St Regis Atlanta: Amazing Aficionado Programs
I had a business trip to Atlanta a few weeks ago, and the thought of going there was anything but inspiring – well, until I got there. As I pulled up to the St. Regis in Buckhead (the Beverly Hills of the South), Jennifer Aniston was leaving, and as I checked in, Cindy Crawford was getting into the elevator. Wow, maybe Atlanta is cool after all!
I was trying to figure out what made this hotel a magnet for the rich and famous, then I took a peek at their list of Aficionado Programs. These are one-of-a-kind programs created by the hotel for guests who want more than a mint on their pillow.
With their Aficionado Programs, the St. Regis gives you an opportunity to live out a few of your fantasies:
For the Saber and Champagne Lover:
Much like a scene from a richly told love story, all you need for this romance is a rare bottle of Dom Perignon vintage 1995, a shiny saber, and a connoisseur of swordplay. The climactic scene is the sabering of champagne for you and your lucky guest. Dating back to Napoleon, the art of using a champagne saber is one of the most theatrical ways to serve sparkling wine. Perfect for all you ladies who love champagne. The wine director will tutor you in a private sabering lesson, and if all goes as planned, you’ll open your champagne. Then, they’ll present you with the White Gold Jeroboam, a precious combination of Dom Perignon 1995 and a three-liter bottle dipped entirely in white gold. Yes, only four bottles exist in the United States, and yours is waiting in Atlanta.
This package includes one night in deluxe accommodations, private sabering lessons for two, dinner for two at Paces 88 with wine pairings, and a presentation of the White Gold Jeroboam of 1995 Dom Perignon for $25,500 plus tax.
A Walk With Dali
One of the key exhibits at the High Museum in Atlanta right now through January 2011 is “Dali: The Late Work.” A museum docent guides you through a stunning collection of more than 40 paintings and film, sculptures and photographs – many of which have never been displayed publicly. After this surreal journey, you’ll savor a five-course menu with wine pairings at Paces 88 inspired by art, of course.
Includes a one-night stay in a St. Regis Suite for two with Bentley transfers, private High Museum Dali exhibit tour, and Paces 88 dinner. $2,100 plus tax. A 14-day advance reservation is required.
Always Wanted to Speed Without the Ticket?
First, you get whisked away in a 2010 Porsche Panamera from the St. Regis to a private helipad, where you’ll soar up in a helicopter filled with sumptuous gourmet treats from the Paces 88 chef de cuisine. After you’ve been whirled to Birmingham, Alabama, you’ll find yourself at the home of the Porsche Sport Driving School, and in the company of those super-sexy Porsches. Just imagine running your fingers along the beautiful wide wheel-arches and rear spoiler of the beautifully sleek 911 Turbo. But why just admire when you can get behind the wheel and receive a day of one-on-one instruction so you can step on that exhilarating accelerator for yourself? And just think, there are no police cars anywhere to be found there.
Includes a weekend stay in a Superior Room for two with helicopter ride, visit to Porsche Sport Driving School with instruction, and gourmet treats for $12,000 plus tax. A 45-day advance reservation is required.
Steal Away With a Style Icon
This is a great program for the man in your life. Sid Mashburn is the style concierge to consult if you aim to be “clothed and in your right mind.” From tailored business wear and sports outfits to dress shoes and luggage, Sid will assess your personality and suit your man up in the right style.
Includes one night in a St. Regis Suite, luxury transfer to Sid Mashburn, private consultation, champagne upon arrival, and dinner for two in your suite. An advance reservation of seven days is required.
How About a Master Class in Glass?
One of my favorite stops in Atlanta was the Fräbel Glass Studio. Hans Godo Fräbel’s masterpieces are the finest in hand-blown glass design, and many famous notables own a piece of his art – including every American president since Carter and yes, Oprah. An Atlanta fixture since 1968, it is in the celebrated Fräbel Glass Art Studio that his breakthrough “Hammer and Nails” pop-art sculpture and Absolut Vodka’s cavorting clowns came to life. After a private, in-suite consultation with Fräbel, you’ll travel together in a Bentley to a personally conducted tour of his domain. Examine the refined techniques of sandblasting and painting which produce Fräbel’s trademark optical illusions, before he designs a glass piece under your commission. Yes, you get to design something with the glass master! Back at the hotel, a copy of Fräbel: Reflections of Glass on Water and a dinner for two in Paces 88.
Starting at $677 plus tax. Includes a one-night stay in deluxe accommodations, transfers, dinner for two and valet parking. Cost of custom created glass piece not included in package price. A seven-day advance reservation is required.
A Behind the Scenes Special
I’ll admit, when I think of Atlanta, I don’t think of culture – Waffle House, yes, Nutcracker, no. But behold, Atlanta has a thriving performing-arts scene, and three of the leaders are the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet. Before your trip to the theater, you’ll indulge in an intimate dinner for two at Paces 88. Whatever venue you choose, you’ll go behind the scenes to tour the theater and visit the company following the performance. In support of the fine arts, 20 percent of your total hotel bill will be donated to the orchestra or ballet. Bravo!
Includes a two-night stay in a Superior Room for two with dinner, luxury transfers and two event tickets. $1,800 plus tax. A 14-day advance reservation is required.
After my stay in Atlanta I will definitely make it back, and not just for the fried okra and biscuits. Next time, I’ll make sure to bring my driving gloves and open mind.
For more details on the St. Regis Aficionado programs, click here.
St. Regis
88 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30305-2212
1-404-563-7900
