Unlock the secrets to luxury travel without breaking the bank! Imagine sipping cocktails on a pristine beach, lounging in a five-star hotel, or jetting off to exotic destinations—all paid for with credit card points. Discover the travel hack that savvy jet-setters swear by.
EARLY ACCESS: This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of Bon Vie.
If you're anything like our team, you try to avoid checking a bag whenever possible. Paring your travel ensembles down to a set of well-selected essentials makes getting to your destination stress-free one step easier.
In this guide, we share expert tips on creating the perfect capsule wardrobe for jet-setting adventurers who refuse to compromise on style.
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Issue: Winter 2024 | Author: Ilena Banks | Photography: Ilena Banks
After 7 months of full time exploration, a few lessons have stuck with me. I've gone trekking up mountains with strangers and broken bread with men who had never met an American. I've found solidarity with my fellow countrymen abroad, and been saddened by anti-black sentiment. Every single experience has been worth it, and made me more myself.
Now, I didn’t set off on my travels because of a bad breakup or my life falling apart - this isn’t Eat, Pray, Love. I’m the girl who’d always wanted to lose myself in a “foreign” land. My dream was hopping from place to place and making friends along the way.
If you dream of faraway lands and spiritual experiences a million miles from home, all those dreams are possible for you. In the meantime, read on to discover seven life lessons I’ve learned as a long-term traveler.
We all like to believe we “live in the moment” and are present for the things that matter. The truth is, life is what happens while we’re making other plans. We spend so much time preoccupied with what’s wrong - and what’s to come - that the magic of the present moment passes us by.
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That is the spirit of the St. Regis Hotel Bangkok.
I decided to pay them a visit to celebrate my most recent birthday. The location, staff, and amenities did not disappoint.
Located in the Siam area of the sprawling Bangkok metropolis, the St. Regis offers stunning vistas of this incredible city. Its proximity to the famous Lumphini Park offers views and access to a marvelous green space less than a 5-minute walk from your room.
AN EFFERVESCENT WELCOME
When entering the property, your senses are delighted by the expansive foyer and sumptuous furnishings. Fresh flowers catch the eye, followed by the wow factor of the St. Regis’s signature fragrance, Caroline’s Four Hundred. The gourmet bakery kiosk to the left is a welcome surprise. You’ll find its case filled with delicious looking bite-sized treats.
A team member joins you at the entrance and makes his or her introduction. They will guide you to the reception area, where specialists like Li beckon you to sit and chat while they handle your check-in details.
After check-in, the Guest Services team offered me a seat in the hotel lounge because, they stated, “your room is ready, but the housekeeper needs a few moments to complete finishing touches.” I obliged, not knowing what touches they were working on. Five minutes later, the Concierge accompanied me to my room.
THE IN-ROOM EXPERIENCE
Each room is well-appointed, with comfortable seating, workspace, and plush linens. The decor is a modern interpretation of the details of the first St Regis, which opened in New York in 1904.
Great attention is dedicated to your comfort, from the warm, neutral tones used in the space to the 24-hour butler service.
IT’S IN THE DETAILS
My room had been decorated in white and gold balloons (my signature colors) and an array of fresh fruit and desserts awaited me. Though I hadn’t mentioned the reason for my stay, the AmEx Platinum concierge had called ahead to arrange a vegan and gluten-free tea service for me.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Somehow, the message had been passed to the entire staff that I was celebrating my birthday. Every detail of my stay – from my room with its stunning view, to my afternoon tea and on-site dinner, felt extra special.
The St. Regis Bangkok does not normally offer a vegan or gluten-free tea service. When my Concierge contacted them, they enthusiastically agreed to host me for me special day. They created a lovely selection of offerings for my tea tray, all of which met my dining requirements.
LITTLE DELIGHTS
The property boasts a wide array of amenities to cater to the tastes of any guest.
From the Clinique La Prairie Spa, to the outdoor pool with its cityscape view, there’s is lots to enjoy.
Dining on the premises includes the Michelin starred IGNIV restaurant, omakase at Sushi Kishin, and several other venues offering a variety of cuisine.
A highlight of evenings at St. Regis hotels is the nightly champagne sabering.
Grab your glass and take in the view before setting out for the night.
THE VERDICT
When visiting a 5-star hotel, it’s the fine details that set a property apart from its competitors. Does the staff remember your name? Is the service anticipatory? Is the property well-appointed, with stylish flourishes and quality amenities throughout?
St. Regis Bangkok meets the mark in every area. From its spacious guestrooms to the butler service & tea before bed, every thought is set to guest comfort and ease.
Throughout your stay, you’ll find little moments that delight the senses – like the life-sized St. Regis teddy bear nestled near the elevators on the main floor, or taking in the view with a glass of champagne at sunset.
With its exceptional service and quality guest experience, the St. Regis is an excellent choice for your next visit to Bangkok.
5 out of 5 stars.
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