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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/62822
ON THE SCENE Touched By St. Regis See why the luxury resort stands in a class of its own Words by Martin Haro An extra touch of glitz and glamour enveloped the already-posh Bal Harbour area of Miami when the St. Regis Bal Harbour finally opened its doors in the spring. The gorgeous resort – located on Collins Avenue right across the street from the exclusive and famed Bal Harbour Shops – was well worth the wait (it had been in the works for a bit). With its more than 240 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all of which feature stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean (rates start at $850 and go up to $4,200 for a two-bedroom suite, while the sumptuous 2,800-square-foot Presidential Suite goes for a cool $10,000 a night), the St. Regis promises to class up the already- classy island village. Just ask St. Regis Connoisseur Jason Wu, who was on hand for the hotel's debut celebration in March (as was fashionista Mary Alice Stephenson, and newsman Wolf Blitzer, and that hot polo player Nacho Figueras). "I think this is going to be such a rejuvenation of the Bal Harbour scene," the 36 MIAMI LIVING fashion designer best known for creating Michelle Obama's inauguration dress said. "St. Regis redefines the concept of luxury hospitality. The hotel's grown up and it's not gaudy. It is everything for this area. It's so chic. Btw, the property also features The Residences at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, 255 luxury beachfront condos with a 24-hour attended lobby, resident-only swimming pools, and access to the resort's many amenities. These include the indulgent and serene Remède Spa and Jean-George Vongerichten's J&G Grill. But let's focus on the resort. Going back to what Wu said, "grown up" is definitely an accurate description for the St. Regis. This 28th worldwide outpost is just the latest to carry out the commitment-to-excellence St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV must have envisioned when the first St. Regis opened in New York City more than a century ago. (Plans are underway for properties in Cairo, Florence, and Doha to join a portfolio that already includes Atlanta, San Francisco, Beijing, Bora Bora, and Singapore.) From the moment you walk in, it's easy to give and want nothing more than to cozy up to that ol' friend they call luxury and sit (comfortably) on her lap. Designed by the New York-and-Toronto- based Yabu Pushelberg firm, the hotel's interior décor tips its stylish hat to the Magic City's signature Art Deco style and propels it to the 21st century. That beyond-amazing sculpture that welcomes guests as soon as they set foot into the lobby, that's Inigo Manglano-Ovalle's "Cloud Prototype No. 4," a captivating silver cloud suspended from the ceiling. It's a dream…evocatively classic, yet modern. It's major. The interiors also feature an art collection by local and international artists whose work was chosen for their intriguing and conversation-sparking qualities. The selection is quite impressive, and you will be talking about it.