All the right touches

In a city where architectural aesthetics are often overlooked in favour of functionality, the newly opened The St. Regis Chengdu stands out like a beacon of modernity. A contemporary chandelier, hanging like a mighty stalactite in the cavernous double-height lobby, lies in full view through the floor-to-ceiling glass façade, and is particularly eye-catching at night. By day, the muted gleam of its bronze, champagne gold and glass exteriors beguiles passersby with its subtle sophistication.

Never over the top or garishly opulent, The St. Regis Chengdu is a world of light-handed elegance just a stone’s throw away from the historic Tianfu Square in the heart of the city. The hotel is a seamless blend of Art Deco detailing of the 1920s, traditional Sichuan accents and modern furnishings, offering a voguish, New York-influenced take on hospitality typical of the St. Regis brand and never before seen in Chengdu. DiLeonardo Design, an interior design firm headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, carries through a vision where grandiose features such as high ceilings and dramatic spiral stairs are toned down with sleek wood panelling, sculptural lighting and fluted stone walls. Midnight blue carpets, custom-made to feature the berries of Sichuan pepper blossoms, introduce colour and liveliness to the otherwise intimidating interiors and neatly separate the Great Hall’s waiting area from the nearby The Drawing Room, where you can nibble on light snacks and indulge in afternoon tea.

Excerpt from the March issue of epicure.