Words by Leigh Maynard
In China, the number six is considered lucky, and the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing beautifully embodies this belief. In the lobby of this luxury boutique hotel in Beijing, three koi fish swim gracefully. Their reflections in a mirror complete the fortuitous count. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing is the first of its kind in this historic city for the international luxury hotel group. Named after the vibrant Wangfujing district in which it resides, this exceptional boutique hotel occupies the upper two floors of WF CENTRAL. It offers spectacular views of the Forbidden City from its roof terrace while exemplifying the Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to chic design, architecture and exceptional dining, all underpinned by its legendary service.
Nearby landmarks such as Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China pave the way to the city's art district, temples and treasures, including its most iconic site, the Great Wall.
At Mandarin Oriental, attention to detail is paramount. A black-framed fan in the lobby, designed by Art Director Tim Yip from the acclaimed film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, reflects the property's unique personality and serves as a tribute to the locality and Mandarin Oriental's commitment to excellence. The film's leading actress, Michelle Yeoh, is among the celebrities who endorse the hotel. We were fortunate enough to receive a copy of the fan, an elegant keepsake from the friendly and attentive staff at the beginning of our stay.
Designed for the luxury traveller, the hotel's interiors blend the local residential style with lavish amenities. These include floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and a water theme that permeates the design. All 73 rooms are spacious, ranging from 55 to 260 square metres. The largest, the Presidential Suite, boasts marble floors, plush furnishings accented with aqua hues and panoramic views from its private terrace, epitomizing the pinnacle of luxury at this hotel.
Under the expertise of Executive Chef Christophe, guests at Mandarin Oriental can savour a variety of cuisine. From contemporary Cantonese and regional specialist delicacies at Café Zi, a modern fusion restaurant, to Tasmanian Wagyu and grill classics at the Mandarin Grill, there is something for every palate. The MO Bar offers a curated selection of cocktails and beverages, accompanied by tunes spun by international DJs. Guests can also indulge in delicate pastries at the cake shop and explore an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas, served with a personal ceremony by the hotel's tea sommelier.
The spa offers a serene atmosphere with natural wood accents and backlit tree panels, and is also Forbes’ five-star rated. Guests can enjoy a range of wellness and beauty treatments, swim in the naturally lit 25-metre indoor lap pool, relax on gently warmed ceramic loungers, or visit the library modelled after a traditional imperial office, filled with Chinese art, culture and texts.
Our stay at Mandarin Oriental wasexceptional in every detail. As we left, we could not help but reflect on the small details that defined our experience. We thought about the three fish gracefully swimming in the lobby, and how they succinctly reflected the sentiments of the staff and guests. It was not so much about luck, but rather an atmosphere of grace and elegance. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing clearly reflects the hotel group's exceptional hospitality and service, which may partly be attributed to the auspicious number six, but more so to the group's masterful approach to luxury and their dedicated commitment to quality.
More information at: www.mandarinoriental.com/en/beijing/wangfujing
