Director and Conscience at Soneva, overseeing all interior design with a philosophy that marries elegant luxury with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. She has been the driving force behind Soneva’s organic gardens, water bottling plant, renowned bicycles and wider environmental campaigning. Ultimate Library collaborated with Eva and the Soneva team to introduce Barefoot Booksellers to their Maldivian resorts, reconnecting guests with the joy of reading for pleasure via personalised ‘shelf discovery sessions’ and in-villa libraries. Books for all ages were carefully chosen to reflect Eva’s commitment to sustainability and her beautiful colour schemes.
Since it opened in London in 2024, Maybourne's wellness club Surrenne has redefined experiential wellbeing, offering members an unparalleled approach to longevity and holistic health. This dedication has already earned it the prestigious title of
World’s Best Private Members Club Spa.
At the helm is Hattie David Wilkinson, Maybourne’s Global Head of Wellness and Longevity and former Director of Spa at Claridge’s. To extend the cutting-edge wellness offering, Surrenne has partnered with Ultimate Library to launch Surrenne Reads, a quarterly literary review, covering topics from gut health and neuroplasticity, to longevity and hormone health. Books not only grace the shelves of the nutritionist-curated café, but are also beautifully packaged and delivered to members, with an exclusive invitation to a private audience with the author.
Third-generation hotelier Valentina De Santis, owner and CEO of Passalacqua and The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, has infused both historic Lake Como landmarks with modern luxury while preserving their timeless glamour. These prestigious properties have received numerous accolades, including Passalacqua’s recognition as the
World’s Best Hotel
in 2023 and Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s title of
Best Luxury Lakeside Hotel
in 2024. Curated to reflect the enduring legacy of The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the book collection in the suites and billiard room celebrates, among other things, the influential women who have shaped—and continue to define—its grandeur. Featuring titles on fashion, nature, and art, as well as biographies like
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
, the collection pays tribute to former owner Maria Gandola and distinguished guests such as Greta Garbo.
Award-winning designer Kit Kemp, renowned for her modern British style, has left an indelible mark on the London and now New York hospitality landscape with her celebrated Firmdale Hotels. Ham Yard Hotel, at the heart of London's vibrant theatre district captivates guests with its bold colours, luxurious homeliness, and unparalleled attention to detail. In close collaboration with Kit Kemp, Ultimate Library designed a collection of over 4500 books for Ham Yard’s Library, Drawing Room, and Suites that reflects the rich history and cultural tapestry of London. In accordance with Kit’s brief, the jacket was removed from each book to reveal the rich tones of the clothbound covers underneath.
At the helm of The Resident Edinburgh’s debut, General Manager Gillian Mylles brings a background shaped by leadership roles with top hotel brands. As a proud Edinburgh local, Mylles combines industry expertise with a passion for the city, empowering her team to curate authentic experiences that reflect the brand's signature connection to place. A standout feature of this vision is the hotel's library, developed in collaboration with Ultimate Library, which celebrates Scotland’s literary heritage, showcasing works by iconic figures like Robert Burns alongside contemporary authors such as Booker Prize winner Stuart Douglas. Reflecting both Mylles’ leadership and the hotel's dedication to sustainability, the collection also features thought-provoking titles on environmental stewardship and Scotland’s natural beauty.
French-born Marie-Berengere Chapoton has worked for twenty-five years at the forefront of luxury hospitality holding leadership positions across four continents. As General Manager at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, she resides over a spectacular new villa-only resort offering guests a highly personalised Arabian hospitality experience in a desert oasis. The resort’s Writer’s Lounge, Patisserie and villas each boast a curated book collection, drawing inspiration from the concept of Arif's secret garden and the artisan visitors it once attracted. Over 700 English language books span natural history, gardening, botany, and coffee culture, as well as artisanal crafts ranging from pottery and calligraphy to textiles and perfumery.
Singaporean hospitality brand Pan Pacific debuted in London in 2021 led by the formidable Anne Golden, under whose guidance it has been awarded
Forbes Five Stars
three years running. Set in a 43-story bronze tower, this landmark property marries Asian elegance with contemporary British design, a fusion painstakingly crafted in partnership with Yabu Pushelberg. Curated book collections for areas including the Orchid Lounge, Market Kitchen and guest suites reflect the dual influences of Singapore and East London, as well as the specific botanical design scheme. Anne Golden is known for her acute attention to detail, which shines through in the suites, where books have been hand-bound in coloured cloth to compliment the design scheme. 'One of the big successes has been books in the rooms; they are a massive part of who we are.'
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We believe in the power of books to create a sense of place and new perspectives. Our bespoke book collections have a great impact on a guest’s overall experience of a hotel or resort. It’s small extras like books in rooms and library spaces that make a guest’s stay extra special, and many of our clients receive high praise for their book collections. For private clients they make a house their home.
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