Bahk Eun-ji has been with The Korea Times since 2012, building a career across multiple desks. She began at the Business Desk, where she conducted in-depth interviews with key figures in Korea's corporate world. Later, she moved to the Politics & City Desk, focusing on education policy and social affairs. She later served as team leader of the digital content team, leading curation efforts on the newspaper’s homepage and reshaping print stories for social media audiences to enhance digital reach. Now back on the Politics Desk, she covers the National Assembly and the Ministry of National Defense, with a renewed focus on political developments.
Macao St. Regis offers bespoke luxury experiences
The St. Regis Macao has been offering the personaized service to all guests since its grand opening in 2015. Courtesy of the St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
By Bahk Eun-ji
By Bahk Eun-ji
MACAO ― When thinking about a butler service at prestigious hotels, many can't help but think it is only for guests staying in the most luxurious rooms or suites.
Since opening its doors in 2015, however, the St. Regis Macao has been offering the personalized and bespoke service to all guests for the duration of their stay.
“Customers can feel comfortable at our hotel even if they don't like the destination. St. Regis' signature butler service, with the strongly recognizable brand, will make our guests' stay more memorable,” said Daniella Tonnetto, general manager of sales and marketing at the St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central, during an interview with The Korea Times.
Butler service differentiates the St. Regis Macao from other high-profile hotels there. /Courtesy of the St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
Any guests can enjoy the exceptional round-the-clock service at the five-star hotel, which includes having coffee or tea served in their room, having their luggage packed as well as unpacked, having their clothes ironed and even having a bubble bath prepared for them.
Female butlers are usually in charge of catering to female guests, especially those traveling alone.
“In China, helpers at home are part of their culture and traditionally they are women. So female guests from China as well as other countries would feel more comfortable and safe with our female butlers,” Tonnetto said.
Unpacking and packing services are the most practical for customers with a hectic schedule. Upon arrival, the hotel's signature butlers will pack and unpack so guests can spend more time at the spa, restaurant, and bar. The butler will also arrange for anything else customers might need, whether it's a reservation or help planning an excursion.
If a guest asks for a bowl of exotic fruits to be delivered at midnight, the butler will gather fresh fruit from the market, or even fly in fruit to make sure the request is fulfilled.
Going digital is also a big factor for the butler service in the St. Regis Macao.
Called the “eButler service,” guests can simply send messages through WeChat and WhatsApp. This method is more accessible for younger generations familiar with technology.
Iridium Spa
The spa in St. Regis Macao provides various options in accordance with the customer's body condition.
The signature massage of “gemstone therapy” begins with a personal consultation to help guests relax and unwind after a long day with specially developed the unique personalized signature gemstone concept therapy.
Iridum Sap at St. Regis Macao /Courtesy of St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
Upon arrival, guests will compete a questionnaire on iPad so that the masseurs at the spa can take that information and personalize each treatment for them. The masseurs will discover the signature gemstone which is most suited for each guests among different kinds of massage oil mixed with powder of six gemstones ― aquamarine, citrine, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and pearl.
Once the consultation finished, guests are guided into treatment rooms, featuring an individual bathroom and bathtub. The spa has five single suites, two single treatment rooms, two couples' suites and a Thai treatment room. Treatment begins with a water ritual. Therapists serve customers hot, floral tea during the customary foot soak. Masseurs then carefully target the points the customers directed during the consultation and check the pressure.
The signature massage of “gemstone therapy” begins with a personal consultation to help guests relax and unwind after a long day with specially developed the unique personalized signature gemstone concept therapy. /Courtesy of the St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
The personalized gemstone therapy is offered as one-hour and 20-minute course and a one-hour and 50-minute course. The elements of the treatment will then be tailored around the type of gemstone chosen, including the customized massage oil and how the gemstone will be applied to focus on the specific needs of the body. The personalized technique will be able to effectively energize and rebalance guests' body.
Signature Bloody Mary at the bar
The St. Regis bar in Macao has all the luxury one can expect, with purple plush seats, deep-pile carpet, a unique mural with colorful but deep-toned painted glass and LED lighting by Portuguese artist Gil Araujo. The Bloody Mary has been part of the St. Regis history since 1934 when bartender Fernand Petiot introduced the “Red Snapper,” at the St. Regis New York. The drink remains the signature of the hotel brand. Each St. Regis bar worldwide has its own version of this signature cocktail drink, Bloody Mary.
Macao's version, Maria do Leste (Mary of the East), which is a unique blend of the city's Portuguese and Chinese cultures, has tomato juice spiced with cinnamon, black vinegar, pink peppercorns and black pepper. Based on the original mix of vodka and tomato juice, the signature cocktail has its unique smoky and spicy flavor.
The signature Bloody Mary at the St. Regis Macao. /Courtesy of the St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
A miniature Grey Goose vodka, lime, celery, hot sauce and additional spices are served on the side of drink so that customers can finish their own touch. Savory lobster egg tart and a slice of chorizo also comes with the drink.
Well-trained bartenders are also ready for creating a bespoke cocktail for customers at the bar.
Breakfast at the Manor /Courstesy of St. Regis Macao Cotai Central
Macao, China's special administrative region, has recently becoming popular destination for Koreans with its various entertainment, not only for gambling but also for travelers of all ages.
For many years, travelers to Hong Kong usually made just a quick visit to Macao for one or two days. Apart from extravagant casinos however, Macao is one of the most attractive places for travelers who want to enjoy world-class hotels to suit any budget.
“A short distance from Korea to Macao with direct flights, Asian food culture here is similar to Korea and our experienced Korean-speaking staffers are among the most attractive reasons that Korean travelers should choose the St. Regis Macao,” Tonetta said.