The Maistra's Bookshelf - Time to Read

1. Bettina, what inspired you to incorporate a library into the concept of Hotel Maistra?

I enjoy creating content and I love stories. During their vacations, most people want to experience and learn new things and gain access to the place they are traveling to. We don't just want to sleep and eat, we want to change and develop, and we long to do things that we don't get to do in everyday life but would like to. During our vacations, we have time for that. The library at Hotel Maistra 160 is a place of inspiration and a place of knowledge. Here, guests can be inspired by the rich facets of the Engadin, its side valleys, its neighboring regions, and the Alpine regions in general.

2. What were the specifications given to the architect?

He was asked to design a beautiful, large wooden bookcase with enough space for at least 1,000 books, offering the option of displaying books openly or upright. In addition, there should be a book table, sufficient drawers, space for workstations, and several comfortable armchairs.

3. How does a curated library differ from a normal hotel library?

The library currently consists of around 1,000 books. The selection of books is curated, which means that we carefully research the specified categories in order to have good new publications on the one hand and older or even antique gems on the other. The selection is regularly updated so that guests are always surprised and find something new. I am assisted in curating by Monica Rottmeyer, Public History Research. She specializes in developing historical content for clients in the fields of business, industry, tourism, and culture.

4. What role does the library play for hotel guests?

It gives our guests access to the rich culture and history of the Engadin and the canton of Graubünden, to tourism, architecture, and cultural history, but also to all aspects of our high alpine natural landscape. People encounter all these topics here in the Engadin, and they can read about them in our library.

Reading books also helps us to understand the world, makes us healthier and smarter, inspires us, gives us comfort and hope, and puts many things into a new perspective. Good books help us to relax because they transport us away and nourish us with new stories and thoughts.

Prosper & Martine Assouline once said:

„Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.“

Books are simply something very beautiful.

5. Is there a specific concept or philosophy behind the selection of books?

Absolutely. The library devotes a lot of space to the artists and painters who have discovered this unique high valley over the past 150 years. It also features novels that were written here, inspired by the Engadin, or written by people for whom this landscape became a refuge. Our guests can also immerse themselves in the rich literature of Graubünden women, the history of the hotel industry, architecture, and agriculture, the history of emigrated and returned confectioners, the development of alpine cuisine, the alpine world of monasteries, and the fates and stories of mercenaries and muleteers. Of course, there is plenty of space for high alpine nature, the mountains, the glaciers, and the alpine flora and fauna.

And so as not to lose sight of the outside world, the library also regularly displays the latest and most select works by great authors and exciting writers. So-called “theme gems” are also presented on a regular basis, such as “Baths and spa treatments in the Alpine region,” “Architecture in the Alps,” and “The hotel as a setting.” And those who wish to do so will also be able to access one or two antiquarian, long out-of-print, and rare works. 

The book table always features a selection of books on specific topics. The current selection of books is explained in a text. The main themes are, on the one hand, books related to the various “Maistra spricht” events and, on the other hand, the presentation of excerpts from various categories, such as the most important architecture books by Gion Caminada, Pontresina in literature, the culinary heritage of the Alps, tourism advertising and hotel marketing in the Engadin, Giovanni Segantini in literature, etc.

Overall, the idea is also carried over to the rooms, the spa, and the concept store, creating a touch of a bibliophile's world. In addition, Maistra Bookshelf also publishes the occasional publication as a “publisher.” The first, the “Pöstli Chronicles,” was launched in the summer of 2024, the second, the white paper “Deep Health,” was published in October 2024, and the third, “Becoming of Maistra,” is currently in the works...

There is much more to tell about books at Hotel Maistra 160. Look forward to part II of our blog post in the fall.