Latest news with #StRegis
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
11 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
From Butler Service To Family Rituals: The Magic and Rich History Of The St. Regis Experience
Inspired by the rich hospitality of its Gilded Age founders, St. Regis resorts are the ultimate luxury escape… I'm sitting in a corner of a terrace on my last night at The St. Regis Mardavall Resort, Mallorca, taking in the twilight and the expanse of darkening Balearic Sea. There's a calm din of conversation around me, as fellow diners at the critically acclaimed Es Fum enjoy their midsummer supper. I've been served a multi-course menu including morsels of Kaluga caviar and beautiful just-pink lamb with a crisp crumb and Japanese potato flour Katakuriko gnocchi, arranged as precisely and artfully as the dots on a Bridget Riley painting. The executive chef de cuisine Miguel Navarro has brought his experience from around the globe to Mallorca, the homeland of his grandmother; there are flashes of East and South Asian, and South American ingredients cleverly woven through, complementing each other. 'I want to take you on a journey,' Navarro tells me as I navigate the exquisite meal, course by course. Indeed, my three-day stay at this St. Regis resort has itself been a journey of discovery and delight, qualities that the brand is famous for. As soon as I had arrived, laden with luggage and weary from an early flight, I was greeted with refreshments and a hearty welcome, while my suitcase was whisked away to be unpacked by a dedicated butler. Immediately I felt my shoulders drop, and I began to relax into the holiday. My butler would become a constant companion during my stay. The service is a mainstay of every St. Regis, whether in Abu Dhabi, Mauritius or New York (the original opened in 1904 and became a centre for high society). Anticipation was the name of the game. If I forgot my book by the time I got to the pool, my butler would bring it to me, while also delivering a refreshing iced tea. My home for the duration was the Astor suite, named after the St. Regis founder, John Jacob Astor. The space was an impressive series of interconnected rooms, its focal point the wraparound private terrace. From here I had panoramic views over the sun-drenched hotel grounds – its many pools, the coiffed lawns, the Mar Sea Club restaurant, the horizon between the sea and sky beyond. Coming off the main suite were two more rooms which could easily accommodate four to six – ideal for families holidaying with grandparents or cousins. Throughout the suite there were beautiful design touches that nodded to the Mediterranean setting, such as the locally-sourced artworks. I particularly enjoyed the freestanding bath, and the suite's private bar, a wonderful place to perch and chat while nursing a Bloody Mary. (I was delighted to learn that one of my favourite cocktails was perfected at The St. Regis New York's Old King Cole Bar 91 years ago by the barman Fernand Petiot). Once my butler had unpacked my cases in the walk-in wardrobe, I was ready to see more of the island, and so was thrilled to be invited to a private boat ride on one of the newest additions to the hotel – the sleek Tesoro T50 Speciale. Jumping aboard from a private jetty, we sped along the coast taking in the Unesco heritage site of the Tramuntana mountains, and then moored and dived off the boat into the crystalline turquoise sea. It was a thrilling way to start the day, and a customary activity for guests – especially with families – who are after a different perspective of their location. Ravenous post-ride, I returned to shore, ready for lunch at the Mar Sea Club where a feast that included a plump oyster served with a shot of the hotel's signature cocktail, The Mardavall Pepper Snapper (a take on the classic Bloody Mary – every St. Regis has its own twist). St. Regis is also famous for its 'rituals', which are celebrated daily in each of its resorts. Perhaps my favourite was afternoon tea – beautifully arranged on the lawns, complete with plentiful towers of croquembouches and platters of seasonal fruit cascading with grapes. It was a bucolic scene, in which families gathered and made friends – the children were playing games and kite decorating – while the adults were able to meet and mingle. The occasion of the tea itself is a tribute to the founder's mother Caroline Astor – a formidable matriarch who defined the Gilded Age with her salons and cultural gatherings. With time between plans, I had a wander around the grounds and decided to retreat to the bar, behind which sits a mural that was painted by the Mallorcan artist Ramon Enrich. The artwork is a nod to The St. Regis New York, whose Old King Cole bar is named after a mural of the same name, painted by the artist Maxfield Parrish in 1932. Before dinner at Es Fum, I was treated to the hotel's final ritual. To signal the beginning of the evening to come, the ceremony of 'sabrage' – a dramatic opening of a bottle of champagne with a saber – is performed. The ritual takes its cue from Napoleon Bonaparte, who would open champagne thus whether in victory or defeat. While I was offered the opportunity to channel Napoleon too, I thought I would leave the swordplay to the experts, whose deft skills were incredibly impressive. As I sipped my champagne, I knew it was these thoughtful touches that built up to the full experience of being at a St. Regis resort. The brand's legacy of warm hospitality shines through in every detail, from its beloved rituals to its friendly butler service, creating a feeling of playful, luxurious escapism. I already can't wait to visit another one of its resorts.
