A Look Inside The Ethereal New Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair

At the intersection of London’s top fashion houses on Bond Street and the boutiques of Savile Row, as well as auction houses and art galleries galore, in the heart of historic Hanover Square, is where one will find the quietly imperious Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, the Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in London.

This sleek, chic property is whisper-quiet. Despite all the hubbub of Mayfair that surrounds it, this hotel has an almost ethereal calm. Perhaps that is because it’s actually quite small, despite its imposing stature  — there are just 50 rooms and suites on site, all of which feature exceptional contemporary design, marble bathrooms, and top-of-the-line tech, inclusive of Dyson hair dryers, GHD, straighteners, and Natura Bissé bath amenities, as well as hand-painted silk wallpaper by de Gournay artisans.

The cap in the hotel’s feather is its Mayfair Suite, a 1,500+ space that boasts a beautiful combination of colors and textures, with design accents inclusive of luscious red marble and cream, bronze, and gold plush carpets. There’s also the aforementioned hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper inspired by the magnolias of adjacent Hanover Square. The suite features a living area, bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, 6-seat dining table with a fully equipped kitchen —  inclusive of a wine fridge and bar — and spa-like bathrooms. There’s also a handcrafted light installation featuring porcelain leaves suspended above the dining room table.

On the dining front, the Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair has the distinction of housing the first Akira Back restaurant in the UK, courtesy of Michelin star-holder Akira Back, with his distinctive blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The space is cavernous, yet surprisingly quiet, especially so as all meals from breakfast through dinner are offered here. At breakfast, the restaurant features inspiring Asian dishes alongside traditional international classics, while later in the day guests will appreciate a range of Back’s ‘greatest hits’ inclusive of exceptionally crafted Bento boxes at lunch, with a focus on innovative sharing plates at night. Order the tuna pizza; it’s to die for.

The space itself is dramatic — think high ceilings and Asian-inspired accoutrements — designed with the elements of earth, wind and water in mind. The ceiling is triple height, making the marble circular staircase leading into the space feel like a stairway to heaven.  It’s a dramatic setting, to be sure.

The element of fire influences the design of ABar Lounge, showcased in its shimmering bronze metallic ceiling, creating a distinct environment enhanced by lighting at night. Bite-sized dishes inspired by Akira Back’s upbringing complement an artistic range of classic and inventive cocktails; try the Suika Sour, made of Belvedere organic blackberry and lemongrass vodka, Cointreau, watermelon saké, and lemon, and the Hana, comprised of Ki No Bi gin, St. Germain, citrus-hibiscus tea, and agave — they’re to die for. Come weekends, it’s an atmospheric space, with a house DJ.A rooftop bar and Dosa,an intimate, 14-seat Korean dining experience, are coming soon.

Last but certainly not least is the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. It’s a futuristic looking facility, akin to an urban utopia, in the heart of Mayfair, featuring an indoor 82-foot heated swimming pool, sauna, vitality pools, and experience showers and steam rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and an innovative array of bespoke wellness treatments.

The interiors of the spa have been designed by Tokyo based studio, Curiosity, who have also designed the public spaces throughout the hotel. Basing their concept on ‘a hub of nature and art’, the result is a sleek and stylish wellness space that draws on the greenery of Hanover Square. Guests are welcomed by a sculptural green Ming marble reception desk and an earthy palette of natural materials – wood, stone, and warm bronze – with candle-like lighting creating a soothing setting cocooned beneath the beating heart of London.

The Spa currently offers a small but carefully curated collection of treatments by brands that specialize in science and sustainability. These include results-driven ‘Swiss Perfection’; naturally pure, scientifically proven brand ‘Seed to Skin Tuscany’ and CBD-infused ‘OTO’. Two experiences, exclusive to the Spa, have been inspired by the local surroundings – a four-handed Tranquillity of Mayfair massage therapy and a signature Elegance of Mayfair facial. Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage is reflected through the Group’s signature Oriental Qi ritual that works on the energy of the meridiens’ using the benefits of essential oils from Mandarin Oriental’s bespoke range created exclusively by Aromatherapy Associates. Traditional therapist led treatments combined with binaural acoustic and dynamic stimulation designed to synchronize with brain waves and induce a meditative, relaxed state are offered with Mayfair footfall front of mind. New to London, these biohacking treatments are available as short 22-minute result-driven biohacks – Stress Release, Mindfulness, Power Nap, and Awaken. Other treatments include a series of NAD+ vitamin boosting IV infusions, designed to alleviate symptoms such as jetlag or hangovers as well as offeringimmune boosting support.

The Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair is located at 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP