The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
When you’re in need of a spa escape, look to Mandarin Oriental, the leader in Five-Star spa services. After all, the high-end brand has 13 properties around the globe with top-of-the-line treatments for relaxation seekers to indulge in. From a three-hour Japanese ritual to an exclusive retreat for couples, the therapists at these Mandarin Oriental sanctuaries strive to soothe the body’s strains and mind’s stresses.
Here, the brand’s Five-Star spa directors share their most luxurious treatments. So, if being spoiled is your thing, head to one of these spas for fulfillment at its finest.
View the full list of official 2015 Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings here.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
Book This: California Dreaming
Here’s Why: Unwinding has never been so easy than with this two-and-a-half hour treatment. Starting off with a consultation and aroma analysis, your spa therapist will blend oil and Pacific Ocean mineral salts for your head-to-toe scrub. After the exfoliation, warm basalt stones and a California avocado and grape seed oil lotion is applied during the deep tissue massage. “California was the muse for the creation,” says spa director Kristy Whitford. “It immerses the guest in the natural bounty of our beautiful state. This treatment is as healing and relaxing as the warm California sun dancing across your skin.”
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
Book This: The Art of Romance
Here’s Why: Spending quality time with your loved one doesn’t get any better than this three-hour service. From a foot ritual and body exfoliation to soaking in a hydrotherapy tub filled with a therapeutic bath elixir followed by a massage, ultimate satisfaction is the goal here. “In a fast-paced world, quality time is our most luxurious and precious commodity, especially for couples and their competing schedules,” says director of spa, Jennifer Lynn. “Couples can reconnect and relax in a Dragon spa suite while savoring fresh fruits and juices high above the pulsing Las Vegas Boulevard.”
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Book This: Time Rituals
Here’s Why: In January, the property launched its Inspiring Rituals wellness program. Now, guests are encouraged to book the two-hour minimum Time Rituals signature service. What’s great about this specific treatment is that you don’t pick your service in advance. Just show up to your VIP spa suite knowing how you want to feel when it’s all said and done and your therapist will take care of the rest. “Our Inspiring Rituals journey allows the therapist to focus on both your preference and concerns, and to fully customize the journey to suit only you using their multifaceted expertise and bespoke products,” says Osa Mallo, spa director. An inspirational fortune cookie and spa candle come with the service, which includes a foot ritual and bespoke massage.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Book This: Mandarin Suite Experience
Here’s Why: Who doesn’t want to buddy up with a friend for a three-hour treatment where you can experience the two-hour Time Rituals service (as mentioned above) or a signature therapy (think herbal scrubs to massages) and one hour dedicated to R&R? Spend the last 60 minutes noshing on a fruit platter and drinking fresh juices before hitting the Jacuzzi. “Our Time Rituals offer guests the flexibility to personalize their experience,” says Virginia Lara, director of spa. “This is a truly authentic and remarkably unforgettable experience.”
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
Book This: Couple’s Escape
Here’s Why: You’ll soak in a tub that’s been customized with the Five-Star spa’s signature oil blends before enjoying side-by-side Time Rituals (see above). And after the three- to four-hour service, you both can please your palates with the Five Elements lunchtime bento box, which includes a garden salad, miso soup and more. Sounds heavenly, right?
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Pudong Shanghai, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Pudong Shanghai
Book This: Silk Road
Here’s Why: The spotlight is on you when you’re a spa that’s new to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranks, but that doesn’t bother Mandarin Oriental, Pudong Shanghai as it effortlessly shines with its three-hour Silk Road treatment. Guests will experience an exfoliating body mask (think ground lotus seeds, Chinese dates and pepper) that aims to restore the body’s circulation system, and a hydrating facial. Afterward, a bath with star anise and sweet orange is in order. Sip on bamboo and buckwheat tea before indulging in a customized detoxification massage. “This luxurious treatment incorporates hydrating and soothing aspects resulting in a completely renewing journey for mind and body while, at the same time, giving a true sense of place, allowing each guest to experience the history and indigenous ingredients of China,” says Jennifer Simms, director of spa.
