When you tell people you’re staying at the St. Regis Atlanta, the swooning begins.

With a slight tilt of the head, your conversation partner responds with wistful and breathy phrases like, “Oh yes … I just love the St. Regis.”

It’s certainly easy to understand why (see gorgeous photos). I also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast in my room while opening my windows, appreciating the perfect early-autumn air.

But it was the Champagne sabering that marks my memory about this trip today.

A beloved tradition at St. Regis Hotels and Resorts around the world, Champagne sabering has its roots with Napoleon Bonaparte. The French military commander is said to have sliced open a bottle of Champagne with his sword after all his battles, regardless of the battle ending in victory or in defeat.

The specific ritual with the St. Regis began in 1904 when John Jacob Astor IV opened the St. Regis in New York City by sabering a bottle of Champagne. And now the tradition is a nightly occurrence within dozens of St. Regis hotels around the world.

Held right around dusk, guests of the hotel are welcome to experience the sabering moment and enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne as the sun sets. On occasion, guests are allowed to do the sabering themselves, which is where this story gets fun.

Yes – I was volunteered and surprisingly accepted the opportunity. Mind you, I had no knowledge of the tradition, and I’m fairly certain I’d never even held a sword in my hand prior to that night. But I agreed to give it a try.

I held the bottle at 45 degrees and heard the attendant advise me to follow strong all the way through, even flicking or punching a bit near the end. I kept thinking, “This is like a golf swing with a driver — not a putt.”

Knowing free Champagne awaited me and those who had also gathered, I took a deep breath and ran the sword up the length of the bottle. With one stroke, I cleanly sliced the top of the bottle, and Champagne flowed for all those cheering and clapping around me.

I can see why Napoleon enjoyed this Champagne tradition after his battles. Legend has it the military leader’s reasoning was, “In victory one deserves it. In defeat one needs it.”

I could say the same for my own travels. On the one hand, I do feel victorious for experiencing so many new and amazing people, places and things around the world. And on the other hand, when things don’t always go my way, my travels have a way of soothing my soul and bringing solace back into my life.

Thanks, Napoleon. Your Champagne perceptions will stick with me each time I raise a flute.

— Carrie Cox, account executive