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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.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (@stregishotels)
A post shared by St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (@stregishotels)
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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 22, 2025
Hilton has reached a major milestone in its luxury and lifestyle segment, now operating over 160 hotels across Asia Pacific. This growth reflects rising demand for unique, experience-driven stays, and the company plans to expand its portfolio by at least 50% in the coming years.
The expansion follows the recent launch of Motto by Hilton Hong Kong Soho, Hilton’s first lifestyle brand in the region. The hotel offers a connected experience with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, dynamic public areas, and locally inspired food and beverage offerings. Recent openings of Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Secan Hotel Qingdao, Curio Collection by Hilton, also highlight Hilton’s growing presence in the luxury and lifestyle segment.
“Asia Pacific continues to be an engine of growth for Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle brands. The appetite for distinctive, experience-led stays is stronger than ever, and Hilton is proud to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality in this vibrant region,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Hilton’s upcoming openings over the next 12 months include Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, Canopy by Hilton Shanghai Belfry Plaza, KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Nivata Koh Samui, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The first Waldorf Astoria in Indonesia will debut in Bali in 2027, while NoMad Singapore and Canopy by Hilton Makati in the Philippines are set for 2026.
“Hilton brands lead the industry in terms of rooms under construction in this region. In Asia Pacific, we are on track to double our presence of Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR Hotels & Resorts, debut NoMad and Signia by Hilton, and expand our lifestyle brands which are seeing surging interest from owners across the region,” said Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Long-term plans include seven new Waldorf Astoria properties in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Sydney, Xi’an, Tokyo, Delhi, and Bali. Conrad Hotels & Resorts will grow in Jaipur, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, Bangkok, and several Chinese cities. LXR Hotels & Resorts will debut in Bengaluru, Hiroshima, and Xi’an, while Signia by Hilton is set to launch in India. Curio Collection by Hilton will arrive in Bengaluru, Wuxi, and Langkawi, and Canopy by Hilton will open in Bangkok and Okinawa.
Hilton’s growth has been accelerated by acquiring a majority stake in Sydell Group to expand the NoMad brand and an exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, giving Hilton guests access to independent luxury properties globally.
With this momentum, Hilton has added over 100 future luxury and lifestyle hotels to its global development pipeline in 2025 and expects to launch three new luxury and lifestyle hotels per week, adding approximately 150 hotels to its global portfolio.
London-based design studio Shed has revealed an all-new design concept for Jollibee, one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands from the Philippines. Tasked with redefining the brand’s global restaurant experience, Shed’s approach brings together interior design, graphics, and signage to tell Jollibee’s story in a contemporary and engaging way.
As Jollibee continues its ambitious expansion across Asia, Europe, the US, and the UK, the brand sought a modern design language to elevate its iconic identity. The refreshed concept debuted in five new Hong Kong restaurants, marking the beginning of Jollibee’s next chapter in international dining.
At the core of Shed’s creative direction is a simple but powerful idea, “Put a smile at the heart of everything.” This philosophy guided every element of the new design, combining joy and sophistication in a way that appeals to all generations while staying true to Jollibee’s Filipino roots.
The design draws from Jollibee’s cheerful personality while adding a refined visual edge. By balancing fun with modernity, Shed created a distinctive global identity that feels fresh yet familiar. The interiors showcase layered materials, bespoke furniture, and bold graphic motifs, while the brand’s beloved Bee and Chickenjoy mascots appear as reimagined design features that add charm and recognition.
“Our goal wasn't just about creating an instantly ownable piece of design, it was to craft a distinctly new Jollibee experience that encapsulated the joy and warmth the brand represents,” said Matt Smith, co-founder of Shed. “The challenge was to ensure this joy resonated universally, expressed consistently across all design and brand touchpoints.”
He added, “In competitive global markets, the detail matters. It was important to bring together subtle iconic elements with bold playful touches. The aim was balance, making each space distinctive yet quirky and sophisticated.”
Carl Tan, Chairman of Jollibee Foods China, shared, “Every detail was thoughtfully aligned with the original strategy, culminating in a true celebration of the Jollibee spirit. The result is an environment we are deeply proud of, one that radiates warmth, vibrancy, and a sense of joy.”
With its thoughtful blend of heritage and innovation, Shed’s new design sets the tone for Jollibee’s global future, a brand that continues to spread joy, one restaurant at a time.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 21, 2025
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond luxury resort in Sunny Isles Beach, has unveiled its newest accommodation: the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite with Convertible Den. Designed by Isabel Tragash of STA Architectural Group, the suite offers a unique blend of residential comfort and Acqualina’s renowned service and amenities.
Located on the fifth floor of the resort, the 2,767-square-foot Villa Suite redefines the luxury hotel experience with its contemporary interiors, flexible layout, and expansive outdoor living spaces. The design embraces modern Mediterranean aesthetics, featuring curving silhouettes, muted color palettes, and dramatic uplighting, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication.
“The One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite represents a new chapter of luxury at Acqualina,” said Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner of Acqualina Resort & Residences. “Designed for both extended stays and intimate escapes, the Villa provides our guests with the feeling of a private residence while enjoying the impeccable service and amenities that have made Acqualina the most awarded beachfront resort in the United States.”
The suite features an open-concept layout with a gourmet kitchen equipped with Calacatta Oro marble countertops, Miele appliances, and a full backsplash. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and breakfast areas, adorned with custom-made furnishings, Italian-sourced pieces, and curated décor accents. Artistic touches include abstract artwork by Domenica Brockman, Innovations Pintuck wallpaper, and a Philip Jeffries Terra Tones accent wall, enhancing the suite’s elegant ambiance.
The primary bedroom is designed as a serene sanctuary, featuring a Pianca bed, Cattelan Italia nightstands, a curved upholstered sofa, and a dramatic crystal pendant light. The bathroom showcases Cosmos stone floors, onyx walls, expansive vanities, and premium fixtures by Dornbracht and Kohler.
A convertible den adds flexibility, transforming into a guest bedroom or private office with Italian-built millwork, a concealed queen-sized bed, and a dedicated bathroom.
One of the suite’s highlights is its two terraces, totaling nearly 900 square feet. The ocean-facing terrace, furnished with Harbour’s Victoria Collection, lush trees, and topiaries, offers an alfresco living experience, perfect for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or sophisticated entertaining.
With its meticulous design, high-end international brands, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite sets a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in South Florida, promising an unmatched residential-style retreat for guests seeking both elegance and comfort.
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