Mandarin Oriental * Mayfair London

Mayfair Maven: The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Think Mandarin Oriental and the images, feelings are synonymous with unparalleled luxury. Their brand new Mayfair outpost upholds this legacy with ease. Located at the corner of bustling Hanover Square, the hotel and residence is the cornerstone of a newly revitalised Mayfair garden square. Following the extension of Bond Street station to accommodate the new Elizabeth Line, this heavily pedestrianised corner of Mayfair has undergone years of construction work. Finally the crossrail station has been finished - and cleverly disguised. Around the square almost every building is new, accommodating the worlds most prestigious private equity and hedge funds. In the adjacent corner to the Mandarin Oriental, nestled next to a chic modern art gallery, is an old sixties building, whose outdated metal window frames hide inside the glamorous offices of Vogue magazine. Yes Anna Wintour can sometimes be seen stepping from her chauffeur driven all black Mercedes S-class, past the hip twenty-something staffers outside clutching their sushi or coconut lattes whilst tottering in the latest Dior high heels.

In the middle of Hanover square, is a newly landscaped oasis of greenery, nestled a few moments from the mayhem of Oxford Street (one would never know), and a few metres to the West, the designer boutiques of Bond Street. The newest addition to the square is the recently completed Mandarin Oriental, set behind a modern classic facade, using a modern interpretation of classic Mayfair brick. Stepping into the foyer, one enters a hushed haven of tranquility - offering a subtle hint of the grand spirit that awaits within.

Gone is the grandeur of the Hyde Park Mandarin; The 'MO' Mayfair pulsates with a sleek, contemporary energy. The design weaves elements of nature throughout – the emerald green Ming marble staircase representing earth, the warm glow of the bar reflecting fire. Towering, curved wooden sculptures evoke the wind, while rippling fabrics above the impeccably attired chefs hint at water. It's a sensory symphony, a feast for the eyes before you even reach your room.

With almost as many suites as there are rooms, a total of 50 luxurious offerings classifies this residence more in the boutique genre, than the huge footprints of London's other recent £1,000 ($1275) a night five star hotels: The Peninsula and OWO come to mind. Luxurious linens, plush carpeting, and state-of-the-art technology ensure a cocoon of comfort. But the true indulgence lies in the details – a bespoke fragrance throughout the hotel, curated minibars boasting local delicacies, and bathrooms that resemble personal spas. Whilst many visitors will wish they could live in such splendour, here you actually can, for Mandarin Oriental offers 77 luxury and contemporary residences, from one bedroom pied-a-terre to 3 bedroom family apartment size abodes (£10 million), fully integrated into the services and amenities of the five star hotel.

On your doorstep, Mayfair's heart thumps with culture and fashion, and the Mandarin Oriental is perfectly positioned to be your launchpad. Bond Street's designer haven is a less than 100 metres away, while world-class museums and theaters are within easy reach. You could even take a walk to the beautiful hotel bars of the nearby hotel classics: Claridges, The Connaught and the Ritz. When it's time for dinner, be sure to arrive back at your Mayfair home, for the Mandarin Oriental has lured Michelin-starred chef Akira Back with his innovative Japanese cuisine to the hotel's dazzling restaurant. Expect an explosion of flavor and artistic presentation, with dishes that draw inspiration from both Korean and Peruvian influences. For a more casual setting, the ABar Lounge offers inventive cocktails and light bites, perfect for an after-dinner rendezvous. But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. The hotel boasts the first ever outpost of Dosa, a Korean Chef's Table concept promising an intimate and truly unique dining experience.

If you have the pleasure of an extended stay, our Editor recommends exploring some Mayfair establishments within walking distance of the hotel. Lunch at Scott's, a classic seafood establishment on the gorgeous Mount Street. During summer an outside table allows for people watching and affords views of million dollar classic and super cars passing by. For the evening, The Maine is the place to soak up live entertainment whilst dining amongst the fun crowd. Finally a visit to the institution that is the Curzon Cinema to take in the latest box office hit. The Art Deco lobby bar and iconic main screen draw the likes of Speilberg and Scorsese for intimate film launches followed by Q&A sessions.

After shopping until you drop on Bond Street, choosing a vintage Rolex from the Burlington Arcade, picking up foodie gifts at the supplier to the Royal Family, Fortnum & Mason, then collecting cuban cigars from Davidoff, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair pampers guests with a haven of tranquility. The spa, a serene escape from the urban buzz, offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments and boasts thermal experiences including state-of-the-art sauna, jacuzzi, and the most glamorous indoor swimming pool. Mayfair offers many sensual spa offerings: this one feels more private, the staff more attentive, the experience more exclusive. After a day of exploring London's vibrant offerings, this is the perfect place to unwind and emerge feeling restored.

The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair isn't just a hotel; it's a curated experience that puts you in the heart of Luxury London . It's the culmination of a brand's rich heritage, woven into the fabric of one of London's most vibrant neighborhoods. It's a place to unwind, to recharge, and to revel in the finer things in life. In short, it's a true sanctuary for the discerning traveler.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair