Miami is my
favorite city in the whole world. I travel most of my time and in average I spent
only one week or even less home in Berlin. I see many places and meet many people
and discover different cultures. However, from all the places I have been so
far, nothing could beat the Miami vibe. As Miami is such a trendy and cool place,
there are also hotspots one shouldn't miss. The Mandarin Oriental Miami is one
of those places, one needs to be at when coming to Miami. I discovered the
hotel for one day and share my impressions within this article..
The hotel
opened in November 2000. Believe it or not it is located on a 44-acre island in
one of the trendiest and most popular areas named Brickell Key. It is an urban
and luxury neighborhood of Greater Downtown Miami.
The
director of communications Alexandra Wensley was so kind to give me a tour and
overview of the 326-room waterfront hotel, which is a home for celebrities.
Sadly she was unable to show me any rooms, as it was close to Miami swim week
and the hotel was fully booked.
The
glamorous and elegant designed entrance hall covers a Shanghai Tang boutique
and the house owned MO bar and lounge, which is featuring live music and
overlooks Biscayne Bay.
The
architecture of the Mandarin Oriental Miami is reflecting the signature logo of
the Mandarin Oriental hotel group, the fan. The design has influences of Asian
luxury. The building has a size of 244 ft. The hotel has thirty-one suites
coming in four sizes, from 628 square feet to 2,365 palatial square feet in the
ultimate Oriental Suite.
The pool
and private beach area are only accessible for guest. However, during my visit
I was allowed to also head to these areas and take a rest in the pool and beach
area, which has a great service by the way. The beach are provides the hotel
guests with a magical view.
Also the
pool area is inviting for chilly drinks and a wide space with comfortable day beds
and tables for light snacks and lunch.
Guest are
provided with complimentary cooled water and supported with a great service
team. Various magazines, sun screen protection and other amenities are given. The Mandarin
Oriental also offers a fitness center for additional sporty activities.
After
spending some time in the beach and pool area I was kindly invited to take a
rest in the five star spa, and to be spoiled with a 60 minute massage.
Accessible from the pool area it was only a few steps into the spa.
Within the
spa a blissful harmony and quietness is given, that made me clam immediately. I
was already very excited for my treatment. I have to admit, that I was coping
with a lot of stress and long distance flights within the last month and my
body was definitely craving for this treatment.
The spa offers
various treatments, with durations from 20 minutes up to half day programs with
a total duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The spa has
a size of 15,000 square-feet and features 11 private treatment rooms, 6 suites
and two suites on 3 floors. I was lucky to be booked for a treatment in one of the suites,
one of the most beautiful treatment rooms and spas I have ever seen.
After
spending the whole day at the mandarin oriental I had a culmination with a
dinner invitation for the restaurant la mar. La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a
lively waterfront restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, which brings the flavors
of Peru to the Five-Star city resort.
Within 245,
the restaurant is giving spa for gourmets and fans of good and fresh food.
Guests are invited to enjoy their food in- and outdoor. I decided to enjoy my
courses outdoor.
I was
really surprised, as the chef created a vegan menu for me. Without knowing what
I will be served, I allowed the chef to embrace the opportunity to express his
creativity and surprise me.
I have to
admit, that I mostly stick to the same dishes, as I'm always a little afraid to
try new vegan dishes in foreign countries. I take care of a well based diet and
sometimes I can be a little picky and difficult.
The chef
only knew about a few of my preferences. As he knew I'm vegan, he also had to
cope with the fact that I do not eat sugar, gluten and wheat.
I assumed
the chef to be prepared for that but honestly never I would have expected such
a fantastic menu, as the one that was put together for me.
I felt more
than indulged and I wish this day would have never ended. I truly thank the Mandarin
Oriental Miami for setting up such a perfect day for me. I will definitely come
back in near future to also stay at the hotel.
