Posts Tagged ‘Mandarin Oriental’
Sin City Goes Glam with the Opening of CityCenter
I’m not much of a gambler, so I never particularly enjoyed visiting Las Vegas. But that changed thanks to a recent visit I took to check out the new CityCenter, where I spent five nights at ARIA, one of the new hotels in the complex. When I wasn’t enjoying my state-of-the-art room, I was indulging in decadent meals at one of the resort’s many restaurants, including Michael Mina’s American Fish and Bar Masa, where award-winning chef Masayoshi Takayama created the menu. I was also lucky enough to see a preview of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva ELVIS, which was amazing. Of course, I had to check out Crystal’s, CityCenter’s 500,000-square-foot shopping area, which boasts such stores as Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, and Bulgari, just to name a few. And I even attended a private champagne reception at Tiffany & Co, which was quite the experience. Although I had quite a hectic schedule trying to fit it all in, I still made time to enjoy treatments at The Spa at Aria, Vdara Health & Beauty, and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, all of which are equally impressive. If I were a gambling woman, I would bet that these three spas are going to be the talk of the town. To find out more about these Sin City havens, keep an eye out for our April issue.
Mandarin Oriental, D.C. Preps for Year of the Tiger
Thanks to incessant coverage in the tabloids, it might seem like last year was the year of the Tiger (shame on you, Mr. Woods), but it’s actually 2010, according to Chinese tradition. Through the month of February, the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. will be celebrating Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger through an overnight package that is sure to tantalize the senses. Starting at $315, the Tale of the Tiger Package includes overnight accommodations, valet parking, two Eye of the Tiger cocktails, sushi and sashimi for two, and a parting gift of a Mandarin Oriental chopsticks gift set. Guests can also apply a $50 spa credit toward any Signature Time Ritual spa experience, to be enjoyed in the Mobil Four-Star award-winning, Asian-inspired spa. While no passport is required, guests can enjoy a true taste of the Far East in southwest D.C.
Spain Set to Welcome its First Mandarin Oriental
Slated to open November 26, the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona will be the brand’s first hotel in Southern Europe. The 96-room hotel is situated on the famed Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s toniest addresses, which is also a popular shopping and business area. Guests will be able to visit the 10,763-square-foot spa, which is set to feature eight treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 39-foot indoor swimming pool. The modern, minimalist aesthetic of the hotel will be carried through to the sleek and stylish spa, which was designed by Spanish-born Patricia Urquiola. In addition to signature Mandarin therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this spa will also offer treatments inspired by its stunning locale. The Barcelona Spring services will incorporate sage, fresh mint, and olive oil, all ingredients that are native of the area. We look forward to learning more about this brand-new Spanish sanctuary!
Mandarin Oriental Explores its Roots with Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Mandarin Oriental's new signature product line
Ever since visiting Hong Kong, I’ve been fascinated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There’s just something about the ancient system that I find intriguing, much like the Chinese art of Feng Shui of which I’m obsessed. Not surprisingly, I’m always game to try TCM-related treatments. So far, I’ve experienced moxibustion, the burning of dried Chinese herbs over the acupoints, and brandished the telltale signs of cupping, which involves the placing of heated glass cups on the body to help stimulate blood flow, balance the flow of qi, and remove toxins. At a recent lunch at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, I learned of the company’s plan to tap into its Chinese heritage with the launch of several new signature therapies developed in coordination with a number of TCM specialists. Beginning with a private consultation to determine an individual’s current state of well-being, each treatment is then customized with a hands-on body ritual that uses Oriental meridian massage and custom-blended oils. The custom-blended oils, created specifically for the Mandarin Oriental, are part of the company’s new signature product line developed by the UK-based Aromatherapy Associates. With bath and body oils that correspond to the five elements, the line also includes a body scrub, body wash, and body lotion along with a range of candles and travel-size oils. The treatments and products will be rolled out in The Spas at Mandarin Oriental in June. With savvy spa-goers in search of more authentic treatments, it’s good to know it’s not necessary to travel to China to experience the benefits of this time-tested system.
