Milan, Italy: Mandarin Oriental
The vibrant city of Milan is attractive to elite global explorers for a myriad of reasons including its high fashion, exhilarating night life and the unique experience of Italy’s old world charm. A hidden gem among the bustle of this luminous city center, the top-rated and highly regarded, Mandarin Orientalis located off the main streets in a covert luxury oasis. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the renowned Duomo and adjacent to the best shopping Milan has to offer on Via Montenapoleone. The property is perfectly placed to take advantage of the city’s finest features no matter the purpose for your visit, everything is at your fingertips. Relatively new to the scene, the hotel opened its doors just under a year ago and has already garnered some of the industry’s highest accolades. The discrete location, pristine exterior, and scaled ornate gateway makes arriving at the hotel feel like you are coming home.
The one-bedroom suites are crisply designed with warm wooden veneer floors and modern furnishings with sleek Italian silhouettes and a flair of Asian hospitality. The room’s circulation is very well-planned as you can travel fluidly from the living room into the bedroom or bathroom (which is accessible from two paths), making a complete circle by the end of your waltz through the quarters. The lavatory’s dual entry makes a convenient amenity when traveling with children to maintain privacy. Even the dense city-planning of Milan allows for an abundance of sunshine from your floor-to-ceiling windows. The precise details of each room are purposeful and not burdened with decoration to allow for the simple appreciation of being present in this magnificent city.
The Mandarin Oriental houses two quaint yet very chic dining areas. The Michelin starred Seta, features authentic native cuisine and is set against the manicured backdrop of the structure’s interior courtyard for an intimate setting under the sun or stars. As an alternative, the Mandarin Bar is a posh lounge with jacquard walls and lush seating where one can enjoy sumptuous starters, full plates and a decadent cocktail or aperitif. Even if you are exploring alone, the Mandarin’s common quarters are filled with entertainment from sensuous live melodies to the vibrant lobby that is brimming with Milanese socialites and conversant travelers. The staff are also very comforting, friendly and accommodating, being attentive to that fact that many visitors are in search of camaraderie or are seeking guidance having been welcomed to Milan for the first time.
As a renowned global brand, the Mandarin Oriental Hotels have an immense pride for their spa programs. Their phenomenal treatments and extravagant services are matched by a luxurious composition, which upon sight, immediately sets the mind at ease. The glassy over-sized swimming pool, hamam, sauna and airy chaise lounges mingle together to create a very beautifully designed oasis enveloped in a strong aura of Eastern healing energy. It is a notably seamless spa experience transitioning from one treatment area to the next. The environment is suitable for individuals seeking rejuvenation in solitude and can also flawlessly accommodate gatherings for intimate groups. Additionally, the fitness facility is located nearby if there is the urge to work up a sweat right before detoxing.
The Mandarin Oriental is highly recommended for any type of traveler to Milan, though especially for those looking for an Italian escape equipped with acclaimed amenities for rejuvenation, exquisite dining and live entertainment. Families, couples, singles, and groups visiting for business or leisure are welcomed with open arms into the essence of Eastern hospitality in an urban oasis.
