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Photos Courtesy of The St Regis, Singapore
Over 100 years ago, a New York aristocrat, John Jacob Astor IV, set out to create a haute hotel where visiting high society could receive the same level of fine living that they experienced in their estates back home. The first St. Regis opened in Manhattan in 1904 as an exclusive and opulent retreat for the most distinguished of travelers. Today, the group of luxury hotels continues their nonpareil level of hospitality in outposts around the world such as you’ll find at the St. Regis, Singapore.
The hotel is literally work of art both outside, inside and throughout. Upon arrival, guests will be impressed by the sleek, modern architecture with a curved steel surface that resembles the Guggenheim, the stunning larger than life artwork “Reclining Woman” by the Colombian master Fernando Botero, and the bronze colored Bentleys, there to do the hotel’s bidding by taking their most special guests around town or dashing them off to the airport. The entrance creates a statement that says You Have Arrived, with a magnificent crystal chandelier dangling from three stories above the circular vestibule and glitters the marble floor entrance. Beyond, the lobby continues to impress with its grandeur of more crystal chandeliers, story high flower arrangements as well as the stunning 17th century Chinese art mural Gathering of the Immortals as the backdrop of the lavishly appointed space. Since it opened in 2008, the St. Regis Singapore has been the respite of choice for visiting high society just as the first St. Regis was when it opened in Manhattan over 100 years ago.
The hotel exudes a refined and elegant lifestyle that, like Singapore, blends European and Asian cultures and design as evidenced in the Beau Arts and Chinoiserie décor. One of the first aspects of the hotel that guests will quickly admire is the sublime art collection throughout the hotel. This is not a simple collection by up and coming local artists; this is a blue-chip collection that rivals many a museum with over 70 art works by celebrated artists including Pablo Picasso, Anthony Poon, Georgette Chen, Marc Chagall, a sketch by Spanish artist Joan Miró and, as mentioned, Fernando Botero. The hotel is an art lovers dream with endless pieces in the common areas that demand that one stop and appreciate. The collection is one of the top private collections in Asia and is worth over $6.5 million (USD).
The St. Regis Singapore creates a club like haven of hospitality steeped in tradition, yet continues to be ultra-modern and relevant for today’s worldly explorer. One such tradition is with the sabre champagne ceremony where each day at 6:15, St. Regis properties around the world open a bottle to welcome their guests. In front of the hotel’s dramatic staircase, a white gloved sommelier shares the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, who said: Champagne must be enjoyed after each battle, no matter the outcome. If one wins to celebrate or if one loses, it’s even more necessary. And with that, the capable sommelier dramatically thwacks the bottle with a knife followed by a flow of champagne into the glasses of awaiting guests.
The classic opulence of the hotel continues to impress in the 299 accommodation of the St. Regis, Singapore. The rooms and suites offer a blend of British colonial and contemporary Asian décor made with fine materials and craftsmanship. Each room resembles a chamber in a palace with a light color palette accented with dark woods, colorful accent pieces, high ceilings, and gorgeous fabrics. There are eight different room categories, starting with Executive Deluxe and Grand Deluxe rooms, up to the King Cole suite and the 1400 sq.ft. Presidential suite.
The Executive Deluxe Room is exquisite with large windows letting in copious amounts of natural light and a window sofa ideal for peering out into the surrounding city skyline. Accommodations are regally furnished with classical sofas and chairs, twinkling chandeliers, and state of the art electronics and a king-sized bed adorned with a gold tufted heard board and richly lacquered rosewood wall. Guests are assured a good night’s sleep with the luxurious bed linens and the bedside control panels that can close the blackout curtain or turn of the room lights with a switch. The bathrooms are decadent as well awash with white French marble, gilded mirrors and accents, and a golden freestanding bathtub.
Beyond the opulence of the St Regis Singapore, where the hotel really sets itself above is with the service provided to their guests. Nowhere is that service more evident than with the butler service. Each category of room receives the services of a personal butler, in their formal jacket with long tails, ready to do their guests bidding, 24-hours per day, no matter how big or small the tasks. From packing and unpacking, bringing a fresh pot of tea with cookies or preparing a warm bubble bath with rose petals for you and your loved one, they are there to please. The room services go beyond with turn down service, complimentary garment pressings, and shoe shine.
The St. Regis Singapore offers a range of six dining experiences from casual poolside fare to their Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, Shinji by Kanesaka. Yin Ting provides an exceptional Cantonese-inspired Chinese cuisine that is well regarded by hotel guests and the area’s visiting elite. The setting is ideal for business meetings, a gathering of friends or for romantic couples with private banquet areas or cozy booths to get close. The reimagined Cantonese menu features a delicious variety of innovative dishes and with artistic presentations such as the six-course tasting menu and the must-have Peking Duck.
Singapore is an electric city with a pulsating nightlife not too far away. Guests will want to think twice about venturing out as the St. Regis has some a wonderful entertainment options without leaving the property in The Astor Bar. The Astor Bar is a lovely place to spend the evening with plenty of cozy places to listen to live jazz music. The bar creates a wide range of signature cocktails and offers an extensive wine list, and 200 whiskeys. The cocktail culture comes from a long tradition that began with the Bloody Mary which was allegedly created at the St. Regis. Guests will want to have one of those as well as to try the St. Regis, Singapore’ own version The St. Regis Singapore – the Chilli Padi Mary; but be warned, it packs a spicy punch.
In addition to the restaurants and lounges, there are fabulous facilities at the property to spend your free time. From the refreshing pool to the fitness center and spa. The hotel also provides guests complimentary access to their wet lounge which is an indulgent space with sauna, steam room, rain showers, foot reflexology path, and an outdoor spa garden with Jacuzzi and lounge area.
The St Regis Singapore is located in the heart of Singapore surrounded by embassies as well as the city’s most popular upscale shopping area, Orchard Road. Orchard Road is Singapore’s version of Rodeo Drive with all manner of swanky shopping malls and boutiques as well as eateries entertainment options. If taking home the latest high-ticket item isn’t in the cards on this trip, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is nearby as well. The, city’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful place to spend a few hours walking through the shaded walkways while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes, and magnificent trees and beautiful types of indigenous and introduced flora.
The St. Regis, Singapore is an unapologetically opulent hotel in the tradition of the first St. Regis that welcomed New York’s high society over 100 years ago. It is a hotel that celebrates the finest things in life and offers an unmatched sybaritic lifestyle for your next stay in Singapore.
