A Culinary Haven Merging Gastronomic Talent with Sensory Art to deliver the ‘Beauty of Contrast’
Chongqing, China 2 December 2023
Regent Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG)’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, is making the China debut of the Regent Taste Studio, a pop-up immersive dining offering, in Chongqing. Continuing the Regent brand’s ambition to deliver a modern, luxurious guest journey, the Regent Taste Studio is breathing life into the ‘Beauty of Contrast’ through an unforgettable epicurean experience. Bringing together China’s leading Regent chefs with artists from across creative disciplines, the Regent Taste Studio goes beyond fine dining to create true multisensory culinary moments, thoughtfully programmed with the modern luxury traveler in mind.
Florence Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said, “The Regent Taste Studio encapsulates the innovative spirit of this legendary brand. Every facet of this journey has been thoughtfully curated to elevate the dining experience with modernity and immersion through imaginative artistic concepts, providing a vital platform for showcasing our talented F&B team. Continuing the brand’s rejuvenation, the Regent Taste Studio offers guests a multi-layered, ceremonial, and artistic sensory delight, to captivate guests’ imagination.”
A creative powerhouse lineup of cross-disciplinary artistry
This inaugural edition of the Regent Taste Studio in China draws inspiration from the distinctive cultural elements of Chongqing. The exemplary lineup of creative talent includes six award-winning Regent chefs from across China and four skilled artists, each specializing in digital, lacquer, musical or floral arts. The experience unfolds in five captivating chapters: Inner Peace, Serene, Unexpected Harmony, Decadence, and Sense Distillation. Set against an immersive 270° panoramic screen, accompanied by dynamic lighting and an atmospheric soundscape, guests are offered a unique opportunity to savor the ‘Beauty of Contrast’ that defines the Regent brand.
- Chapter 1, ‘Inner Peace’: Guided by Regent Experience Agents, guests enter the isolation zone of time and space. Beginning with the illustration of auspiciousness and immersed in the tale of the Cyan Lion and White Elephant, a Chongqing folk legend. Guests could experience a virtual art reimagining of a tranquil bamboo forest and explore its hidden delicacies and native flavors..
- Chapter 2, ‘Serene’: Contemplating the delicate beauty of a plucked flower, guests are guided to explore the art of flowers, opening the tranquil realm that activates the senses and nurtures the heart. Cycling through the rhythm of the four seasons, they pause in the quiet autumn of Chongqing. Swirling camelia petals reflect the alluring beauty of the mountain city in fall, honoring the guests’ arrival.
- Chapter 3, ‘Unexpected Harmony’: Employing natural form lacquerware art and embracing pluralistic fusion, each piece of work originates from new ideas in nature. Artists draw inspiration from the mountains and fields, expressing the power of time through brilliant hues of lacquer. Chefs seamlessly blend fresh ingredients into a harmonious tapestry of color and texture. Amid the interplay of light, shadow, and music, guests are transported by flavors that transcend space and time.
- Chapter 4, ‘Decadence’: Just as copper is refined by fire, culinary artistry takes center stage. Opening the doors to a private world, chefs showcase innovation and speculation for guests, inheriting traditions and igniting the atmosphere with a dynamic energy that electrifies the senses.
- Chapter 5, ‘Sense Distillation’: This is where guests’ captivating encounter with gastronomic and art excellence begins, but not where it ends. The environment transports them to the next destination, led by a seagull to the Regent Shanghai on the Bund. Inspired by one city and inspiring the next, this marks the perfect conclusion of the odyssey in the studio, ushering in a new dawn. Let the heart resonate and sublimate
- The Regent Taste Studio is the ultimate expression of the brand’s commitment to innovating and perfecting guest experiences. It will extend to other sought-after destinations, enabling more guests the opportunity to explore the sensory relationship between the palate and mind.
Distinctive, discreet luxury for the ultimate stay
In addition to the Regent Taste Studio, Regent Hotels & Resorts continues to embody its distinctive brand hallmarks with Personal Havens, Regent Experience Agents, and With Compliments, offering a harmonious blend of tranquility and comfort in a sanctuary of peace.
The guest experience is firmly rooted in its “Personal Havens”, achieved through elegant and comfortable interiors and bespoke experiences. “Personal Havens” at Regent Chongqing are customized with individual choices in food and drink, scents, music, literature, and bath menus, providing the luxury of unique oases to inspire indulgent moments. Whether leaning against the window sofa, enjoying the picturesque view of the Jialing River, or peacefully indulging in moments of comfort in the oversized bathtub, even reading a book about Chongqing, guests will experience a delightful and cozy stay.
This highly-personalized approach is heightened by the service of “Regent Experience Agents”, who ensure that each guest’s experience is effortless and tailored to their occasion or desire. From pre-arrival to departure, every need is attentively catered to, curating the experience to be truly exceptional.
“With Compliments” offers warm hospitality and more opportunities to be pampered. At Regent Chongqing, these include complimentary access to the minibar, selected beverages, local welcome snacks, and daily laundry and pressing services.
In addition, each Regent integrates the local lore of the destination, drawing inspiration from traditional symbolism or storied icons. Customized illustrations have been commissioned at the Regent Chongqing that retell the folklore of the cyan lion and white elephant that guard the river, symbolizing the protection and luck they offer the city. Each Regent also enhances the beauty of the environment through architectural flair, guiding guests to discover more framed views. At the River Terrace of Regent Chongqing, guests can immerse themselves in the unique design of pavilions and water features, soaking in the radiance of the river and city at night.
Regent Hotels & Resorts currently operates nine hotels worldwide in sought-after destinations such as Chongqing, Shanghai, Montenegro, Phu Quoc, and Hong Kong. An additional 11 hotels are under development in gateway cities and resort destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Kyoto, and Sanya. In the Greater China region, the brand operates five hotels and has four in the pipeline, including the upcoming Regent Shanghai on the Bund, which will continue the brand’s story as a legend reborn.
