Group Effort: Mandarin Oriental
05/01/2005
Mandarin OrientalThe Mandarin Oriental’s signature hotels, located in Hong Kong and Bangkok, are the models for the Asian design aesthetic that dominates the group’s many properties—from Hawaii to Shanghai. “The spaces we build are distinctly different from the fast-paced cities where our guests normally reside,” says Ingo Schweder, group spa director at the Mandarin Oriental. “Our design schemes are rooted in 12 principal Asian design components. The physical surroundings contribute to a state of well-being.” Among the dozen principles is the avoidance of sharp corners and angles, which can be interpreted as aggressive. Also important to the design is the inclusion of natural light and indigenous plants that connect the individual to the environment. A fine example of these principles in action can be found in New York City, where the 650-square foot VIP spa suite transports guests to the sumptuous atmosphere of an Asian-themed home, complete with fireplace, bath and dual massage beds. Despite the feelings of escape from urban life, large windows with expansive views of Central Park remind you of how glorious the city truly is.\
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A treatment room in Hawaii; New
York’s
VIP spa suite. (Click image to enlarge)
All new Mandarin Oriental spas are conceived in-house by the development team based in Hong Kong, which adheres to a standardized design criteria for consistency. However, a different designer decorates each spa to avoid a homogeneous look. “When it comes to opening a new spa, I develop a program that states in black and white how the space will be used.” says Schweder. “This plan is then adapted to the cultural environment to decide what kind of treatments to provide. We aren’t into gimmicks like chocolate wraps and strawberry facials. Our spa menu is geared towards healing and prevention. Many of our spas are found in the Near East, so we take advantage of that healing philosophy.”
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New York’s VIP spa
vitality pool; a
hallway leading to treatment rooms at a
spa on
Bermuda’s
Elbow Beach. (Click image to enlarge)
Technicians go through a rigorous 12-week training program. “Pampering is the minimum,” says Schweder. “There are clear techniques identified which have an impact on your well-being, such as your meridian points and lymph node drainage; it goes beyond pampering to healing.”
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, 866.526.6567, www.mandarinoriental.com