REGENT TAIPEI - Shine Bright Shine High

With more than three decades serving the world elite leaders and celebrities from around the globe, Regent Taipei has not stopped providing its utmost courteous hospitality and prestige accommodation to its many return guests and continues to shine bright and shine high with their mainly award winning dining experiences and elevated enhancements that you will never forget. mylifestylenews writes.

The modern metropolis of Taipei for the first timer is such a melting pot of diverse cuisines, architecture and culture that has the heritage of Chinese and Japanese influence. The skyline is dominated by the world renowned ruyi symbol shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper to the world stage of growing prosperity with unlimited exploration in this city. From drooling street food to its rich Oriental heritage and history as well as the glories of nature, Taiwanese warmest hospitality and welcoming culture sparks every visitor by blending themselves into the modern and civilized city lifestyle in no time.

When it comes to accommodation for a memorable vacation, it is equally important to choose the right hotel in the right location to get the most out of your stay. It is to be expected that there is a plethora of hotels to choose from, but if you wish to experience a hotel that has dominated the luxury scene for decades, the Regent Taipei has a lot to offer for you to bring home with some real good memories to share. Born in Hong Kong in the 1970s, Regent Hotels & Resorts has developed an iconic name in the global hospitality industry and become the world’s most admired hotel brand and for many years set the benchmark for 5-star hotels worldwide.

 

Opened in 1990, The Regent Taipei rapidly attained its premier status and it has always risen above the vicissitudes of taste and continued to provide timeless elegance without losing its traditional classy feel and sense of you being in a heritage place and has been a constant on the Taipei social scene for its understated approach to luxurious hospitality. Despite the hotel architectural design was built in a classic rectangular box shape from the exterior view that does not date and let’s be honest, a “mid-century” sleek minimalist design is all the rage and in a sense this hotel has withstood the test of time by being classic in outlook.

On entering the lobby, although there is a traditional sensibility with a touch of the Orient to the hotel’s interiors without it being an exact reproduction, it is also necessary to introduce new elements, so you will find designer light fittings, graceful floral displays, classic streamlined furniture, uncluttered public spaces that allow a wonderful vista through the public areas and once you are past the lift banks you can gaze down on the main atrium, with floors of renown restaurant outlets below for casual dining and refined wine and dine experience that extends back more deeply than you think, together with world class luxury retail shopping, so the whole hotel footprint is quite large.

The length and breadth of the hotel seems to keep opening up surprises one after another as there are 20 floors above ground level and then four levels below the lobby, so there is so much to offer inside the hotel that swaddles you in the lap of warm luxury that you could spend day after day just enjoying the interior delights.

 

We were promptly directed to the TAI PAN Lounge on the 19th floor for a more discreet and personalized check-in experience. Regent Taipei’s TAI PAN Residence & Club is a pioneering concept in hospitality and is an exclusive retreat reflecting the splendor of past and present. “Tai Pan” is defined as a businessperson of enormous power and influence, or a foreigner who is a chief executive of a company operating in China. The original Tai Pans are considered to be William Jardine and his partner James Matheson (the inspiration for the novel TAI PAN by James Clavell). These English merchants and connoisseurs of fine arts foresaw opportunities that others could not and reaped the fortunes.
 

In 1841, the business adventurers opened the first trading company in China and the gate to commerce opportunities. Jardine and Matheson were the most influential figures of the era and, with this history and background, the TAI PAN residence & Club builds its foundation. A fashion statement in itself, TAI PAN fuses revolutionary design aspects and traditions from classical Chinese elements with contemporary architecture and personal butlers.

Located on the 18th and 19th floor, the decorative dimmed lighting at the long hallway to the entrance is elegant, understated and sophisticated. With 80 rooms and suites and a proper lounge, these two floors of exclusive residences coalesce the traditional Oriental milieu with modern contemporary comfort.

