BEYOND | ISSUE 11

T H E S T. R E G I S M A G A Z I N E

B E Y O N D , T H E S T. R E G I S M A G A Z I N E

ISS UE 11

No.1 SAVILE ROW I BATH I BIRMINGHAM CHESTER I LIVERPOOL I WINCHESTER gievesandhawkes.com

T H E S T. R E G I S M A G A Z I N E

Cover photographed by Pelle Crépin; styling by Sophie Van Der Welle; with thanks to Brian King, María José García, Maria Martinez and the entire team at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Editorial Editor: James Collard Design: Vanessa Arnaud Sub-editor: Damon Syson Fashion: Rosie Boydell Photographic director: Lyndsey Price Picture editor: Louisa Bryant Editorial assistant: Alex Moore Editorial director: Gill Morgan Publisher: Crispin Jameson Project manager: Sarah Glyde

Creative and Publishing Brave New World Publishing Ltd, 6 Derby Street, London W1J 7AD T +44 (0)20 3819 7520

Advertising Advertising: Sarah Glyde Represented by: Couture Marketing (couturemarketing.com) in USA Luxx Media (chris@luxx-media.com) in EAME Nexus Ltd (tak.man@nexusmediaasia.com) in Asia Pacific

Reproduction Color reproduction by: PH Media Printed by: Logical Connections

© Copyright 2018 Brave New World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain

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© Didier Gourdon

CALIBER RM 07-01

www.richardmille.com 7

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Welcome to the latest edition of Beyond, the exclusive magazine of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.

We hope that Beyond inspires you to Live Exquisite with unique stories that reflect the varied interests and passions of our guests around the world.

In this issue we’ll be sharing some of the exciting things happening with our brand in Shanghai, where we celebrate our newest hotel opening. We also visit our beautiful St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico, which played host to our cover fashion shoot.

Elsewhere, Beyond enjoys something of a Middle Eastern moment, with an appetizing look at the region’s healthy, zesty cuisine – currently taking the world by storm; Ayyoub Salameh, Executive Chef at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, reveals how his Jordanian mother’s cooking inspired his own career path; and travel writer Chris Moss takes us on a journey through the rugged landscapes of Jordan, from the magical city of Petra, carved out of sandstone cliffs, to the bustling metropolis of Amman, discovering layers of history and culture along the way.

We meet Chinese jewelry designer, tastemaker and St. Regis Connoisseur Bao Bao Wan, a regular fixture in the front rows of Paris fashion shows, while celebrated menswear designer John Varvatos reveals what inspired him to become one of the world’s leading collectors of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia.

We also recount the story of Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV and grande dame of New York’s Gilded Age society, whose legendary soirees set the bar for elegant entertaining – the legacy of which can still be found today in our Midnight Supper tradition and a host of other time-honored rituals maintained in St. Regis hotels around the globe.

Thank you for making St. Regis a part of your travels. With more than 40 hotels around the world, and more on the horizon later this year including our debut in the majestic city of Cairo, we hope that you will continue to find the time to join us on our journey to Live Exquisite.

Lisa Holladay Vice President & Global Brand Leader St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

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CONTRIBUTORS Anne de Courcy Anne de Courcy has written a series of critically acclaimed biographies and social histories including The Viceroy’s Daughters, Debs at War and The Husband Hunters: Social Climbing in London and New York. In this issue of Beyond, she looks back at Manhattan’s Gilded Age, and the legendary soirees given by Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV. “This summer I shall be visiting the beautiful Côte d’Azur,” she tells us, “where I’ll be researching the book I’m currently working on, Chanel’s Riviera.”

Emma O’Kelly In between writing articles for Wallpaper* and Condé Nast Traveler, Emma O’Kelly is busy renovating a 1960s house in Italy’s sleepy Lake Maggiore. “This summer we’ll have lots of visits from friends and family,” she says. “We’ll basically live lakeside all summer. I’m hoping to do the one-mile village swim this year.” For Beyond, she talked to polo star and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras about his stunning modernist polo ranch, designed by visionary Argentinian architects Estudio Ramos (page 74).

Pelle Crépin This issue’s cover was shot by Swedish fashion photographer Pelle Crépin at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico. Pelle’s crisp Scandinavian style has seen him working with global retailers such as COS, Uniqlo and Mr Porter as well as shooting for publications such as Elle, 10 Magazine and Kinfolk. “This summer I’m planning a trip to Japan,” he tells us.

“I’m hoping to explore the nature, culture and, of course, the food. Hopefully I’ll pick up a few tips on inemuri (napping in public) as well.”

George Pendle George Pendle is a writer based in Washington, DC. He contributes to Esquire, Frieze and Atlas Obscura, and has written a number of books. On page 78 he looks at the career of one of the world’s greatest living painters, Georg Baselitz. This summer, George is looking forward to visiting Rensselaerville: “It’s a tiny village, two-anda-half hours north of NYC. It only has 200 inhabitants, but they’re a mixture of major contemporary artists, billionaires and hay farmers, who all mingle quite happily.”

Jun Cen Born in Guangzhou, China, Jun Cen is an award-winning illustrator and animator. His illustrations can be found in The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Washington Post, and his animated short films have been shown at a number of international film festivals. He illustrated our Sweet Dreams feature on page 84. This summer, he plans to visit Mexico: “I’m looking forward to seeing the spectacular ancient Teotihuacán sites and modern Mexican art.

It’ll be great to have my creative Mexican friends showing me around.”

Louisa Parry London-based still-life photographer Louisa Parry shot the noteworthy artifacts included in our regular World in Seven Objects feature (keep an eye out for the chic new Jack’s Club slippers on page 23). Her clients include luxury brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Red Valentino and Sony, and her work can be found in the pages of Robb Report UK and Wired.

This summer, Louisa is looking forward to visiting family in Hawaii. “I can’t wait to go surfing,” she says. “I’m not brilliant, but still... what a place to do it!”

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CONTENTS 16 Seven Wonders

44 Smart Packing

– The World in Seven Objects –

– Vacation Style –

From micro-handbags and stylish slippers to state-of-the-art folding bicycles and plywood furniture, we present the stories behind seven fascinating objects from around the globe

Whether you’re planning a beach holiday in Langkawi, a city break in Istanbul, a hiking trip in Deer Valley or a cultural odyssey to Florence, these are the essentials you need to take

30 Sands of Time

66 I Love Rock ’n’ Roll

– The Journey –

– The Connoisseur –

Chris Moss embarks on a fascinating trip through the rugged landscapes of Jordan, from the magical city of Petra, carved out of sandstone cliffs, to the bustling metropolis of Amman

Menswear designer John Varvatos on the lifelong passion for music that inspired him to collect rock memorabilia, including rare Jimi Hendrix photographic prints and a Led Zeppelin guitar

41 Hidden Treasures

68 The St. Regis Atlas

– A Little Place I Know –

– The Directory –

Tastemakers share with us their addressbook secrets, from Roland Herlory’s favorite museum in Mexico City to a Manhattan luxury concept store chosen by jeweler Suzanne Syz

Our international network of hotels and resorts, from Atlanta to Astana and Dubai to Zhuhai, plus our St. Regis Atlas Guide – to help you make the most of your stay

70 Bao Bao Wan – Style –

A regular fixture on the front rows of Paris fashion shows, Chinese jewelry designer and tastemaker Bao Bao Wan discusses her personal style and her love of gemstones

74 Rancho Deluxe – The Trend –

Polo legend and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras shows us around the spectacular modernist stables that he’s built near Buenos Aires to house his equally impressive ponies

Above: Nacho Figueras in action on the polo field. He takes us on a tour of his magnificent ranch on page 70

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Contents

52 Natural Selection – Fashion –

The stunning St. Regis Punta Mita Resort plays host to our fashion story, a chic modern take on classic beachwear featuring soft natural fabrics with shots of hot color

78 The Outsider

93 Kitchen Confidential

– Art –

– Food –

To mark the 80th birthday of Georg Baselitz, one of the world’s greatest living artists, the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC presents his first major US retrospective in more than 20 years

Ayyoub Salameh, the Executive Chef at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, reveals how his Jordanian mother’s delicious cooking inspired his own career path

84 Sweet Dreams

94 The Spice of Life

– Wellness –

– Food –

In today’s hectic 24-7 society, experts believe 150 million people worldwide suffer from some kind of sleep disorder. Thankfully there’s now a huge range of gadgets, apps and treatments to help

Healthy, zesty and simple to prepare, Middle Eastern cuisine is taking the world by storm.

We look at the international cookery stars who have helped put it firmly on the culinary map

86 Mrs Astor Invites

96 Claudia Schiffer

– The Back Story –

– A Life in Seven Journeys –

Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV, was the grande dame of New York’s Gilded Age society. Her legendary soirees set the bar for elegant entertaining

The model, muse and global fashion and beauty icon reveals the seven journeys that have shaped her life, from her first Parisian sojourn to a memorable family holiday on the Amalfi Coast

Cover: Elsa bikini top, $190, Araks, papermachetiger.com. Burgundy dress, $480, Nanushka, netaporter.com.

Above: Kilim maxi dress, March 11, $2,438, march11.us; Nikki leather sandals, $215, Ancient Greek Sandals, ancient-greek-sandals.com

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HIGH JEWELLERY EARRINGS 5.10 CTS AND 5.60 CTS EMERALD-CUT WHITE DIAMONDS 16.03 CTS WHITE DIAMONDS UNIQUE PIECE

CANNES • CAPRI • COURCHEVEL • DUBAI • GENEVA • GSTAAD • KUWAIT • LONDON NEW YORK • PARIS • PORTO CERVO • ROME • SEOUL • ST MORITZ

www.degrisogono.com 15

THE WORLD IN SEVEN OBJECTS

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Words by Lisa Grainger Photography by Louisa Parry

THESE UNIQUE, FINELY CRAFTED OBJECTS EACH TELL A STORY OF OUR TIME. FROM MICRO-HANDBAGS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART FOLDING BICYCLES, WE PRESENT SEVEN WONDERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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Charcoal

The medicinal properties of charcoal have long been known: both Hippocrates (in 400 BC) and Pliny the Elder (in AD 50) described it being used to treat ailments from rotting wounds to vertigo. What the savants might never have predicted, though, is the sudden popularity of burnt vegetable matter in the food scene of the 21st century. Venture into hip restaurants from Shanghai to Houston and there’s sure to be a dish into which charcoal has been added – whether it’s a smoothie, a macaroon, (like those pictured left), or a kuro burger – which, if you aren’t familiar with the Japanese dish, comprises a blackened bun, a meat patty, a sliver of black cheese and black squid-ink sauce. It’s even making its way into water jugs – single pieces of blackened matter inserted into the bottom to help purify their contents. According to supplier Mark Parr, who provides chefs with charcoal both to cook with and to cook over, the type of plant matter from which it’s made can significantly alter the flavor. Alder charcoal imparts a sugary sweetness, he says, while oak’s heavily flavored smoke is perfect for cooking and smoking salmon. The bad news? Although charcoal is often prescribed as a medication in hospitals – the porous substance isn’t processed by the stomach, but can soak up poisons and toxins while passing through the body – it has little benefit to health when eaten in the small quantities that might be added to a hot dog or a smoothie. “Activated charcoal, which is found in water filters to remove impurities, is an effective internal cleanser in quantity,” says nutritionist Angela Dowden. “But in the tiny amount you find in foods? Unlikely.” Never mind. The fashionably dark dishes look wonderfully dramatic, and can garner thousands more likes for us on Instagram. That in itself can make us feel a whole lot better.

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Plywood A clever composite made of layers of fine wood glued together, plywood has been used since Egyptian times. Although its easy-to-mold forms were widely put to use in the early 20th century to make boats, furniture, houses and even planes – such as Amelia Earhart’s famous trans-Atlantic Lockheed Vega 5B – it was only after World War II that experimental furniture designers such as Charles and Ray Eames and Alvar and Aino Aalto recognized that in plywood they had a material that, when it was steamed, could be molded into curvaceous shapes. By the 1950s, Eames chairs, with their molded plywood seats, had become synonymous with midcentury modernism and the Aaltos’ curvaceous walls had changed public perceptions of plywood in architecture. Today, our love affair with plywood has been reignited, as designers once again appreciate the beautiful forms, from skateboards to chandeliers, that can be made from this most humble of materials. Product designers such as Lozi have started to create elegant plywood pieces for the home, from lamps to planters, and furniture-makers such as Branca Lisboa have taken inspiration from natural shapes such as sea-shells to construct super-modern seats created with “bones” of steamed ply. It’s even being used to create the curvaceous walls of cutting-edge stands at art shows such as Art Basel, Miami. Why the return to fashion? Not only does plywood’s simple honesty fit well with the pared-back aesthetic of the 21st century, but the marriage of form and function in such sculptural pieces as the 1939 Isokon Penguin Donkey bookshelf (pictured here) is irresistible to those living in small homes – even to aesthetes who might never before have considered buying a massproduced, inexpensive veneered composite. isokonplus.com

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The folding bike We live in an era in which the savvy CEO is more likely to turn up at a board meeting on a bicycle than in a chauffeur-driven limo. The bike, after all, projects agility and all the fresh, un-starchy energy of a start-up. And folding bikes are emerging as a particularly popular way to get about, especially for commuters. They’re not as large and cumbersome as regular bikes; most train companies let you board with one, folded up; they fit into a car trunk; and they’re small enough to tuck under a desk at work. The problem with most folding bikes, until now, has been the time they take to unfold (several minutes) and their weight (mostly between 20 lbs and 40 lbs). In the past year, however, buoyed by the popularity of bicycles in big cities, several manufacturers have put their minds to creating the perfect commuting bike. Which is what? According to online magazine cyclingweekly.com, a bicycle with tires between 1.7 and 2 inches wide, which grip the road well; internal hub gears, which cut down on maintenance; good brakes and easy-to-fold parts. The new Hummingbird (photographed here) ticks all the boxes. Launched via Kickstarter, and available since May 2017, this is to date the lightest folding bike on earth, at 16.5 lbs. Made of carbon fiber, it was manufactured using techniques created for professional motor sport – this is a bike that its designers can justifiably claim is made to Formula 1 standards. Its folding mechanisms allow it to be unfolded in five seconds, its Hummlock “safety pin” keeps it all together, its four-speed gears allow it to be ridden on varied terrains and its Tektro brakes are powerful enough to stop quickly in a city. The only extras one might ask for are mudguards and a carbon belt drive, to keep clothing clean – but those, Hummingbird says, are in the pipeline. We didn’t ask about a bell… hummingbirdbike.com

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The dress slipper Originally designed as a house shoe for Victorian men hosting formal dinners in their homes, or to wear with a silk dressing gown for elegant evenings chez soi, the dress slipper is enjoying a remarkable revival among fashionable men.

Almost 200 years after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, elevated it from a practical, mud-free indoor shoe to a piece of footwear fashioned from velvet and lined with quilting, it has made its way from palaces and mansions to the catwalks of Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana. Although Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Douglas Fairbanks Jr teamed their black slippers with tuxedos, today the shoes are just as likely to be worn with jeans. Some stylists are going so far as to suggest that the laceless, pull-on, tab-fronted slipper is the ultimate shoe for all times of day, worn with a white t-shirt and jeans for casual occasions and a navy polka-dot tie and shirt square for a business-casual look. For those who fall in love with the style, there are models for all seasons, from navy blue suede to a dashing red velvet. According to the boot-maker Edward Green & Co, which has been making slippers since 1890, orders in the past year have increased substantially, from customers as far away as Russia and Japan. Many of them also want bespoke embroidery added, from family crests in gold thread to a pair of cows for a wealthy cattle baron. The slipper pictured here was created for Jack’s Club, a series of St. Regis pop-ups in honor of John Jacob “Jack” Astor IV, the founder of St. Regis. For those who want something a little more rock ’n’ roll, shoemaker GJ Cleverley even offers to embroider a skull and crossbones on its velvet shoes. Unusual? Yes. But then, if you are going to leave the house in slippers, as Esquire magazine’s Jonathan Evans puts it, “You want to feel a little bit louche, and yes, a bit rakish. Isn’t that the point?”

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The houseplant

Greenery has been a motif on the fashion catwalks for the past few years, whether it’s skirts adorned with palm leaves at Marc Jacobs or shirts emblazoned with lurid florals at Balenciaga. But it’s only recently that fashionistas have started to bring real tropicalia indoors and to grow plants themselves. Why their sudden enthusiasm? Not only because plants enhance a modishly midcentury interior – especially that 1970s stalwart, the cheeseplant (pictured), or because city-dwellers now understand the ways plants can improve their health and environment, believes American gardening expert Tovah Martin. It’s a deeper reason: a need to be rooted.

“Everyone yearns to play in the dirt,” she says. “Besides, a houseplant is therapeutic. It gives you something to nurture.” Terrariums, according to the urban gardener, have become particularly popular. “With the aid of a terrarium, you can host nature almost anywhere, whether that’s in your parched apartment or your dim cubicle in an office.” One difference between these gardeners and their green-fingered grandparents, notes Michelle Slatalla in her blog Gardenista, is the type of plants they’re growing. While in the 1950s and ’60s it might have been a violet, in the 1970s a spider plant in a macramé hanger (currently enjoying a comeback), and in the 1980s a ficus, today’s indoor gardeners prefer architectural flora that requires very little care.

Palms, for instance, which bring a touch of the tropics to a bathroom and can be steamed gently while their owners shower; cacti and succulents that create a cool Californian vibe with minimal attention; or the fiddle-leaf fig, which is currently the fashionable choice of hip boutiques from Marimekko in Finland to Céline in Europe. The key to creating the right look, captured on hashtags such as #urbanjungle, #monsteramonday or #plantgang? Pick the plant as you would a piece of furniture, says Slatalla, and then arrange them in clusters.

“The look you want is a living work of art.” conservatoryarchives.co.uk

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The micro-bag Carrying a micro-bag is not a fashion to follow if you’re a woman who normally carries everything but the kitchen sink about with her. But this is a trend that even the most practical are swooning over because, well, this season’s bags – like the one pictured, from Tod’s – are just so adorable. Not only are the mini-, micro- and nano-bags about the size of play-bags that many of us might have carried about as girls, several have also been designed to look wonderfully playful, too, shaped like elephants, embroidered with bold fruit and flower emblems, and adorned with sparkles. In short, they’re fun.

Not every fashion house has focused on frivolity, though. Many designers, in a nod to their traditional customers, have created a must-have mini-bag that’s a scaled-down version of an old favorite, with all the functionality and proportions of its original. The Hermès Constance Micro Bag, for instance, has all the hallmarks of the larger model, with dual compartments, elegant hand-stitching and a palladium clasp – but at a fifth of its size. The Lady Dior, too, has spawned two miniature versions: one five inches wide, and the second six inches. Cleverly, fashion houses have recognized that we don’t need just one mini-bag, but several models for different occasions: bejeweled bags for evening; bold works of art for funky dates; and elegant classics for everyday. Surprisingly, scaling down from a full-size bag is easy to get used to. Once you’ve emptied out your old model and redefined what counts as everyday essentials (goodbye water bottle and notebook; hello credit card, lipstick, phone and keys), micro-bags are a weight off your shoulders – literally. They’re also a great way to get your hands on a designer bag, at a palatable price point. What’s there not to coo at? tods.com

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The ruby

The Indians have always called the ruby “ratnaraj” – or the “king of precious stones”. Although traditionally the red jewel has been considered just one of the four great precious stones (alongside emeralds, diamonds and sapphires), in recent years it has, as the Indians foretold, taken a starring role in jewelry collections. At Chaumet’s “Chaumet est une Fête” show last year, models sparkled with pieces embellished with red tourmalines, garnets and cabochon-cut rubies; at Dior, creations by Victoire de Castellane were adorned with ribbons of ruby, and at Cartier and Graff, spectacular flowerlike pieces were created around a central blood-red stone. According to the author Joanna Hardy, who spent three years researching a new book on the subject, the ruby’s rise to prominence has been driven not just by the diktats of fashion designers but by scarcity. Where once fine rubies could be readily discovered in Burma, Thailand and Cambodia, today supplies are running out – which partly explains the record prices reached at auction, which have exceeded those of diamonds, per carat. Jewelers today are now having to look as far afield as Mozambique to find stones; and while many of these are not as big as elsewhere, they are 700 million years old (compared with Burma’s 50 million). Rubies come in a variety of colors, from vibrant pinks – such as the 4.3-carat Burmese stone from Boodles pictured here – and dark blood red to a glossy pomegranate shade, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood”.

And the ultimate ruby, if you could have your pick? “The Graff 8.62ct ruby,” says Hardy. “It shines like a beacon even in low light – and stones of such fine quality are extremely rare. The Van Cleef & Arpels Peony Clip is also stunning: the brooch looks like it’s made of velvet as the rubies have been set in a subtle undulating fashion that reflects the light beautifully. It’s as close to being perfect as a hand-crafted jewel can be.” boodles.com

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The Journey

SANDS OF

TIME Words by Chris Moss

ON A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE JORDANIAN DESERT, CHRIS MOSS DISCOVERS THE WONDERS, BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERN, OF THE MIDDLE EAST’S MOST FASCINATING DESTINATION

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Previous pages: Aurora Photos. This spread: Eyevine

The Journey

High road Above: commanding views from Kerak, a medieval crusader castle near Al-Karak. Previous pages (left): an archaeologist at work on the mosaic floor of Petra’s fifth-century Byzantine church

T

Christian community in the 6th century. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Nile Delta were all clearly depicted. What could be more stirring to a travel writer than an exquisite map, laid out on the floor of the Byzantine Church of Saint George, linking faith with landmarks and long journeys?

We traveled slowly for 220 miles all the way down to Wadi Rum, passing through arid plains and desert canyons. I saw few major towns and no cities, but plenty of shepherds and goatherds, donkeys and camels, as well as numerous Bedouin encampments. The land was parched and bleak. But wherever a trickle of water persisted, crimson poppies and black lilies – Jordan’s national flower – had burst through the dun crust.

I saw an old steam train left sleeping on the Hejaz railway at Wadi Rum – a southern, narrow-gauge spur of the old Orient Express. Here my path diverged from the great thoroughfares of Arabia as I made for a tented camp at the foot of a sandstone massif. A hot towel and fresh pomegranate juice awaited, as well as a basic if spacious Bedouin tent. Set amid a maze of monolithic rocks, this was to be my home for three nights; the first one began with a beautiful moon and a delicious barbecued lamb and meze supper around an open fire.

Deserts are utterly formless at first, and it takes time to get your bearings.

A dawn drive in a sturdy 4WD took me first to a row of towering peaks

ravel and the Middle East were made for one another. Over the centuries – and no region on earth this side of Africa has been around for so many of them – the land has been criss-crossed

by Nabateans, Romans, Crusaders and pilgrims. Its dunes and deserts have enticed writers and wanderers, from Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton to TE Lawrence (better known as Lawrence of Arabia), while its Byzantine mosaics are still points of pilgrimage for modern travelers.

Having only ever studied Jordan – as Edom – during the course of a theology degree back in the mists of the 1980s, I thought it was high time I joined the caravan of explorers, mystics, dreamers and divines. They went on foot and by camel. I used these too, and a horse, and a nice, comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD. My mission: to see the ancient – and to arrive at the modern, and make contemporary sense of these biblical lands.

