On Ice

(Image courtesy of the St. Regis)

Ice skating may be the closest adult women (and some enlightened men) can get to indulging their floaty ballerina visions in a public space. Which makes the ultra fancy-pants St. Regis Astor Holiday Rink all the better for stoking that element of socially-sanctioned fantasy. I have skated at a number of other dreamy ice rinks including above the footings of the Eiffel Tower last Christmas where Radiohead played and the skates were free in deference to the season. Also memorable was the iconic, epic Rockefeller Center rink where rink-envoys were on hand to inquire about your pain factor when an especially dramatic fall happens. And the Astor Rink has its own unique appeal.

Tented with a canopy to keep the sun off of the ice, the effect is a grotto-like ambiance. The rink is ensconced on the 6th floor of the hotel and has the cozy luxury of a bedouin hut in the midst of the desert. In a more meta-frame of mind you might find it evocative of a Southern California sit com’s ice skating set. There is a roaring fireplace where visitors can make s’mores. A small cafe offers some of the best hot chocolate outside of New York City or Paris. There are lovely people to lace your skates for you, should you desire this level of intimate, obsequious service (I do). Visitors check in in the magnificent St. Regis lobby, which is decorated with an electric train and a life-sized real gingerbread house with a macaroon Christmas tree and candy artwork. The scene properly preps you for the skating to come, astral-projecting your brain back to childhood dreams of a world made of sweets.

Like a cross between a NYC High Line promenade and the people-watching scene at Lenox, the St. Regis features a number of tables set up around the rink for those who fear bone-shattering pratfalls.

The whole experience has a jewel-box, world in miniature tone that feels appropriately cotton-packed, glittery and luxurious in keeping with the holiday season. The only downside, the hectoring, omnipresent nods to Coke in this ice rink “presented by Coca-Cola.” Nothing bursts the bubble of fantasy like overzealous marketing.

You may even feel fancy until actual rich people pull up to the valet in their stretch limo. But as even Cinderella had to learn, the ball has to end sometime.

The St. Regis, 88 West Paces Ferry Road. Open through Jan. 3, noon to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. http://www.stregisatlanta.com/Astor-Holiday-Ice-Rink. Reservations are recommended, at 404.563.7797