Hotel Review: The St Regis Bangkok puts the magic of Thai hospitality at its heart

My stay in the Caroline Astor Suite was nothing short of exceptional. Spacious to say the least, the suite boasts a separate living and dining area, marble-clad bathroom and plush bedding. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only flood the suite with natural light but also offer panoramic views of the cityscape—a privilege afforded by the suite’s corner location.

The experience was elevated with impeccable butler service. From the thoughtful evening turndowns to the newspaper deliveries upon request, every detail was meticulously attended to. The butler service also includes convenient unpacking and packing assistance—while I did not opt for this experience, it’s definitely one I’ll keep in mind for my next visit.

Upon returning to the suite in the evening, I was warmly welcomed by a personalised note from my butler, who not only extended a warm welcome to the city but also presented me with local flavours of Mama instant noodles, a delightful personal touch.

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Along with an expansive pool surrounded by stunning tropical landscape and a glass-fronted gym decked in TechnoGym equipment, the property also boasts the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. The hub offers an extensive selection of treatments, all of which are curated by a team of experts in hopes of revolutionising health and wellbeing—think oxygen therapy, hot stone massages and Emsculpt. The latter is a non-invasive body sculpting treatment where high-intensity electromagnetic pulses force muscular contractions to help burn fat and build muscle.

The experience begins with a personalised assessment that evaluates metabolic health, energy, immune health, beauty and detox through questionnaires, screenings and scans. The result is an ultra-personalised plan that promotes your well-being. Following the assessment, you’ll meet medical experts who will recommend treatments according to your needs. 

As night fell, I was excited to visit the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Igniv Bangkok by Andreas Caminada, located on the first floor of the property. Stepping into the restaurant, my eyes were immediately drawn to the bright neon blue lights spelling out ‘fake’. I was told that the sign serves as a reminder for the restaurant to stay true to its beliefs and culinary philosophy.

The experience begins with welcome snacks at the kitchen counter, allowing guests to interact with head chef Arne Riehn and his team before being led to a table for the rest of the meal. I got to experience the restaurant’s latest Spring menu, comprising four courses presented through 19 sharing plates, designed to be savoured by two. The innovative menu pairs European spring vegetables with local ingredients. For example, its eggplant dish is paired with earthy Trang pepper and mole. The meal ends with a visit to the restaurant’s ‘candy store’, a lavish table filled with bite-sized sweet treats from candles to fruit jellies. Here, I got to take my pick of treats to enjoy back in my room.

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Early the next morning, I rose with my stomach still full from the dinner the night before. But I wasn’t about to miss breakfast at Viu—after all, I was told that there was a glorious spread I couldn’t miss. Living up to expectations, the restaurant’s breakfast selection was extensive, offering a wide range of local and international cuisine, including a mango sticky rice cart, a noodle station, ten different types of cow and goat cheese, and more. Its pad Thai omelet was a favourite. Inspired by the Thai classic dish, the savoury omelette is stuffed with dried shrimp, tofu and locally sourced blue crab meat.

A stay at The St Regis isn’t complete without experiencing one of its signature rituals, which have become an integral part of the brand’s heritage over the years. Two of these rituals stand out: the champagne sabering ceremony and the signature Bloody Mary cocktail.

The evening ritual of champagne sabering is an unforgettable experience. The ceremony echoes the grandeur of Napoleon Bonaparte’s battles, said to have been marked by opening bottles of bubbles with a sabre. Today, this ceremony marks the beginning of the evening at The St Regis properties.

The St Regis brand is also known for its Bloody Mary, a signature cocktail perfected by Fernand Petiot at The St Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934. At the Bangkok outpost, this classic drink is reimagined with a local flair. The innovative twist honours the original recipe while also celebrating the vibrant flavours of Thailand. Named the Siam Mary, the concoction presents an herbaceous twist with the addition of coriander, lemongrass, Thai chili, Thai basil and wasabi.

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