From a milk-tea masterclass in Hong Kong to a tour of Milan’s ateliers, these guest experiences guarantee a trip with a difference.
Five exceptional cultural experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests
By Ianthe Butt
January 16, 2023
To really get the inside track on your destination, sign up for one of Mandarin Oriental’s guest experiences. Calling on each hotel’s local know-how and connections, they offer a memorable glimpse into different cultures and traditions, whether it’s a Tokyo tea-ceremony or desert trek in Abu Dhabi. We’ve chosen five unforgettable experiences, though plenty more adventures await, from paragliding to painting classes. Some are exclusively for Fans of M.O. – it’s free to sign up, and comes with a host of benefits.
Take a sidecar tour of Singapore
Singapore is a city of wonders, from the spiked Esplanade arts centre to the glitz and gardens of Marina Bay, dotted with futuristic Supertrees. The most glamorous way to take all it in? From the sidecar of a cherry-red, chauffeur-driven vintage Vespa, set up by the team at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Sign up for a complimentary, 20-minute ride or book a longer adventure, heading to Kampong Glam’s gold-domed Sultan Mosque, or exploring cool Katong.
Meet Milan’s designers and makers
This is a city with an inimitable sense of style, and a design scene like no other. You’re at the centre of it all at Mandarin Oriental, Milan – a suitably chic bolthole, steps from the Duomo, whose rooms and suites are a masterclass in contemporary Milanese style. Ask the concierge for details of two exclusive tours with Artemest, for a privileged peek inside the city’s ateliers, workshops and stores.
Take a tea masterclass in Hong Kong
Tea-drinking is an institution in Hong Kong, whether it’s yum cha (with a side of dim sum), or a comforting cup of sweet milk tea. Confused? Help is at hand at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, with two masterclasses for Fans of M.O. The first is devoted to Chinese Tea, with three varieties to taste, while the second will teach you how to brew a velvety, Hong Kong-style milk tea.
See Bangkok’s historic sites by bike
Cycling between Bangkok’s sights is a great way to see more of the city – especially with an expert guide taking the lead. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers two bike tours, exclusively for Fans of M.O. The Historical Bangkok route winds through Chinatown and past the golden-spired Grand Palace, before heading across the river to the iconic Temple of Dawn. The second route explores the maze of streets behind the New Road, followed by lunch and a longtail boat-ride back to the hotel.
Meet an artist in Prague
Czech glass is famed across the world, whether we’re talking extravagant crystal chandeliers or tiny pressed-glass beads. For an insight into the artistry involved, take a private tour of glass sculptor Martin Janecky’s workshop, where – with a prosecco in hand – you can meet the man himself. It’s a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and studio, with its red-hot furnaces, medieval-looking tools and expressive, hand-blown sculptures.
All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.