THE ST REGIS KUALA LUMPUR

6 Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral hotel.qantas. com.au/stregiskualalumpur The affluent lifestyle of the Astor family, who opened the first St Regis hotel in New York in 1904, sets the tone for this 208room hotel where the elegance of a bygone era meets modernday glamour. Inspired by an opulent Manhattan apartment, The St Regis has an impressive private art collection and the minibar in every guestroom is housed in a large imitation steamer trunk. The game of polo is a recurring theme, with two huge depictions of players dominating the lobby. It’s all about tradition, exquisite style and exceptional service – just as the Astors liked it.

Business facilities The hotel has about 10,000 square metres of well-equipped meeting and event spaces, plus a 24-hour self-service business centre. Wi-fi Complimentary throughout.

Food and drink Taka by Sushi Saito is the first overseas outpost of Tokyo chef Takashi Saito’s three-Michelin-starred Sushi Saito, claimed to be the best sushi restaurant in the world. Make a booking to guarantee a spot at the 300-year-old hinoki wood counter, where the selection of omakase dishes will set you back 1400 ringgits (about $410). A second Japanese restaurant, Ginza Tenkuni, serves Edo-style tempura. For aperitifs, you can’t go past The St Regis’s signature Bloody Mary in the sophisticated Astor Bar.

Fitness and wellbeing After a session in the 24-hour gym, book the muscle-relieving Polo Connoisseur treatment and massage at Iridium Spa.

Coffee nearby It might look more like a lab than a café but don’t be put off by the minimalist décor at X Coffee (Level 12, Q Sentral, 2a Jalan Stesen Sentral 2; +60 14 338 6544), as the Japanese coffee here is brewed to perfection.