The St. Regis New York Celebrates 120 Years

The St. Regis New York Celebrates 120 Years with Stunning Renovation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 23, 2024

The St. Regis New York, one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels, is celebrating its 120th anniversary with the unveiling of a dramatic renovation. This milestone marks a new era of glamour and sophistication for the hotel, which has been a symbol of luxury since its founding in 1904. The extensive redesign, led by the renowned Champalimaud Design firm, has refreshed key public spaces, including the historic lobby, the legendary King Cole Bar, and two new dining outlets. The renovations blend the hotel’s rich Beaux-Arts architectural heritage with modern design elements, creating a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to today’s global travelers.

“We are thrilled to debut the exquisite renovation of our first St. Regis hotel and global flagship,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. “This anniversary is a significant milestone, reflecting our enduring legacy of luxury, personalized service, and contemporary elegance that has captivated guests around the world. As we honor our rich heritage, we remain deeply attuned to the desires of both our loyal guests and the next generation of luxury travelers, ensuring that every experience we offer is as extraordinary and bespoke as it is timeless.”

Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, The St. Regis New York quickly became the epicenter of Manhattan’s social life, attracting high society and elite figures. Astor’s vision was to create a hotel that rivaled the finest establishments in Europe, where his close friends and family could enjoy the opulence of a private residence. The hotel soon became the home of "Caroline's 400," an elite social circle named after Astor’s mother, Caroline Astor. Over the decades, The St. Regis has been a gathering place for some of the world’s most glamorous and creative personalities, including Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. It has also been the birthplace of cultural moments, such as the invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail and iconic jazz performances on the hotel’s rooftop.

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The recent renovations are a testament to the hotel’s ongoing commitment to luxury and innovation. The redesigned lobby now features restored original windows, dating back to the early 1900s, as well as a stunning stained-glass window inspired by the hotel’s original Tiffany design. The reception area has been transformed with a new color scheme, featuring light, neutral tones accented by bold pops of red, inspired by Caroline Astor’s favorite flower, the American Beauty Rose. The expanded lobby now includes a welcoming area with custom-designed wall coverings and luxurious furnishings, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication.

The renovation also introduces two new dining venues. The Drawing Room, located just off the lobby, offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience, with a color palette that echoes the vibrant tones of the King Cole Bar’s famous mural. Sumptuous velvet couches and plush armchairs invite guests to linger, while a collection of books from the original Astor Library adds a touch of history. La Maisonette, another new addition, offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a bright, airy space inspired by French design and the hotel’s original 1910s breakfast room. The King Cole Bar itself has been refreshed with new dark wood paneling and a deep green ceiling, while retaining the iconic Maxfield Parrish mural that has long been the bar’s centerpiece.

“The St. Regis New York has stood as a beacon for generations of global travelers looking to be in the center of Manhattan and surround themselves in the timeless allure that has defined the Fifth Avenue icon since its founding,” said General Manager Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu. “This renovation is a milestone moment for the cherished New York City icon as we present our masterfully redesigned public spaces in our 120th anniversary year.”

The design team at Champalimaud Design has brought new energy to the historic hotel, preserving its legacy while introducing contemporary touches. The space’s original chandeliers and crown moldings have been retained, while modern furnishings, rich textures, and a sophisticated color palette bring the hotel firmly into the 21st century. The result is an urban haven that pays homage to the hotel’s glamorous past while embracing the needs and desires of today’s luxury traveler.

Guests of The St. Regis New York can now enjoy the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, with the hotel’s updated public spaces offering a luxurious retreat in the heart of Manhattan.

Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort group, is set to welcome June with a vibrant month-long celebration of health and mindfulness across its properties in Vietnam and Thailand. Honouring Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21), Fusion's resorts will offer guests enriching wellness experiences, from beachside yoga to guided meditations and spa rituals.

The Fusionlife loyalty program enhances this celebration with exclusive perks on accommodation and dining. Guests can explore more about these wellness benefits at: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife.

Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

This resort begins its journey on June 14 with outdoor yoga and an evening painting meditation at Maia Spa, fostering mindfulness and creativity. On June 21, International Yoga Day will feature early morning yoga and meditation, followed by a blend of yoga and painting in the afternoon—creating a thoughtful balance of movement and reflection throughout the month.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Guests can enjoy a full day of activities on June 14, including tai chi on the beach, family yoga, detox sessions, and a kids' yoga class. The afternoon brings an organic hair conditioner workshop and chi nei tsang therapy. For International Yoga Day, the schedule includes surya namaskar by the ocean, vinyasa flow, nidra yoga, and more—designed to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Nestled in the Trường Sơn Mountains, this resort offers a nature-immersed experience. Global Wellness Day begins with a forest hike and meditation, followed by a joyful "nature dance" and a healing hot spring soak. On Yoga Day, guests are invited for sunrise yoga beneath trees and a tranquil evening sound healing session using singing bowls.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon & The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

The sister resorts are teaming up to offer a multi-day wellness retreat. Activities such as breath meditation, tai chi, qigong, and wellness workshops will take place in scenic venues, offering a deeply holistic wellness journey.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

The “A Touch of Peace” workshop on June 22 will feature yoga breathwork, a singing-bowl meditation, and a reflective journaling session. The experience is designed to leave guests feeling calm, aware, and renewed.

HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong

From June 9 to 15, guests can enjoy a complimentary perilla juice with any dish—a refreshing mix of perilla leaves, ginger, and orange—celebrating wellness in simple, flavourful ways.

GLOW Mira Karon Beach (Thailand)

A sunset yoga session by the beach, just steps from the ocean, will be held at this Phuket resort. Led by a professional coach, the experience is complemented by rejuvenating spa treatments and a tranquil setting, ideal for family-friendly wellness escapes.

This June, Fusion welcomes guests to reconnect with their inner selves, soak in natural beauty, and celebrate a mindful lifestyle, one moment at a time.

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Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2025

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) at the Panthers Precinct has entered a landmark partnership with Encore, a global leader in event technology and creative production, to serve as its in-house event production partner.

This collaboration comes on the heels of WSCC’s recent expansion, bringing its total event space to over 4,000 sqm, strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for business and tourism, especially with the Western Sydney International Airport set to open next year.

Encore’s involvement further raises the bar for the precinct, bringing in advanced AV and production equipment, particularly to upgraded spaces beyond the main 1,000-seat WSCC venue.

With access to AI-powered event technologies, bespoke production services, and the largest LED inventory in APAC, clients can expect seamless, immersive, and high-quality event experiences. The Encore team will work closely with WSCC’s planning teams to ensure every event is personalised and flawlessly executed.

Charles Young, General Manager of WSCC, stated,

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Partnerships, Encore APAC, added,

“Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue. We look forward to making a significant impact together.”

As Western Sydney continues to grow as a major events destination, this partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and premium service.