The wonderful Emily greeted us in the TAI PAN Lounge for our check-in, formalities were well-handled and our first gaze at the entire lounge was an instant connection due to all the little details and touches, where no decorative touch is superfluous and tradition has a place that is to be observed with pleasure and enjoyment. Despite our arrival was slightly earlier than the usual check-in time, our room was ready for us and we felt valued by the hotel team.

We were then escorted to our TAI PAN Junior Suite that was assigned on the same level of the TAI PAN Lounge. The 69sqm TAI PAN Junior Suite is composed of two spacious areas connected with the focal point being the large floor to ceiling windows letting the natural light flood all corners of the room. It was not with any clutter, but comfort was a priority, with a view of the nearby tranquil Linsen Park, so an oasis in a bustling city.

As the expression goes, less is more. The stylish decoration and soft tones creates a laid-back atmosphere and calm to the rooms ambience and has a walk-in wardrobe that will allow you to spread out for more than just a day or two and, most importantly, a large and bright all-marble bathroom equipped with a very large bathtub, separate shower and a whole wall mirror. This luxury hotel is not stingy with its bathroom amenities selection, with premium brand such as Diptique on supply together with their in house spa branded soap which adds a truly sensible touch allowing you to fully relax after a challenging day doing business or resting your weary muscles from your shopping or sightseeing.  

 

The suite is also furnished with a temperature-sensing, pressure-relieving Wellspring Mattress that conforms to a body’s unique contours, along with crisp, breathable cotton sheets, a snug, caressing duvet, and the guest’s preferred pillow from a menu of eight varieties. A beautiful box set of a local candies and snacks awaits our arrival as the welcome amenity was also beyond the norm and was an immediate connection to the local food culture, so a lovely touch. Once we had settled into our beautiful suite, it was time to step out from our ‘comfort zone” and return to the TAI PAN Lounge to further relax and explore it in more detail. The elegant TAI PAN Lounge has three walls of French windows overlooking a city skyline and beyond with specially oxidized metallic panels on the walls creating a rustic and mature understated feel.
 

The window lattice is an intersection of rings and tetragons based on the designs of ancient Chinese coinage. Stylish flannel sofas accentuate the energetic mode for you to unwind. The zen and tasteful floral decorations are absolutely exquisite from the in-house florist and certainly become a point of great beauty every time you visit the lounge. The feature theme of TAI PAN is of course its 24-hour personalized butler services. A butler is chosen and dedicated to cater to your needs with exquisite care with your preferences even prior to your arrival amongst other bonus added value services offered.
 

Spending some peaceful and relaxing time at the TAI PAN Lounge is an absolute must. The Club Lounge is superb in terms of fit out and comfort, its quality food and wine selection throughout the daily ‘meal times’ serve a mini buffet breakfast, afternoon tea as well as cocktail hours with premium selection of cheeses and canapes to indulge.

With over decades of dedicated work to the hotel, the TAI PAN Lounge chef team is helmed by Ginny who looks after all your culinary needs and is also on standby to prepare some of your amazing breakfast dishes a la minute that had the best home-cooked flavours.

 

Emily and her dedicated service team were the perfect hosts to take you through what the lounge has to offer and ensure you will enjoy the most of it without much hesitation. Hiroshi Hibino san, the Japanese and fluently Mandarin spoken VIP service manager for Japanese guests handling is the best person to get the insight of great restaurant recommendations, especially if you are after a good Yakiniku dining experience. The whole TAI PAN Lounge team do put themselves in your shoes to deliver their utmost and worry free seamless hospitality at your disposal.

 

Checking out the gym despite the front line team were not as welcoming as we expected from their seemingly aggressive and robotic approach which was a little disappointing, but the facilities are absolutely amazing -  a fully equipped techo-gym comes with personal trainers who are ever ready to re-shape your body with some brutal moves and weight lifting, after all no pain, no gain if that is what you are signing up for. The sweat after is best to relax your muscles at its in-house steam and sauna experience. The extended facilities comprise of multiple pools at varying temperatures, a dry sauna, wet sauna and relaxation lounge for you to unwind and recharge.
 

