Glam Getaway

Entering the lobby of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and you might as well be a movie star.

Beyond the stunning modern decor with Art Deco elements (think black marble floors, chandeliers and walls of antique mirrors throughout), the service is exceptionally attentive, making guests staying at this glamorous hotel feel like Hollywood royalty.

There’s a reason why The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has been a coveted Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel for nine consecutive years. Each of the 214 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows leading to spacious, glass-walled balconies with stunning ocean views. From Deluxe Ocean View Rooms at 650 square feet to Four-Bedroom Signature Suites just shy of 3,000 square feet, there are accommodations for every vacationer (and their extended family).

The hotel’s butler service, a treasured St. Regis hallmark, makes sure every need is met at whatever time of day.

My abode (the Atlantic Suite) was both modern and inviting, donning the hotel’s signature color palette of gray, black and lilac. It included a kitchenette with professional appliances (Wolf and Sub-Zero), living room, den (with a generous couch that converted into a queen-size bed) and a bedroom with a plush King-sized bed for that much-needed vacation rest. Three flat-screen televisions and two balconies large enough for lounge chairs and a sitting area, made it almost forgivable that it poured during my entire stay (it turns out the stormy ocean is quite beautiful from the 12th floor).

And while I could have been upset that the finicky Florida weather robbed me the opportunity to enjoy the resort’s two pools and expansive beach area (with private cabanas), I had the spa to explore instead. There are ample treatments, from a pre-natal harmony massage for expectant mothers past the first trimestor to The Four Elements Couple Journey — a full-body experience for two inspired by the four elements of nature.

I opted for one of the most unique treatments: the 24K Gold Wrap.

Designed to detoxify, relax and recharge using gold in various forms, this is the pinnacle of luxurious care. The first step involves a gold-infused sugar scrub, applied vigorously to provide a thorough exfoliation using the perfect texture (not in the least bit abrasive). Next, a plant-based cleansing body mask is applied, followed by a cocoon-like swathing that creates a comforting warmth. Just when I thought I couldn’t get more relaxed, a scalp massage ensued. From there, the mask and scrub are rinsed off and full body massage using gold oil completes 90-minutes of bliss.

It turns out relaxing at this level builds up an appetite, which is why I was thrilled to have a myriad of exceptional food and beverage options to choose from. La Gourmandise, located deep in the property’s inviting lobby, is a wonderful stop for pastries, coffee and light bites. It’s a great spot for people-watching (or checking emails, if you must!) while enjoying an espresso and croissant, one of the best in town. Burger fans will want to swing by BH Burger Bar for high-end burgers paired with local craft brews.

Atlantikós is the resort’s signature restaurant: a bright and happy space with blue and white color schemes emulating its Greek-inspired cuisine. While lunch and dinner include favorites like Crispy Octopus & Potatoes, Roasted Pepper Hummus and Grilled Branzino, it’s the Bloody Mary Brunch that draws in the crowds. Fun fact: The St. Regis New York is the birthplace of the original Bloody Mary, a creation perfected by barman Fernand Petiot in 1934. Rebranded as “The Red Snapper” (so as to not offend guests), the famed drink can be enjoyed here alongside its zesty, local counterpart, “The Bloody Sunrise,” inspired by South Florida’s beautiful mornings on the beach. Both are divine and pair well with the endless array of food offered — highlights include an omelet station, prime beef, sushi, salads, lox, charcuterie, pastries and breads and a mouth-watering dessert station.

Evenings should begin with a visit to The St. Regis Bar. A classy, timeless venue serving cocktails like The Last Empress (Empress Gin, Lemon, Cucumber, Black Pepper, Egg White) and Coconut Blossom (Rum, Apricot Liqueur, Coconut, Cinnamon). There’s a small but memorable food menu to choose from with items like Bloody Mary cashews (a must) and foie gras sushi roll. And there’s more than just great drinks.

Every night at 6 p.m. guests are invited to the Sabering Ritual, another St. Regis tradition dating back to 1904 whereby a St. Regis butler removes a champagne bottle’s cork with a sword, teaching guests the secrets to this fun parlour trick.

Live music energizes the space every Saturday night and, for a more intimate vibe, guests can arrange a private dinner at the exclusive Wine Vault, where, surrounded by some of the most exquisite limited-edition wines and champagne bottles like a 1928 Krug, a 10-course meal will be served.

Time will not be your friend during your visit — I can guarantee it will fly by. Still, a stay at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort promises to be a whirlwind of indulgence. From the luxurious accommodations to the decadent spa to the array of exquisite cocktails and cuisine, this is one destination you’ll be happy is only a quick car ride away.

St. Regis Bal Harbour is located at 9703 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. For more information, call 305-993-3300 or visit stregisbalharbour.com.