Q Magazine - Summer 2018

8 I f John Jacob Astor IV, possibly one of the wealthiest men at the turn of the 20th century, had not gone down in 1912 with the Titanic he may well have gone on to build more superb hotels like the quintessential St. Regis in New York City (opened in 1904), but thankfully his exacting standards of service and discretion remain the cornerstones of one of the world’s most admired, luxury hotel brands. He would also have appreciated, as something of an inventor (he designed an early form of air conditioning for the St. Regis New York), some of themodern innovations that add to the experience of staying in today’s collection of 45 St. Regis properties worldwide. He would certainly be gratifiedwith the continuing incorporation of the signature St. Regis butler service and the enshrined values of complete discretion. From splendid city hotels to exclusive resorts St. Regis are to be found at some of the world’s most impressive locations, whether it be the tropical dreamscape of Bora Bora lagoon or the gilded halls of a period residence in Florence the architecture is always striking and in various instances as with the St. Regis Shenzhen, China, a statement of cutting-edge modern innovation. To stay at a St. Regis property is to appreciate aworldof privilege, where the opportunity to experience time-honoured rituals like afternoon tea, the hotel’s signature aperitif (1934) - a Bloody Mary, or to have your champagnebottle openedwith a sword (Sabrage) are refinements from a much storied history and of a story of excellence that will continue throughmaintaining tradition alongside modern innovation. A Story of Excellence St. Regis maintains the exacting standards of its illustrious founder The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Astute in the artistry of service, the St. Regis Butler ensures that a guest’s unique preferences are known and understood in every detail. From a forgotten travel item to a perfectly ironed suit ready for an important meeting, no request is too small or unattainable no matter the hour of the day. The St. Regis Butler