I crossed the Allenby Bridge from the West Bank behind buses heading to Mecca. Behind me, Jericho; beneath me, the River Jordan; a little way along on my right, Mount Nebo, from which Moses was allowed a view of the Promised Land. Not bad for a start. From here, the Jordanian river Kazem followed the magnificently dubbed though meandering King’s Highway south, following the contours of the Dead Sea Rift. At Madaba, I saw a large fragment of a map of the Holy Land made for an unknown

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Jordan

Desert song Above: traditional musicians in Wadi Rum. Previous pages (right): at the end of a narrow gorge, hewn into a sandstone cliff, stands Petra’s most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, known as The Treasury

nicknamed the Seven Pillars of Wisdom after the book of that name by TE Lawrence. There were no roads, but the driver-cum-guide followed ruts in the sand, which took us to high viewpoints, down through broad Martian valleys and into narrow natural cuttings dotted with tiny oases.

In the morning the heat was mild enough to set on short solitary walks.

My drivers had the good sense to give me space and time to enjoy the silence, the surreal rockscapes and the play of the light on the mountains.

I hiked to see the low-slung redbrick ruins of a Nabatean temple dating from the first or second century AD. The Nabateans were an Arab people who spoke a language related to Aramaic – Jesus’ native tongue – and ran a large trading network across the Levant. As well as inscriptions in their own language, Latin writing has been identified on an altar while marble columns were overlaid with graffiti in a poorly understood proto-Arabic tongue known as Thamudic.

From such sites sprung many European languages, as well as the fundamentals of Western culture. The temple is believed to contain remnants from the 14th century BC, when it was dedicated to two Mesopotamian deities: Hadad, the god of thunder and rain, and Atargatis, goddess of fertility, fruit and foliage. Standing behind one of the low walls and looking out over a plain littered with rocks and tufts of dry grass, I could imagine

generations of locals looking up to the cloudless sky, yearning for rain and a few green shoots to feed a goat or camel.

But, lo and behold, just a little way along from the temple were springs bursting from the ground, framed by mint bushes. Close by was another waterhole shaded by green-leaved trees and ferns. In his Seven Pillars, Lawrence recalls pausing here to “taste at last a freshness of moving air and water against my tired skin. It was deliciously cool.”

It was indeed, but there was so much else to see. I walked up to an outcrop, and then through another narrow wadi – or ravine – dotted with more pools, before joining the driver and continuing on to the Canyons of Umm Ishrin – the “Mother of Twenty”, supposedly named for 20 Bedouins killed on the mountain, or a mad, bad woman who killed 19 suitors before settling on the twentieth. On several rocks I saw depictions of Lawrence of Arabia, looking suspiciously like Peter O’Toole. Fittingly, the passage of the archaeologist-cum-military man-cum diplomat through these parts is largely shrouded in mystery.

Camels and hot tea welcomed me back to the tented camp, where I was able to shower and sit back and take in the deep peace and the huge dome of the darkening sky. There was electricity, hot water and beer, and my tent had a ceiling, but it still felt right to be in the desert. Little wonder that the

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The Journey

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Jordan

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Previous spread: Aurora Photos. Left: Eyevine. Right: National Geographic Creative

The Journey

Still waters Above: a view of the Dead Sea from the Ma’in Hot Springs, a series of hot mineral springs and waterfalls

most famous book in Arabian history is dedicated to the night – or that dreams figure so prominently in the region’s legends.

The canyons and ravines of Wadi Rum shaped only by weather and age, are a sort of divine overture for my next stop, Petra, where human craft has taken the raw material of sandstone and created one of the world’s true wonders. Desert travelers like to invoke Shelley’s Ozymandias. Well, Petra is an antidote to the expectation of decay. Where there might have been ruins and the scattered sands of time is truly spectacular architecture, carved out of the rocks – or perhaps “into” is more accurate. For this famous city, built as early as the 4th century BCE as Raqmu, the capital of the Nabeatean world, is like the imprint of a powerful imagination that saw shapes where others saw only cliff walls and untidy lumps of dead rock.

The path into the site, known as the Siq or “shaft”, follows a narrow, winding gorge through towering rocks. At times it’s barely ten feet wide, and is narrower at the top than the bottom; as you step from shadow into light, and then back into the murk again, it feels as if it was built for theatrical, rather than defensive, purposes.

On exiting the cleft – a geological fault smoothed by water – you meet with Petra’s stunning centerpiece: the Treasury, or Al-Khazneh in

Arabic. You might know the colonnaded Greek-influenced facade from its appearance in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The name refers to a local legend that bandits hid their loot in a stone urn placed high on the upper level. But the building was originally built as a mausoleum and crypt. The wind and seasonal rains have eroded many details but archaeologists have located mythological figures representing the afterlife, as well as dancing Amazons with double axes, and Castor and Pollux (twin brothers from Greek and Roman mythology).

Pliny wrote of Petra’s importance as a trading crossroads. As I walked on to visit dozens of rock-cut tombs, temples and a Roman-style theatre – the Romans occupied the site from 64-3 BCE – I began to get some sense of just how big and permanent, not to mention affluent, it must have seemed to its original residents and travel-weary visitors. Under the noonday sun, the 800 steps up to the Ad-Deir Monastery were slow going but at the top was another beautiful classical facade. Once it would have been a major crossroads linking China with Rome. On the main colonnaded street there was space to think and wonder: for centuries, caravans laden with silk, spices, incense and other exotic wares could be stored and animals rested safely here. Once a tax was paid, the merchants were free to continue their journey west or east.

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Jordan

Historical threads Above: traditional roof decorations in Petra and, in the background, the carved facade of the Urn Tomb

as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan (shortened to Jordan the following year) is one of these.

The drive from the ancient capital of the Nabatean empire to its modern capital, Amman, takes only three hours on Highway 15 – the main trunk road. The city sits in a deep bowl, its residential neighborhoods of cream-colored blocks spread over the slopes, with the main commercial centers along the lower reaches. More than four million people live in the fast-growing city (there were only about 5,000 in the 1920s), and the expanding sprawl now stretching over 19 hills, with many suburbs hidden behind the high ridges.

Amman lies close to ’Ain Ghazal, one of the oldest settlements in the near east, and stands on the site of the Greek city of Philadelphia (meaning “brotherly love”). As a Beta city on the global index, a cosmopolitan and liberal cultural center, an important banking hub, and a tourist destination popular with Arab and European travelers, it has risen to prominence with remarkable speed.

The best overview by some way is from the Citadel, a collection of Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad ruins that sits at the top of the city’s highest hill, Jebel Al Qala’a. The most significant extant structures

Though UNESCO-listed Petra receives some 500,000 visitors a year, making it Jordan’s number-one visitor attraction, it’s expansive enough not to feel cramped. Once you’ve seen the major architectural landmarks, your gaze falls on shadows, caves, crevasses and windows offered by rocks that afford surprising vistas over the complex. Too many people rush through; I’d recommend a morning and then a late afternoon, to see how the sun works its own wonders on the sandy rock.

You can easily escape the hubbub and the donkey-ride sellers, and there are several cafés and a restaurant serving delicious falafels. You can even pop back after dark for Petra At Night, when thousands of candles are lit in front of the Treasury for a session of music and storytelling.

Over the course of their long stewardship, the Romans diverted most of their lucrative trade routes away from Petra. That’s one of the main reasons it was overlooked even during the age of the Grand Tour. The site celebrated the 200th anniversary of its rediscovery – by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt – in 2012. Those two centuries saw seismic political shifts across the Middle East and the establishment of many new nation states from former tribal territories. Jordan, which became a British protectorate and then gained its full independence in 1948

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The Journey

The canyons and ravines of Wadi Rum, shaped only by weather and age, are a sort of divine overture for my next stop, Petra, where human craft has taken the raw material of sandstone and created one of the world’s true wonders

Trail blazer

Left: Eyevine. Right: Aurora Photos

Below: the jagged rock faces of Wadi Rum make a dramatic backdrop for a four-wheel-drive desert tour.

Previous pages: a Bedouin man looks out over the extraordinary ancient city of Petra

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Jordan

City slicker Above: Jordan’s bustling capital, Amman, is a cosmopolitan and liberal cultural center, a banking hub and a popular destination for travelers, yet it remains untouched by mass tourism

are the 2nd century Temple of Hercules and partially reconstructed Umayyad Palace, but the poetry resides in the juxtaposition of ancient columns, podiums and arches – which act as a series of frames – and the modern apartment blocks beyond. A wonderful breeze made a walk around here late in the afternoon especially pleasant, and as there were only two dozen visitors spread around the extensive site, I could easily find tranquil spots to sit and stare. As at the Tels of Palestine, you have a strong sense of being on top of layered history, of belief systems and world-views that come and go. The feeling was compounded when I had one of those rare epiphany-like travel experiences – when the call to prayer commenced around the city, and live voices and recorded ones overlapped and echoed all around the valley.

There are regular evening festivals and concerts at the Citadel. As they’re the only way to see the site, and those views, after dusk, keep an eye out in the local listings via your concierge.

Down below is a hillside amphitheater from the same period as the temple. But I was ready for some 21st century city life. In Amman, there’s plenty of this, from the American-style eateries, power lunch and realpoliticking rendezvous of the western hotel districts, to the slick

coffee shops and trendy bookstores of Rainbow Street, to the throbbing heart of downtown, where you can take your pick between old markets, traditional food stalls – Jordanian beef and pasta, bean dishes and fresh khubz breads are classics of Levantine cuisine – and street traders pulling carts loaded with olives, tomatoes, peppers and fresh juices. At times, its energy reminded me of Cairo, but it’s far less hectic and less dusty. It’s also untouched by mass tourism, a rare thing in a major capital.

The local Carakale microbrewery claims the Sumerians invented beer some 5,000 years ago and it is merely bringing it home. Around Darat al Funun, I found a fabulous contemporary art space. These are not the delights one expects to discover in an Arabian city. In the new Abdali district, two million square meters of office space are being developed to transform Amman, a safe and strategically important city, into a business hub. The blurb declares the project’s aims of “catapulting Amman into the 21st century and placing it on a par with most of the world’s renowned city centers”. Well, from Petra we know what happens to those in the end – but right now, Amman, and Jordan, are happening and hopeful.

Your address: The St. Regis Amman

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A Little Place I Know ADDRESS-BOOK SECRETS FROM LUMINARIES OF THE WORLDS OF FASHION, FINE ART AND JEWELRY

A traditional restaurant in Astana by Ryan Koopmans Qazaq Gourmet, 29 Mangilik El St, Astana

This restaurant is in the main business area, near the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (designed by Norman Foster) and lots of political buildings, so it’s right at the heart of Astana life.

Although it’s on the ground floor of a modern luxury complex, inside they try to showcase the best of traditional Kazak food and culture. The staff wear local costumes as well as little hats inspired by those worn by nomadic Mongol swordsmen. There are musicians playing beautiful old instruments and dancers who swirl about in a central space. Although it sounds touristy, it’s not at all. It’s really well done, and feels upscale and interesting rather than cheesy. Visitors get so into it, they sometimes dress up in costumes too. The best thing about this place, though, is the food. It serves mainly meat, because that’s what Kazak people enjoy: lamb, then beef shashlik, and lots of horse meat, which is a staple here. The food is often accompanied by camel’s milk, which is an acquired taste. I prefer the vodka, which comes in little ceramic flasks. People have a really good time here. It’s somewhere you forget all preconceptions, and listen to people playing their traditional instruments and look at beautiful local souvenirs and iconographic paintings of mountains and horses, and just... have fun. It’s a real celebration of Kazak life.

Ryan Koopmans is an award-winning Amsterdam-based photographer (ryankoopmans.com) Your address: The St. Regis Astana

A museum in Mexico City by Roland Herlory Museo Experimental El Eco, Sullivan 43 Col. San Rafael, Mexico City

I love Mexico City for so many things. Not just for its energy, its chaos, its people’s sweetness, the colors, flavors, incredible food and the mountains. I love it for its architecture, from colonial buildings to art deco beauties and innovative midcentury structures. There’s one building I particularly cherish: the Museo Experimental El Eco. Located in the heart of Colonia San Rafael, El Eco feels more like a living sculpture than a museum. The building was designed in the 1950s by Mathias Goeritz, who was a sculptor before he became an architect – and it’s typical of its time: simple, pure, geometric, ambitious and humanist; a jewel in the middle of the urban jungle. In the past, it’s been used as a restaurant, a club, all sorts of things. Today, it’s a space for spatial experimentation, showcasing a range of different exhibitions. I’m always surprised by the emotion I feel when I walk in. It’s like a sculpture you can step into. Once you’ve experienced it, you can then wander to the city’s canals and take a boat to the city, or to Frida Kahlo’s house. I think it’s the best secret in town.

Roland Herlory is CEO of designer swimwear company Vilebrequin (vilebrequin.com) Your address: The St. Regis Mexico City

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A Little Place I Know

A luxury concept store in New York by Suzanne Syz The Webster, 29 Greene Street, SoHo, New York

This concept store just opened in SoHo in New York, and it’s already one of my favorite places. The owner, Laure Hériard Dubreuil, who was a merchandiser for Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga and Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent, opened her first store in Miami, then others in Bal Harbour and Houston. This one, though, is pretty unique because it’s in a six-story cast-iron house, in an area that was known for its artistic life. It feels cozy and homely, with light walls, pretty wallpaper and beautifully designed furniture, which you can buy. I like the boutique because you can get things here that you won’t find anywhere else: special-edition shoes by Gianvito Rossi and Louboutin, and pieces from labels like Prada and Miu Miu. Last time I went, I bought some of Dubreuil’s own-brand LHD pants and dresses – she does the best range of easy-to-wear clothes.

It’s a place where you can wander from floor to floor and find new things: menswear on the third floor; jewelry; bags by Simon Miller or Loewe – pretty much everything a girl needs to be happy.

Suzanne Syz is the founder of her eponymous jewelry brand (suzannesyz.ch) Your address: The St. Regis New York

A new contemporary art space in Miami by Thaddaeus Ropac I’ve been going to Miami regularly for about ten years now for the Miami Beach Art Basel art fair – which is, after the original Art Basel in Switzerland, probably the most important art fair in the world, especially for the American market. And while fun is maybe the wrong word to describe something so intense, it’s a great event. What’s crucial about Miami Beach Art Basel is that everyone from the art world is there – the artists, the collectors, the other gallerists and curators. So if you’re working on a big upcoming exhibition, for example, Miami is a great opportunity to network. It’s a party town, of course – and there was a moment when we were afraid the parties would take over – but the quality is still there. This year I had a wonderful surprise, which was discovering the new Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. It’s a great space for contemporary art right in the heart of the Design District, where there’s lots of activity, lots of shops, nightlife and restaurants and so on. These wonderful collectors, Irma and Norman Braman, decided to put their money and energy into the project. It’s not huge. It couldn’t rival the big museums in New York or London or Paris. But it doesn’t matter. It demonstrates the great role that contemporary art can play in a city like Miami – and it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Thaddaeus Ropac is one of the world’s leading gallerists, with galleries in Salzburg, Paris and London (ropac.net) Your address: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

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Illustrations by Laura Carlin

Institute of Contemporary Art, 61 NE 41st Street, Miami

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RELAXING BY THE OCEAN IN MALAYSIA DOESN’T MEAN ABANDONING YOUR SENSE OF GLAMOUR. PACK SOME JEWELRY AND CHIC ACCESSORIES AND YOU’LL BE THE BELLE OF THE BEACH

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Your address: The St. Regis Langkawi

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5. Satin jewel-buckled flats, $955, Manolo Blahnik, manoloblahnik.com 6. Pleated silk skirt, $1,491, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com 7. Cashmere and silk stole, $1,092, Loro Piana, loropiana.com

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Your address: The St. Regis Florence

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HEADING FOR THE MOUNTAINS? MAKE SURE YOUR LITTLE ONES HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS, FROM COZY BOOTS TO COOL BACKPACKS

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NATURAL SELECTION Photography by Pelle Crépin Styling by Sophie Van Der Welle

THE OCEANSIDE BEAUTY OF THE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA RESORT CALLS FOR A WARDROBE OF EASYGOING ELEGANCE. LAYER SOFT, NATURAL FABRICS WITH SHOTS OF HOT COLOR FOR A CHIC TAKE ON MODERN BEACHWEAR

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p.51 Bikini top, $160, Three Graces, threegraceslondon.com; Katie pleated linen trousers, $295, Filippa K, filippa-k.com; cross-strap sandals $395, Zimmermann, us.zimmermannwear.com

p.52, 53 Palisades ruffle maillot in black, $350, Marysia, marysia.com.

Shirt, $265, Nanushka, nanushka.com, Trust swimsuit, $27, Weekday, weekday.com; Unum hoop earrings, $220, Zhora Rahman, zohrarahman.com

p.54, 55 Bow tie linen top, $375, and skirt $505, both Kalita, matchesfashion.com; Hoop earrings, as before. Bentley one-piece swimsuit, $235, Ward Whillas, wardwhillas.com; Hoop earrings, as before

p.56, 57 Painted Heart silk bodice, $640, and shorts, $530, Zimmermann, us.zimmermannwear.com

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The Connoisseur: John Varvatos

I LOVE ROCK ’N’ ROLL

Jennifer Cooper

Words by Nadia Balame-Price

If John Varvatos had been a better musician he might never have become a fashion designer. “I was in a band as a teenager, but I just wasn’t good enough,” he says with disarming honesty. Thankfully, music’s loss was fashion’s gain. After stints at Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, the designer set up his eponymous label in 2000, and quickly found a way to merge his two passions. Today, he is not just a leading name in menswear, but also one of the world’s foremost collectors of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia.

Varvatos grew up in Detroit, home of the Motown record label, yet it wasn’t just home-grown sounds that influenced him, but bands he heard on the radio, particularly the “British Invasion” – the Kinks, the Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin, all of whom have played an enduring role in his musical life.

“I just got the Led Zeppelin Platinum record award for Led Zeppelin IV,” he says of the latest addition to his collection. “I also have a guitar signed by Led Zeppelin and gold albums given to me by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

If my office was on fire, those would be the first things I’d grab.”

Like all the best collectors, Varvatos never aspired to collecting for collecting’s sake. “I just started buying music I loved,” he shrugs. He now owns around 20,000 records. So many, in fact, that they’re everywhere – in his stores, in a dedicated storage unit, and taking pride of place at his newly built house in upstate New York. But it’s not just vinyl he covets; his real foray into serious collecting began with photography: notably a black-and-white shot of Jimi Hendrix on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival, taken by Jim Marshall. Hendrix is still a huge draw for Varvatos. “He’s my guy,” he nods.

Although Varvatos doesn’t like to think of himself as a collector – “I’m just a fan,” – he’s always on the lookout for the next thing. Recently he tried, and failed, to get “the jacket that Jimi Hendrix wore at the Fillmore East [the rock venue where the artist’s famous live album was recorded].” That late-1960s, early ’70s influence – skinny trousers, tailored suits with tight fitted jackets, and plenty of black – is still part of the Varvatos style today and what first inspired his love of fashion. “I think it’s timeless,” he says. “A leather jacket, slim-fit jeans or trousers – it really could belong to any era.”

His advertising campaigns are also often fronted by musicians, the most recent featuring LA band Vintage Trouble. And he even has his own record label, John Varvatos Records, launched in 2014. “I still love discovering new music,” he says. “And sharing these discoveries with other music lovers.” His West 17th Street office (pictured left), a large-windowed warehouse space that sits alongside his fashion showroom, is testament to this passion. It’s a room that wouldn’t look out of place in a museum or rock ’n’ roll hall of fame, given the panoply of gold and platinum records that line the walls, not to mention the guitars and music memorabilia that fill every available space.

With his collection spread across the globe, it would be easy to lose track of it all, something Varvatos admits can happen. But he doesn’t mind, he says, because then “you rediscover things”. He adds: “Even when I think I’ve seen and heard it all, there’s always so much more to discover, the deeper I dig.”

Your address: The St. Regis New York

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1. The St. Regis New York 2. The St. Regis Beijing 3. The St. Regis Rome 4. The St. Regis Houston 5. The St. Regis Washington, D.C. 6. The St. Regis Aspen Resort 7. The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort 8. The St. Regis San Francisco 9. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort 10. The St. Regis Singapore 11. The St. Regis Bali Resort 12. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort 13. The St. Regis Atlanta 14. The St. Regis Mexico City 15. The St. Regis Princeville Resort 16. The St. Regis Deer Valley 17. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico 18. The St. Regis Osaka

19. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort 20. The St. Regis Bangkok 21. The St. Regis Florence 22. The St. Regis Tianjin 23. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort 24. The St. Regis Shenzhen 25. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi 26. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort 27. The St. Regis Doha 28. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort 29. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 30. The St. Regis Chengdu 31. The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya 32. The St. Regis Istanbul 33. The St. Regis Mumbai 34. The St. Regis Dubai 35. The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central 36. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

37. The St. Regis Langkawi 38. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort 39. The St. Regis Changsha 40. The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan 41. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club 42. The St. Regis Astana

COMING SOON 43. The St. Regis Cairo 2018 44. The St. Regis Amman 2018 45. The St. Regis Kanai Resort 2018 46. The St. Regis Nanjing 2018 47. The St. Regis Quingshui Bay Resort (Sanya) 2018 48. The St. Regis Zhuhai 2018 49. The St. Regis Lijiang Resort 2018 50. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm 2018

Bao Bao Wan

“The problem with being a woman jeweler is that you fall in love with the pieces you’ve made” Words by Lisa Grainger

JEWELER AND TASTEMAKER BAO BAO WAN IS A FRONT-ROW REGULAR IN PARIS AND FAMED FOR HER DESIGN COLLABORATIONS WITH LUXURY BRANDS. SHE TALKS TO BEYOND ABOUT HER PERSONAL ST YLE AND DEEP LOVE OF GEMSTONES – AND SHARES HER FAVORITE BEIJING DESTINATIONS

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Profile

ao Bao Wan is one of China’s most successful jewelers, with her own line of haute joaillerie as well as a more accessible range.

Although she is successful in her own right, with collections stocked worldwide in stores such as Harrods in London and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, the designer and socialite was born into power. Her grandfather was Wan Li, a vice-premier of China in the 1980s and a high-ranking member of the National People’s Congress, and she grew up within the confines of Zhongnanhai, the government compound in the former Imperial Gardens. Today, when Bao Bao (which, very aptly for a jeweler, means “treasure”) isn’t jetting between fashion shows in Paris, where she often takes her front-row place beside fashion giants like Bernard Arnault, and events such as the Met Gala in New York, she lives between Hong Kong, where her business is based, and Beijing. In 2016 she became the first St. Regis Connoisseur in China.

very precious – as is my mother. She is also creative, and is a great painter and calligrapher, and keeps me grounded. She comes from a very humble family, and reminds me of who I am, who my family are, and my roots, which are very important.

You’ve designed cufflinks for Dior, a car for Mercedes, a make-up line for MAC. Do you regard yourself as a designer or a jeweler?

A jeweler, for sure. I love doing collaborations because it’s creative. So I didn’t just choose the color for the lipsticks, but the names. One MAC lipstick, which is a violet color, I called Lavender Jade; another I named Burmese Kiss. Doing projects like that is fun.

How would you describe your own style?

