St. Regis makes its debut in Malaysia

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is setting new standards of luxury and service in Malaysia, with the debut of two new hotels in the increasingly popular South East Asian destination.

The brand’s first Malaysian location, on the idyllic Langkawi islands, accepted its first guests on April 6, while a destination in the heart of the capital, dynamic Kuala Lumpur, is due to open on May 1.

Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for international tourism has increased significantly in recent years, arrivals in the country rising from around 15.7 million in 2004 to almost 27.5 million in 2014, according to government tourism statistics. Visitor spending is worth more than $20 billion, with the average time spent in the country being about one week. From 2013 to 2014, the number of hotel rooms grew by around 25 per cent year-on-year.

With its arrival in two of the country’s most desirable destinations, The St. Regis name will redefine luxury in Malaysia.

“Each of the two new locations brings a unique perspective to the brand values of The St. Regis, of quality, individuality, and absolute commitment to offering guests a bespoke experience,” said Charlie Dang. regional vice president for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Southeast Asia. “The St. Regis Langkawi Resort refines these into a boutique private escape, while The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur places guests at the heart of the bustling city, whether for pleasure or for business.”

Malaysia offers something exceptional, a thoroughly modern country that is the product of its diverse history, from Malay sultanates through to the architectural legacy of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras, and a community that brings together the best of several distinctive Asian cultures. Visitors are also captivated by the natural beauty of Malaysia, from lush jungle mountains to the pure white sand of its tropical beaches.

The unique nation is a melting pot of cultures – Malay, Chinese and Indian – with the advanced infrastructure that comes with a strong, diversified economy, a wealth of natural beauty, and a rich and distinctive Islamic heritage, all less than eight hours flying time from the main Arabian Gulf airports. It is little wonder that Malaysia has become a premier destination for Middle East visitors; close enough for a short break, but distinctive enough to refresh the senses.

Introducing The St. Regis Langkawi Resort

The St. Regis Langkawi is the first new luxury resort to open in the past decade in the renowned 99-island archipelago, the first Unesco Geopark in South East Asia. With the very highest levels of service, the destination is a masterpiece of architecture, landscape, and interior design; a paradise found and refined.

Set on its own tranquil private cove on Langkawi’s southern tip, The St. Regis Langkawi is composed of 89 distinctive suites, including four over-water villas and 20 private pool suites, with 600-m of white sandy, palm-fringed beach along the shore of a 10-hectare saltwater lagoon which flows seamlessly into the shimmering Andaman Sea.

Majestic Moorish-inspired architecture represents the pinnacle of elegance, exquisitely furnished with contemporary interior and fittings by internationally renowned companies – Gensler, GA Design, and Bensley Design Studio – thoughtfully accented by Middle Eastern details. Despite the air of splendid isolation, the resort is just a short drive from the island’s main town, Kuah.

“From the moment of their arrival, our guests are immersed in a dreamlike paradise of pure recreation and relaxation,” said Aali Ghufran, director of sales and marketing, The St. Regis Langkawi. “With The St. Regis Langkawi, we have created the sense of a private residential palace, nestled within the two rocky peninsulas that frame the shore. This is a private sanctuary, where an elite few can experience paradise amid stylish and privileged surroundings.”

Each of the suites at the beachfront resort offers a distinctive experience, private relaxation in harmony with nature, their terraces framed by sea or rainforest views. The over-water villas are swept by the essence of the sea air, their setting carefully composed so as to be awash with sunset at the twilight of each day – a majestic display of wonder for which the islands are famed. The Iridium Spa and The St. Regis Athletic Club provide opportunities for complete wellbeing and renewal.

Introducing The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will establish a new benchmark for five-star hospitality in Malaysia’s leading metropolis, with 208 gracefully appointed accommodations, its standard rooms are among the largest in the world at 63 sqm. Contemporary interiors incorporate thoughtful elements for convenience, privacy and security. The new address is in KL Sentral, close to the city’s transportation hubs and in one of its most prestigious neighborhoods, with Kuala Lumpur’s largest park – the Lake Gardens – and heritage landmarks such as the National Museum and House of Parliament close by.

“The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur aims to combine a very modern sense of glamour with old-world elegance, in the heart of one of Asia’s major cities,” said Anne Scott, General Manager, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. “This is a unique offering for the most discerning clientele, and we anticipate being the first choice for VIPs, captains of industry, and foreign government dignitaries when visiting Malaysia.”