For a revitalizing spa treatment, a visit to the urban Wellspring Spa to further indulgence and rejuvenation. We took the time to enjoy a facial treatment and felt completely revived with our skin glowing post treatment. The spa treatment rooms are true treatment sanctuaries and beautifully designed to create an ambience that takes you away from the bustling metropolis outside. Get ready to be pampered! One floor up from the spa via the staircase is the heated outdoor rooftop pool deck for some sunbathing or lap swimming to burn off the extra calories so you can indulge in more salivating food.
 

The Regent Taipei also knows how to present their dining experience to cater for their local and international diners. Skipping ROBIN’S Teppanyaki would be a shame as you can only blame yourself for not having enough time to have the second visit to this exquisite steak house & Teppan grill that is created with the highest quality ingredients by some seriously talented chefs. In here, detail is everything.
 

Azie is another to-go-to place for a casual dining, the first Grand Café in Taipei featuring an open-top atrium design, offering creative fusion of Asian and Western cuisine from gourmet pizza to decadent desserts but we were here for their award winning beef noodles.

The award winning beef noodles has two different versions to choose from. We suggest to start with the 2012 Champion Beef Noodles with Clear Broth which uses premium Australia beef. The clear broth is simply delicious and smooth, with the oil well skimmed from the broth. The thick sliced Australian beef is so tender and needs no further battle with the texture while chewing in your mouth. The noodles are freshly made daily and kept fresh in the refrigerator before the order is placed and cooked to al-dente. Sliced ginger and spring onion are used as garnish and do not underestimate such a small portion that could enhance the entire appetite while it is being enjoyed with the noodle and the meat simultaneously. This is the pleasure and the best way to enjoy such an award winning delicacy.

 

 
If you prefer a little spicy in taste to challenge your palette, you may opt for the Regent Beef Noodles with braised U.S. Beef and this is the original version of Taiwanese beef noodle. The broth is thicker yet not over powering from the usual beef noodles you would get from other Taipei’s beef noodle eat outs. The aroma from the soup is purely executed from the length of the broth being simmered and reduced to the right thickness. A hint of spiciness is the traditional and ultimate way to enjoy such beef noodle soup. The 63 degree half boiled egg is another bonus feature to this dish, and we suggest to eat the egg with their own homemade pickles while slurping the al-dente noodle at the same time. This is such a truly Taiwanese style with authenticity. Don’t forget to ask for a refill of the broth if you really enjoy the kick of the chili.
 

Breakfast served at Brasserie was another dining experience that we looked forward to every day and this has to be the largest breakfast buffet in Taiwan, if not in Taipei. It is not about size, but the entire spread of quality selection. Every pick of the dishes we tried was always on point, from the eye-catching fresh salad bar and detox juices to the pastry selection and the hot dishes selection, it  is hard to resist yet you ask yourself where to begin? The Asian and local sections nearly occupied half of the varieties presented and is seriously not to be missed. There are many to-go-to dishes: the a-la-minute noodles soup with multiple toppings and condiments, hearty dim sum, comfort delights such as sticky rice roll, flaky Chinese pancake, various wok-fried dishes, local sausages to go with your omelet and a few other in between surprises.
 

As the saying goes, “Go Local or Go Home” if you are not game to explore the vibrant local dining culture while you are away from home. It is super busy and some may find it a little chaotic from the fast pace service and the on-the-go open kitchen scene, yet you will always find a table from the well-organized team and seated promptly and because of the spacious layout of the buffet, it is never too congested. What is even more surprising is that there are more Asian restaurants to tempt your taste buds, Silk House will delight your craving for Canton flavour and Lan Ting offers another sophisticated delights from various Chinese regions gastronomy and Mihan Honke serves a wide selection of traditional nabe including shabu shabu and sukiyaki hot pot dishes all at your fingertips.
 