It depends what I’m doing and where I am. If I go to New York now it’s for

Romancing the stone Previous pages: Bao Bao Wan photographed at The St. Regis Beijing. Above: earrings and pendant from Bao Bao Wan’s Jade Collection; pearl ring from her China Collection

Given that you come from a political family, how did you become a jeweler?

My family were very supportive of whatever I wanted to do, which as a young woman was art and photography. Having studied French literature in Paris, then photography in New York, I went on to study gemology [at the Hong Kong branch of the Gemological Institute of America]. My studies rounded off my education, as I understand historical references as well as aesthetic ones when I’m making jewelry – and my Chinese background gives it soul.

some red-carpet event, like the Met Gala, so I’ll pack something fabulous.

If I’m in London, I’ll go a bit more “elegant lady” and intellectual-looking.

In China, with friends and family, I’ll be casual and sporty. In Hong Kong, it’s usually for business, so I’ll have a professional look. And when I go to Australia or Sydney it will be for a holiday, so I’ll take flip flops and shorts.

You once said that, as a girl, you thought of being a bus conductor “because they had extremely beautiful bags”! Do you remember your first handbag?

Yes, it was a Lady Dior, which I still use. I always go for classic bags, rather than the latest fashions. It’s the same with fashion: I still have some old dresses by [Maison] Margiela that I bought when I was studying in Paris. I’ll still take them out to admire them, even if I don’t wear them that often. A lot of great designs today are copies of yesterday’s, which is why I don’t follow trends. You realize after a while that you’ve seen it all before.

Is there some jewelry that you never take off?

When I was younger, I used to wear small diamond earrings that my mother gave me. I left China at the age of 16 to go to New York and didn’t know anyone, and didn’t speak the language, so it was very difficult and very lonely. Wearing my mother’s earrings reminded me that I belonged somewhere. I stopped wearing them about a year ago, although they are still

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Bao Bao Wan

Gemstones are my real love. I’m very picky about what I buy, about the colors, the shapes, the brilliance. If something is perfect, it’s pretty hard to sell

Any labels you love more than others?

Clothes made by the Chinese designer, and my friend, Huishan Zhang.

He made the last dress I wore to the Met Gala: it was covered in 10,000 Swarovski crystals, and sequins and pearls.

my jewelry whether they’re on the red carpet or working out. Our famous Chinese tennis player, Li Na [who won both the French Open and the Australian Open] was wearing my Gardens of Victory necklace when she won her biggest tournament.

Specific destinations in Beijing that you would recommend?

For fashion, a boutique called Joy, which has a mixture of western designers and local labels. For food, Temple Restaurant [TRB Hutong], which is in an old temple that’s hundreds of years old. And for a drink, the bar at The Georg [the restaurant at the showroom of Danish silversmith Georg Jensen], which is in a house in an old area of Beijing that has a beautiful courtyard, with a pretty fishpond planted with lotus flowers. It’s very soothing.

Do you still get a thrill from fashion shows?

I prefer going to gemstone shows in places like Hong Kong and Basel and Thailand and Paris, and traveling to different countries to buy stones: Sri Lanka for sapphires or Burma for rubies. Some places are safer than others.

Do you like watches?

I’m not really into the mechanics of them. I wear a watch like I wear jewelry: for aesthetic reasons. All the ones I own are extravagant: for instance, one from Bulgari called the Serpenti 7 Coils, which looks like a long snake, and another from Chopard that’s set with emeralds. That’s unique: it’s the only one in the world, so it’s pretty precious.

Do you have a strict beauty regime?

I do a lot of walking and biking and stretching, as well as Pilates, to keep in shape. When it comes to nutrition, I don’t eat many carbs. I like Asian food, which doesn’t have much dairy in it, or potatoes or cheese, so it’s light and healthy. In Beijing, I go jogging and biking quite a lot around the lakes in the royal parks. I don’t know what it is about water – it calms me down and is therapeutic.

Do you ever use a personal shopper or stylists?

No. I know exactly what I want, so I don’t need help. Although I don’t like shopping, so a personal shopper might save me time, so I could put more of myself into my work and my passions.

You’re often featured on the covers of magazines. Do young women in China still read magazines? Or is technology changing that?

I won’t ever stop reading magazines, and I hope other people don’t either.

I really love the feel of print. And I don’t want to have to look at a screen all the time.

Many of the international brands today now have their bags and shoes and clothes made in China. Do you think the label “Made in China” no longer has connotations of being cheap?

For sure. If you look at labels like Huishan Zhang; his clothes are sold around the world alongside greats like Alaïa. My jewelry is sold at Harrods alongside Dior. So it’s changing quickly.

Do you travel yourself to find stones for your jewelry?

Always. Stones are my real love. The problem with being a woman jeweler is that you fall in love with the stones and the pieces you make and get emotionally attached to them. I have quite a big collection of stones I can’t bear to let go. I’m very picky about what I buy – about the colors, the shapes, the brilliance – and if something is perfect, it’s pretty hard to sell.

I love sapphires, emeralds, rubies, diamonds, but particularly alexandrite.

It’s a stone that sometimes looks yellow, and sometimes white, depending on the light. It reflects different rays in different ways, which is so beautiful.

Tell me about the piece of jewelry you made for St. Regis.

The pin that I designed for butlers to wear on their lapel was inspired by the St. Regis hotel in New York. To me, it’s a very special place, not only because it’s unique and filled with American history but because it’s glamorous – even the cashier’s desk is beautiful. The swirl of gold on the edges of the pins reminded me of the gold you see on the elaborate door handles and on the arms of the chandeliers in the hotel; and the pearly white interior reminds me of the softness of the carpets and towels, which I love whenever I stay there.

You’ve said: “I don’t want to put on jewelry so people just look at that – it has to be part of my life”. Could you explain what kind of jewelry you like now?

There are two types: red-carpet pieces, and effortless pieces that you can wear in the shower, to sleep in, when you’re jogging. A lot of actresses wear

Your address: The St. Regis Beijing

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The Trend

RANCHO DELUXE 74

Modernist Stables

Words by Emma O’Kelly

WITH ITS ELEGANT LINES AND PARED-BACK AESTHETIC, POLO STAR NACHO FIGUERAS’ BUENOS AIRES RANCH IS AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM AS WELL AS A STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUESTRIAN CENTER – AND IT’S PART OF A GLOBAL TREND TO BUILD COOL MODERNIST HOMES FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

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equally strict aesthetic. He was also a horse lover, and San Cristóbal, with its delicate fountains, shaded courtyards and elegant stable blocks, has an almost spiritual aura. It was this feeling of calm and tranquility that Figueras wanted to recreate in his own stables.

Figueras, who had visited the Mexican estate many times, hired Argentinean architect Juan Ignacio Ramos to conjure up a striking modernist home for his 44 world-class polo ponies. “I wanted a place that was practical, yet as inspiring as an art museum,” he explains. And while it resembles a living sculpture, connected by concrete, pools and nature, the Figueras Polo Stables is, it should be stressed, also a fully functioning breeding center.

“Seeing our vision come true, and our beloved horses in a place that few could dream about, was a great moment,” says Figueras, who spent three years completing the ambitious project. Oblivious to the architectural pedigree of their elegant surroundings, his pampered beasts graze on a lush grass-topped roof and drink from sculptural pools before bedding down at night. “One of my favorite things to do is to sit on the stable roof at sunset with my friends and a bottle of wine,’ Figueras adds. ‘When you’re up there, you forget about anywhere else.”

hen Argentinian polo player and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras set about creating a 30-acre ranch outside Buenos Aires two years ago, his thoughts turned to Cuadra San Cristóbal, the iconic equestrian estate created in 1968 by the late, great Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán. “I have a thing for architecture,” says Figueras. “And I love San Cristóbal – in particular Barragán’s reflective pools.”

For architecture lovers, no visit to Mexico City is complete without a pilgrimage to Cuadra San Cristóbal. The famously pink-hued 7.5-acre property in the north of the capital has inspired artists, designers and architects for 50 years. In 2016, Louis Vuitton traveled there to a shoot an advertising campaign, mustering horses as extras; American fashion designer Michael Kors and shoe brand Nine West followed; and this spring, to coincide with the annual Zona Maco Art Fair, New Yorkbased artist Sean Scully held an exhibition there.

That was the first time the compound had been used to host art, yet many see San Cristóbal as an artwork in itself, its brilliant pink, red and purple walls reflected in two sculptural pools. The creator of this masterpiece, architect Luis Barragán, was a strict catholic with a an

The mane event Previous pages and below: inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s iconic Cuadra San Cristóbal, Nacho Figueras’ modernist polo ranch uses reflective pools to create a sense of elegance and tranquility

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Photos by Daniela McAdden, Matias Lix Klett, Celeste Najt, courtesy of Estudio Ramos

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The Trend

Modernist Stables Ramos used a palette of exposed concrete and local hardwoods, which are weathering gracefully, while the tack room resembles a gallery space.

Near the artfully displayed trophies, saddles and bridles, a monograph of Japanese architect Tadao Ando sits on a coffee table.

Ando is another of Figueras’ favorites and Cerro Pelon, the ranch he created for fashion designer Tom Ford in Santa Fe, was another source of inspiration. Less than a decade old, Cerro Pelon is now on the market for $75 million. In owning what is New Mexico’s most luxurious private property, its new buyer will possess 20,000 acres of untamed countryside, an Ando-designed ranch house and modernist stables for eight horses, plus indoor and outdoor riding tracks. There’s also a landing strip and hangar for a private plane, a reflecting pool, a tennis court, two guest houses and a home and office building for a ranch manager. A film set, Silverado Movie Town, built in 1985 as the set for Silverado and many a Western thereafter, is also part of the plot.

Stable blocks can make good homes for humans too. The no-frills template of these agricultural outbuildings – the lack of decorative detailing and an uncomplicated layout – lends itself to stylish, pared-back living. And such is the need for nature among our equine

companions, there’s also the potential to go off-grid. Madrid architects Studio Ábaton converted a crumbling stone stable in the middle of nowhere in western Spain into a family home. Heating is provided by solar panels and the property relies on two nearby streams for its water.

Limestone floors, concrete walls and iron beams coexist with well-worn stone and weather-beaten wood.

Similarly remote is Crackenback Stables in the Snowy Mountains of southeastern Australia. Sydney-based Casey Brown Architects redefined the classic corrugated shed to create a two-bedroom property with staff accommodation and stables for five horses. Wrapped in a shiny metal shell, its futuristic form has garnered countless design awards since it was completed in 2015. Meanwhile, on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, London-based Seth Stein Architects and local practice Watson Architecture + Design have teamed up to create an equally striking stable block using local rammed earth and Tasmanian oak.

It seems that providing architecturally sophisticated shelters for our four-legged equine friends is a trend that’s here to stay.

Your address: The St. Regis Mexico City

Stairway to heaven Below: Buenos Aires-based architects Estudio Ramos used a modernist palette of exposed concrete and local hardwoods to create a wonderfully harmonious ambiance. The spiral staircase leads to a grass-topped roof

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Art

THE OUTSIDER Words by George Pendle

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espite being considered one of the greatest painters alive today, Georg Baselitz insists he has “never felt secure”. Now in his 80th year, and the subject of a major retrospective – his first in the United States since the mid-1990s – his journey to artistic preeminence has been far from assured. Controversy and antagonism have always gone hand-in-hand with his artistic genius. “I’m constantly scenting treachery and betrayal,” he says.

Baselitz’s father was a member of the Nazi party, and the artist grew up in East Germany within a Communist system that demanded total acquiescence to the state. This he rejected, as he did pretty much everything else. When his art-school teachers ordered him to paint in a strictly figurative social realist style, he refused – and was expelled for being “politically immature”.

Moving to West Germany did nothing to quell his belligerence. While the post-war art world was in awe of American abstract artists, Baselitz sought a third way, using both figuration and abstraction. The result was his 1963 painting, The Big Night Down the Drain, which depicted graphic and unsettling subject-matter in thick, fleshy paint using putrid, muddy colors. Unsurprisingly, it was confiscated by the police on the grounds of “infringing on public morality”.

But Baselitz was not simply out to shock. He wanted to shake Germany free from its amnesia about the recent past – so in his Heroes series he was even more explicit, depicting war-torn refugees and barefoot soldiers. The scale was epic but the paintings were grubby and bloody. “Why are my paintings ugly?” he comments. “Because I’m German.”

He gained further infamy when he began painting his pictures upside down, a literal interpretation of his need to upset the natural order. “What I admire about Baselitz’s later period work is his capacity to struggle against the ‘spirit of system’ that is a danger to most artists,” says Stéphane Aquin, chief curator at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC, who is organizing the artist’s retrospective. “He’s just been progressing with such ample strides and strength and power of conviction.” Baselitz’s public pronouncements have often matched his artwork in terms of stridency and impoliteness. “I was born into a destroyed order,” as Baselitz points out, “and I didn’t want to reestablish an order.”

Georg Baselitz, Beyeler Fondation, Basel, until April 28, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, June 21-Sept 16, 2018. Your address: The St. Regis Washington, DC

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Portrait of Georg Baselitz by Ulrich Ghezzi

ICONOCLASTIC AND ANTI-AUTHORITARIAN, GEORG BASELITZ IS NO STRANGER TO CONTROVERSY – AND AS AN UPCOMING RETROSPECTIVE IN WASHINGTON, DC CONFIRMS, HIS WORK HAS LOST NONE OF ITS POWER TO SHOCK AND IMPRESS IN EQUAL MEASURE

Georg Baselitz

B.J.M.C. – Bonjour Monsieur Courbet, 1965. Oil on canvas One of Baselitz’s Heroes series, this painting is a reaction against the clean lines and simple ideological messages of the art of social realism. Its style harks back to the prewar expressionist movement that had been suppressed by the Nazi government and labeled “degenerate”, but its title references the work of the 19th-century realist painter, Gustav Courbet. The result is an artwork that declares itself part of art history, and yet also wants to destroy it.

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Art

Geteilter Held (Divided Hero), 1966. Oil on canvas For Baselitz, disharmony and destruction often seem the only truths art can convey. A decapitated head sits on a mottled body while a large ear swells horribly. It’s a fractured painting for a fractured nation.

Yet it’s also darkly humorous, a play on the distorted canvases of cubism, but here it’s less a single artist’s vision than an entire nation’s psyche that has been fractured.

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Georg Baselitz

Die Kuh (The Cow), 1968. Oil on canvas Baselitz’s interest in art history was never clearer than in The Cow. A typical subject of traditional German pastoral painting is here depicted with dense, textural swathes of paint, its features repeating and melting in a distorted rustic splendor. By this time the subjects of Baselitz’s paintings were becoming less important, and more a vehicle for his unique stylistic mix of abstraction and figuration.

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Art

Meissen Woodsmen, 1969. Oil on linen Another traditional subject fed through the Baselitz wringer. Here his thick impasto technique disintegrates the silhouettes of the men he depicts. They seem to be crumbling, falling apart, as if they have been cut up themselves with an ax. “Even the stupidest person can draw like Raphael,” Baselitz has said, “but doing really miserable drawings is very hard because it takes a lot of intelligence.”

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Georg Baselitz

Ciao America I, 1988. Oil on linen Baselitz’s penchant for hanging pictures upside down was part of his technique of concentrating on the paint and not the paint’s subject. The disorientating technique meant that solid objects become lines and patches of bright color, and then coalesce into shapes again. The whole picture is wonderfully unstable. Are the birds sitting or falling? Are we seeing it right side down or wrong side up? Like the word “Ciao” itself, are we coming or going?

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The Trend

SWEET

DREAMS Words by Genevieve Fox Illustration by Jun Cen

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS VITAL FOR OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS – AND THERE’S NOW A VAST CHOICE OF GADGETS, APPS AND TREATMENTS ON HAND TO HELP US DRIFT INTO THE ARMS OF MORPHEUS

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leep, wrote Vladimir Nabokov in his 1967 autobiography, Speak, Memory, is a “nightly betrayal of reason, humanity, genius”. Only dullards do it, apparently. “Sleep is the most moronic fraternity in the world,” he declares. “It is a mental torture I find debasing.”

Nabokov’s romanticization of the writer as a hyper-alert insomniac forging his creative path while the world is sleeping couldn’t be more off-message today. It is, we now know, smart to sleep. Scientific research points to regular sleep as the gateway to brain function, wellbeing and an optimized immune system. In our 24/7, interconnected, performance-driven, global society, sociologists have identified a sleep and society agenda in which health, aging and life expectancy are key public health issues. We are living longer, and we want to live well. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 150 million of us worldwide suffer from some kind of sleep disorder; two thirds of us living in the developed world fail to get the eight hours per night WHO recommends. Neuroscientist Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, has said that we are in the midst of a “catastrophic sleep-loss epidemic”. There are over 100 diagnosed sleep conditions, the most common of which is insomnia. Look no further than Shakespeare’s Macbeth to see the detrimental effects of sleep-deprivation. It’s a punishing condition.

Once upon a time, insomnia sufferers counted sheep to nod off. These days we might just as well recite the latest sleep trends that have sprung up.

In our social media age, we use sleep monitors to tell us what is obvious: that we are no longer connected to our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that tells us when to rest and when to wake. Sleep, the most natural thing in the world, has been commodified, with a competitive sleep industry constantly inventing new ways to enhance, prolong and promote our sleep. It’s big business: the global sleep market is set to be worth $80bn by 2020.

Sleep science is a by-product of this industry, and its researchers point out that electronic media is now as much part of our going-to-bed routine as brushing our teeth. Sleep latency – the amount of time between getting into bed and falling asleep – must now be thought of as the gap between turning off an electronic device and falling asleep. As a recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research earlier this year suggests, it might now be time to replace “lights out” with “media out”.

We would be wise to throw an ancient de-stressor into the mix, whether it’s acupuncture, meditation or a full body or head massage. The St. Regis Deer Valley Resort asks for 110 minutes of your time; that’s what it takes to send you on what it calls a Deep Sleep Journey. A full body treatment, it offers a level of relaxation that toxic time spent on Netflix or Facebook never

can. A simple head massage, such as the St. Regis champi head massage, which uses Ayurvedic herbal oils, triggers points on the back of the skull that relieve tension and lessen insomnia. And yet many of us eschew such energyreleasers because we’re time-poor. Why? Because we aspire to do more and to achieve more. Hence the rise of the power nap, the sleep pod in the office and the very modern quest for quantified, quality sleep. Hence the rise of apps that track our sleep patterns and tot up our sleep debt.

One of the very latest offerings is a sleeping device called Somnuva – a sound management solution that looks like a standard Bluetooth speaker and digital clock. It uses sound therapies to break bad sleeping habits and restore natural sleeping patterns. Its USP is a sleep algorithm designed not only to get you sleeping better, but for the recommended full eight hours; it produces tones and pulses which are tuned to match the different stages and brain wavelengths of REM and non-REM sleep cycles. Once these sound combinations lull you to sleep, they supposedly keep you asleep. The brain subconsciously follows the sounds until your eight hours are up.

Even the common mattress has wised up to what media mogul Arianna Huffington dubbed “the sleep revolution”. One particular smart bed raises itself by seven per cent when the sleeper snores and, using air compressors in its frame, adapts to the sleeper’s body movements. Bed-in-a-box, vacuumpacked mattresses feature built-in sensors that sync with your smartphone sleep tracker app. Micro-climate mattresses are another trend; they adapt to your body’s change in temperature as you sleep, so that you are never too hot or too cold. Bamboo, gel or memory foam pillows do the same.

Hot sleepers have kissed nights in white satin goodnight, choosing instead temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking sheets laid on top of water-based, app-controlled mattress-toppers. The so-called “performance” sheets use breathable fibers and harness the latest fabric technology. These, in turn, require performance sleepwear. Again, breathable fabric is key here, and nature once again looms large, with silken bamboo, already popular as a sportswear fabric, adapting to your body temperature.

Natural sleeping aids used as part of a winding-down ritual seduce us into a sleep-ready, stress-free frame of mind. Brief meditation or mindfulness sessions, a herbal tea, writing a mind-clearing To Do list or Gratitude list are as de rigueur as wearables and sleeping apps. Time-honored magnesium or – a favorite of The St. Regis Langkawi’s therapeutic bath ritual – lavender and coconut milk in a warm bath, provide the sweetest pillow talk.

Your address: The St. Regis Langkawi; The St. Regis Deer Valley Resort

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The Back Story

MRS ASTOR INVITES Words by Anne de Courcy

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superb hospitality which would ultimately reach its most lasting monument in the splendid St. Regis hotel built by her son John Jacob Astor IV in the early 1900s.

Caroline herself came from “old” New York society, an upper echelon formed of the descendants of the original English and Dutch settlers, known as the Knickerbockers (from the short trousers – we would call them culottes – worn by the early Dutch). The Knickerbocker world was one of social propriety, of sober, dignified people living in sober, dignified houses.

They were lawyers, businessmen, with wives who dressed expensively but discreetly: once married, they dressed in dark colors and no Knickerbocker wife would dream of immediately wearing one of the Worth dresses so regularly sent out to her from Paris. It would be left, layered in tissue paper and probably still slung in the trunk in which it had crossed the Atlantic, until the words “latest fashion” (subtext: as worn by the nouveaux riches) could no longer be applied to it.

Knickerbocker families married into each other’s families, and dined – at a suitably early hour – in each other’s houses. They were a tribe, and a tribe that jealously guarded its exclusivity.

But where the custom of others in that circle was to use two names, often their husband’s, as in “Mrs John Jacob Astor” or “Mrs August Belmont”, Caroline had persuaded her husband to drop his middle name, Backhouse, perhaps because backhouse was an old name for an outdoor privy. Besides, being known simply as “Mrs Astor” underlined Caroline’s regal status.

or almost four decades, New York society – then the world’s most rigid and exclusive – was ruled by one woman, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, known throughout New York as the Mrs Astor.

Her prestige was such that to be invited to Mrs Astor’s annual ball, invariably on the third Monday in January, was to be “in” society; not to be asked was to live in outer darkness. Or so it seemed to the many aspirants to her ballroom.

These were largely from the group known as the “Bouncers” or nouveaux riches. Huge fortunes had been made in the aftermath of the Civil War and those who had made them – or rather, their wives – wanted to display their new wealth in the most prestigious place of all, Caroline Astor’s social circle.

But extreme wealth did not help towards social inclusion; the Vanderbilts, almost as rich as the Astors and frequently with grander houses, were firmly outside the pale. At least two, preferably more, generations were needed to disinfect a fortune from murky origins – and Commodore Vanderbilt, the combative, shrewd, poorly educated, foul-mouthed founder of the family’s wealth, was still very much alive. He would not have been permitted to cross the threshold of Caroline’s drawing room – nor indeed would he have wanted to.

The Astor family fortune was founded in the 1800s

by German immigrant John Jacob Astor, and by the time of Caroline’s marriage had become a byword for wealth, magnificent houses and also hotels – with a reputation for

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Getty Images

CAROLINE ASTOR – MOTHER OF ST. REGIS FOUNDER JOHN JACOB ASTOR IV – RULED OVER NEW YORK HIGH SOCIET Y IN THE GILDED AGE. AN ENTREE TO HER FAMOUS PARTIES CONFIRMED ONE’S STATUS AMONG MANHATTAN’S ELITE; EXCLUSION MEANT SOCIAL DOOM. YET EVEN MRS ASTOR’S GLORIOUS REIGN COULD NOT LAST FOREVER

Caroline Astor

Age of elegance Mrs Astor (center) greets guests at one of her sumptuous Gilded Age balls, circa 1902. Those outside her hallowed circle of acquaintance would go to almost any lengths to acquire an invitation

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The Back Story

A night to remember Above: An invitation to dinner with the Astors. Right: a selection of photographs from the Vanderbilts’ famous costume ball of 1883, now in the collection of The Museum of the City of New York

of boatloads of chorus girls and a hold full of whiskey swirled around New York, Mrs Astor would smile serenely and remark – if anyone dared ask about him – that the sea air was so good for dear William, while regretting that she could not accompany him as she was such a poor sailor herself. For what Mrs Astor did not want to see, she did not see.

