Karsila, Butler Supreme
One of the great treats of staying at our Residence Villas is to experience our beloved butler, Karsila. Very quickly, guests realize how much Karsila enhances their stay. He is a prime example of the attentiveness, professionalism, and supreme all-around-service that our butlers provide. An original staff member since Four Seasons opened in 1992, Karsila jumped at the chance to become a butler when he gave up his job as a waiter and received instruction through the renowned Magnums Butlers training program. Karsila now works in our Jimbaran Residence Villas, taking occasional turns at the Royal Villa. He sees that every one of his guests experiences complete pampering and relaxation – free from any worries to enjoy their vacation. “My job is such fun,” he says, “Even when my guests turn out to be partygoers and I am deprived of sleep.”
In preparation of guests’ arrivals, Karsila looks after every detail, “from the beds to the pool pump to the electricity,” making sure that every convenience is in top working order. Return guests often make special requests for Karsila’s cooking, sometimes inviting local friends to join them for dinner parties in the Estates. Many of Karsila’s guests include movie stars and celebrities, but Karsila is far too discreet to reveal their identities.
When he is able to, Karsila accompanies guests on daytrips – acting as guide, general helpmate, even babysitter. In true Balinese style, Karsila holds a special fondness for children and often plans activities for his young guests. In addition to drawing and painting, he arranges kite flying on the beach or fishing in the pond. It’s not surprising that children fall in love with him and tear up when they leave. Such farewells have compelled Karsila to see families off at the airport.
Karsila’s own two sons visit the Estates and have become well known to guests. Over the years, Karsila has developed such a strong bond with guests that many keep in touch by email, and when they inform him of a return vacation to Jimbaran Bay, Karsila plans his own holiday around their visit to ensure that he is available to look after them.
“If my guests are happy and enjoying their stay,” Karsila explains, “then I know that I am doing my job properly. Being a butler at Four Seasons is the fulfilment of my dream. Before this, my dream was to work on cruise ships, but if I was offered a cruise ship job now, there is no way that I would take it.”