Should you not feel the desire to leave the environs of the hotel for shopping, Regent Galleria takes up two whole floors on the lower levels below the lower ground floor and houses the world’s finest haute-fashion boutiques and you will be spoilt for choice as to what label you must acquire before checking out! The Regent Taipei aims at providing services that exceed the expectations of distinguished business travelers and local patrons alike for its iconic name and it sets a standard that is hard to beat by any reckoning. While the hotel premise is not the ‘newest kid on the block’, it is well maintained to a very high standard and well suited in the heart of Zhongshan business district, the interior design which remains true to the ethos of the brand is very much to be admired. Most importantly, it is like meeting an old friend that will cheer you up with good memories and they deliver a high level of service that is to be commended and sets a new standard for other luxury hotels to follow. Intimate but majestic, Regent Taipei journey of luxury and treats galore creates a bespoke urban retreat. With every stay, there will be another story to tell and prosper to a new era of true indulgence.

 

Tried & Tested:

Location: 5/5

Design & Decor: 4.5/5

Food & Beverage: 4.5/5

Housekeeping: 4.5/5

Room Amenities: 4.5/5

Service: 5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 5/5

Highlights:

TAI PAN Lounge

Robin's Teppanyaki

Regent Taipei

3, Lane 39, 

Section 2, Zhongshan North Road,

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: +856 2 2523 8000

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

FOUR SEASONS Hong Kong - Timeless Elegance

Over decades, Four Seasons Hong Kong has delivered the prestige and world renowned hospitality to the countless celebrities, high flying  businessmen and politicians and is also well-liked by the high society for its ability to entertain, provide luxury comfort accommodation, extravagant design and décor as well as a Michelin starred dining collection. The recent completion of a second phase hotel transformation has given the new identity of the renewed Four Season Hong Kong a brand new look and carry on with the legacy of timeless elegance. mylifestylenews writes.

The Four Seasons brand is one of those eponymous luxury hotel chains that is recognized for providing a heightened luxury level of service that so many desire to experience and it goes without saying that when you combine location with the luxury of space, then it is a winning formula.

While the brand loves to talk about luxury as a sense of belonging and can see the draw for their (returned) guests to become loyal and stay with the brand all over the world, the key to such success is knowing when to elevate and upgrade the amenities to facilitate the demanding guest, this refurbishment project has been perfectly timed to usher in a new look and ambience that has taken it up another prestige level.

The Four Seasons Hong Kong stands proud either overlooking the bustling Victoria Harbour or The Peak and is perfectly poised as an attachment to the home of the shopping and business hub of the International Finance Centre (IFC) complex. Its strategic location places you right in the heart of the city’s financial district and adjacent to the eminent ifc mall where countless world-class retail shopping awaits as well as award winning restaurants and exciting events of entertainment that can spoil you for choice in no time.
 

The location is incomparable with proximity to the heart of the island that is Central and just minutes walk away via the adjacent elevated pedestrian sky bridges to the Central piers that will connect you via ferries to Macau, across Kowloon and to wonderful outlaying islands. There is also the infamous long escalator walk to the lively SoHo art precinct to mid-levels that conveniently connects you to Central with endless hidden-gem restaurants, luminous entertainments, bar hooping and so forth.

Further extending your shopping therapy as well as A-class international companies operating their businesses in this Asian hub, also to savour many renown local delightful street foods that draws thousands of visitor and locals-alike every day; not forgetting to stroll along Pottinger cobblestone steps and the surrounding Hollywood Road for Oriental art and antiques hunt by experiencing the heritage sights of Hong Kong where the old and new meets.

So much to do around this vibrant neighbourhood that is filled with endless excitement, thanks to the hotel’s prestige locale for being able to experience such a thrilling exploration that connects you all through Central for everything you need in one place.

Our arrival from the Airport Express is such an easy journey from the plane to the hotel, which is why this location is just perfect for those independent travellers that don’t want any fuss with limousine transfers and want to save time and the hassles of traffic in Hong Kong, as it can get very congested at certain times of the day. We trundled our roll-on luggage from Central Station up through the ifc mall which connects with a small escalator to the Four Seasons Hong Kong.
 