In person, she was of medium height, plump, plain and olive-skinned, with black hair (later a black wig) and smallish gray eyes that missed nothing. She favored dark colors – usually black but often a regal purple – and wore her diamonds rather as an idol bedecked for worship. At one dance, for instance, a diamond stomacher glittered on her blue velvet dress, in her black hair was a diamond tiara with diamond stars, several diamond necklaces studded with immense collet diamonds hung round her neck, clusters of diamond bracelets wreathed the wrists of her long white kid gloves and from her ears hung long diamond drop earrings.

The years of Caroline’s reign were known as the Gilded Age, so immense were the fortunes made and spent. In the huge mansions along Fifth Avenue were marble mantelpieces, Gobelins tapestries, bronzes, sculptures and paintings swept up from Europe, oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers and French furniture. Between four and five of a summer afternoon, elegant carriages drawn by glossy horses carried women in silk dresses and elaborate hats, bowing as they passed each other; in the winter there was the same parade in horse-drawn sleighs in Central Park. At parties, the house smothered with flowers,

She had achieved this unchallenged position partly through her own personality and ambition, and partly with the assistance of the man who became Grand Vizier to her Sultana.

This was Ward McAllister, a socially ambitious southerner who had realized that unless steps were taken to mold society into an acceptable model, it would be overwhelmed by the flood of new money now pouring into New York.

McAllister had managed to blend the old and the new by the simple expedient of picking what he and a coterie of friends saw as the most socially desirable from both groups – half a dozen each of the Knickerbockers and the most presentable Bouncer men – with these 12 as “patriarchs” launching a series of exclusive dances, with tickets strictly limited. Their exclusiveness made them an immediate success and the struggle to acquire tickets to these events was intense and often bitter, as only those who passed stringent criteria made it. And in Caroline Astor he saw the only person fit to rule this new élite.

Caroline’s great asset was her dignity, closely followed by her discretion – she is never known to have made a controversial remark. She could be friendly, but never intimate, and she never confided. Another woman might have found it difficult to live down the behavior of a husband such as Caroline’s, for William Backhouse Astor was known to be a heavy drinker and an even more voracious womanizer.

Fortunately, both of these pursuits largely took place at sea, as he spent much of his time aboard his yacht, The Ambassadress (at that time the largest private yacht in the world). As rumors

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Caroline Astor

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The Back Story

Room with a view

Others, to avoid the stigma of not being asked, would get their doctors to prescribe a trip into the mountains for their health’s sake or go to the even greater length of leaving the country – after all, it sounded much more elegant to say: “I’m taking my daughters to be educated in France,” than “Mrs Astor hasn’t asked me to her ball.” They felt the Astor ban with double force when it came to launching their debutante daughters, for going to the same dancing class as the children of the Astor circle did not mean you got asked to the same balls later.

But the excluded wives of the nouveaux riches quickly discovered that in Europe these daughters could lead to a “back door” way into the Astor set. Beautiful, superbly dressed and hugely rich by European standards, such girls were sought-after brides among indigent aristocrats – in England, a succession of bad harvests, loss of labor to industrialized cities and the import of cheap grain had halved the income of most landowners. And even Mrs Astor would not refuse to receive the mother-in-law of a marquis. As I discovered when writing my book The Husband Hunters: Social Climbing in London and New York, in the period between 1870 and 1914, 454 American girls married titled Europeans, one hundred of them British aristocrats, with 60 of this hundred marrying eldest sons – a phenomenal amount by any standards.

Staying at or near the top was a constant struggle. Even in the Astor clan there was in-fighting. For years, Caroline’s nephew, William Waldorf Astor, fought a running battle with his aunt

the favors were antique ivory fans, gold snuff boxes or sapphire stock pins, with hundred-dollar notes stamped with the host’s name wrapped round the cigarettes by each place.

But the highlight of the entire social year was Caroline Astor’s ball. Its keynote was lavishness and ceremony – you did not go there to enjoy yourself, but to be seen there. The huge mansion, filled with flowers, blazed with light, and the specially favored were invited to sit with Caroline on the red velvet sofa from which she surveyed the ballroom.

At her parties there was often another lavish and unusual feature – a midnight supper. The dancing would be stopped, little tables would appear as if by magic (probably via an elevator in her son John Jacob “Jack” Astor’s house next door; the two houses could be interconnected when necessary) and a sumptuous supper would be served by servants in green plush coats and white breeches, their buttons sporting the motto the Astors had bestowed upon themselves: “Semper Fidelis”.

After this, some guests would go home, others would continue dancing and the night would end with the more traditional early morning supper.

Bouncer women outside Mrs Astor’s sacred circle of acquaintance would go to any lengths to acquire an invitation, pleading through a third party, trying to persuade Ward McAllister they had a grandmother of impeccable lineage and, of course, giving dinners, musicales and dances themselves, which were duly written up in the social columns of the day.

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Museum of the City of New York; Getty Images

The vast ballroom of the Astor mansion on 34th Street and 5th Avenue doubled as an art gallery, housing Mrs Astor’s legendary collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as four enormous crystal chandeliers

Caroline Astor

The best of times A photograph of Mrs Astor taken in 1900. Within two years, her reign as queen of Manhattan high society would come to a dramatic end, leaving her with no option but to sail for Europe

to try and position his wife Mamie as the Mrs Astor – after all, he, William Waldorf, was the eldest son’s eldest son, so his wife should hold this position by right. But nothing could dislodge Caroline, even when William Waldorf had his father’s house torn down and replaced by an enormous hotel, designed to overshadow his aunt’s mansion beside it. Her only comment was the icy put-down: “There’s a glorified tavern next door.”

Eventually, in disgust, William Waldorf left the US for England in 1891, saying that “America is no place for a gentleman”.

“I know of no art, profession or work for women more taxing on mental resources than being a leader of society,” said Alva Vanderbilt, who would become just that by dint of being one the few people to outwit Caroline Astor on her own ground.

Her first step was building an enormous mansion on Fifth Avenue and filling it with treasures. Then she announced that she would give a housewarming costume ball, with the guest of honor her great friend Consuelo Yznaga, now married to the Duke of Manchester’s heir, Lord Mandeville. Society, avid to see inside the new house and meet a future duchess, eagerly accepted her invitations. It would be a splendid evening, with guests decked out as mandarins or 18th century courtiers – as shown in the photographs taken on the night, which are now in the collection of The Museum of the City of New York.

Suddenly Caroline Astor, accustomed to being asked to everything, realized she did not have an invitation – and her beloved daughter, who had been practicing her cotillion for

months, would be unable to perform it. When she let this be known, Alva, like Mrs Astor educated in France and conscious of the niceties of etiquette, declared that she could not make such an approach to Mrs Astor because the rule was that the senior lady must first have called on the junior one.

At once, Mrs Astor dispatched her footman to leave a card on Alva and, almost by return, an invitation was sent down Fifth Avenue. Mrs Astor attended the ball, saying afterwards: “We have no right to exclude those whom the growth of this great country has brought forward, provided they are not vulgar in speech and appearance. The time has come for the Vanderbilts.” They were in.

It was not until 1902 that Caroline Astor was finally toppled.

Her nemesis was 32-year-old Grace Vanderbilt, originally one of her protégées, who outflanked her in a ruthlessly cunning move that resulted in Grace, rather than Caroline, entertaining the Kaiser’s popular younger brother to dinner. It was the coup de grace and Caroline knew it. The shock wave traveled around New York and, like all those women who had tried and failed to receive an invitation to her ball, she left for Europe.

Or, as the gossip magazine of the day gleefully put it: “Mrs Astor will sail before the dinner takes place.”

The Husband Hunters: Social Climbing in London and New York, is out now, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson Your address: The St. Regis New York

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Kitchen Confidential AYYOUB SALAMEH, THE EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT, ON HIS JORDANIAN MOTHER’S INSPIRATIONAL COOKING, HIS CULINARY GUILTY PLEASURE, AND UNLEASHING HIS DANCING TALENTS

Words by Charlotte Hogarth-Jones

What’s your guilty pleasure food?

Steak. If I’m good, I’ll have 300g of lean, grass-fed rib-eye. If I’m feeling naughty, I’ll get a lovely piece of grain-fed Australian beef that’s a lot fattier.

Chef Ayyoub Salameh has a passion for creating contemporary, elegant new dishes, and has cooked everywhere from Milan and Florence to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Today, he oversees the island’s four restaurants, serving up delicious Mediterranean and Asian cuisine – as well as some of his Jordanian mother’s tried and tested secret recipes

How long does it take you to create new recipes?

It depends. I come up with something new each morning, often after chatting to guests at dinner the night before, but other dishes take much longer. It took us two-and-a-half months to develop the perfect pastrami. I have one rule: if it doesn’t satisfy me, then it’ll never go out to my customers.

Who taught you to cook?

I definitely got my palate from my mother. She’s an incredible chef, who makes everything from scratch. Our basement in Jordan is full of homemade preserves. Every couple of months she’d bring out something different to surprise us. In the restaurant today I do the same, from pickling green beans and cauliflower to making chili sauce and fresh Japanese mayonnaise.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

Sergio Mei, a wonderful Milanese chef. He was more than 70 years old when I worked with him, and I learned so much. The most important thing he taught me was how to train people. It’s not enough to be a great chef; you have to develop a team of equally good cooks in your kitchen, too.

What food did you grow up on?

We’d start every day with a halloumi omelet, a plate of arugula and tomato, and some freshly baked saffron bread. Our parents would make my brothers and me have salty olives, too, to remind us to stay hydrated, and we’d have spicy extra-virgin olive oil, made from the olives in our garden.

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had?

A guest once asked for a saffron and black truffle risotto, but without the rice, – so it was basically just a bowl of truffles. I did it, and he was very happy.

In fact he asked for truffles for breakfast the next day, too.

Can you remember the first thing your mother taught you to cook?

Saffron rice. I didn’t want to learn how to make it because I thought it was so basic. But she told me that if you can cook incredible rice, then you’ll always be able to cook everything perfectly, because that’s the hardest thing to do.

What’s on your kitchen playlist?

Every morning in the kitchen we sing All The Way Up by Fat Joe and Remy Ma after our meeting. It makes the team happy, which makes me happy.

Sometimes I even unleash my dancing talents.

Where’s home for you when you’re not in the Maldives?

Melbourne – there’s no foodie destination like it. As soon as my plane lands I’ll head straight to South Melbourne Market, and buy all my vegetables, fish, cheese. Then I’ll head to Gazi, a great Greek restaurant, or Corda, an amazing Thai place, both run by old friends.

Is there a culinary trend you detest?

I find it sad when people try to turn very simple dishes into haute cuisine, but end up sacrificing flavor. I had a tom yum soup recently where the essence was cubes of jelly, broth was poured over the top, there was some dry ice, and the chicken was powdered. It might seem “wow”, but the flavors were completely lost, and that’s what cooking is all about: flavor.

What do you do when you’re not cooking?

I never miss the gym. I’ve lost over 42 lbs since May, but I don’t go for health reasons – I just like to start my day energized. If I don’t get there by 2.30pm then I feel like a zombie.

Your address: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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So why the sudden popularity in the west of Persian, Moorish and Ottoman cuisines that have been enjoyed in their homelands for centuries? Not only have we been traveling more, says food writer Bee Wilson, and learning to love relaxed, meze-style sharing platters, but we are also exchanging recipes like never before.

In 2016, at the Diálogos de Cocina food symposium in San Sebastián, she reports, the hottest topic was not a new technique, or a star chef, but the explosion of recipes on social media. It is a revolution, she says, that has not only allowed anyone, anywhere, to watch cookery demonstrations, but for recipes to travel around the globe – from a traditional café in Amman to a hip food truck in Brooklyn or a St. Regis restaurant in the Maldives.

People’s obsession with their health may also have contributed to the cuisine’s rising popularity, says chef Sabrina Ghayour, whose 2014 cookbook Persiana sold 150,00 copies in the first year and has been printed in 12 countries worldwide. “Unlike European food, with its dairy, butter, cheese, meat and oil,” she points out, “Middle Eastern food is full of fresh herbs, nuts, fruit and seasonings that are known to be good for you. Even our pizza, or musakhan, has toasted almonds and citrusy sumac on it. And because there are so many delicious spices, you can turn even a basic carrot into something appealing, just by adding harissa and cumin.”

The simplicity of many dishes has also encouraged relatively inexperienced cooks to try new recipes, she adds. “You don’t have to be incredibly skillful to make slow-cooked lamb, and serve it with cumin salt,” she says. “And just a sprinkling of Persian spice, or a handful of aromatic herbs, can transform a boring dish into something quite exciting.”

The expansion of delis selling fresh ingredients has contributed to people’s familiarity with these once-exotic foods, too. Ottolenghi now sells online a “desert island hamper” of “essential ingredients”, from crushed freekeh and dried barberries to preserved lemons, so that chefs anywhere can join the growing tabbouleh-making throng. “These days cooks everywhere are as likely to need pomegranate molasses and date syrup to make dinner as they are olive oil and lemon,” he says.

If he’s right, our store cupboards will never be the same again. Salt and za’atar, anyone?

Middle Eastern cuisine can be sampled at St. Regis hotels throughout the world, from the newly opened The St. Regis Amman to the casual beach restaurant at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort

THE SPICE OF LIFE Words by Lisa Grainger

HEALTHY, DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE TO PREPARE, MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE IS TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM. ISN’T IT TIME YOU ADDED A LITTLE SPICE TO YOUR STORE CUPBOARD?

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Liz & Max Haarla Hamilton. Persiana is published by Mitchell Beazley (octopusbooks.co.uk)

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he celebrated Egyptian food writer Claudia Roden remembers clearly the meals she had in post-war London, having fled Cairo during the Suez Crisis. “False cream, false meat, false everything,” she says with a shudder. “It was a shock.”

In a bid to comfort her daughter in their new home, Roden’s mother would cook familiar Egyptian dishes and invite fellow émigrés to share them. As the chef puts it: “We might have lost our homes, our possessions, our livelihoods, but we had the dfeena, the kibbeh, the kunafa: dishes that embodied the glories and warmth of Cairo, and all that we were homesick for.”

More than half a century after Roden collated these recipes into her international best-selling A Book of Middle Eastern Food, the cuisine that she championed has become celebrated among food lovers all over the globe. It’s thanks to her, supermarket bosses admit, that on our shelves today you are as likely to find hummus as you are ham, and baba ganoush as you are butter.

Roden might have told us about these flavors half a century ago, but it has taken a while for us to embrace them, she says. First, a few western shops, she says, started to stock basics such as couscous, bulgur, halloumi, chickpeas and filo pastry. “Then, in the Nineties, supermarkets started to use my recipes for things like baba ganoush. And now, at last, things like pomegranate molasses, tahini, harissa, za’atar and dukkah, which I’ve used all my life, are being championed as part of the new ‘modern’ cuisine.”

Thankfully for those who appreciate the exotic but earthy tastes of Middle Eastern food – a generic term that encompasses flavors from the souks of North Africa to the mountains of Iran – Roden’s once-solitary crusade has now been joined by chefs all over the globe, including Israeli-British, vegetable-loving Yotam Ottolenghi and Persian-inspired Sabrina Ghayour.

When Ottolenghi opened his first café in London’s Notting Hill in 2002, it was an experiment to see if the neighborhood would buy into his inventive repertoire of primarily vegetarian dishes. Sixteen years on, so great is his following that he has opened five more restaurants, writes food columns for The Guardian and The New York Times, and has sold hundreds of thousands of books that have changed the way families eat across the world.

In the US, meanwhile, market research firm Datassential reports that the appearance of falafel on restaurant menus has risen by 40 per cent in four years. New York City is particularly enamored with Middle Eastern cuisine, a passion further ignited by the arrival last year of celebrated Tel Avivbased chef Meir Adoni. The menu at his acclaimed Flatiron restaurant, Nur, includes dishes from Morocco and Libya as well as Israel, Yemen and Syria.

Orient express Lamb and sour cherry meatballs, from Sabrina Ghayour’s bestselling Middle Eastern cookery book, Persiana

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A Life In Seven Journeys

Claudia Schiffer

THE MODEL, MUSE AND GLOBAL FASHION ICON REFLECTS ON THE SEVEN JOURNEYS – PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL – THAT HAVE SHAPED HER LIFE AND WORK

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Rome, 1994 In the early 1990s, Valentino and photographer Arthur Elgort had the idea of doing a La Dolce Vita shoot for an advertising campaign, inspired by Anita Ekberg’s character in the Fellini film. It was one of those chaotic, crazy moments where life imitates art. There were crowds

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of people and paparazzi and TV crews following us non-stop as we shot in some of the city’s most iconic spots. Valentino has his atelier in the city center, and for one picture I had to stand on the balcony and wave. I looked down and there were thousands of people waving back at me.

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Los Angeles, 2008 Shooting the Yves Saint Laurent campaign with photographers Inez and Vinoodh in the Hollywood Hills was another pinchyourself moment. It’s rare to be able to get close to the iconic “Hollywood” sign, let alone pose against it. The shoot centered on the letter “Y” of the sign (Y for Yves).

It was a beautiful day and the view over Los Angeles was remarkable. It changed the way I would see the city forever.

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Garmisch-Partenkirchen 2015 This magical Bavarian resort is one of my favorite places for skiing. I discovered it when my husband [director Matthew Vaughn] went there to film Eddie the Eagle.

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Amalfi Coast, 2017 I love the Amalfi Coast in Italy; we went there on our last family holiday. There are so many beautiful little towns as well as the larger ones like Positano and Sorrento.

We went to Capri while we were there – it’s so beautiful and the atmosphere is so relaxed and fun, like an old movie.

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Milan, 2017 When the call came through from Donatella Versace, I didn’t hesitate. It was a tribute for Gianni, and the perfect reason to do a final runway show. To keep the show secret, Donatella booked us all into separate hotels around Milan. Backstage, she arranged for each of us to have our own little make-up room, our own team, a Versace bathrobe with our name on it, and a handbag with our initials on.

It was the sweetest welcome. Everyone backstage was half in tears before the show even started, remembering Gianni.

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Berlin, 2017 I left Germany when I was 17, so every time I go back it feels like a homecoming.

Last year I was honored to be awarded the Fashion Icon Award at the BAMBI Awards in Berlin. It was such a fullcircle moment, especially because I had received the BAMBI Shooting Star Award when I was 21. When I was just a teenage girl, in Rheinberg, I would daydream about being a fashion model, a fashion designer, seeing my name on products, winning a BAMBI. And today, all of this has come true. I say this not to boast, but to say to all the young dreamers that I’m living proof that if you dare to dream, if you work hard, if you behave with integrity and never give up – amazing things can happen.

Claudia Schiffer, written by Claudia Schiffer, is published by Rizzoli

Illustration by Tina Berning

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Paris, 1987 One evening in 1987 I was at a nightclub in Düsseldorf when out of the blue I was asked by a complete stranger if I wanted to be a model. Of course I thought it was a joke and asked him if he meant my best friend, who to my mind was a far better candidate for the job. The stranger insisted he meant me, so I just assumed they were making a big mistake and they’d soon come to realize it. But before long I found myself in Paris. I didn’t speak a word of French at the time, so I opted for the tactic of pretending to understand, saying “Oui” a lot, and making the most of what I thought would be a very shortrun thing, in a world I could never believe I’d ever be a part of. I have never been so happy to be so wrong. My career took off and I had suddenly found a place where I felt safe and was becoming the model I’d dreamed of being – although it only worked when I had a camera pointing at me. When I first heard the term “supermodel” I couldn’t help laughing because it felt so apt; there I was playing at being Superman while I was working, when in real life I was actually Clark Kent.

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1. The St. Regis New York 2. The St. Regis Beijing 3. The St. Regis Rome 4. The St. Regis Houston 5. The St. Regis Washington, D.C. 6. The St. Regis Aspen Resort 7. The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort 8. The St. Regis San Francisco 9. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort 10. The St. Regis Singapore 11. The St. Regis Bali Resort 12. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort 13. The St. Regis Atlanta 14. The St. Regis Mexico City 15. The St. Regis Princeville Resort 16. The St. Regis Deer Valley 17. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico 18. The St. Regis Osaka

19. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort 20. The St. Regis Bangkok 21. The St. Regis Florence 22. The St. Regis Tianjin 23. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort 24. The St. Regis Shenzhen 25. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi 26. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort 27. The St. Regis Doha 28. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort 29. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 30. The St. Regis Chengdu 31. The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya 32. The St. Regis Istanbul 33. The St. Regis Mumbai 34. The St. Regis Dubai 35. The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central 36. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

37. The St. Regis Langkawi 38. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort 39. The St. Regis Changsha 40. The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan 41. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club 42. The St. Regis Astana

COMING SOON 43. The St. Regis Cairo 2018 44. The St. Regis Amman 2018 45. The St. Regis Kanai Resort 2018 46. The St. Regis Nanjing 2018 47. The St. Regis Quingshui Bay Resort (Sanya) 2018 48. The St. Regis Zhuhai 2018 49. The St. Regis Lijiang Resort 2018 50. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm 2018

ST. REGIS WEDDINGS

The Ultimate Memory, Designed Just for You THE ART OF CELEBRATION #stregiswedding

For further information visit us at www.stregis.com/weddings 2

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ST. REGIS HONEYMOONS

Paradise Found Seductive Sanctuaries, Pinnacle Paradises

Located in the world’s most coveted regions, these idyllic beach destinations are perfectly suited to honeymooners seeking a romantic interlude wrapped in pure paradise.

Indoor-outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with elements of the natural environment, setting a truly intimate backdrop for a resort escape for two.

A SELECTION OF PARADISE FOUND HOTELS AND RESORTS: THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT, PUERTO RICO; THE ST. REGIS LANGKAWI; THE ST. REGIS PRINCEVILLE RESORT; THE ST. REGIS SANYA YALONG BAY RESORT

For further information visit us at www.stregis.com/honeymoons 5

ST. REGIS HONEYMOONS

Journey’s End Rustic Elegance for the Adventurous Spirit

Nestled in some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes, these rustic yet refined addresses appeal to couples with a shared passion for adventure. From summer pursuits along glittering exotic beaches to thrilling winter sports capped by fireside après-ski, active honeymooners begin their life’s journey with an unforgettable experience.

A SELECTION OF JOURNEY’S END HOTELS AND RESORTS: THE ST. REGIS ASPEN RESORT; THE ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY; THE ST. REGIS MARDAVALL MALLORCA RESORT; THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI; THE ST. REGIS LHASA RESORT

For further information visit us at www.stregis.com/honeymoons 6

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ST. REGIS HONEYMOONS

Glass House Transcend the Traditional

Outfitted for modern romance, these edited yet stylized addresses appeal to couples who seek an escape from the confines of formality and prefer clean lines and bright, geometric spaces instead. These metropolitan addresses offer guests a series of moments that unfold with warm and ease amidst unpretentious, elegant settings.

