The St. Regis Polo Generations opens up a new way to enjoy the spirit of the game, just like the hotel’s celebrated address in Singapore. By Aindrila Mitra
The Annual Derby season is upon us, and ‘tis the time to bring out your Philip Treacy (I’m a Little Shilpa fangirl!) and designer garbs to sashay to the polo grounds. I’ve always known the game of polo to be a royal affair: straight-jacketed, prim and proper. At least in India, it
is so! Hence, when I’m told to dress in casuals (“No hats, please!”) to attend the St Regis Polo Generations 2019, held at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, I am pleasantly surprised.
And then the story unfolds—of splendid high teas, kids’ activities, and families that get together to enjoy an afternoon of fun and frolic amid some smashing games of polo, with the young and the adults soaking up the true spirit of the game: a time also to chill with family and friends. It’s not OTT—not strictly business, not strictly for adults.
The first polo event of its kind for the entire family in Singapore, the St Regis Polo Generations is the brand’s way of introducing one of the world’s oldest and enthralling sports to the next generation of guests. The sport appeals to kids and adults alike, just like the iconic address that hosts it in Singapore. St Regis Singapore is located in the hippest part of town—in downtown— at walking distance from the city’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens (nparks.gov.sg). And if you’re looking for a wholesome dose of retail therapy, you only need to step out of the hotel to land right in the middle of the upscale shopping belt of Orchard Road.
Situated on one of Singapore’s most salubrious addresses, Tanglin Road, comprising some unique lifestyle boutiques selling Asian artefacts, this 299-room property, with 31 suites, is the ideal destination to check-into. Known to be one of the most popular wedding venues in Singapore, St Regis bowls me over with its immaculate service and eye for detail—whether it’s the butler service offered to all guests, or simply the masala chai that comes to your room (at any odd hour of the day) within minutes, and just the way you want it.
If you’re an art aficionado, then you must mark this address on your itinerary. The Art of Living tour at St Regis takes you on a guided tour of what is known to be one of the finest private art collections in Asia. It features Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero, Anthony Poon, and leading Asian artists such as George Chen. It houses over 70 artworks that adorn the interiors (and exterior) of the hotel, and your butler is always ready to give you a private
tour.
From art to gastronomy, I’m spoilt for choice on my visit to Singapore this time. I find my way to a bespoke Afternoon Tea for the Senses, which is presented by Dior and Ruinart Rose at The Drawing Room. Inspired by the zesty, floral notes of JOY by Dior,
a classic two-tier stand of culinary delights is accompanied with a flute of Ruinart Rose champagne and a tantalising dessert spread.
For foodies, the choices are unlimited at the St Regis—try French cuisine at the Brasserie Les Saveurs, Chinese imperial court delicacies at Yan Ting, Italian cuisine at the LaBrezza, or if you’re looking to savour a slow drink while enjoying some classic jazz, head to the Astor Bar where resident jazz singer Eugenia Fernandez and pianist Chris Robinson charm you to the hilt over some in-house gin and tonic every evening.
Forty-eight hours in Singapore with one polo event and straddle art for kids, a few delicious meals consumed, a fair dose of shopping thrown in, and an art tour that leaves me in awe—I am happy to touch and go on this trip. stregissingapore.com
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