The Mandarin Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Book This: Oriental Harmony
Here’s Why: Because four hands working in unison on your body are better than two. Experience a footbath, warm body scrub and head-to-toe massage during this two-and-a-half hour body balancing service. “For complete and utter luxury, there is nothing quite like the Oriental Harmony,” says Karen Aleksich, director of spa. “When four hands are working simultaneously on parallel sides of the body, the experience is sublime.”
The Oriental Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Book This: Bastien Duo
Here’s Why: Focusing on your tootsies, face and hands has never felt so good. Exclusive to this Five-Star spa, the Bastien Duo uses a podiatrist and manicurist to provide you with a tranquilizing 75-minute service where the two work in harmony during your massage and more. “Our exclusive pedi:facial:synergy infuses the signature treatments of two world leaders in their arenas, Bastien Gonzalez in pedicure and Sodashi in chemical-free skincare, to give an indulgent head-to-toe experience,” says Lori Kruk, director of spa and wellness.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Book This: Macanese Dragon Experience
Here’s Why: This signature treatment, which was developed to honor Macau’s Chinese heritage, takes inspiration from local traditions and customs. Guests start with a full body exfoliation followed by a steam shower and whirlpool bath. From there, a calming Chinese lymphatic body massage takes place using Chinese meditation balls. Once tension is relieved, a scented body cream rounds out the service. “The highlight of the Macanese Dragon Experience is the use of the traditional ‘Bao Ding’ meditation balls,” says spa manager Day Lagasca. “The rhythmic movement on the acupressure points in the body sends signal to the system to relax and rebalance the ‘qi’ or energy flow.”
The Oriental Spa, Bangkok, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The Oriental Spa, Bangkok
Book This: Moments of Bliss
Here’s Why: You can have it all with this six-and-a-half hour service from this new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star retreat. We’re talking body wrap (mud, herbal, seaweed), body scrub (Oriental Thai herbal, organic rice, body glow), massage (Balinese, Thai, Swedish, lomi-lomi), facial, manicure and pedicure, bath (organic rose and milk or detoxifying marine pebble bath), food and more. “The comprehensive program of treatments presented in the deluxe milieu of the Oriental Suite coupled with our natural products of the highest quality, the richness of Thai hospitality and the complete authentic traditional Thai experience, make for a truly luxurious and rewarding experience at The Oriental Spa,” says Nartrudee Bridi, director of spa.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Book This: Sakura Ritual
Here’s Why: “This treatment is especially luxurious not only because we use the best ingredients and products, but also because it is designed with respects to the Japanese traditional cultures,” says director of spa, Ayuko Suzuki. The Sakura Ritual, which is created to enhance therapeutic benefits, starts off with a gentle Azuki bean scrub in an effort to rid the body of pollutants. Afterward, a dry body massage using shiatsu and gentle stretching completes the three-hour service at the new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star spa.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Book This: Oriental Escape For Two
Here’s Why: Taking a half-day to indulge at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is a must. The Five-Star sanctuary’s Oriental Escape For Two offers you and that special someone a customized facial, signature massage, eye treatment, spa meal for two and more. “The exclusive couples suite with its private vitality pool, steam shower, relaxation and vanity area coupled with the head-to-toe indulgent Oriental Escape epitomizes the ultimate luxury for spa guests looking for a tranquil urban retreat,” says Magdalene Peh, spa manager.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London
Book This: Signature Spa Therapies
Here’s Why: Created with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine experts and master aromatherapists, this Five-Star spa service begins with a consultation to decide the spa-goer’s state of happiness. From there, essential oils are blended for the massage, which is designed to harmonize your mind, body and spirit. During this peaceful two-and-a-half hour journey, workout regimen and nutritional recommendations are also provided. “Guided by our Oriental heritage, this luxurious treatment tailors to the individual and personal needs of each guest, ensuring optimum relaxation and a balanced state of well-being,” says director of spa, Helena Field.