A SELECTION OF GLASS HOUSE HOTELS AND RESORTS: THE ST. REGIS SHENZHEN; THE ST. REGIS KUALA LUMPUR; THE ST. REGIS TIANJIN; THE ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR RESORT

For further information visit us at www.stregis.com/honeymoons 9

ST. REGIS HONEYMOONS

Metropolitan Manor Timeless, Modern Retreats

Steal away for a honeymoon experience that appeals to the discerning. These exquisite cosmopolitan addresses harken to a time of timeless grace and elegance, where each moment is tailored, and where the most refined social and cultural pursuits are at your fingertips.

A SELECTION OF METROPOLITAN MANOR HOTELS AND RESORTS: THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA; THE ST. REGIS ROME; THE ST. REGIS MACAO; THE ST. REGIS SINGAPORE

For further information visit us at www.stregis.com/honeymoons 10

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The St. Regis Atlas An introduction to St. Regis hotels and resorts around the world, in alphabetical order by region

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AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

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The St. Regis Cairo

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The St. Regis Doha

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The St. Regis Dubai

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The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

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The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

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The St. Regis Aspen Resort

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The St. Regis Atlanta

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The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

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The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

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The St. Regis Deer Valley

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The St. Regis Houston

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The St. Regis Mexico City

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The St. Regis New York

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The St. Regis Princeville Resort

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The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

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The St. Regis San Francisco

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The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

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THE AMERICAS

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ASIA PACIFIC The St. Regis Bali Resort

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The St. Regis Bangkok

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The St. Regis Beijing

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The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

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The St. Regis Changsha

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The St. Regis Chengdu

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The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

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The St. Regis Langkawi

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The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

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The St. Regis Macao

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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The St. Regis Mumbai

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The St. Regis Osaka

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The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort

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The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan

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The St. Regis Shenzhen

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The St. Regis Singapore

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The St. Regis Tianjin

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The St. Regis Zhuhai

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The St. Regis Astana

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The St. Regis Florence

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The St. Regis Istanbul

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The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort

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The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya

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The St. Regis Rome

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EUROPE

Discover the upcoming St. Regis Hotels & Resorts on page 59 14

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi ASK US ABOUT Brunch in the Clouds. A brunch journey where each diner is free to explore the 150,000-dirhamsper-night suite and discover culinary delights in each room, including a cinema full of candy, a cheese-and-dessert room, a caviar ice bar, and a private bar equipped by the hotel’s top mixologists. For a break between tasting, have a shoulder massage in one of the private spas.

Zayed Centre in Al Bateen, a hidden gem inside a complex of traditional homes. Once dubbed “Sheikh Zayed’s house”, it houses everything from the late president’s last set of creams and perfumes, stuffed animal gifts and weapons, to his car collection, including his famous late-1970s blue Mercedes.

The Nation Riviera Beach Club; the guest room of the Al Hosen Suite

It’s easy to understand the appeal of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is fast developing a major arts and cultural scene, turning the city into an ever more sophisticated metropolis blessed with cutting-edge architecture and world-class sports. Part of the prestigious Nation Towers complex on the Corniche, a five-mile stretch adjacent to the Arabian Gulf where you’ll find walking and cycling paths and children’s play areas, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is the ideal home-away-from-home. Don’t miss the Luxury Nation Galleria Vox Cinemas directly connected to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, with 11 cinemas including four Gold Class. Relax and soak up the sun with a refreshing cocktail on the private beachfront at the exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club, home to Asia de Cuba, a lounge, restaurant and beach deck complete with outdoor bar, and Catch Restaurant and Lounge Abu Dhabi, where an open kitchen allows guests to interact with the chefs and watch as ingredients are transformed into delectable dishes.

Helipad Sunset Supper, taking place at the highest active helipad in the Middle East at 255 meters.

Chefs, mixologists and butlers await you, serving caviar, oysters and canapés. Guests are also treated to a saxophone performance and the St. Regis Champagne sabering ritual.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Yas Waterworld on Yas Island, where funseekers pour in all day long at this state-of-theart theme park. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

LEADING LUXURY HOTEL OF THE YEAR, HOTEL NEWS MIDDLE EAST, LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2017 BEST BRUNCH – BRUNCH IN THE CLOUDS, FACT DINING AWARDS ABU DHABI 2017

Nation Towers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T. (971) (2) 694 4444 info.abudhabi@stregis.com stregis.com/abudhabi 283 guest rooms and suites; 7 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; private beach; children’s club 15

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi ASK US ABOUT Watersports enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and boogie-boarding.

Available from 9am to sunset, for adults and children. Book at the watersports station on the beach.

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi is set to open at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island this year, bringing Pan-Asian cuisine, cocktails, and exceptional music to the UAE capital. The Buddha-Bar brand is world-famous for its distinctive energy and unforgettable atmosphere.

The Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey.

Sail on a traditional dhow among the mangrove trees of the Arabian Gulf for a demonstration of the ancient art of pearl diving.

Exterior view of the hotel from the beach; the Sontaya Bar at dusk

Saadiyat is an island of only ten square miles, but it packs a lot into that space.

Just 15 minutes’ drive from the center of Abu Dhabi, it has a white sand beach, a designer golf course and the newly opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is a delight for art lovers. It’s a relaxing and chic retreat from the bustle of the city. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s architecture and interior design are stunning, showcasing the bold design principles of the award-winning architecture firm Woods Bagot and Johannesburg-based Northpoint Architects. Each room has panoramic vistas of the Gulf or golf course and interiors that meld Spanish and Arabian elements with a contemporary edge. In addition to business facilities, the resort has an Iridium spa offering products from luxury skincare brand ESPA, four swimming pools, a dedicated children’s club and the state-of-the-art St. Regis Athletic Club. Dolphins frolic in the blue waters, while nearby Saadiyat Beach is a nesting site for hawksbill turtles.

Yas Mall. Our staff can arrange transportation to Abu Dhabi’s newest, and biggest, glittering shopping destination, just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Explore the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It has more than 20 unique rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, themed stores and restaurants. Open Tues-Sun, 11am-8pm. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

SONTAYA – BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT, FACT DINING AWARDS ABU DHABI 2017 ABU DHABI’S BEST RESORT SPA, WORLD SPA AWARDS

Saadiyat Island, P.O. Box 54345, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T. (971) (2) 4988888 reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com stregis.com/saadiyatisland 376 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; Iridium spa; pool; gym; beach; golf; children’s club 16

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Cairo

The hotel’s impressive exterior at night; a guest bedroom with a spectacular Nile view

The St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt’s timeless metropolis, on the north end of Corniche Road along the Nile. The hotel’s 36 stories stand as a unique expression of modern luxury that draws on the city’s influential past while confidently introducing its future. Local heritage is reflected through outstanding views of the Nile and Old Cairo, and inviting architecture is enhanced by distinctive murals which depict papyrus gardens and the Nile Valley flora in our guest rooms. Between mother-of-pearl inlaid nightstands, our sumptuous signature beds are topped by exquisite linen and pillows. Bathrooms are clad in light Emperador marble and boast flat-screen TVs for exceptional relaxation. The St. Regis Butler service remains the ultimate experience for all guest rooms, suites and luxury apartments. Our Astor Grand Ballroom features a dedicated entrance for awe-inspiring occasions while the banquet hall boasts a three-story vaulted ceiling with a dramatic Swarovski chandelier.

Overlooking the Nile, the hall’s alabaster grand staircase is bordered by crystal and bronze handrails, portraying the true essence of our Modern Egyptian Grandeur.

DEBUTS MID 2018

1189 Nile Corniche, Cairo, Egypt info.cairo@stregis.com stregis.com/cairo 366 guest rooms, suites and apartments; 8 restaurants, bars and lounges; Iridium Spa; indoor and outdoor pools; athletic club 17

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Doha ASK US ABOUT The St. Regis Grand Brunch.

Take Fridays to a new level with this lavish family celebration offering 16 food stations, live entertainment and activities for children.

Festival City recently opened its doors and is rapidly becoming Qatar’s biggest shopping experience in the region, offering the world’s largest Monoprix.

MIA (Museum of Islamic Art).

Discover Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years, and stunning views of the Doha skyline.

Visit Shahaniya, less than an hour away, where you can experience the famous camel races and the stunning Islamic art of the Sheikh Faisal Museum.

The hotel’s Arabian exterior is bold and welcoming; enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the Sarab Lounge Terrace

Doha has transformed itself in a very short time. Now the media and arts capital of its region, a major player in the aviation stakes and the host of the 2022 World Cup, it’s an ultra-cosmopolitan capital. The St. Regis Doha, with its postmodern Arabian architecture and panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, is a fitting address for a stay. The Rooftop lounge brings to Doha the urban chic of New York, Beirut and London. Guests ascend from the private entrance in the lower floor of the hotel and step onto a breathtaking, stylish and spacious terrace. The hotel features the Raw Bar. Chef Elias Gemayel brings his creative flair to raw cuisine, turning the finest ingredients into culinary masterpieces in collaboration with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The Raw Bar boasts a range of caviars, oysters, carpaccio, ceviche, sushi and sashimi to savor with the finest wines, champagne and exclusive gastronomic signature cocktails, including mango and jalapeno mojito, pisco sour and oyster shots.

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS – QATAR’S LEADING RESORT 2017 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS – QATAR’S LEADING HOTEL SUITE 2017

Doha West Bay, Doha 14435, Qatar T. (974) 44460000 doha.butler@stregis.com stregis.com/doha 336 guest rooms and suites; 11 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; tennis; private beach 18

A traditional wooden dhow cruise.

Stop off near the island of Saflia for watersports. Arabian BBQ is served.

Explore Dukhan and the west coast.

Set off among the oil wells and visit the Zekreet peninsula, Umbrella Rock and the replica ancient Arabian village of Film City.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Desert safari. A thrilling ride into the dunes. Enjoy a picnic lunch, sand boarding, camel riding and desert quad biking. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Dubai ASK US ABOUT The Dubai Frame. This remarkable structure in Zabeel Park provides a 360-degree view of the city. The golden rectangular attraction, constructed to look like a picture frame, stands at 150 meters high.

VIP helicopter tour. A personal aerial tour of Dubai’s historic sites and glistening beaches.

A heritage falconry and wildlife safari, with a tour through Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve in a vintage Land Rover in search of gazelles and oryx. The safari can be combined with an overnight stay and sunrise balloon flight. Enjoy a four-course feast under the stars, sleep in Arabic tents and start the next day with a hot-air balloon ride.

The hotel’s impressive exterior; an Empire Suite Living Room

Inviting guests to experience John Jacob Astor IV’s vision of the finest hotel in the world, The St. Regis Dubai takes you back to the 18th century with its beauxarts-inspired design with bespoke elements. Located on the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is part of Al Habtoor City, which includes a Las Vegasstyle theatre, La Perle, and is a short drive from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s financial district. Its Iridium Spa boasts six treatment rooms (three male, three female) and two Hammams. Other facilities include two rooftop pools and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel’s seven culinary destinations include J&G Steakhouse; BQ – French Kitchen & Bar, a modern French brasserie; and Le Patio, serving traditional Arabic cuisine with a delicious range of Middle Eastern dishes and refreshing beverages. Inspired by the original address in New York while embracing the world’s new hotspot, Dubai, The St. Regis Dubai pays homage to two iconic cities, emerging as The New World Address.

Dubai Water Canal. Several water-taxi stations are walking distance from the St. Regis Dubai.

Home to 4.5 million books, the spectacular new Mohammed Bin Rashid Library opens in 2018.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A seaplane tour. Marvel at spectacular views of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a seaplane flight along the Arabian Gulf. Soar over Burj Khalifa and fly to Yas Marina.

Guests receive a personalized family welcome ritual. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

DUBAI LEADING HOTEL SUITE; DUBAI LEADING LUXURY HOTEL – WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2017 BEST STEAKHOUSE FOR J&G STEAKHOUSE; BEST FRENCH FOR BQ – FRENCH KITCHEN & BAR – BBC GOOD FOOD 2017

Al Habtoor City, P.O. Box 124405, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T. (971) 4 435 5555 Dubai.Butler@stregis.com stregis.com/dubai 234 guest rooms and suites; 7 restaurants and bars; spa; 2 rooftop pools; helipad 19

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St.Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club ASK US ABOUT Horse-riding school and polo academy. Expert instructors cater to new riders and seasoned equestrians, offering riding lessons, desert riding, pony-club activities and camps. There is also a full program for adults and children to improve dressage, polo and show-jumping skills.

City tours. Landmarks include the Dubai Mall and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Enjoy a walk along the European-style boulevard and the waterfront promenade.

The resort’s polo field; a Deluxe room

Feted as the first equestrian-inspired St. Regis globally, with its roots firmly embedded in the sport of kings, The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club debuted in March 2017. Located at the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the resort has been designed around three polo fields and styled around an Andalusian heritage. In the Equine Library, guests can unwind among the anthology of books and prized artifacts, while The St. Regis Polo Bar creates a sporty, club-lounge atmosphere. The Andalucia restaurant, open throughout the day, serves Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a steakhouse – The Grill Pit – which combines a theater-style kitchen and cellar, and a tapas restaurant with a central, open kitchen. The Iridium Spa offers bespoke treatments. Another pièce de résistance is the 500 sq m ballroom, crowned by a prancing horse and crystal chandelier. As befits its standing, the resort features premium stabling for top-quality horses.

Overnight Safari and Sunrise Balloon Flight. Day 1 starts in a vintage Land Rover, to take you into the desert. Spot Arabian gazelles and oryx and enjoy a four-course feast. Day 2 starts at sunrise with a hot-air-balloon flight across the desert and ends with a complimentary drink and personalized flight certificate.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A seaplane tour, with spectacular views of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, on a dramatic flight along the Persian Gulf. Soar over the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, and fly to Yas Marina for the Ferrari World Amusement Park. Children’s films and activities. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

DEBUTED MARCH 2017

Wadi Al Safa 5, Emirates Road 611, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T. (971) 4 435 4444 stregisdubaialhabtoorpoloresort.com 126 guest rooms and suites; 25 guest villas; 6 restaurants and bars; Iridium spa; pool; horse-riding school; polo academy; 4 polo fields 20

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort ASK US ABOUT The Chef’s Table. For an evening of culinary mastery, six guests are invited to enter the heart of the hotel’s kitchen, to participate in, and witness, all the action that goes into making our exquisite and delicious cuisine.

Every day, as the sun slips below the horizon, why not join us on the beach between 5pm and 7pm for a magical sabrage ceremony.

Kite surfing. Expert wave riders may adventure to the One Eye world-famous wave, while others can enjoy the small reef Manawa and Chameaux spots of Le Morne.

Aerial view of Le Morne peninsula; a St. Regis Grand Suite Bedroom, steps from the beach and lagoon

The Indian Ocean is famed for many things: blissful beaches, indigo seas, sublime diving and a vibrant culture melding Asian and African traditions. Mauritius brings these together, then adds a few more. Sheltered from the open sea by the world’s third largest coral reef, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” harbors some of the planet’s most beautiful mountain scenery: waterfalls, lush forests and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else, such as the Mauritian flying fox. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort has a beachfront setting at Le Morne, a peninsula at the south-western tip of the island. Our executive chef, Nicolas De Visch, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, presides over Le Manoir Dining Room, bringing a Mauritian touch to his wealth of gastronomic expertise. There are also spa experiences, world-class kite surfing, activities and excursions. The peninsula has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, and is less than 60 minutes’ drive from the capital and 20 minutes’ drive from the Black River Gorges National Park.

Sunset Beach Braai. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is the ultimate place to enjoy sunset on the beach with your friends and family. Ideally situated at Le Morne Peninsula, our Sunset Beach Braai takes place on the first Saturday of every month.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Casela Nature & Leisure Park: an interactive family experience immersing you in the area’s conservation and natural heritage. Lagoon Adventure: observe dolphins from a private speedboat and explore the lives of these magnificent marine mammals in their natural aquatic habitat. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT, BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT AND HOTEL OF THE YEAR AT THE FOOD AND TRAVEL GCC AWARDS 2016

Doha West Bay, Doha 14435, Qatar T. (974) 44460000 doha.butler@stregis.com stregis.com/doha 336 guest rooms and suites; 11 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; tennis; private beach 21

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Aspen Resort ASK US ABOUT Live Music. The Lobby Bar hosts a variety of musical performers as part of the après-ski scene. From jazz to rock to blues to pop, there is something to suit every taste.

World Snow Polo Championship at Rio Grande Park. Experience the “Sport of Kings” played on snow featuring Nacho Figueras, Captain of The St. Regis team. The VIP tent is not to be missed, with St. Regis Aspen-catered brunch and afternoon tea. Tickets can be purchased through Aspen Valley Polo Club or watch the game for free from the sidelines.

The resort’s heated swimming pool; a Deluxe Double Fireplace guest room

Aspen is a special place where people can lose themselves in nature, yet find great pleasure in the many sports available. Yoga, fly fishing, clay shooting, hiking… the varied menu of sporting experiences rivals the food and drink you’ll enjoy here.

There is also an arts scene and great spa-based activities. The Remède Spa was voted Best Spa in the World, 2014 by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Located in downtown Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is walking distance from shops, restaurants and entertainment. Modern Mountain Cuisine meets rustic elegance at the resort’s new signature restaurant, Velvet Buck, which is named for the velvet fur that grows on the antlers of a male deer, while the newly renovated lobby bar and lounge, Mountain Social, is a premier après-ski destination offering refined spirits, handcrafted cocktails and light fare with the majestic backdrop of Aspen Mountain.

The Award-winning Remède Spa offers new signature services inspired by the great outdoors and Mother Nature, including the new Walk in the Woods Facial, which features raw, cold-pressed ingredients; a Scientific Organics Kombucha Facial; and a HempInfused CBD Massage.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Annual Tree Lighting Ritual. This complimentary community event in the Fountain Courtyard features the Aspen High School Choir and Band, photo booth with Santa Claus, holiday cookies, festive beverages, a dual champagne sabering and more. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

VIRTUOSO, BEST OF THE BEST HOTEL AWARDS 2016 SMART MEETINGS, BEST MOUNTAIN AND SKI RESORT 2016

315 East Dean Street, Aspen, Colorado 81611, United States T. (970) 920 3300 aspen.reservations@stregis.com stregis.com/aspen 179 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; golf; ski 22

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Atlanta ASK US ABOUT The Shaky Knees Music Festival takes place from May 4th-6th with Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age and The National headlining. Irish chart-toppers U2 play the Infinite Energy Arena on May 28th.

The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival (May 31st-June 3rd) is a must-visit for foodies, while art-lovers flock to the city for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 13th-15th).

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet present full programs throughout the spring including Yo Yo Ma performing with the ASO, Carmen

by Atlanta Opera and portions of Swan Lake by Atlanta Ballet.

The hotel entrance; the dining room of the Empire Suite

Atlanta is known for its breezy, Southern, uncomplicated approach to life, business, culture… and just about everything else. It’s a perfect city for getting things done and for enjoying some great boutique shopping, cuisine, art, jazz and sports: major league baseball, basketball and football teams are based here.

The King Center, the CNN headquarters (which is open for tours), the Atlanta Ballet and Symphony Orchestra are all a short drive from The St. Regis Atlanta.

Dinner-only restaurant Atlas features a seasonally inspired American menu accented with European influences and decorated with masterpieces from the Lewis Collection by Picasso, Van Gogh and Chagall, among others. If you’re in the mood for a bourbon, try The St. Regis Atlanta Woodford Reserve, handselected by our team in Kentucky’s legendary Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The Fox Theatre has a full line-up of shows coming up this spring and summer, but the most hotly awaited is hit musical Hamilton.

Don’t miss the extraordinary Orchid Daze annual orchid show at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which runs until April 1st.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Cacao Atlanta factory. Take a private guided tour and create your own bespoke beanto-bar chocolate. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

AWARDED AAA FIVE DIAMOND, 2017 FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE 2017 AWARD WINNER

Eighty-Eight West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, United States T. (404) 563 7900 stregisatlanta@stregis.com stregis.com/atlanta 151 guest rooms and suites; 4 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym 23

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico ASK US ABOUT Mini Boat “island Hop and Snorkel Adventure”. Visit the uninhabited Icacos Cay and enjoy vistas of the mountains of El Yunque rainforest, the mangrove-lined coast and Fajardo’s 130-year-old Spanish lighthouse. Swim among schools of colorful tropical fish.

A private tour of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, home to art from the 17th century to today, with museum director Juan Carlos López.

The Plantation House entrance; two miles of pristine beach

Puerto Rico is where American and Latin American cultures meld and clash and get up to dance. A key center of the salsa music revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, it is still the home of many star performers. The island is a much-loved beach destination, but is also known for its distinctive cuisine, culture and Caribbean vibe. Located on a former coconut plantation, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the first Five-Diamond resort on Puerto Rico. The expansive 483-acre property boasts views of El Yunque National Forest and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a two-mile secluded beach, sanctuaries, a Remède spa and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Beach Club Restaurant is the favored destination for any guest looking for fresh, creative menu options, capturing the spirit of contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine in a casual setting with spectacular ocean views.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A day of enchantment at Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis, and experience The Monster – the world’s tallest and longest zipline. A Saturday PJ party, with movies, activities and playtime. Learn about flora and wildlife in The Nature Sanctuary River Tour sponsored by Alma de Bahia, a nonprofit organization that raises money for stray dogs and cats. The Boat House Club for young teens to have adventures on and off the property; participants will receive special rewards and a passport to track their experiences. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE MARIA, THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT WILL BE TAKING RESERVATIONS AS FROM OCTOBER 1, 2018* *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

State Road 187 kilometer 4.2, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 00745, United States T. (787) 809 8000 reservations.bahiabeach@stregis.com stregis.com/bahiabeach

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The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort ASK US ABOUT Catch & Cook. A five-hour fishing excursion with executive chef Franck Steigerwald departing from Haulover Marina. Guests then come back and indulge in a five-course dinner at Atlantikos with the freshly caught seafood.

The art-access program offering complimentary access to Miami’s top art institutions. Cards are available at the concierge desk.

A private in-boutique consultation with Graff diamond house.

Discover the latest gemstones and watches and receive a special gift from Graff.

The resort’s oceanside pool; the Atlantikós restaurant

Miami never loses its buzz. Art Basel, South Beach’s effervescent social whirl, the rediscovery of Art Deco: all these have kept the focus on one of the cities that will define America’s future. Exclusive Bal Harbour, on Miami Beach, has a rich history as a hotspot attracting jazz musicians, including Rat Pack legends. It’s also one of South Florida’s premier retail and restaurant arenas. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort recently opened a new lobby expansion – a glass-enclosed atrium area with new lounge spaces and a French-inspired eatery, La Gourmandise. The hotel’s latest culinary offering, Atlantikós, with white-and-blue decor inspired by the Greek Isles, offers Greek fare with a Miami twist. Each night begins with a traditional Greek plate-smashing ritual. The afternoon-tea experience in the lobby has been revitalized, with gourmet desserts from one of America’s top pastry chefs.

