Enjoyed by the social elite of 18th-century Europe and America, the Grand Tour was a societal pilgrimage in which nobles and moguls broadened their horizons, gathered memories and gained a greater understanding of their world through visiting the globe's most culturally significant cities. The term 'well-travelled' became synonymous with knowledge, prestige and status.

While 'well-travelled' still maintains connotations of affluence and intellect today, the destinations it implies have changed significantly. The old guard of London, New York and Paris, though still very much relevant, have been joined by a host of emerging powers across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, each impressing its own unique character upon those who venture there. Dynamic, diverse and engaging, these are places that any member of the worldly elite must see and do to lay claim to the word.

St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV traversed the Grand Tour himself, incorporating his experiences into his vision for the very first St. Regis hotel. Now, honouring this legacy and growing with the changing times, the legendary St. Regis brand is adding several iconic destinations to its varied portfolio, ones which personify the new face of luxury. From Mauritius to Doha, Florence to Abu Dhabi, St. Regis invites discerning travellers to see the world on a New Grand Tour.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is flooded with cultural history and full-flavoured Tuscan tradition that resonates today. Heritage is in the forefront here, where the founding fathers of Italian luxury like Gucci and Ferragamo are headquartered just around the corner from innumerable art galleries and museums displaying the masterpieces that impacted our collective consciousness. Accordingly, the new St. Regis Florence has one hand on the history books and one on the pulse of the modern city. The hotel, housed in the restored 15th-century Brunelleschi palace, has been styled to highlight its magnificent architecture of yesteryear while blending in contemporary design elements that bring the look into the new millenium. It is the only five-star hotel on the Arno River, mere steps from Florence's storied icons, and boasts collaborations with such sumptuous partners as Bentley, Bottega Veneta and Mossa Jewels.

Recent decades have seen the Middle East rise in rank, nipping at Europe's heels in the race to become the unmissable hotspot for business, pleasure and cultural awakenings. Claiming the title of wealthiest city on the globe (according to Fortune magazine), Abu Dhabi in particular is heating up fast, luring golfers, motor sports enthusiasts, finance magnates, luxury consumers and culture vultures alike as its repertoire of important leisure and professional outlets expand like its increasingly impressive skyline. Constituting a landmark in this skyline is The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, a two-towered structure that proudly hosts the world's highest hotel suite connecting its two turrets. The Abu Dhabi Suite, spread out over 1,085 square metres, gives guests privacy, pampering and unparalleled views of the city. Though everything might seem miles away from up there, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is centrally located on the Corniche, a critical point for commerce and shopping, which means getting anywhere is a cinch.

Not 20 minutes away from the epicentre of business and big city bustle is Abu Dhabi's beach retreat, Saadiyat Island. Powdery shores and sun-soaked cabanas beckon for bodily regeneration, and in future years, the opening of outposts of the Louvre, Guggenheim and British Museum will provide mental rejuvenation as well. At harmony with its surroundings in a mixture of Arabic and Mediterranean design, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will be the ideal home base from which to explore sights like the Gary Player-designed gold course or the nine-kilometres of pristine beach, a sanctuary for endangered hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins. 

Once depending on the feast or famine of the pearl diving industry, Doha has switched its attention from the fruits of the sea to the riches of the earth and built a thriving economy on its supplies of natural gas. With a skyline pushing heavenward and islands appearing from ocean, the Qatari capital has gained increasing amounts of international attention recently, hosting high profile sporting and cultural events from the Tribeca Film Festival to the Qatar Exxon Mobile Tennis Open and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite embracing global fame and the worldly gains it brings, Doha has remained true to its Islamic heritage, effecting a curious blend of tradition and modernity that is deftly embodied in The St. Regis Doha. There, the design is Arabic yet contemporary, the food is Western and Middle Eastern, and the service is Arabian hospitality with a nod to the needs of today's travellers. Imprinting a specially St. Regis seal is the first exclusive jazz venue in the Middle East, honouring a musical tradition set by the original St. Regis in New York.

The jet setting elite of today are a busy lot, dealing with the stresses of a fast-paced business world and a social scene that often rivals professional life for its taxing time demands. Yet they're also a group on the go, a restless set not content to stare into the blue for long. When such inquisitive, excitement-seeking travellers go on holiday, they require a special kind of retreat, one designed to be stimulating yet relaxing, knowledge building yet free and easygoing. Mauritius has emerged to fit the bill, an island paradise where the glitterati perfect their tans and push their boundaries all at once. From historic sites and unspoiled beaches to water sports, natural splendour and diverse cultural experiences, Mauritius is an all-in-one package perfectly complemented by The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, soon to be located at Le Morne – a UNESCO heritage site. Guests will find enchanting coral reef, calming shores and some of the best One Eye kite-surfing in the world, alongside such creature comforts as a library, private cinema and extensive wine cellar.

St. Regis knows that, when retiring at the end of a day rich in discovery, even the most adventurous traveller welcomes familiar elements and personalised touches. That's why every hotel on the St. Regis Grand Tour – whether in Old World grandeur or New World glitz – prides itself on tailored service, time-honoured rituals and warmhearted luxury in line with the St. Regis tradition.

Find out more about the new St. Regis Grand Tour