Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen Genus Novum of the Greater Bay

Perched atop the 79-floor Upper Hills skyscraper in the heart of the Futian business district, Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen marks the latest genus among her siblings in Southern China since the highly anticipated opening during the Covid in January 2022 with ambitious design and attentive service.

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen Genus Novum of the Greater Bay

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, the pearl of Central

On entering the arrival hall of the airport, a shower of warm greetings from a duo of valets stuns me with boards of the familiar fan logo in gold and platinum. Intuitively I speak to Richard, the golden, legendary Mandarin Oriental airport representative. And he presents me the gleeful colleague in a cheery, silver hue suit. “John from the Landmark Mandarin Oriental will look after you today, Dr. Wan. And we all welcome you back home to the Mandarin and the Landmark.”

Rosewood Hongkong, Marvels and Milestones

March begins with unprecedented hectic errands, the outburst of workloads diverts my spinning thought to another weekend getaway for the soma and soul. The late night whim to sojourn in the famed Rosewood Hong Kong and dive in the gleaming marble vanity heaven is absolutely beyond a fancy. My travel agent services affluent clients for long and reads my craving, she settles the booking in a click. If I had lost the sense of balance, it could only be regained through the sense of place.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the Parnassus of the Mae Kong

Amidst the jolly sparkling Sunday brunch vibe at the riverfront, my request for usual liquid kale and ginger detox formula appears to be too sober and requires an affirmation. The order placement is treated with assurance and avidness, a Mandarin Oriental commitment to excellence. The blend is delivered with care as I flip through a precious copy of The Gentleman in the Parlour by W. Somerset Maugham. My literary journey in the mystical realm of Siam resumes as I sip the nutritious emerald colour elixir. Yet, I cannot help but to disagree with the late author reminiscing his journey and acute malaria as I lounge by the languorous Mae Kong and be enchanted by the modern Thai marvels and mayhems.

Carlyle & Co., a beaconing social landmark in Hong Kong

As always, I leave at about 6 pm from my permanent address in Hong Kong, the Mandarin, and ride on an Uber to meet my company for a Carlyle & Co. soiree. Ushered by the dedicating club staffer, the elevator speeds up and my glam Honkie set and I know a lively evening awaits.

Four Seasons Bangkok, a Jean-Michel Gathy Triumph

The avid expansion of Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the globe and all sorts of spicy pre-opening or renovating news never fail to entertain my set of hotel junkies and hoteliers. Some of the most extraordinary accommodation experiences in the previous decades utter certain acclaimed Four Seasons resorts. My fondness hardly wanes for the scenic Four Seasons Sayan by John Heah in central Bali and the idyllic Lanna paradise Four Seasons Chiangmai.

The Siam: an Imaginarium of High Design and Service Excellence

Wintertime in Taipei has never been too harsh, yet I always desire a Siamese sojourn and yearn for the Indochinese sunshine and inspirational exoticism before the winter solstice. The languorous riverside of the Chao Phraya always summons me back. Literature by Swain and Duras has been my best travel company as I lounge in the afternoon with the view of all the vessels painting the vibrant city daily.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, the Fantastic Diamond Jubilee

Since the very beginning of the year, as the pandemic finally reaches a benign new chapter and threatens no longer the right of mobility, the waterfront of Hong Kong and the riverside of Bangkok have lured me back for business and amical sojourns. The whispers at my usual trotter tete-a-tete often breathe names of the grandiose and the grande-dames whenever I return from my dash.

The List, A New Compass

The inaugural world’s 50 best hotel list surely results in frenzy among hoteliers and luxurious experience fanatics despite the wanting of novelty in view. The palpable optimism in Guildhall to celebrate the growth of post-COVID hospitality industry in mid-September will surely continue for some while. Yet the true impact of this collective, and formative collage of accommodations elected by critiques remains uncertain.

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo: Unveiling Italian Elegance on the Skyline

In 1972, Italian jewelry brand Bulgari created a set of brooches featuring Mount Fuji and pine trees, seemingly destined for a connection with Japan. This April, amidst the blooming cherry blossoms, the Bulgari Hotel is officially opened. It stands tall in a modern skyscraper behind the historic Tokyo Station, overlooking the cityscape and distant Mount Fuji. The hotel not only brings Italian craftsmanship but also cleverly combines Japanese aesthetic elements, radiating a subtle and restrained brilliance. Together with the cuisine by three-Michelin-starred Italian chef Niko Romito, one can immerse himself in a dazzling moment, enjoying the best of Tokyo without leaving the hotel.