The eagle-eyed Concierge team spotted us immediately and offered their helping hand at once even before we entered to the main foyer. The recent refurbishment has elevated many amenities in the hotel to new heights with the highly anticipated make-over. The unfussy ethos and bright spacious lobby has been uplifted to a sense of comfort, with its cozy look inviting lingering with classy, understated uncluttered decor with bold and stylish furniture.

The iconic stairs beckon wedding photographers and instagrammers alike as it is unmissable upon entering the hotel right on the Central water front with soaring glass windows drawing all the natural lights from the majestic Victoria Harbour view.

You can avail yourselves of the gourmet Afternoon Tea at The Gallery while watching the world go by and be surrounded by the city's chicest socialites and personalities who often patronize this most sought-after gathering and meeting point.

The arrival experience is all we would expect it to be, for a moment we catch our breath then let it be taken away by the magnificent Victoria Harbour view. The check in was quick and easy with that Four Seasons touch of warmth and prompt efficiency and before you know it, we are ringing the doorbell on our corner Superior Harbour View Suite and further excitement begins. 

 

The indulgent accommodation is remarkable and sleek and our 68sqm newly-renovated Superior Harbour View Suite is available only one unit per level, on the 29th floor for our stay, which was very spacious and sequestered in the corner at one end of the guest floor that gave us extra privacy. While the most enjoyable hotel rooms should offer luxury and comfort beyond what is your experience at home, the door opens into the modern and cozy living room instead of a lounge, entirely separated from the adjacent bedroom and once again with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour through the floor to ceiling panoramic windows that let the natural light flood in.

 

With fine detailing exuding high quality, this spacious luxury suite provides a nexus between classic and contemporary with modern and elegant furnishings crafted with traditional detailing. The little details in the decorative touches of Objet d’art and books as well as other thoughtful touches with patterns inspired by vernacular Chinese architecture is offset by the latest technology. The sensible room layout blends well with the warm and natural tone sofa that right away impresses you by offering the understated luxury comfort. The comfortable living area has a versatile work-dining table area with plush leather chairs and a chaise lounge, so there is a genuine warmth of a home away from home lifestyle living to this uplifted work well done. The light natural tone easily complements a variety of decor and accessories, whist the simple and classy design allows the view to steal the show.

As we segue into the bedroom, there is an even larger expanse of floor to ceiling windows to soak up more of the stunning vista of the harbour and across to Kowloon. The large king bedroom was totally uncluttered to allow you to walk around and enjoy the views and you will be easily drifting away to a restful sleep with the effortless style of the heavenly bed and silky Egyptian cotton flat-ironed sheets.

Right behind the bed ceiling wall is the roomy wardrobe that is easily accommodating by unpacking your luggage even for a week long stay connecting to the spacious and sumptuous marble bathroom with a free standing bathtub, a very large walk-in shower with strong pressure shower head and a Japanese bidet washlet that one comes to expect at this level of luxury. 

 

The bathroom amenities also have been upgraded to the exquisite Frederic Malle that leaves your skin squeaky clean and soothingly soft that is the perfect fit for the Four Seasons brand. Another luxe factor box ticked! Housekeeping arrives twice daily and does an impeccable job to keep our corner suite tidy and spotless. The bar of soap never out of alignment and replenishments in no time.
 

Waking up with the touch of a button to open the curtains to lie in bed and to see how Victoria Harbour and the rest of Hong Kong wakes up is a joy. Unwinding in this luxurious suite is a definite must that we never got tired of, there is heaps of hygge in returning to this cocooned comfort, cozy contentment of some sort. Luxuriously defined by its total comfort and there was so much to take in with the overall feel being very residential as if this was your private home, if only temporarily.

The welcome amenities featured two small bottles of ready-made Chinese milk tea that the hotel is thoughtfully bringing in the local culture to impress their guests together with a bamboo basket of mini baked custard bun and a deep-fried Rosella flower crunchy snacker to tease your palate.

*Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hong Kong

The outdoor heated year round infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking the harbour front is another postcard-perfect scenery spot where you can channel the soothing energy of water as you take in the Harbour’s “qi”, or life force.

