The St. Regis Jakarta, inheritor of a century-long legacy of luxury, offers more than just refined indulgence; it offers a journey into the soul of Indonesia. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, the hotel honours Indonesian traditions, weaving the vibrant threads of music and art into its very design. Upholding the brand’s legacy of timeless elegance and signature rituals, The St. Regis Jakarta reimagines urban comfort in the heart of Indonesia’s vibrant capital.
Speaking of location, we found The St. Regis Jakarta perfectly positioned in the city’s Golden Triangle. This dynamic district, stretching from Central to South Jakarta, is a hub of activity, with embassies, government offices, and high-end boutiques just steps away. And for those arriving from afar, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is just a smooth 45-minute drive away.
A story told in light, music, and glass
From the moment we arrived at The St. Regis Jakarta, we knew we were in for a treat. The porte cochere, with its intricate brass sun motifs, is a masterpiece in itself, hinting at the treasures within. It’s like Bill Bensley, the mastermind behind the design, bottled the thrill of discovery and poured it into the architecture!
Inside, interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud has created a space that celebrates Indonesian artistry. The black and white marble entryway opens to a mesmerising digital projection of indigenous flowers by the Bandung-based art collective Tromarama.
And for the pièce de résistance? Just before the nightly champagne sabering ceremony, the lobby’s ‘Sound of Light’ chandelier takes centre stage. Created by famed Czech glassmaker LASVIT, it features over a thousand pieces of Bohemian crystal that move and shimmer in sync with music composed by Indonesian musician Andi Rianto.
Inspired by the mountains of Java, the chandelier reflects The St. Regis Jakarta’s dedication to celebrating Indonesian culture. Even the music has a special meaning – the uplifting tune, ‘Cahayaku’, was written during the pandemic to inspire hope for the future. Every evening, this four-minute light and music show marks the start of turndown service, signaling that it’s time to relax and unwind.
Local touches in every detail
Each of the hotel’s 228 rooms and suites showcases Indonesian design, featuring elements like custom-made cushions with batik motifs by the late Iwan Tirta. These thoughtful touches are woven throughout the hotel. Descending the staircase to The St. Regis Bar, we paused to admire the iconic ‘Parang Batik’ motif embedded in the wall, a subtle yet striking detail.
The bar itself is an artwork. A vibrant mural by Eddy Susanto stretches across the wall, depicting Javanese shadow puppets caught in a lively jazz performance. But the cultural immersion doesn’t stop at the décor.
The bar’s cocktail menu features creative concoctions like the Batavia Mary, a quirky take on the classic Bloody Mary infused with Balinese rice wine and Indonesian spices. We highly recommend trying it alongside the crunchy rempeyek crackers! As dusk settled in, we savoured the Violet Hour and Flame of Love martinis, each perfectly crafted for a slow hour of transition between day and night.
Exploring the flavours of Indonesia
We started our exploration with a light lunch at the Rose Gourmand Deli, savouring fresh pastries and sandwiches. Later in the afternoon, we indulged in the St. Regis tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Tea Room, accompanied by the soothing tones of a live pianist.
On the one hand, we were charmed by Bel Étage, the hotel’s all-day dining venue. The design was spot-on, with warm colors like reds, oranges, and saffrons inspired by local Indonesian ingredients like persimmons and turmeric. It definitely had a welcoming feel. The menu at Bel Étage celebrates Indonesia’s multicultural heritage, featuring a diverse collection of dishes ranging from Indonesian classics to international favourites.
J.J.A. – named after John Jacob Astor – was a whole other experience. This intimate fine-dining restaurant had a tasting menu with incredible international dishes made with premium ingredients. The Lombok Burrata and the Canadian Lobster Fagottini were highlights of our meal, offering a combination of flavour and beautiful presentation.
And here’s an insider tip from us: Don’t miss the hotel’s spa. After three days of exploring Jakarta’s vibrant scene, we treated ourselves to a restorative treatment. The signature performance massage was absolute bliss, and we highly recommend it.
We left The St. Regis Jakarta feeling impressed by not only the delicious food and cocktails but also the beautiful way they’ve incorporated Indonesian culture into every detail. It’s an experience that will resonate long after you’ve departed, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Indonesia and a desire to return.
The St. Regis Jakarta
Address: Rajawali Place, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said No.4 Blok Kav. B, Kuningan, Setia Budi, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12910, Indonesia
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Read more travel stories here.