Hire a private guide to show you the coolest film locations. Miami has been a movie set for celluloid classics, such as Goldfinger, Scarface and There’s Something about Mary.

Old Miami: rent a vintage car (open-top, of course) and drive around the art deco district, then head out to the Keys.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Our Sea Turtle Club offers full- and half-day programing for younger guests.

Family tours of the new Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

FORBES, FIVE STARS, 2018; AWARDED AAA FIVE DIAMOND 2018 CONDE NAST TRAVELER READER’S CHOICE AWARD – #2 HOTEL ON FLORIDA’S ATLANTIC COAST

9703 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Florida 33154, United States T. (305) 993 3300info.balharbour@stregis.com stregis.com/balharbour 227 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; spa; gym; children’s club 25

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Deer Valley ASK US ABOUT Summer Bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park. Experience the thrill of a lifetime in a Comet Bobsled, with a professional pilot taking three passengers on a ride down the 2002 Olympic track.

The custom adventure of a lifetime. The St. Regis Deer Valley has teamed up with Elevated Adventure Company to bring guests customized “out of the ordinary” day trips to breathtaking natural wonders by land, air, and water.

Alpine Distilling. Enjoy a fun and educational tasting class at local and award-winning Alpine Distilling, selected by the prestigious Aroma Academy of Scotland to provide a full tasting kit for their classes.

The pool at The St. Regis Deer Valley; a guest bedroom with a spectacular view

Hit the trails or relax in the spa, go on an outdoor adventure or explore historic Main Street… The St. Regis Deer Valley is surrounded by the majestic Wasatch Mountains, an all-season playground for both the adventure and relaxation seeker.

The two buildings of The St. Regis Deer Valley are connected by a funicular rail line, the only one of its kind in the US, which makes for easy, and unique, access from the base of the mountain to the resorts. Once settled in, try our Remède Spa where a reflecting pool flows from outside the resort into the spa’s first-floor lobby and a grand spiral staircase leads to 11 peaceful treatment rooms in the 14,000-square foot spa. Or dine in our award-winning Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, J&G Grill, featuring farm-to-table elegance. With all of The St. Regis Deer Valley year-round family traditions and recreational activities, unique and memorable experiences are waiting at every turn.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program. We are proud to partner locally for activities. We welcome local authors to participate in book readings and signings in our library. Previous guests authors have included Jeanine Heil, Katie Mullaly and 13-time Paralympic medalist Chris Waddell, author of Is It Lonely to Be a Four-Leaf Clover? Our local author program is a great way for families to gather after a day of adventure to unwind with a good book. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD 2017 J&G GRILL, AAA FOUR DIAMOND RATING 2017

2300 Deer Valley Drive East, Park City, Utah 84060, United States T. (435) 940 5700 deervalley.reservations@stregis.com stregis.com/deervalley 181 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; ski 26

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Houston ASK US ABOUT A tour of the Saint Arnold Brewery.

Take a trip around this fascinating Houston landmark, the oldest craft brewery in Texas. Public open house every weekday.

Spend an unforgettable Sunday afternoon at Houston Polo Club where private box seats await your family and friends during an action-packed match. At half-time, take to the field and join in the tradition of the divot stomp, accompanied by champagne.

The Adios Utopia exhibition, which looks at how Cuba’s revolutionary aspirations for social utopia shaped 65 years of Cuban art and brings together the work of more than 50 Cuban artists and designers.

The destination swimming pool; the master bedroom of the Presidential Suite

Energy and power, Texan pride and individuality, open space and outer space, Houston is the big-muscled business capital of the Lone Star State. If the city has a reputation for getting things done and no messing around, The St. Regis Houston, in the tranquil, residential neighborhood of Post Oak Park and River Oaks, is the perfect complement. It is gracious, opulent and discreet. It’s also conveniently located only half a mile from the Galleria retail area and six miles from Houston’s central business district. Celebrated design firm ForrestPerkins has created a warm and welcoming Tea Lounge with a library so guests can punctuate their outings with morning coffee, afternoon tea or pre-dinner cocktails. The spectacular outdoor pool and sundeck, located on the mezzanine level and adjacent to the spa and fitness room, draw guests back time after time.

It is open from 5am until 11pm daily, for guests who love to work hard and play hard as well.

Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston. Enter the shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft, then explore the giant plane.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: George Ranch Historical Park is the essence of Texas, a living-history museum tracing the Texas story, with exhibits including a prairie home and a ranch complex with cattle demonstrations. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

AWARDED AAA FIVE DIAMOND, 2015 GOLD MEDAL WINNER VOTED BY GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas 77027-3408, United States T. (713) 840 7600 res247.stregishouston@stregis.com stregis.com/houston 232 guest rooms and suites; 2 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; exercise room 27

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The St. Regis Mexico City ASK US ABOUT Mexico City Culinary Experience.

A full-day’s activity, with a personalized tour of the San Juan market, led by the J&G Grill culinary team, who will showcase seasonal and exotic ingredients, followed by a cooking class.

An indulgent spa ritual. Enjoy the new Shirodara experience, consisting of a Copal exfoliation followed by a Shirodara – an Ayurvedic therapy that promotes profound relaxation and stress release.

Sky Yoga. Book a private yoga session at the resort’s helipad, and enjoy panoramic views.

Private electric bike tours. The concierges, all certified with Les Clefs d’Or, have curated biking tours to explore Mexico City with the assistance of a certified guide.

The sleek hotel dominates the Mexico City skyline; the King Cole Bar terrace

The St. Regis Mexico City, an idyllic urban resort, is the main resident of the Torre Libertad, an architectural masterpiece built by César Pelli. It sits on Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma, a thoroughfare modeled on the Old World’s boulevards, and a bridge between the city center and the Imperial Palace in the Chapultepec Forest.

From the helipad, you can take in the mind-boggling urban sprawl. Don’t miss the King Cole Bar terrace; this new fully renovated space features superb mixology paired with lively DJ sets to complement the majestic views of Mexico City’s premier address. The hotel’s La Table Krug is the only place in Mexico where the limited-edition Champagne Krug Millesime 2000 can be savored. This season, don’t miss Diana Restaurant’s new menu, which features rising star chef Fernando Sanchez showcasing a tantalizing interpretation of Mexican gastronomy. The Remède Spa, meanwhile, offers luxurious organic spa treatments and skincare products designed to protect your skin from UV rays, artificial light and pollution.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The St. Regis Mexico City offers families the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor adventure in its urban oasis by offering kids an In-Suite Glamping Experience.

Families with children aged 3-9 staying in suites can replace the rollaway bed with a premium tent complete with kid-friendly amenities such as St. Regis Teddy Bear, coloring book, crayons, flashlight and their very own robe and slippers. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST HOTELS IN MEXICO, US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2017 BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO, TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS 2017

Paseo de la Reforma 439, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Federal District 06500, Mexico T. (52)(55) 5228 1818 mexico.city@stregis.com stregis.com/mexicocity 189 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; tennis; children’s club 28

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The St. Regis New York ASK US ABOUT An insider’s tour of Grand Central Station. Spend a morning or afternoon behind the scenes, explore the Campbell Apartment and its massive still-sealed vault, the Whispering Gallery and the starry ceiling. To conclude the tour, enjoy guided oyster tasting at the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar. New Broadway shows – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen and Angels in America.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor concert in Central Park or a cocktail on a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Being: New Photography 2018, the latest exhibition in MoMA’s celebrated New Photography series.

The hotel’s famous entrance; the living room of the Bentley Suite

New York City is a collection of exceptional experiences, from the natural beauty of Central Park to the bustle of Broadway, from contemporary art at MoMA to the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District. Located right in the heart of it all is The St. Regis New York, the ultimate Manhattan hotel. Since opening in 1904, the hotel, founded by John Jacob Astor IV, has been synonymous with innovation and luxury. Its rich history includes famous residents (Salvador Dalí, Marlene Dietrich) and the invention of the “Red Snapper” – commonly known as the Bloody Mary – by legendary barman Fernand Petiot in 1934. The classic cocktail can still be enjoyed in front of the same Maxfield Parrish mural at the hotel’s King Cole Bar. Today, the hotel’s influence is as strong as ever, with the new Broadway musical War Paint featuring scenes set at The St. Regis New York.

La Goulue. This Upper East Side restaurant closed its doors eight years ago but has now reopened to great acclaim in a new location four blocks from its old home.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Central Park Escape.

Discover the largest park in Manhattan with our family fun expert guides. They will show you the best of the park’s culture, public art and gardens before you relax and enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the hotel’s chef. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

CONDÈ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2017 FORBES, FIVE STARS 2017; AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD 2017

2 East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10022, United States T. (212) 753 4500 stregisny.res@stregis.com stregis.com/newyork 238 guest rooms and suites; 1 restaurant and bar; gym 29

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The St. Regis Princeville Resort ASK US ABOUT Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Offering unsurpassed views of the Pacific, and unique opportunities to see seabirds in their natural habitat and to visit the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Lighthouse.

Princeville Ranch Adventures.

Experience the Kauai zipline on the pristine private lands of Princeville Ranch. The course combines nine ziplines and a suspension bridge spanning a waterfall.

Princeville night market. A monthly festival, held every second Sunday, with live music and local artisans.

The stylish dining area of the Royal Suite; the view over the magical Hanalei Bay

The first thing you’ll notice on arrival on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the remarkable collage of natural beauty wherever you look. Lush tropical foliage is set against a deep blue ocean with a backdrop of majestic mountain peaks. The St. Regis Princeville Resort’s clean, modern exterior is unfussy yet sophisticated, and the lobby is dominated by a cascading chandelier of more than 4,000 pieces of Murano glass, representing the waterfall on Na Molokama mountain. Among the many relaxing treatments on offer at the Halele’a Spa, which utilizes the healing properties of indigenous plants, why not try a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage to nurture the body and experience perfect relaxation? Four restaurants serve locally farmed and produced ingredients, and the hotel’s infinity pool overlooks the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

An aerial tour of Kauai. See the magnitude of the Napali Coast, hover over the Waimea Canyon, and view the Manawaiopuna Falls – as seen in Jurassic Park.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Enjoy the awardwinning Makai Golf Course.

Each paying adult may bring one free junior golfer (aged 6-15).

Juniors receive complimentary instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

READERS’ CHOICE: TOP 30 RESORTS IN HAWAII, 2017 CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER BEST HOTELS IN THE USA, 2017 US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii 96722, United States T. (808) 826 9644 travelspecialist@stregis.com stregis.com/princeville 251 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; beach; gym; tennis; golf 30

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The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort ASK US ABOUT Whale-watching expeditions. Enjoy amazing encounters with humpback whales with highly experienced naturalist guides. Witness nature’s wonders; see a 50-tonne mammal rise above water and hear it sing.

Encounter the natural wonders of the Marietas Islands. Be part of our conservation efforts with our Adopt a Coral program where you can help to reforest the reef.

Create your own cocktail with the Mixology Butler. The drink will be placed on the menu during your stay.

A gourmet cruise through Banderas Bay aboard a luxury yacht with specialty cocktails and exquisite food prepared by the hotel chef.

The living room of the Presidential Suite; beach life with a touch of luxury

On the same latitude as Hawaii, and blessed with year-round balmy sun and ocean breezes, Punta Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is where Mexico City’s high society comes for its beachside retreats. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is in the Riviera Nayarit, and has 120 luxurious guest rooms and suites, looking out onto a flawless white sand beach and surrounded by luxuriant tropical flora. In early 2017 the

hotel unveiled their newest culinary offering: the Champagne and Oyster Bar: a chic, intimate bar with a seductive menu of oysters and Moët Ice champagne.

The resort has two Jack Nicklaus golf courses, five full-service restaurants, villa residences, a Beach Club and the luxe Remède Spa, which recently introduced a mindfulness menu and flotation therapy; the latter is a state-of-the-art float pod that takes relaxation to a new level. But this is no gated island experience: nearby seaside villages stay vibrant by fishing and agriculture and by the indigenous Huichol, who maintain their artisanal traditions.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Family Traditions at St. Regis offers engaging activities and thoughtful experiences tailored to younger guests and their families.

This signature program gives travelers of all ages the opportunity to explore their destination and celebrate the art of play. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

ONE OF THE TOP RESORTS IN WESTERN MEXICO, CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER 2016 BEST HOTELS IN MEXICO, US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2017

Lote H-4, Carretera Federal 200, KM 19.5, Punta Mita, Nayarit 63734, Mexico T. (52)(329) 291 5800 puntamita.butler@stregis.com stregis.com/puntamita 120 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; 3 pools; beach; spa; golf; diving; tennis; gym; children’s club 31

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis San Francisco ASK US ABOUT Museum of the African Diaspora.

Conveniently located within the hotel, the MoAD is dedicated to the cultural expression of the African Diaspora through contemporary art.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Just steps away from the hotel, the SFMOMA showcases works of modern and contemporary art within Architecture + Design, Media Arts, Painting + Sculpture, and Photography. Ask the Concierge to help arrange a Private Tour.

The magnificent mural in the lobby lounge; a view across the city from the Astor Suite

The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars, beaches, beautiful city vistas, the breezes… it’s little wonder San Francisco tops many people’s lists of must-see cities.

The St. Regis San Francisco is on the corner of Third and Mission, a short walk from the financial district. When you have downtime, the city is a great playground for cultural days and nights on the town. On your doorstep you’ll find the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the African Diaspora, world-class shopping in Union Square, and the Yerba Buena Gardens. Take a trip out of town to enjoy Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the coastal towns of Carmel, Pebble Beach and Monterey, or the redwood trees in Muir Woods. Enjoy a signature cocktail at the Lobby Lounge at The St. Regis. Relax in the Remède Spa, with its exquisite menu of treatments, or simply unwind and enjoy our extraordinary property, starting with the stunning city views from the infinity pool.

Rugby World Cup Sevens. This three-day tournament will feature 24 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams competing for the title of world champions. Held at AT&T Park, a short distance from the hotel, the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place from July 20-22.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Try our Master Blender activity, where children can blend their very own grape juice concoction, or visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.

Also, The Curated Kid museum tour, where children of all ages are encouraged to create their own works of art at local museums.

Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

FIVE-STAR AWARD, FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE; #3 BEST HOTELS IN SAN FRANCISCO, U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT; #3 BEST HOTELS IN SAN FRANCISCO, READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS, CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER

125 3rd Street, San Francisco, California 94103, United States T. (415) 284 4000 sanfrancisco@stregis.com stregis.com/sanfrancisco 260 guest rooms and suites; restaurant and bar; spa; pool; gym 32

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: THE AMERICAS

The St. Regis Washington, D.C. ASK US ABOUT The home of President George Washington at his Mount Vernon plantation. Explore this magnificent 75-acre estate along the Potomac River and look behind-the-scenes at the life of American’s first president.

A private walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery.

See the change of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the President Kennedy site, and many more historical figures.

Enjoy a two-hour tour of Washington with your own private pedicab, seeing some of the D.C.’s most important sites.

The hotel exterior at night on K Street; the elegant St. Regis lobby

In the city of powerful addresses, the grand, gracious St. Regis Washington, D.C., two blocks north of the White House, remains the powerbrokers’ hotel of choice. It was opened by President Coolidge in 1926; Ronald Reagan used to drop in to see his barber, Milton Pitts; and Jacqueline Onassis, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor were loyal guests. Over the years, redesigns by Henry Wardman and Sills Huniford have enhanced the legendary status of this, one of America’s most iconic hotels. Business and politics are right on the doorstep, but the hotel is also close to the cultural heart of D.C., a short stroll from the splendors of the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center. Eat at the hotel’s signature restaurant, where our executive chef prepares the freshest seasonal local ingredients, influenced

by Mediterranean cuisine, in a D.C. landmark restaurant.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The only national museum of its kind, established in 2003 by Act of Congress after years of effort to highlight the contributions of African Americans.

A gourmet cruise through Banderas Bay on a luxury yacht with cocktails and exquisite food prepared by the hotel chef.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A private tour with our biking concierge using our Shinola bikes – a great way to visit the city. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

4-DIAMOND AWARD AAA 2017 THE SILVER PLUME AWARD FOR THE MOST SUPPORTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, WHERE MAGAZINE AND WASHINGTON CONCIERGE ASSOCIATION

923 16th and K Streets, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, 20006 United States T (202) 638 2626 reservations@stregis.com stregis.com/washingtondc 172 guest rooms and suites; restaurant, bar and gym 33

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Bali Resort ASK US ABOUT Capturing Bali: a personal photography session. Spend an enriching half day with a local professional photographer who can capture your experience on film. The photographer can take guests to well-known sites, such as Bajra Sandhi monument and to hidden gems along the way.

Inside Bali. A full-day private immersion tour in local culture, with Agus Cahyadi, a Bali native, who will ensure you experience the best of Bali’s unique culture and entertainment.

Tour the coastline on a superyacht.

Begin your journey with a massage at the Remède spa where a special sunscreen formula will be prepared to protect your skin.

Suitable for the entire family.

The resort’s stunning beach pool; a Lagoon Villa with private pool

Bali is the best-known of several thousand Indonesian islands and has been inhabited since 2000 BC. Its natural wonders are the main draw: beautiful beaches, colorful coral reefs, a central mountain range and dense tropical rainforest harboring many species of flora and fauna, including orchids, butterflies, birds and monkeys.

The St. Regis Bali Resort is in Nusa Dua, on the island’s southernmost tip overlooking the Indian Ocean, with a private sandy beach, a saltwater swimmable lagoon and the sublime Remède Spa with its hydrotherapy pool. Celebrating its 10th year of excellent service, the resort recently underwent a major villa refurbishment, introducing new bespoke elements and artwork as well as comprehensive contemporary design and technology. In the evening, dine in style at Kayuputi or enjoy traditional live gamelan music along with Indonesian specialties at Dulang. For the ultimate in luxury, take the newly renovated beachfront Strand Villa.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Children’s Learning Center, in its own tropical park, has intelligent, fun-filled activities.

Back to nature: Eco Learning Park – a 10-minute drive from the resort – organizes interactive programs for fun and discovery for all family members, who will learn how to help preserve the environment. A gourmet picnic lunch is included. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2017, ONE OF THE TOP 5 RESORTS IN ASIA TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST 2017, ONE OF THE TOP 10 BEACH HOTELS IN THE WORLD

Kawasan Pariwisata, Lot S6, PO Box 44, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia T. (62) (361) 8478 111 stregis.bali@stregis.com stregis.com/bali 123 suites and villas; 6 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; beach; gym; children’s club 34

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Bangkok ASK US ABOUT Bangkok food tour. Stroll through Bangkok as you’re introduced to Thai dishes and drinks at food stalls and local eateries, all handpicked by a local guide.

A private tour of the city’s treasures.

Landmark sights include the Bangkok Noi, Rattanakosin Island and Bang Luang Canals and the flower markets.

Bangkok’s art institutions, including Whitespace and the Jim Thompson House for a tour of the antiquities collection of the man who “rediscovered” Thai silk.

The infinity rooftop pool; the bedroom of the Caroline Astor suite has spectacular views

Tuk-tuks, trucks, riverboats, bicycles, boats and buses... the Thai capital is a whirling mass of energy. But Bangkok is also a warm, friendly place, and you can follow up that sweltering morning’s outing, business meeting or hike around the 18th-century Grand Palace with a slow meal of the most fragrant cuisine on earth. The St. Regis Bangkok’s soothing décor immerses guests in luxury from the moment they arrive. It might be in the fast-beating heart of central Bangkok, but it is also moments from the peaceful Lumpini Park. To start your evening in style, what could be better than an extraordinary selection of drinks at The St. Regis Bar, where highlights include evening demonstrations of the art of sabrage and the signature “Siam Mary” – a Thai-accented take on the Bloody Mary, with a backdrop of the setting sun and city lights.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A cooking class hosted by our executive chef. Have fun in the kitchen as our chef prepares a special lunch for you to savor together, which may be anything from pizzas to sushi, with child-friendly desserts like cupcakes or tiramisu. Children’s Tent – a special setup in suites for our younger guests; not just an ordinary extra bed –little ones will feel they have their own imaginative world space with a fun atmosphere. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN BANGKOK – BUSINESS TRAVELER AWARDS 2017 VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 10 HOTELS IN BANGKOK – CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2017

159 Rajadamri Road Bangkok, 10330 Thailand T. (66) (2) 207 7777 stregis.bangkok@stregis.com stregis.com/bangkok 228 guest rooms and suites; 7 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym 35

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Beijing ASK US ABOUT A guided tour of Beijing’s contemporary art centers, via the Red Gate Gallery and China’s largest art community to learn about the 60-year history of this vast former weapons factory.

It was Napoleon Bonaparte who famously said: “I drink champagne to celebrate a victory, I also drink champagne to console myself when I was defeated.” Napoleon also used to open champagne with his saber, a practice that has become a signature ceremony performed for guests in our Evening Rituals series.

Today, we invite you to toast tradition with champagne sabrage at our Press Club Bar on the first floor daily at 6pm.

Entertainment at Laoshe Tea House. Everything from kung fu, acrobatics to opera and puppetry.

The elegant lobby lounge; the hotel’s impressive swimming pool

Beijing is the capital of a great power once more, and The St. Regis Beijing is ideally positioned close to the diplomatic quarter, business district and the Forbidden City, as well as being surrounded by some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. The signature St. Regis Butler Service, private-dining suites and mansion ambiance reflect the values of old China, preparing you for your next foray into local business or culture and the dizzying experience of Chinese cuisine, including the highly-esteemed Celestial Court restaurant, serving authentic southern Chinese cuisine in a traditional setting. Or try the creative Italian cuisine in Dianeli’s restaurant, and enjoy Beijing’s largest selection of Italian wine. Afterwards, take time to unwind in the hotel’s Iridium Spa, one of Beijing’s most luxurious, and one that has its own natural hot spring water for soaking in. On the spa menu you will find as many as 40 Western and Chinese therapies, a comprehensive list that is sure to soothe the spirits and rejuvenate the senses.

Chinese traditional opera, worldfamous theater and classical ballet can be seen at National Center For The Performing Arts, China’s top arts venue “for the people, for the art and for the world”.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Try the great new food and beverage turndown amenities for children aged up to 17.

There are four menus, for four different age groups. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

OUTSTANDING BUTLER SERVICE 2017, CITY WEEKEND CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2017, TRIP ADVISOR

21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Beijing 100020, China T. (86) (10) 6460 6688 stregis.beijing@stregis.com stregis.com/beijing 258 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym 36

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort ASK US ABOUT A Catamaran Sunset Cruise.

Enjoy Bora Bora’s stunning scenery aboard Vitamin Sea, a sleek ex-racing catamaran refitted for leisure cruising.

Sip on chilled champagne with canapés as the golden hour makes way for pink skies and watch the first stars come out for the evening.

Outdoor Candlelight Massage.

Candles are lit at sunset at the Spa Beach to create an idyllic haven close to the soothing flow of the Resort’s Lagoonarium.

Couples unwind with a mediumpressure massage.

A private wine class in the lagoon.

The sommelier will set up a selection of wines and guests can learn how to distinguish the best grapes as they dip into the crystal-clear lagoon.