Float leisurely as you unwind while taking in the scenery from another angle, or work off that over indulgent meal with some calorie burning strenuous laps in the separate lap pool equipped with underwater music.

A morning swim in the late Hong Kong spring is rather refreshing for the mind and soul or unwind yourself in the hot and cold whirlpools watching the sun sets.

Delight in unsurpassed urban luxury amenities and, weather permitting, spend the daylight hours luxuriating on the al-fresco Pool Terrace where the food and beverage options surpass what one would normally expect with deliciously authentic bites and indulgent champagnes that don’t burn a hole in your bank balance.

Now the transformation is not only benefiting the guest rooms, the stylish and chic Argo cocktail bar is another must go to destination.

Renamed from the former Brasserie Blue, this suitably atmospheric sassy bar overlooks the Harbour front of the Kowloon side right behind the gigantic and luminous well stocked bar featuring a collection of the world’s most unique spirits that is simply mesmerizing.

Argo was named one of the World's 50’s Best Bars with cocktail bar that is driven by innovation and shaped by the modern world. The transformation is remarkable and the decorative fit-out is nothing short of genius with gorgeous interior design that is joyful and sleek.

So much thought has gone into Argo which makes dining or imbibing so magical and you will keep on discovering all sorts of whimsical touches that are eye-catching, to say the least.

Argo is a must-visit during cocktail hours or a post-dinner drinks.

 

When the night falls, put on that sparkling dress and head to Caprice Bar for some premium selection of wine and cheese. The upmarket yet traditional Caprice bar allows you to find time to unwind between some prestige and elite selections of French wines as well as some top draw international wines.

Sample the larger selection of artisanal cheeses well paired with those gorgeous wines at this ‘in-the-know’ comptoir bar and don’t be shy to ask your sommelier on what’s best to pair with the selection du jour, as they will recommend something special to suit your mood and  best palate while soaking in the French masculine, clubby interior and intimate ambience. Such a hidden gem is packed with the fashionable and chic local patrons after office hours and they certainly know about it for good reason!

 

Should classic Chinese food be your focus, then you also cannot go past Lung King Heen, the eponymous three-starred Michelin Chinese restaurant that is well received and is a favourite choice of Hong Kongers and travelers who came for the admiration of its fame.

Lung King Heen delivers authentic Canon flavours and focuses on classic and traditional dishes with top quality ingredients and some creative touches on the side. It is all about the food and the range from classic dim sum to signature dishes is wide-ranging and they never miss a beat on the culinary scale.

Argo is also part of the location for the buffet breakfast, which is not to be missed. The kitchen for the a-la-minute menu items is tucked inside and somehow the buffet hits the spot, no matter what nationality or food persuasion you have.

Every day was something to look forward to and the go to dishes are the steamy assorted dim sum, abalone congee and wanton noodle soup which are a class act. Oh-so-nice! The fresh salad and juice bar is rather inviting with a great variety to settle in, none of which could be faulted. Despite the service was a bit hit and miss, but the food spoke volumes and we would rate this one of the best premium quality buffets we have had.

Do request for the private “butterfly conservatory” room as this is a very magical space that is a surprise in itself! For those wanting a more a-la-carte business style breakfast, this can be had at The Lounge on the other side of lobby in a more formal setting.

The Four Seasons Hong Kong certainly lives up to expectations and offers you a luxury sense of belonging despite some service was not always at the top of the game, but overall there are some amazing team members that remind you what the Four Seasons brand is renowned for and are great brand ambassadors. What has been done so far is worthy of the great luxury hotels around the world and the Four Seasons Hong Kong team should be very proud of where the transformation has re-positioned this beacon of luxury once more. The city is packed with an energetic vibe and the hotel’s wining and dining has a lot of fresh new luxe to enjoy yet the timeless elegant height of refinement doesn’t stop here.

Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Food & Beverages: 5/5

Housekeeping: 4.5/5

Room Amenities: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

FOUR SEASONS Hong Kong

8, Finance Street,

Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 3196 8882

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.