As with all St. Regis hotels, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur creates a unique identity within the high standards of the brand. Luxurious design details include breath-taking Austrian crystals, stunning chandeliers, and hand-made gold tiles. Inspired by polo, the ‘sport of kings’, subtle details include horsehair leather panels, saddle stitch and stirrup motifs.

A private art collection is curated according to themes of finance and New York City, St. Regis rituals such as polo, and The Lake Gardens. The collection features works by Joan Miro, Terry O’Neil, and Andy Warhol. Special commissions include a monumental horse sculpture by Fernando Botero, leather murals by Mark Evans depicting a powerful polo charge, and a three dimensional birds-and-butterflies artwork by Barnaby Hosking, inspired by the leafy enclaves of Lake Gardens.

“Bespoke and original works of art are a distinctive element of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur experience,” said Scott. “The collection is curated as if in a gallery, rather than being what you would typically find in a hotel, even one at this high level. The artworks connect The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur to its surroundings, as well as to the heritage of the original St. Regis Hotel in New York.”

Beyond the luxurious and spacious standard rooms, deluxe and premium rooms boast a large dedicated seating area, and a walk-in wardrobe with abundant closet and luggage space. Each room has a vanity with ample lighting to ensure the perfect setting for flawless makeup, whether for a gala event or important business meeting. A study desk is equipped with HDMI media hub and international power sockets for ease of business. From the windows, guests can gaze out across magnificent views of the bustling city.

For VIP guests, the need for high-level security is built into the design. Specialty suites can be isolated from the rest of the hotel, with private access from the basement carpark, a dedicated room for a security detail at the entrance to the suite, and his and hers wardrobes and bathrooms. The Iridium Spa also features private rooms for discreet and personalised rejuvenation. The Screening Room can be used as a private cinema for up to 18 people, complete with popcorn, perfect for family entertainment.

Bespoke events are accommodated in the Grand Ballroom, where guests can immerse themselves in virtual reality with an impressive seamless LED video wall projection system that acts as a LED Digital Canvas, that reimagines creative spaces. The Grand Ballroom features a 13-m ceiling, the highest in Malaysia and stunning Austrian Crystal Chandeliers with crystal studs on the wall. In addition, there is a supersize lift, large enough for a car or an oversize exhibit that can be transported into the ballroom. A private area for guests of honour – such as The Salon for brides, and a lounge for families – makes The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur the perfect venue for any high-society occasion.

Food and beverage options within The St. Regis’ Malaysian destinations are tailored to the most discerning tastes.

Capturing the feeling of a grand home, The St. Regis Langkawi’s Drawing Room serves as a formal entertaining space to welcome guests; it opens out onto an expansive courtyard with wide vistas of the Andaman Sea. Kayuputi, the resort's Asian-influenced destination restaurant and bar, is conceptualised as a vintage beach house, evoking the relaxed glamour of the Malaysian Riviera from its perch over the lagoon.

L'Orangerie, the resort’s signature restaurant, evokes the design of a traditional European greenhouse for citrus trees. The restaurant showcases a potted orange tree at its center, an open kitchen, and extends to a wide courtyard terrace with panoramic vistas of the sea. An extension of all-day dining, the Gourmand Deli is a vibrant setting for social interactions and features a retail space with artisan items and bespoke gifts. The St. Regis Bar, with its stunning hand-carved wooden mural depicting the local Beringin (banyan) tree, provides guests with a rich atmosphere influenced by scenic views of the dense rainforest.

Guests who seek incomparable cuisine options will be spoilt for choice at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, with six distinctive dining and beverage options. The signature Brasserie offers a modern European café ambience during the day, transforming into seductive contemporary French dining for the evening.

The first restaurant in Malaysia by a three-star Michelin Chef, Taka by Sushi Saito is chef Saito-san’s first and only venture outside Tokyo. The restaurant serves his signature sushi including his famous anago sushi. Guests will also enjoy Malaysia’s first tempura specialist restaurant from Tokyo’s Ginza Tenkuni, which has been serving Edo-style tempura since 1885. The Drawing Room is a choice setting for the St. Regis Afternoon Tea, where signature tea rituals are guided by a tea sommelier. - TradeArabia News Service