Zawya
20-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kingdom Health signals launch of second phase with JOD 125mln development agreement
Amman, Jordan – Kingdom Health has announced the launch of its second phase of development, marking a significant milestone as the first phase of core construction concludes. The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Thursday, 10 July, at the St. Regis hotel in Amman, where a JOD 125 million agreement was signed between the Kingdom Health and MID Contracting Company. Under this agreement, the contracting company will undertake architectural finishing, interior fit-out, and the installation of electro-mechanical systems for the project's medical and academic facilities. These efforts pave the way for the trial phase, during which vital systems, equipment and operational infrastructure will begin to be integrated. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Feras Hawari, Minister of Health; Dr. Azmi Mahafza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Zaher Al-Qatarneh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment and Acting General Manager of the Jordan Investment Fund; and Mohammed bin Hassan Mounis, the Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. They were joined by senior dignitaries, officials from relevant government entities, local and international partners, and representatives from both parties. Commenting on the agreement, Fadi Al-Said, Chairman at the Kingdom Health, stated, 'We are proud of the progress achieved in the Kingdom Health project. This is not just an investment in health and educational infrastructure, it is a long-term investment in people and society. Through strategic partnerships and a clear vision, we aim to establish an institutional model that strengthens Jordan's position as a regional hub for healthcare and education.' Dr. Mahmoud Sarhan, CEO of the Kingdom Health, added, 'The second phase marks a strategic shift toward institutional and operational empowerment. It is when our vision becomes tangible, offering a cutting-edge experience aligned with global standards in healthcare and medical education. This will be based on a smart infrastructure and an integrated operational system that includes advanced communications, facility management, and modern medical technologies, all supported by our global academic and medical partnerships.' Chairman of the Board at MID Contracting Company, Eng. Ala' Al-Masri, further commented, 'We are honored to collaborate on this landmark project, one of pioneering initiatives in Jordan and the region. Being entrusted with responsibilities to deliver on architectural finishing, interior outfitting, and the installation of electro-mechanical systems that require high precision and engineering integration demonstrates the strong faith in the excellence of our services. We are committed to applying best engineering and operational practices to ensure the facilities meet the highest standards of quality, intelligent operation, and safety, enabling the project to fulfill its institutional vision effectively and sustainably.' The Kingdom Health serves as a transformative model in the healthcare and medical education sectors. It reflects the convergence of Jordan's national vision and high-impact investments supported by the Saudi Jordanian Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of PIF. The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) framework, ensuring sustainable investment and a meaningful social and economic impact. Construction is progressing steadily, with full operations expected by the end of 2027. The project spans a built-up area of over 128,000 square meters. Upon its operational phase, it will include the Kingdom University for Medical Sciences with a capacity of 600 seats and state-of-the-art educational facilities. These will integrate modern medical curricula with artificial intelligence and clinical training to graduate a new generation of doctors, researchers, and leaders in healthcare and medical education. Additionally, the project includes a 330-bed university hospital, 72 outpatient clinics, a specialized children's hospital, and five centers of excellence that will directly address major health challenges in Jordan and the region. The project is distinguished by world-class partnerships, notably with University College London (UCL) Medical School as the academic partner and UCLA Health as the medical partner. Beyond its academic and medical impact, the project is expected to generate more than 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, with potential for future expansion. It represents a transformative investment in Jordan's future, serving as a driver of economic growth, a catalyst for scientific research, and a destination for medical tourism, in alignment with His Majesty King Abdullah II's vision of establishing Jordan as a regional center of excellence in medical and health education.
