One grey January afternoon the Sybaritic Single found himself in the lobby of what is destined to become the new Regent Hong Kong once it finally opens in a few weeks after years of refurbishment. But even before the 497 rooms and 85 suites are ready, the iconic lobby lounge – one of the Sybaritic Single’s favourites – has been already welcoming guests since 26 December 2022 and, most importantly, those who appreciate fine bubbles and superb harbour views.
He landed at the central table enveloped by the harmony of Chi Wing Lo’s visionary design and was ready for a glass of Blanc de Blancs – or two, or three. Terrified at not being able to fit into Dior size 44 during the Paris Fashion Week later in the month, the Sybaritic Single was already living on the liquid regime of ‘Champagne and pu-erh’.
Suitably named the ‘Champagne Collection’, the vast lobby lounge selection pays homage to the ‘Grower Champagnes’ and the diversity of flavors and styles found throughout the region with its unique terroir and viticulture. 16 non-vintage and eight millesime labels (from 1988 to 2017), from five parts of the region: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne and Côte des Bars. The range is absolutely sublime and no, there is no Dom Pérignon, Krug, Veuve or Moët.
The Sybaritic Single enjoyed the freedom to choose from the three Champagne glassware forms to elevate his tasting.
Featuring 24 family-owned Champagne labels is a serious statement for any luxury hotel, especially thousands of miles from France. It is as close as it can get to being in the heart of the Champagne region seeking to discover rare and unique blends, and it all reminded the Sybaritic Single of his days at Domaine Les Crayères – except that he was still in Hong Kong, admiring its skyline right in front of him. The long-awaited return of the Regent promises to be truly sparkling.
