St. Regis Jakarta, where art, music and culture converge
Hailed as Jakarta’s ultimate address, St. Regis Jakarta is where opulence meets soul, crafting an experience that’s as lavish as it is deeply personal.
Jakarta buzzes with unrelenting energy, but St. Regis Jakarta casts a spell of its own. As we cruised through the city’s famously chaotic traffic — thankfully cocooned in a sleek, air-conditioned SUV — we wondered how anyone navigated these streets solo. The 30-minute ride felt like a rite of passage, culminating in a lush oasis where bronze gates opened to reveal a gilded entryway shimmering like a mirage. The façade, drenched in Gatsby-esque grandeur, flaunts rich burnt-gold tones and architectural symmetry that’s pure eye candy. Add to that Bill Bensley’s signature whimsy with anthropomorphic sculptures peppered throughout, and you’ve got a promise of a stay unlike any other.
Opened in November 2022, this 17-storey marvel is the brainchild of award-winning designer Alexandra Champalimaud, with a concept rooted in the soundscape of Indonesia. From the moment you step inside, the hotel immerses you in the country’s vibrant culture — think music, dance, art and gastronomy — all masterfully interwoven. Digital projections of indigenous flowers, curated by Bandung-based collective Tromarama, set the tone as you’re welcomed by impeccably trained staff. The cultural homage doesn’t stop there: cushions adorned with Iwan Tirta’s iconic batik fabrics and Eddy Susanto’s jazz-meets-Javanese shadow puppetry mural in the cocktail bar tie it all together, making St. Regis Jakarta not just a hotel, but a love letter to Indonesia’s rich heritage.
Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer richness of the décor in St. Regis Jakarta’s Great Hall. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an intricate rose-gold carpet sprawling beneath your feet, its patterns so elaborate they feel like art. Plush green and bronze sofas, stately marble columns, and a ceiling adorned with Lasvit’s masterful Kinetic Chandelier — a gleaming homage to the dramatic peaks of Java’s mountains — make the space nothing short of breathtaking. Gilded accents shimmer across tables, lamps and picture frames while towering vases brimming with vibrant local blooms add a touch of organic elegance.
As we waited for our room, we found respite at Rosé Gourmand Deli, the hotel’s casual dining spot perched strategically to catch the buzz of guests en route to Bel Étage or the grand ballroom below. True to the relaxed vibe of St. Regis Jakarta, diners here shed the formalities, trading tailored suits for untucked shirts and athleisure wear. The menu, brimming with buttery pastries, crisp salads and sandwiches stacked with baguette or focaccia, served as the perfect introduction to the culinary delights offered. As the rain clouds parted and the Jakarta sun finally made its grand entrance, it felt like the city itself was rolling out a golden welcome mat — a promising start to an unforgettable getaway.
There’s no such thing as a bad view at St. Regis Jakarta. With 282 exquisitely appointed guest rooms — including 28 signature suites ranging from 75 to 187 square metres — the property offers accommodation that caters to every indulgence. Each room comes with a personal butler and either overlooks a Balinese-inspired pool or Jakarta’s ever-evolving skyline of towering skyscrapers. Despite its size, the hotel maintains an air of quiet luxury; every room is soundproofed to ensure a serene escape. Sleep here is nothing short of divine, thanks to the “Sleeping Ritual” menu, which includes options like warm baths, cotton-weave sheets, and a pillow menu offering everything from memory foam to feather toppers. Bathrooms are expansive sanctuaries, outfitted with oversized tubs, separate showers and luxurious amenities from Sachajuan and Ren Clean Skincare that elevate your post-bath glow.
Afternoon tea at St. Regis Jakarta is an event in itself and The Drawing Room delivers with flair. Desserts are served from a trolley laden with an array of confections, from miniature pandan scones to an exclusive blend of Dammann Frères’ Jardin Bleu tea, created especially for the hotel. If indulgent dining is your thing, Bel Étage sets a high standard with its all-day buffets and à la carte menu highlights like Konro Bakar (grilled Makassar-style beef ribs) for lunch and regional specialities like Dendeng Batokok (Sumatran braised beef with green chilli sambal) or Bebek Goreng Madura (East Javanese twice-cooked duck) for dinner.
For something truly special, head upstairs to J.J.A. — short for John Jacob Astor — for a culinary experience that’s both global and local. Begin with Sumbawa crab dumplings in soy-milk pumpkin sauce and smoked burrata sourced from Lombok, before indulging in Atlantic lobster flambé or a tenderloin steak paired with creamy kimchi mashed potatoes. When the sun sets, visit St. Regis Bar, where live jazz fills the air six nights a week. Order a fine cocktail or partake in the Violet Hour Martini ritual — it’s the perfect finale to a day of decadence at Jakarta’s most glamorous address.
The spa at St. Regis Jakarta is a haven of tranquillity, offering a luxurious retreat from the city’s buzz. Highlights include a spacious relaxation jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and an expertly curated menu of massages designed to melt away tension and rejuvenate the soul. The standout? The Performance Massage is a must-try for gym devotees and sports enthusiasts. This signature treatment combines dynamic twists and precise manipulations to boost circulation, enhance flexibility and speed up recovery — perfect after a high-energy workout. For those seeking a little extra polish, the on-site salon offers blowouts and manicures to keep you looking your best. And at a property like St. Regis, dressing up isn’t just encouraged; it’s a given. Slip into your finest attire and let the elegance of the surroundings elevate every moment.