South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Drink in Focus: Ritual Fizz at the St Regis Bar Hong Kong
In May, the St Regis Bar Hong Kong launched Tickets to Ride on Trains & Trams, an ambitious new menu centred around a board game that involves taking the train or tram (on the board) to 16 different numbered stations, each corresponding to a drink. Theming is front and centre – guests are encouraged to play the game as a means to decide which drink to have. Both the game and the cocktail menu follow what is now a recurring throughline for St Regis' menus: drawing inspiration from historical locations in Hong Kong and New York, where the St Regis Hotel was first opened. What sets this current menu apart is the sheer selection of excellent drinks – 16 different signature concoctions, all balanced and executed wonderfully. St Regis Bar Hong Kong's new Tickets to Ride on Trains & Trams menu involves 16 drinks, each corresponding to a 'station' on a board game. Photo: Nicolas Wong Sixteen Photography No drink on this menu represents the high level of execution more than the Ritual Fizz, which is inspired by Little Italy, a historic neighbourhood in Manhattan known for its concentration of Italian immigrant residents. Paul Chan, bar manager for the St Regis Bar Hong Kong, breaks the drink down for us. It combines London Dry gin (or vodka, on occasion), Italian citron and bergamot liqueurs, fresh lemon, cream, egg white, sugar and a splash of soda water. 'It's bright, fresh and creamy all at once,' Chan describes. 'You get this refreshing citrus kick from the Italian citron and bergamot, balanced by the botanicals of gin and a silky, almost dessert-like finish from the cream and egg white. There's a playful effervescence from the soda, and I think the drink really dances between being uplifting and indulgent.' Those in the know recognise this ingredient and flavour profile as similar to the immensely difficult and visually stunning Ramos Gin Fizz, introduced by Charles 'Carl' Ramos in New Orleans in 1888. Apocryphally, Ramos and his team shook the drink for a total of 12 to 15 minutes along something of a cocktail assembly line. (Cocktails are normally shaken for around 20 to 30 seconds.) Ritual Fizz from St Regis Bar Hong Kong's new menu Tickets to Ride on Trains & Trams. Photo: Handout Modern methods are much less dramatic, but the drink still requires intricate preparation – dry shaking ingredients, then slowly pouring 2/3 of the mixture with soda before allowing it to settle in a fridge. If your physics and chemistry were correct, pouring the remaining ingredients should help the iconic foam head rise 'like a souffle', according to Difford's Guide.
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Forbes
11 Best Hotel Bars In The U.S.
The St. Regis New York's King Cole Bar is one of the country's standouts. The St. Regis New York A hotel bar is often a reliable refuge for travelers, but the truly great ones are destinations in themselves. Crafting an excellent cocktail is merely the baseline. What elevates a great hotel bar is the ability to capture the essence of its location while providing a memorable experience. Forbes Travel Guide's incognito inspectors tasted their way through lounges spanning from the vineyards of Napa to the shores of Miami, and we found the 11 hotel bars in the U.S. that stand above the rest. These watering holes are part of Forbes Travel Guide's Star Bars, an inaugural list of the world's best hotel bars. To find the 58 honorees — the number pays tribute to FTG's 1958 founding as Mobil Travel Guide — expert inspectors visited each one multiple times and sipped cocktails. The winners were determined by data collected as part of FTG's 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on several exacting standards. The top publicly accessible bars achieved the highest scores for their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless service and an exceptional guest experience. New York proved to be the U.S. cocktail capital with three bars, more than any other city. Statewide, California and New York tied with three bars, Florida tallied two and North Carolina, Nevada and Philadelphia each had one. Here is the full list of America's best hotel bars for 2025: Head in the direction of 33 North for great drinks in Orange County. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Orange County 33 North's name refers to the closest latitude line to its California base, halfway between the equator and the North Pole. X marks the spot for the newly renovated interiors, featuring soft sunset colors and coastal accents. The most-ordered drink is the Chile De Árbol, a spicy-sweet, black sea salt-rimmed concoction with agave, lime juice and Lalo Tequila infused with cinnamon and jalapeño, Fresno and habanero chilis. Add on bites like caviar and chips from famed chef Michael Mina's adjacent Bourbon Steak Orange County. The Bar Auberge du Soleil Napa Take in sweeping views of vineyards and olive trees from the sun-drenched terrace of The Bar, preferably with wine from the 15,000-bottle cellar (like the excellent local sparkler Domaine Carneros Le Rêve). If you prefer a libation, opt for the Olive Grove Martini, with olive oil fat-washed Jean-Marc XO vodka, Dolin dry vermouth and orange bitters. Charcuterie like Fatted Calf saucisson and California cheeses are natural pairings, but heartier offerings like the local halibut and Stemple Creek Ranch burger also hit the spot. The Bar Baccarat Hotel New York New York The Palace of Versailles' stables inspired the look of this stunning scarlet space, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling with three ornate chandeliers, a 60-foot bar and black-and-white checkerboard flooring. The art on the walls spans important movements since 1764, the year the Baccarat crystal company was founded. In honor of the hotel's 10th anniversary in 2025, The Bar debuted the Decade of Decadence menu, which riffs on past memorable cocktails, like the Baccarat Rouge, with Cincoro blanco tequila, passionfruit, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Cardamaro, lime, tea and a hibiscus ice cube. Of course, all drinks come in sparkling Baccarat crystal. The culinary-inspired Hibiscus uses ingredients from The Umstead's own farm. The Umstead Hotel and Spa The Bar & Lounge The Umstead Hotel and Spa Cary, North Carolina At this Five-Star hotel's bar, sit on the terrace overlooking the expansive lawn, woodlands and a fountain shooting water into the private lake. Among the culinary-inspired cocktails, sip the light and refreshing Hibiscus. The popular drink mixes Cathead vodka infused with a housemade hibiscus syrup, St-Germain, lime and sparkling wine. The Umstead utilizes produce from its One Oak Farm for the seasonal food menu, like the snapper crudo with radishes, sea beans, basil seeds, cilantro and yuzu dashi vinaigrette. CUT bar has a colorful roster of drinks. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown CUT bar Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown New York Next to Wolfgang Puck's first Manhattan restaurant, CUT bar conjures a sultry mood with crimson shading everything from the velvet chairs to the glowing neon thunderbolt-like lights flanking the bar. The drinks are just as alluring, like the Heart of Gold, a nuanced blend of herbaceous Botanist 22 gin, bright Contratto Bianco and bitter Suze and Italicus. Accompany it with bites like indulgent lobster roll sliders and pea hummus with warm pita bread or go for a juicy steak from the restaurant. King Cole Bar The St. Regis New York New York This icon demonstrates nightly why it's endured for nine decades, cementing its place in cocktail history by introducing the Red Snapper — better known as the bloody mary — in 1934. The beloved tomato and vodka drink remains the signature libation for the bar and all St. Regis hotel bars worldwide. Enjoy dishes like wild-caught shrimp cocktail and the New York lobster cobb salad while admiring the bar's other famous facet: artist Maxfield Parrish's iconic Old King Cole mural painted in 1906. Toast to the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco's Lobby Bar. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Lobby Bar The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco San Francisco Perhaps no cocktail is more emblematic of San Francisco than this bar's Karl the Fog, an homage to the perennial fog that drapes the Golden Gate Bridge. Bartender Matthew Duda came up with the idea after first visiting the city. 'I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and experienced the fog around it, which made quite an impression on me,' Duda said The Karl, a blend of Belvedere vodka, hibiscus grape syrup, St-Germain, lemon juice and aquafaba, is crowned with a mixed berry aroma 'fog' bubble. When you burst the bubble, it transforms to mist. In between sips, bask in the lush design of the Tampa EDITION's Lobby Bar. The Tampa EDITION Lobby Bar The Tampa EDITION Tampa The lush greenery enveloping the wood bar almost makes you forget you're in Tampa. So do the drinks — the Stonefruit Matador reimagines one of the earliest predecessors of the margarita, when tequila mingled with fruit. Crafted with Milagro Silver tequila, sun-ripened apricot and zesty citrus, the cocktail also adds a Mediterranean slant. In between sips, nosh on duck fat-roasted nuts dusted with Mediterranean herbs or olives soaking in oil, herbs, lemon and garlic and play a round on the canary-yellow billiards table. The views from SkyHigh are stunning. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center SkyHigh Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center Philadelphia Soaring 60 stories above Philadelphia, this sky bar dazzles. A floral 'runway' entrance leads to breathtaking 360-degree skyline views through 40-foot glass walls. Among the list of bold flavored cocktails, the Ginger Margarita is a guest favorite, featuring Arette Artesanal Reposado tequila, fresh ginger, housemade ginger-lime syrup, Cointreau and a ginger salt rim. For the mouthwatering food, legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten combines Philly favorites (like the wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls) with his own classics (the egg toast with caviar and herbs). Sip on champagne or a citrusy cocktail at the St. Regis Bar. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort The St. Regis Bar The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Miami Gleaming black stone, antique mirrors and gold accents fill this Miami Beach stunner. Choose from cocktails like the Bloody Sunrise, a citrusy take on the bloody mary, or the Dynasty, with Suntory Toki whiskey, aromatic bitters, cinnamon, vanilla and honey syrup and a smoky finish. Or opt for champagne — the hotel bar performs an Art of Sabrage ritual at 6 nightly (a salute to Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously popped bubbly with his saber in both victory and defeat) and pours complimentary glasses for guests. Wynn Tower Suites' bar is its own Vegas attraction. Wynn Tower Suites Tower Suite Bar Wynn Tower Suites Las Vegas With so many bars in the Wynn complex, this cream-hued option feels like a hidden gem. The menu splits drinks into Classics, like the Old Fashioned, and Modern Muses, interpretations of the former, like The Mystic, with Casa Dragones Reposado tequila (aged in rare Japanese mizunara oak), Dos Hombres mezcal, Nightbloom No. 3 vodka infused with smoked dates, Nixta corn liqueur, Madagascar vanilla liqueur, a housemade spiced sangria tea syrup and Angostura bitters. More bar secrets: along with rare whiskeys, it serves espresso drinks all day long. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 6 Breathtaking New York City Rooftop Bars By Spencer Whaley Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Book A Night To Remember At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
With its refined service, beautiful surroundings, and sense of quiet grandeur, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers a wedding experience that feels both personal and exceptional Some weddings feel made for the moment while others feel timeless from the start. At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, it's the latter – a landmark setting that's become a quiet favourite among couples seeking sophistication, intimacy, and unforgettable attention to detail. Set along the city's glittering Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi blends Arabian hospitality with classic elegance. At its heart is the Al Mudhaif Ballroom, an expansive 1,300-square-metre space with six-metre-high ceilings, warm desert-inspired tones, and three dramatic Bohemian crystal chandeliers. Whether you're planning a lavish reception or a smaller, more personal gathering, the ballroom can be adapted to suit any vision. And while the setting is only part of the story, weddings here are shaped by the experience of a dedicated team who approach every detail with care and intent. From bespoke menus crafted by expert chefs to beautifully designed wedding cakes, each element is tailored with the couple in mind. Every decision is thoughtful, every detail elevated. A private bridal suite, located just steps from the ballroom, offers a calm and elegant space to prepare. And the best part? There's a personal female butler is on hand to assist with final touches, making sure the bride feels truly pampered on her special day. Following the celebration, the newlyweds can retreat to one of the hotel's signature suites – complete with honeymoon amenities, early check-in, late check-out, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Wedding guests are also treated to special room rates, ensuring the celebration extends seamlessly across the weekend. As a final gesture, couples are invited back to mark their anniversary with a dining experience at one of the hotel's signature restaurants – an elegant return to the place where it all began.