Royal Overwater Villas; the master bedroom of an Overwater Villa overlooking the lagoon

Bora Bora, discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, is a 16-square-mile tropical island surrounded by coral reef and lagoons. This much-mythologized South Pacific island is some 5,000 miles west of Lima and almost 4,000 miles northeast of Sydney, its remoteness matched by its year-round warm climate and outstanding beauty. A step away from the picture-perfect beaches are rugged volcanic mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation. At the secluded 44-acre St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, all rooms have private dining areas, daybeds and state-of-theart entertainment systems, and are elegantly decorated with Polynesian arts and crafts. Rooms either have direct access to the beach or are thatched villas built over water; views are of the extinct volcanoes, the lagoon or the reef. For the utmost privacy, the three-bedroom Royal Estate has four bathrooms, its own beach, a pool and an area with sauna, jacuzzi and hammam. If you are in search of perfect pampering, go to the resort’s Miri Miri Spa by Clarins, a place of deep relaxation on its own private islet.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Shark and Ray Tour.

Create once-in-a-lifetime memories on an aquatic safari around the island looking for stingrays and black tip reef sharks with a Polynesian guide. Stop on a private islet for lunch served in the water then have fun learning local customs such as Tahitian traditional dance steps or how to open a coconut. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

THIRD BEST RESORT IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, TRAVEL + LEISURE’S BEST IN THE WORLD, 2016 WINNER, TOP 25 HOTELS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, TRIPADVISOR’S TRAVELER’S CHOICE, 2013

Motu Ome’e BP 506, Bora Bora 98730, French Polynesia T. (689) 40 607888 reservations@stregisborabora.com stregis.com/borabora 90 guest villas; 4 restaurants and 2 bars; spa; pool; beach; gym; tennis; children’s club 37

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Changsha ASK US ABOUT Dufu Riverside Pavilion.

Located at the east side of Xiang River, the pavilion, long corridor, and tea rooms form the pavilion.

Tourists have a great view of Mount Yuelu.

The Yuelu Academy. Founded in the year 976, this Academy of Classical Learning is the oldest continually operating institute of learning in China and has produced some of the country’s great poets, philosophers and political leaders, including Confucian scholars Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi. Also features amazing traditional architecture and serene gardens.

The hotel’s impressive Great Hall; Caroline Astor Suite bedroom

Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, has a history spanning 3,500 years and has been one of the most important cities in China since the Qin Dynasty. The St. Regis Changsha is at the heart of the shopping and business districts, within reach of major transportation hubs, museums and historical sites of interests. Housed in Yunda Central Plaza, on the 48th to 63rd floors in one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, the hotel has its own helipad. The 188 guest rooms and suites feature an intelligent iPad control system and contemporary touches along with local antiques. An expert team of chefs presents unparalleled dining experiences in six venues. The Chinese Restaurant Yan Ting will captivate gastronomes with authentic Cantonese and local dishes, while the Un Japanese restaurant offers extensive Japanese fare and Teppanyaki experience. The St. Regis Changsha provides the chance to relax at The St. Regis Athletic Club, with an indoor swimming pool, beautiful panoramic views and a 24-hour fitness center.

Juzi Island. This narrow strip of land in the center of the Xiangjiang River has gardens and orchards with thousands of fruit trees and firework displays.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Enjoy special welcome amenities and rituals including delectable treats, child-sized robes, slippers and step stools for the little ones. Recreational activities, dining options and childcare services can all be arranged. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST NEW OPENING HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD, THE 2017 CHINA TRAVEL & MEETINGS INDUSTRY AWARDS-LEISURE TRAVEL HOSTED BY TRAVEL WEEKLY CHINA, NORTHSTAR TRAVEL GROUP

Yunda Central Plaza, No. 289 Sha Wan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha 410129 Hunan Province stregis.changsha@stregis.com st.regis.com/changsha 188 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars, ballroom; rooftop lap pool; fitness center 38

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Chengdu ASK US ABOUT Jinli Ancient Street. See a traditional road dating from the Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC). Sample Sichuan food, from hotpots to dumplings, and admire the Wuhou temple and rich culture of the Three Kingdoms period (220 to 280AD).

Kung Fu Family: a home for martial arts. Classes are headed by Master Li Quan, who will pass on traditional Chinese kung fu to willing disciples and tailors classes to meet individual goals.

Sichuan Opera. A perfect blend of local dialect with historic culture, folk music and dances from various regions. The best place to see it is at Chengdu Culture Park on Qingtai Road. The stage is inside the Green- Ram Abbey, a famous Taoist temple.

The indoor pool features colored lights and holograms; a Grand Deluxe Room

The capital city of Sichuan province is flourishing as a business hub, in part because of the excellent links to the rest of the province. But this is nothing new for Chengdu. It was one of the first places in the world to issue paper currency and the starting point for part of the Southern Silk Route, from where merchants would take the region’s renowned wares to the wider world. Yet for all its importance, this ancient metropolis, founded in 316 BC, retains a remarkably relaxed atmosphere.

You’ll find delicious Sichuan food being served at the hotel’s signature restaurant Yan Ting, numerous tea houses and, for downtime, parks and temples to explore.

Thanks to its location, The St. Regis Chengdu is perfectly placed for business meetings, yet within easy reach of prestige boutiques and cultural highlights, including temples, museums and parks. Later, enjoy our signature Chuan Mary cocktail at the Vantage XXVII outdoor sky bar on the 27th floor, open from April to October, with in-house DJ, skyline views and a statement bronze bar.

Visit the Leshan Buddha. The world’s largest Buddha sculpture overlooks the Min River, about two hours by road south of Chengdu.

It’s a humbling experience standing next to this 233-foot colossus, carved into red sandstone cliffs during the ninth century.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Closely observe giant pandas in fernleaf hedge bamboo. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

HO RUN REPORT 2017, MOST POPULAR HOTEL BUSINESS TRAVELER MAGAZINE, BEST ROOM DESIGN OF HOTELS IN GREATER CHINA

88 Taisheng Road South, Qingyang District, Chengdu 610017, Sichuan, China T. (86) (28) 6287 6666 stregis.chengdu@stregis.coma stregis.com/chengdu 279 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; spa; athletic club; indoor & outdoor pools 39

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur ASK US ABOUT Forest bathing. Guests can be transported to the forest for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, and experience relaxation in the most natural way.

Learn to play with a Malaysian badminton legend, Ong Beng Teong, a gold medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and at the 1988 and 1999 Swiss Opens. The two-hour lesson will enable you to hone your badminton skills and put them to the test against your coach.

Batik painting. Express yourself in the Malaysian art of batik-making.

Private lessons are at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

A City Tour. Take in the beauty and charm of fascinating old and new Kuala Lumpur.

The Mark Evans mural in the lobby; The Brasserie, the hotel’s modern European café

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is located in KL Sentral, one of the most prestigious and romantic neighborhoods, a stone’s throw from the city’s Lake Gardens, the National Museum and House of Parliament. The hotel is infused with luxurious design details, such as breathtaking Austrian crystals and hand-made Italian gold tiles. Inspired by Polo, the “Sport of Kings”, subtle details include horsehair leather panels, saddle stitch and stirrup motifs. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or relax and rejuvenate at the 1,100-square-meter Iridium Spa. Enjoy eclectic dining experiences, from The Drawing Room, featuring the monumental sculpture Horse – the largest ever made – from world-renowned artist, Fernando Botero, to The Brasserie, where seductive French cuisine meets Mediterranean. Sample the freshest sushi at Taka by Sushi Saito by three-Michelin-starred chef, Takashi Saito of Sushi Saito in Tokyo, or edo-style tempura at Ginza Tenkuni. End the night at Astor Bar and Decanter, which offers an extensive menu of wine, whiskey and champagne, as well as premium cigars; or relax in KL’s coolest rooftop bar, Crystal, showcasing a 7m x 4m LED media canvas.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Discover the art of pewter making at Royal Selangor, a world-famous brand founded in 1885. Every family visiting is able to craft a take-home engravable pewter dish using traditional tools, similar to those used by pewter smiths more than 100 years ago.

Kids and adults are able to join the hands-on workshops of 30 or 60 minutes and create their own pewter souvenir. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

TOP 50 LUXURY HOTEL – WORLD TRAVEL MAGAZINE EXPATRIATE LIFESTYLE BEST OF MALAYSIA AWARD 2017 – BEST CITY HOTEL EXPERIENCE

6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia stregis.kualalumpur@stregis.com stregis.com/kualalumpur 208 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; fitness center; spa 40

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Langkawi ASK US ABOUT The cable car and suspension Bridge at Gunung Mat Cincang.

The second highest mountain on the island is famous for offering spectacular views of Langkawi.

The Seven Wells Waterfall is a picturesque spot where visitors can swim in the cool, clear waters or soak in one of the seven linked natural pools.

The living area of the Presidential Suite; the Main Pool

The St. Regis Langkawi nestles on the southern tip of Langkawi, the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Southeast Asia. The first new luxury resort on the island for 11 years, our discreet address overlooks a sparkling white-sand beach, swaying palm trees and the glistening turquoise Andaman Sea. It is the ideal departure point for exploring the Jewel of Kedah. On the archipelago’s largest island, picturesque villages, majestic mountain peaks and lush tropical jungles filled with remarkable caves and waterfalls contribute to Langkawi’s dramatic natural beauty. The translucent waters invite guests to enjoy endless ocean activities, including snorkeling, fishing, diving and sunset cruises. Settle into the flawless services afforded to each of our 85 suites and four over-water villas, including one with four bedrooms – the Sunset Royal Villa, which now features a private swimming pool. Each villa highlights signature design elements bringing the traditions of the brand to life.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Little Chefs Program – a hands-on lesson on cooking ingredients, sanitation and organization. Children will learn to measure mix, work cleanly and explore new foods. Every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm; age range: 4-12. A customized Geo-Forest Safari. Visit geological wonders that date back to over half a million years; spot macaques, dusky leaf monkeys and exotic lizards; take a serene river cruise; and witness spectacular marine life in the Andaman Sea. Visit a Virgin Coconut Oil Farm, which takes you into undiscovered Langkawi.

Enjoy the bucolic tapestry of Malay kampong houses, paddy fields and rubber plantations.

Visitors can learn how to coldpress coconut oil, then take home a jar of the oil. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST HOTEL INTERIOR ASIA PACIFIC AND BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INTERIOR, INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY AWARDS 2016-17 BEST FOR FAMILIES, CONDÉ NAST 2017 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Jalan Pantai Beringin, Pulau Langkawi, 07000 Malaysia newhotels.asiapacific@starwoodhotels.com stregis.com/langkawi 89 suites and villas; 5 restaurants and bars; spa; pool 41

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort ASK US ABOUT The Potala Palace. One of the most famous architectural works in the world and a symbol of the Tibetan people, just 15 minutes from the resort. See it after hours, in an atmosphere of peace and sanctity.

Sabrage. St. Regis hotels have a history of embracing this famous ritual: the sabering of a champagne bottle with a sword.

The St. Regis Lhasa has added Tibetan elements to this memorable ceremony.

The magnificent Potala Palace overlooking Lhasa; the Khailash Suite’s living room

A tour of the Jokhang Temple.

Located just a 10-minute walk from the resort, this seventhcentury temple is Tibet’s holiest site. Visit in the morning when Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims arrive, and stay until the afternoon, when the interior is opened to non-Buddhists.

Set 12,000 ft above sea level, Lhasa is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, with air as clean as you’ll find anywhere in the world. This awe-inspiring location will take your breath away. For centuries, Lhasa has been the spiritual home of Buddhism, and the city is booming as tourists and pilgrims alike search for enlightenment and peace in the Place of the Gods, the name given to the city by the ancients. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is a luxury five-star property in the city’s bustling old quarter where the Jokhang Temple, frequented by Buddhist pilgrims, is found, as well as Bakhor Street. The resort’s spectacular view of The Potala Palace from the lobby is paired with a remarkable collection of Tibetan art pieces and paintings displayed throughout the property.

BEST NEW LUXURY HOTEL IN LHASA, HURUN REPORT 2016 BEST NEW ULTRA LUXURY HOTEL, LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 2015

No. 22, Jiangsu Road, Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang) 850000 China u T. (86) (891) 680 8888 reservation.lhasa@stregis.com stregis.com/lhasa 199 guest rooms and suites; 2 restaurants and bar; spa; pool 42

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central ASK US ABOUT Our iconic Sunday Brunch.

This gourmet buffet includes a seafood bar alongside Asian favorites and an indulgent dessert selection. A continuous flow of sangria, cocktails and Bloody Marys make the perfect accompaniment for this relaxing afternoon at The Manor.

A nourishing gemstone journey at the Iridium Spa, with a massage based on your signature gemstone to energize and rebalance your body.

The Taipa Houses Museum.

Comprising five houses with typical green Macanese architecture, this is one of the key cultural heritage sites.

The hotel’s impressive exterior; the view from an Empire Suite

Macao is a city of historic ruins, spiritual temples, and imposing fortresses, which illustrate the evolution of Western and Chinese civilizations over more than four centuries. And The St. Regis Macao is the most elegant, sophisticated address from which to explore the very best the city affords, perfectly situated within a prime center of dining, shopping and entertainment. Guests enjoy the finest restaurants, such as The Manor, which focuses on imported prime-meat cuts and seafood, as well as amenities typified by the incomparable St. Regis Butler Service. To further enhance your stay, our hotel offers convenient access to more than 850 designer boutiques and several premier shopping centers. Refined comforts and elegantly appointed furnishings await in each of The St. Regis Macao’s 400 guest rooms and suites, where state-of-the-art amenities combine with traditional Chinese architectural elements and spectacular views of the Cotai Strip.

Macao Tower. This elegant construction offers panoramic views over Macao and much of the Pearl River Delta from its observation deck and revolving restaurant, 223 meters up.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Take a Macao photo tour with a personal tour guide and chauffeured vehicle. You will be presented with a Polaroid camera and a photo album so your children can capture and keep all your favorite tour moments, as well as inscribe notes to create a personalized memento. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

WORLD SPA AWARDS 2017: MACAU’S BEST HOTEL SPA – IRIDIUM SPA CRAVE MAGAZINE BITES OF DISTINCTION AWARDS 2017: BITES OF RECOGNITION – THE MANOR

Estrada do Istmo. S/N, Cotai, Macao SAR, P.R. China T. (853) 2882 8898 stregis.macao@stregis.com stregis.com/macao 400 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; outdoor pool 43

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort ASK US ABOUT Big game fishing. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for this, and St. Regis chefs will gladly transform your catch into an exquisite dinner.

Blue Hole Pool at the Iridium Spa. Heated seawater and whirlpool jets melt away tension, offering benefits for body and mind.

Charter a yacht and make a voyage of discovery to one of the Maldives’ uninhabited islands.

The Caroline Astor Estate; the private infinity pool of an Overwater Villa

Poised on its own exclusive island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is surrounded by pristine landscapes, thick tropical vegetation, a fine white-sand beach and the glistening turquoise Indian Ocean. This intimate retreat of 77 luxuriously appointed private villas and an Iridium Spa offers the perfect gateway for embracing the dramatic natural beauty of this island nation, whose 26 atolls comprise 1,192 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Enjoy complimentary snorkeling equipment and take in the magnificent underwater world teeming with marine life on our world-renowned private house reef.

Immerse yourself in sailing, windsurfing, surfing, parasailing, sea kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing and stand-up paddling. Ocean excursions range from deepsea fishing to dolphin and sunset cruises. Six dining venues offer distinctive cuisines, from Italian to East Asian, while a beachfront eatery specializes in custom pizzas, fresh juices and homemade ice cream.

Decanter experiences. A bespoke five-course dinner paired with the perfect wines and champagnes in the cellar’s elegant dining room is the ideal introduction to the wine cellar that houses over 2,000 wines. The resort’s executive chef and a wine director lead guests through each course, prompting them to guess which wine they’re tasting and explaining why it matches each dish.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A four-hour fishing trip to a Maldivian sandbank in a dhoni, the traditional island sailboat. A splendid barbecue lunch follows. Cooking with chef: in their own special kitchen, children can enjoy a masterclass hosted by chefs. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

HOT LIST (US, UK, MIDDLE EAST), CONDÉ NAST 2017; SPECIAL PRIZE EXTERIOR AWARD, PRIX VERSAILLE THREE-STAR AWARD – WORLD’S BEST WINE LISTS

Vommuli Island, Dhaalu Atoll, Republic of Maldives stregis.maldivesvommuli@stregis.com stregis.com/maldives 77 guest villas; 6 restaurants and bars; pool; library; children’s club; spa; diving center 44

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Mumbai ASK US ABOUT A trip to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – one of India’s premier art and history museums, and a Grade 1 Heritage building.

A curator-led tour of the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Opened in 1872, Mumbai’s oldest museum is a microcosm of the extraordinary talents of Indian master craftsmen and Early Modern artists.

The Elephanta Caves. This ancient shrine hewn from solid basalt on an island in Mumbai harbor is easily accessible by boat tour from the Gateway of India. The rock-cut stone sculptures date back to at least the eighth century.

The luxurious bedroom of the Presidential Suite; a Couples Treatment Suite at the Iridium Spa

Mumbai is a spectacular city full of architectural treasures that bear witness to its periods under colonial rule. The St. Regis Mumbai is a luxury oasis in the heart of the city, the striking interiors of the grand lobby welcoming guests with their oldworld charm accentuated by Rajasthani Tikri artwork. As the tallest luxury hotel in India, it would be hard to find more panoramic vistas elsewhere. The hotel is ideally located for leisure and business travelers. After a long day of meetings, head to the dedicated Wellness Floor for a massage at the Iridium Spa, known for its awardwinning therapists and signature treatments. For gastronomic lovers, Luna offers classics like Lobster Thermidor, Shepherd’s Pie, Meatballs, Carbonara Tortellini with Parma Ham, Fish & Chips, Classic Paella, Blackened Spiced Himalayan Trout and more. Dine at Lower Deck or Upper Deck from Monday to Sunday with earlyhour or late-hour seating. For those staying over the weekend, the thematic Sunday Brunch presents a variety of cuisines and flavors, while an outstanding Oriental Brunch with stunning bayside views can be enjoyed at Level 37 at By The Mekong.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Only 90 minutes from bustling Mumbai lie 40 square miles of protected tropical forest, home to everything from spotted deer to mynah birds, not to mention 150 different species of butterfly.

You might even glimpse a wild leopard amid the dense foliage.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Cook with your kids. A culinary class with a focus on fun, this is cooking made easy for kids and parents to bond over. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BY THE MEKONG, BEST THAI-FINE DINE (SOUTH MUMBAI), TIMES FOOD AWARDS 2017; BEST VENUE FOR BUSINESS MEETINGS IN METRO (UNDER 500 GUESTS), WOW GALA & EXPERIENTIAL VENUES AWARDS 2017; MOST LUXURIOUS SPA (HOTEL) AWARD, IRIDIUM SPA, ASIA SPA AWARDS 2017

462 Senapti Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013, India T. (91) (22) 6162 8000 stregis.mumbai@stregis.com stregis.com/mumbai 395 guest rooms and suites; 9 restaurants and bars; spa; athletic club, pool 45

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Osaka ASK US ABOUT The Osaka river cruise. Departing from Okawa River near Osaka Castle Park and reaching Dotomborigawa Canal in the heart of the Minami shopping and entertainment district.

The very first Morning Glass Cafe in Japan, a few blocks from the hotel. The popular cafe chain from Hawaii is co-owned by Eric Rose, a start-up member of Starbucks.

Yamamoto Noh Theater. A behind-the-scenes tour of the home of Japanese musical drama, with its collection of masks and costumes, and see what it feels like to be on stage.

The lobby of The St. Regis Osaka: the hotel’s remarkable Zen Garden

For many travelers, Osaka has all the urban energy and lively vibe of Tokyo with the heritage and historical riches of Kyoto. On Midosuji Avenue, where The St. Regis Osaka is located, you will find examples of the city’s long history, in the form of architectural masterpieces dating from the Taisho Era (1912-1926) and the following Showa period. The avenue has been dubbed the Champs Elysées of the Orient. The St. Regis Osaka is within a 27-story building, the tallest in the urban renewal zone. It provides striking views over the city and is perfectly positioned for you to explore Osaka’s multi-Michelin-starred restaurant scene, cultural life and Buddhist shrines. The hotel’s garden terrace is lush with plants and has a stone garden around which to take a stroll, or you can sit and take time out from the streetscape below. Don’t miss the seasonal creations of chef Gianluca Visani at our La Veduta restuarant.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: My Cup Noodle Factory – learn about ramen noodles, create a custom noodle soup, design your own cup and explore the museum. Reserve our Family Traditions bespoke package and get the second room for your children at 25 per cent discount and free breakfast for kids under 12. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

THE ONLY HOTEL IN OSAKA TO BE AWARDED 5 RED PAVILIONS BY THE MICHELIN GUIDE 2018 (THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS) TRIPADVISOR’S TRAVELER’S CHOICE, 2018

3-6-12 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0053, Japan T. (81) (6) 6258 3333 stregis.osaka@stregis.com stregis.com/osaka 160 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; spa; exercise room 46

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort ASK US ABOUT A private beachside dinner and party. Invite friends and family to an evening of exceptional flavors on the beachfront lawn. Couples can also enjoy a wonderfully romantic private dinner under the starlit sky.

Afternoon Tea Art Time. A delicate afternoon tea set combined with an art display in the lobby, where artists bring along their masterpieces. The perfect way to appreciate an aesthetic vacation.

Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex. The biggest duty free mall in Asia offers an outstanding shopping experience.

A luxurious villa; the hotel’s marina

The tropical island of Hainan, China’s smallest province, has clean air, lush vegetation, pristine beaches and offers the perfect escape from the bustle of the mainland cities. Located in the exclusive stretch of Yalong Bay (also called Asian Dragon Bay) on the south coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is the perfect choice for guests looking for a deluxe, relaxing vacation. Its temperature-controlled swimming pool boasts views of tropical gardens, coconut palms and the deep blue ocean. The hotel has access to more than half a mile of coastline where guests can stroll, swim or enjoy a seafood barbecue at the beachfront restaurant.

The Binglanggu Hainan Li & Miao Ethnic Minority Cultural Heritage Park is a mysterious rainforest where guests can embrace the culture of the Li ethnic group and sample tropical snacks.

Yalong Bay Golf Club and Sun Valley Golf Resort. Two golf destinations located near the hotel, both offering guests an exceptional golf vacation.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: LEGO and Segway experience. Kids can develop their imagination with LEGO brickbuilding games in the Kids Club or enjoy some outdoor fun with an exciting Segway ride. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

LUXURY HOTEL IN HAINAN STAR PERFORMER, HURUN REPORT, 2017; WEDDING HOTEL OF THE YEAR, SINA 2017; MOST LIKED SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, T+CITY 2017

Yalong Bay National Resort District, Sanya Yalong Bay, Hainan 572016, China T. (86) (898) 8855 5555 reservations.sanya@stregis.com stregis.com/sanyayalongbay 396 guest rooms and suites; 6 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; private beach; water sports; tennis; children’s club 47

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan ASK US ABOUT The Shanghai Tailored Experience.

Personally accompanied by the butler of St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, guests can literally have a tailormade experience at the famous South Bund Fabric Market. Home to hundreds of tailors and seamstresses, with three floors of beautiful cloth, fabrics and textiles, guests can replicate an old favorite or perfectly realize a creative design.

The Bund. Shanghai’s standout landmark is a grandiose curve of colonial-era buildings, studded with museums and fenced in by skyscrapers.

A ride on The Maglev. An exhilarating 431-kilometer-perhour ride on the Maglev from Pudong airport to the city center.

The Drawing Room at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan; the Champagne Bar

Towering 68 floors above the city, The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan invites you to the best address in Shanghai for business and leisure. It’s a short distance from Jingan district’s most treasured sites and historic landmarks, including: the Jingan Temple, the overwater Yu Garden, the 1920s-style architecture of the Bund, People’s Square and People’s Park, and the ancient Chinese relics in the Shanghai Museum. Chic, luxury shopping centers, including Shanghai Center and Plaza 66, are within walking distance. Feng Sheng Li, a profusion of east-meets-west shops, restaurants and bars set amid beautiful Shikumen architecture, is five minutes’ walking distance from the hotel. For added convenience, the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is just a 35-minute drive away. The hotel has 433 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites with peerless views of the city and Pudong. There are four gourmet restaurants, a rejuvenating spa, and an indoor swimming pool. We also hope guests will enjoy the services offered by the signature St. Regis Butler Service.

Shanghai Circus World. Enjoy a variety of performances, including dance, music competitions, acrobatics and sea-lion shows.

China’s modern achievements, such as the first manned spacemission, are also exhibited.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Cookie Foundations – children can conquer their basic cookie-making skills with the hotel’s executive pastry chef. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

BEST NEW OPENING HOTEL IN 2017 - TRAVEL + LEISURE CHINA DESTINASIAN LUXE LIST 2017 – BEST NEW HOTEL IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION

1008 West Beijing Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, China 200041

T. (86) 21 6257 9999 stregis.com/shanghaijingan.com

436 guest rooms and suites, 55 St. Regis residential apartments; 6 restaurants and bars, pool, Iridium Spa, fitness center 48

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Shenzhen ASK US ABOUT China Folk Culture Village, exhibiting the daily life and architecture of China’s 56 ethnic groups. Covering 200,000 square meters, including 25 villages, houses and streets.

The Safari Park. With green mountains to the north, over 30 large animal stone sculptures and rich, green lychees to the south, and the Xili Lake to the west, the park is like a bright pearl in the bustling city.

Wutong Mountain. From the summit you can witness the splendid beauty of Hong Kong, the wide blue sea and the green landscape.

An intimate visit to KK Mall, one of Shenzhen’s biggest malls, located in same building as the hotel.

The hotel exterior; the lobby

Shenzhen, a commercial hub in southern China just north of Hong Kong, is one of the country’s most dynamic super cities. The St. Regis Shenzhen opened in 2011 and offers guests its signature butler service and stunning panoramic views of both Shenzhen and rural Hong Kong. The hotel has launched a private dining room sitting above its Japanese restaurant MALT, on the 100th floor, which can accommodate around 12 guests. Perched atop the 430-meter building, the private dining room offers a large range of fresh imported oysters, a fine selection of sashimi, sushi and teppanyaki, all paired with fine wines from around the globe. The hotel has also just launched several new programs in the Iridium Spa on the 75th floor – the ideal place to indulge yourself while marveling at stunning views of the city, surrounded by refreshing scents and soothing music. The 700-square-meter spa features eight treatment suites, including two large couples’ suites and a Vichy Shower suite. Visitors are guided along a journey of physical and spiritual wellness with extraordinary Aromatherapy Associates treatments to release tension, pain and anxiety while restoring vitality and balance.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: St. Regis Butlers will be delighted to present and introduce their special Children’s Booklist to families traveling with children, and recommend books according to individual needs and preference.

They will also tailor-make a bespoke trip to OCT East. This major entertainment complex, which is located 25.5 kilometers from the hotel – about a 30-minute drive – is an ideal destination for a fun family outing. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

CITY TRAVELER BEST HOTEL AWARDS 2018 – BEST LUXURY BUSINESS HOTEL VOYAGE BEST HOTEL & RESORT VALUE AWARDS 2017 – BEST LUXURY HOTEL

No.5016 Shennan Road East, Luohu District Shenzhen, Guangdong 518001 China T. (86)(755) 8308 8888 stregis.shenzhen@stregis.com stregis.com/shenzhen 290 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym 49

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Singapore ASK US ABOUT A bespoke fragrance by Fragrance Du Bois. The perfumier will guide guests on a journey to uncover their personal story and translate it into a scent, capturing a memory.

An atelier appointment with Kevin Seah. Have a made-to-order shirt designed and made exclusively for you from a selection of the finest cotton in the world, and shipped to your home, anywhere in the world.

Curated tours. A personal tour guide will take you around the garden city, allowing you to explore your personal points of interest.

A Specialty Suite; the Tropical Spa pool

The “Art of Living” tour: aficionados can enjoy an interactive tour conducted by the St. Regis Butler, who will share the hotel’s exceptional art collection and provide insights into the works of some of the world’s most celebrated artists.

Situated at the heart of the city’s shopping district, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Singapore Botanic Gardens on your doorstep, The St. Regis Singapore is the ideal residence for the discerning luxury traveler. The hotel is close to the financial district, the world-class shopping on Orchard Road and Dempsey Hill, a revitalized colonial neighborhood with restaurants, clubs, bars, boutiques and antiques stores. The nearby National Gallery Singapore is open to the public after 10 years in the making, as is the offshore Coney Island Park with its exotic flora and fauna. The St. Regis Singapore has one of Asia’s finest private art collections, with works by Miró, Chagall and Fernando Botero, and it was named as one of the best hotels in the world in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2018. The list highlights hotels in over six continents and 54 countries. We are the only Marriott International hotel in Singapore to be awarded the accolade, one of only two hotels in Singapore, and also one of the two St. Regis hotels in the world to be featured.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Singapore Botanic Gardens offers an exciting array of attractions. Children will be delighted by the Tree House and Waterplay Area. This experience includes a two-hour tour, roundtrip transportation and a picnic lunch. Guests can capture the special moments of their time in the city with a personal photographer. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

CONDE NAST TRAVELER GOLD LIST 2018; CONDE NAST TRAVELER READER’S CHOICE AWARDS 2017 THE SINGAPORE TOURISM AWARDS 2016 FOR BEST HOTEL EXPERIENCE

29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911 T. (65) 6506 6888 stregis.singapore@stregis.com stregis.com/singapore 299 guest rooms and suites; 4 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym; tennis 50

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Tianjin ASK US ABOUT A private men’s shopping experience at shoemaker Berluti.

Learn which shoe styles and shapes are best for you from a dedicated Berluti expert, and master Berluti’s glaçage polishing technique while enjoying a glass of champagne.

The Tianjin Eye is a spectacular observation wheel dramatically situated on the Yongle Bridge.

Enjoy views of the city from a height of up to 394 feet.

Tianjin’s Food Street is the biggest food emporium in China, where you can savor dishes with the flavors of eight Chinese cuisines.

The hotel’s spectacular exterior – part of the city’s march skywards; a Grand Deluxe Room with a river view

China’s fourth-largest city, the coastal metropolis of Tianjin has a fascinating history as the entry point for foreigners visiting and trading with Beijing and the rest of northern China. The European-style houses of the French and German concessions add a dash of grandeur to the metropolis, and original turn-of-thecentury architecture can still be seen in the Wudadao district. The hotel is opposite the glittering Riverside 66 shopping mall, home to 400 renowned international brands. Many rooms have stunning river views, but if it’s a special trip, book the Presidential Suite, which has Chinese antiques, its own dining room and whirlpool bath. Also try the Xi He Ya Yuan Peking Duck restaurant on the second floor of The St. Regis Tianjin, which continues to build upon our unique Modern Chinese culinary concept, while introducing more Chinese creations, such as our classical interpretation of Peking Duck.

Xiang Sheng translates as “crosstalk” and is a dialogue between two comedians. It is one of China’s most popular performing arts, typically spoken in the Tianjin dialect. A booking service is available through your butler.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Taste of China tour.

Experience the flavors and heritage of Tianjin as locals guide you along the famed Nanshi Food Street, home to over one hundred restaurants. Sample a variety of dishes and visit a famous snack shop where you and your children can help the chefs make Goubuli meat stuffed buns. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

TRIPADVISOR, CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2017 BEST HOTEL (LUXURY) AT 7TH ANNUAL CHINA HOTEL AWARDS - LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

158 Zhangzizhong Road, Heping District Tianjin, Tianjin 300041, China T. (86) (22) 5830 9999 stregis.tianjin@stregis.com stregis.com/tianjin 274 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; gym 51

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: ASIA PACIFIC

The St. Regis Zhuhai ASK US ABOUT The Fisher Girl. Zhuhai’s landmark statue is based on the legend of a fairy maiden, daughter of the Dragon King of the South China Sea, who was so bewitched by the beauty of Xianglu Bay, she chose to descend to earth, disguising herself as a fisher girl.

New Yuanming Palace. Located at the foot of the Lanpu Dashilin mountain in Zhuhai, the New Yuanming Palace is charming reproduction of Beijing’s beautiful imperial Yuanming Palace, one of the favorite gardens of Qing dynasty emperors.

A day trip to Shijing Mountain Park. Famed for its rugged, rocky landscape, Shinjing Mountain boasts unrivaled views of the city of Zhuhai, the South China Sea and its many islands.

The Iridium Spa; Essenze restaurant serves organic modern Italian cuisine

Situated on the western bank of the Pearl River Estuary in China’s southern Guangdong Province, Zhuhai is the gateway to Macau and one of the country’s most cherished destinations. Overlooking Zhuhai’s central business district, The St. Regis Zhuhai is located just minutes from the city’s most iconic attractions: the wonderful recreation of Yuanming Palace, the famous Fisher Girl statue, and the stunning vistas of Lover’s Road.

The hotel inhabits the top floors of the city’s tallest building, offering exceptional waterfront views to complement the fantastic dining options: Hai Yan is the opulent address for modern Cantonese fine dining at Guangdong’s highest culinary level, while First Dining Saloon draws inspiration from the first-class dining salons traditionally reserved for the wealthy in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The St. Regis Bar exudes an aura of sophistication and elegance with classic jazz music, St. Regis signature Bloody Mary cocktails and afternoon tea. Essenze, meanwhile, delights diners with organic, modern Italian fare on the rooftop of the 71st floor, while the Sky bar serves the city’s finest cocktails along with a fine selection of wines, champagnes and light appetizers.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom.

One of the largest marine theme parks in the world – explore the underwater world and see whale sharks, dolphins and beluga whales in the huge aquarium, then enjoy thrilling roller coaster rides.

DEBUTS MAY 2018

N0. 1663, Yinwan Road, Wanzai, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China T. (86)(756) 2999 888 stregis.zhuhai@stregis.com stregis.com/zhuhai 251 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; indoor and outdoor pools; Iridium spa; St. Regis athletic club 52

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Astana ASK US ABOUT The Presidential Cultural Center.

See outstanding collections of Kazakh jewelry; the art of goldmaking; replicas from Scythian burial mounds at Berel and the Issyk burial mound, replicas of the “Golden Man” and the “second Golden Man”; and a bejeweled replica of a horse from the Berel tomb.

Atameken. Located a few steps from The St. Regis Astana, you can take a fascinating 200m-long walk around a country map with models of major buildings.

The arrival yurt; a Deluxe room

Introducing a new level of glamour to Kazakhstan, The St. Regis Astana can be found close to Bayterek Tower, at the most prestigious address in the capital, Central Park. Just 15km from the airport, the hotel echoes the refined Kazakh elegance with a bespoke service. It is close to the Presidential Cultural Center, where you can see outstanding collections of Kazakh jewelry, and the Issyk burial mound (where the Golden Man was found in 1969). In the hotel, a sumptuous Presidential Suite includes a drawing room, library, wine vault, a spectacular outdoor terrace and dining table for eight. The Grand Staircase harks back to the glamour of the private mansion of the hotel’s founding family, the Astors. The hotel embraces an epicurean world of celebrated local and international cuisine, with The Grill restaurant, La Rivière restaurant and The St. Regis Bar. The Iridium Spa, which includes an indoor swimming pool, offers guests a refuge to refresh the senses throughout their stay.

Bayterek Monument. Nurzhol Bulvar’s centerpiece is the 97m-high monument – a latticed tower crowned by a glass orb. This embodies a Kazakh legend in which the mythical bird Samruk lays a golden egg containing the secrets of human happiness in a poplar tree, beyond human reach. A lift glides visitors up inside the egg, where you can enjoy expansive views and place your hand in a print of President Nazarbayev’s palm.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: The Children’s Club at The St. Regis Astana offers an exciting schedule of activities for children aged 5-12 years. Children’s masterclasses with Executive Chef Oreste Mancini. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

SABRE SECURITY CERTIFICATION: THE FIRST HOTEL DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORLD TO BE AWARDED CERTIFICATION BY LPCB

1 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, Kazakhstan T. (7) 7172 790 888 astana.butler@stregis.com stregis.com/astana 120 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; indoor pool; Iridium spa; gym; children’s club 53

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Florence ASK US ABOUT A private visit to the laboratory and shop of renowned parfumier Aquaflor, including a chance to create a unique fragrance.

Ferrari driving experience in Tuscany. A wonderful tour through the Chianti hills.

Florence by bike is an experience not to be missed. Discover the city’s magical sites, then stop and enjoy a St. Regis picnic hamper specially prepared for you.

Uffizi Gallery Museum – hosting works of art by great Italian artists such as Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello.

The Duomo and the rooftops of Florence; the Presidential Suite

A palazzo designed in 1432 by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, The St. Regis Florence was converted into a hotel in the mid-1800s. When Queen Victoria took a Grand Tour, she stayed here. Now there’s a designer suite by Italian luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta, and the hotel spa is collaborating with luxury cosmetics brand My Blend by Clarins. The Michelinstarred Winter Garden by Caino restaurant has a 19th-century illuminated colored-glass ceiling; and in keeping with the Tuscan capital’s Renaissance heritage, there are classic frescoes and antiques throughout the building. Florence is a compact and, in the right season, relaxing city. After you’ve seen the world-class Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia, make the most of the hotel’s location on the Piazza Ognissanti in the city’s historical heart: order an aperitivo, and sit back and watch as dusk falls over the city’s churches, hills and belltowers.

Old Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. Said to be the oldest extant pharmacy in the world. Established in 1221 by the Dominicans, it is still dispensing prescriptions today.

St. Regis Spa My Blend by Clarins offers an individual treatment for your skin. In addition there are new high tech treatments available for your personalized skin care.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Renaissance Discovery.

Unearth history with an interactive, immersive tour of the Palazzo Vecchio. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

TRIVAGO NATIONAL AWARD 2018 GAMBERO ROSSO 2018: WINTER GARDEN BAR LISTED AMONG ITALY’S BEST BARS

Piazza Ognissanti 1, Florence 50123, Italy T. 0039 055 27161 stregisflorence@stregis.com stregis.com/florence 99 guest rooms and suites; 1 restaurant and bar; spa; gym 54

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Istanbul ASK US ABOUT A shopping trip to Harvey Nichols.

Enjoy a trip to the world-famous fashion store’s Istanbul outpost, with VIP transfers and personal styling service from the store’s personal shopping experts.

A shopping trip to the new Galeries Lafayette – the luxury chain featuring collections from prestigious designers worldwide.

Your special discount at luxury boutiques. The St. Regis Istanbul guest benefits from discounts on purchases at leading stores such as Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Two views of the luxurious Cosmopolitan Suite

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: A private city tour led by a local writer, ending with a boat tour on Haliç Creek and great views of the Old City. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

Istanbul has long been the place where Europe and Asia met and exchanged goods, philosophies, cultures and credos. In the past decade, it has become a confident, modern city and has witnessed booms in the art scene, in the quality and range of its nightlife, and in business. Ancient meets modern with confidence in this metropolis, and at The St. Regis Istanbul. Once you’ve ticked off traditional landmarks including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, explore modern must-sees such as contemporary art at Istanbul Modern and Galerie Nev, hip fashion boutiques in Cihangir or nightlife in Ortakoy or Beyoglu. The St. Regis Istanbul’s neighborhood of Sisli is a quiet one adjoining bustling Beyoglu, so you get the best of both worlds.

For the highest luxury, our custom one-bedroom Bentley Suite surrounds you with walls of curved veneer and sumptuous leather fittings, inspired by the seductive interior of the Bentley Continental.

BEST CITY HOTEL, WORLD TOURISM AWARD 2017 ROBB REPORT BEST OF THE BEST 2015

Mim Kemal Oke Cad. N° 35, Nisantasi, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey T. (90)(212) 368 0000 stregis.istanbul@stregis.com stregis.com/istanbul 118 guest rooms and suites; 3 restaurants and bars; spa; gym 55

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort ASK US ABOUT Shopping in Mallorca. You’ll find charming boutiques and fascinating workshops in every corner of the island. Mallorca also boasts a number of brands that are making their mark on Spanish and even global fashion, such as Carmen March, Cortana and José Miró.

Royal Marivent Palace, where the king and queen of Spain reside when they visit Mallorca.

The Sóller Railway. Enjoy the best excursion on the island on the gleaming wooden narrow-gauge Palma to Sóller train. The spectacular route runs across the natural barrier of the Sierra de Alfabia mountain range. The railway rises up 199 meters, crosses several bridges and the five-arched “cinc-ponts” viaduct.

A luxurious bedroom; the outdoor pool of the Arabella Spa

All the pleasures and treasures of the Western Mediterranean can be found in Mallorca, the main island of the Balearics. The stunning beaches get a lot of attention, but inland are olive groves and vineyards, mountains and rural mansions, cozy old restaurants and tourist-free towns and villages. In the island’s southwestern corner on Costa d’en Blanes are turquoise waters and a sense of being apart from the hubbub. This is where you’ll find The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, whose guest rooms were newly designed and remodeled in winter 2017-2018. It is a lovely hideaway and the perfect base for exploring the best of the island. The Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine has been extended, the spa’s product lines now include NIANCE and Maria Galland, a Mimo gourmet shop is part of the hotel’s facilities and Miguel Navarro, chef of the Es Fum restaurant, has reconfirmed his Michelin star for 2018. Continue your stay with a session on the wooden yoga platform, which has a tranquil sea view.

Golf in Mallorca: 23 top-quality courses – mostly 18-hole – all a short distance from each other, offer enthusiasts the opportunity to play the game in a variety of settings during their stay on the island.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: the Tramuntana Mountains, close to the hotel, are one of Mallorca’s greatest natural assets and a World Heritage Site. Walks to suit all take place in this exquisite landscape. Learn more at stregis.com/ familytraditions

RESTAURANT ES FUM HAS HELD A MICHELIN STAR SINCE 2011

Carretera Palma – Andratx 19, Costa d’en Blanes, Mallorca 07181, Spain T. (34)(971) 629629 info.mardavall@stregis.com stregis.com/mallorca 125 guest rooms and suites; 4 restaurants and bars; spa; pool; beach; gym; private jetty; children’s club 56

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya ASK US ABOUT A unique signature treatment created by Thalgo exclusively for the Iridium Spa: an exceptional radiance age-prevention ritual including a St. Regis afternoon tea ceremony.

Private golf class at Moscow City Golf Club with all the necessary equipment and a personal instructor.

Travel in style in a Bentley Flying Spur. We are delighted to offer guests the chance to discover Moscow in the impeccable surroundings of a Bentley Flying Spur, which can also be provided for airport/railway transfers.

The Orlov Lobby Lounge; the Rooftop Hall and terrace

One of the world’s greatest cities, Moscow is a powerhouse of business, culture and tourism. Situated in the historic center of the Russian capital, within easy walking distance of the celebrated Bolshoi Theater and the Kremlin, you’ll find The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya. A stone’s throw also from major business centers and the Duma – Russia’s parliament – the hotel’s business center provides outstanding conference facilities and responsive service for business travelers. For leisure travelers, the hotel promises a heady mix of high culture and world-class retail in the boutiques of Nikolskaya Plaza, the city’s new luxury shopping destination. For dining, guests can choose between Orlov Lobby Bar and Lounge and Osteria A Tavola, a delightful contemporary Italian restaurant.

Moscow Cinema. First opened in 1936, this is a true cultural icon for Muscovites. Any suite guest at The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya is invited to attend a performance at this luxurious cinema with their family.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Painting for kids. In keeping with our mission to celebrate the art of play, children of guests are given a traditional wooden Russian Matryoshka doll to paint. Brushes and paints are provided. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

#1 BUSINESS HOTEL, CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER HOT LIST, 2015

Nikolskaya Street 12, Moscow, 109012, Russian Federation T. (7)(495) 967 7776 moscow@stregis.com stregis.com/moscow 210 guest rooms and suites; 5 restaurants and bars; pool; spa; fitness center 57

THE ST. REGIS ATLAS: EUROPE

The St. Regis Rome ASK US ABOUT Pizza making. This workshop, in a traditional Roman pizzeria, gives the opportunity to learn how to make fresh home-made pizza.

Finger’s Roma. A new Japanese/ Brazilian sushi restaurant opened near Piazza del Popolo by chef Roberto Okabe.

La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty). Paolo Sorrentino’s homage to the Eternal City won the 2014 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Take a tour of the timeless landmarks photographed in the movie.

The main lobby of The St. Regis Rome; the Library

For history, beauty, style, culture and romance, Rome has few rivals, with ancient palaces, temples, churches and monuments sitting alongside the contemporary attractions of a modern European capital. Such a city deserves a hotel of classical proportions, and The St. Regis Rome, built beside the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, more than lives up to those expectations. Rome’s first grand hotel, this palazzo was opened by celebrated hotelier César Ritz in 1894, and it retains its majesty in the life of this great city. The hotel, with its luxurious interiors, beautiful ballroom, chandeliers and hand-painted frescoes, is eager to embrace a new era of glamour thanks to an ongoing full-scale renovation. Light, reflectivity and refinement are the keynotes of the new design scheme with the lobby and public areas uplifted by an abundance of natural light falling upon the cream, white, powder-blue and dovegray backdrop throughout. The social heart of the hotel is the Cælum Bar, where fashion and art converge in the light-filled piazza reminiscent of a winter garden.

Behind Palatial Doors. This tour provides an intimate peek into Rome’s past, inviting guests into amazing palaces that are closed to the public. See masterpieces by artists such as Bronzino, Ghirlandaio and Tintoretto.

Family Traditions at St. Regis program: Myths and Heroes.

Discover the richness of Greek and Roman mythology with a fun-filled journey through the Capitoline Museums, led by a guide retelling these classic stories. Ice-cream making: learn the art of authentic gelato with Gelateria Fatamorgana.

The owner will teach families how to make perfect, delicious gelato using only seasonal fruits and fresh ingredients. Learn more at stregis.com/familytraditions

TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2017 CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READER’S CHOICE AWARD 2017

Via Vittorio E. Orlando 3, Rome 00185, Italy T. (39)(06) 47091 stregisgrandrome@stregis.com stregisrome.com 160 guest rooms and suites; 2 restaurants and bars; spa 58

Discover the Upcoming St. Regis Hotels & Resorts AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

The St. Regis Amman

Opening 2018

The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm

Opening 2018

The St. Regis Kanai Resort

Opening 2018

The St. Regis Nanjing

Opening 2018

The St. Regis Quingshui Bay Resort (Sanya)

Opening 2018

The St. Regis Lijiang Resort

Opening 2018

ASIA PACIFIC

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ISS UE 11