Conversations with a local

By MO Magazine

April 30, 2025

For the inside track on the neighbourhoods around Mandarin Oriental Residences, we ask the local movers and shakers in each city to share their address books

Miami

Florida-based artist Shawn Kolodny is famous for his beautiful site-specific installations of reflective steel spheres, which he creates for cultural institutions and private residences across the globe. He talks to us about five of his favourite spots in Miami.

“I am a big fan of La Natural for its chef-driven, farm-to-table dining experience. The owner is always present, ensuring every meal feels personal and special. Lagniappe has a laidback vibe, where you can build your own charcuterie board and enjoy the New Orleans-style ambiance, making it a cool spot for a chilled, flavourful night out. I love Crazy About You. It’s an elegant restaurant by the water, where the Mediterranean food is always fresh and refined. The Corner is great for late-night craft cocktails. The Tuesday jazz nights are the perfect escape from the usual. The huge, urban Crandon Park offers the best of both worlds: a chance to explore nature through kayaking and hiking while enjoying wholesome outdoor fun with friends.”

Discover more about The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

New York

The creator of The Beauty Sandwich, Iván Pol is an award-winning celebrity facialist whose transformative touch has sculpted and lifted the faces of everyone from Salma Hayek to Victoria Beckham. He gives us the lowdown on his favourite Fifth Avenue haunts.

“I’m so grateful that Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue, my New York home, is down the street from the MoMA. Whenever I have a break in my schedule, I love to stroll through the mid-century masters such as Pollock, Warhol and Lichtenstein. The sculpture garden is the perfect escape from the daily grind. Rockefeller Center has been a long-time favourite destination of mine. I’m particularly impressed with the Art Deco architecture by Raymond Hood and the infamous statues of Atlas by Lee Lawrie and Rene Paul Chambellan and Prometheus by Paul Manship. I had my first job in New York City at the famous department store Bergdorf Goodman as a makeup artist many years ago and it was also my very first retail store to sell the Beauty Sandwich products. Saks Fifth Avenue is an institution. It’s just steps away from Mandarin Oriental Residences and it has been an incredible partner throughout my career. It is where I launched SS02 with a beautiful lunch at L’Avenue. The Grill, in the iconic mid-century Seagram building, is the most glamorous room in NYC and one of my favourite places for dinner if I’m not eating at Boulud Privé, the private restaurant by Daniel Boulud at Mandarin Oriental Residences.”

Discover more about Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue

Barcelona

Barcelona-born Carlos Ferrater is one of the most important Spanish architects of his generation. As the head of OAB (Office of Architecture in Barcelona), he has been the creative force behind some of the country’s most innovative modern structures, including the Barcelona Botanical Gardens and the Benidorm West Beach Promenade. He shares his five stand-out addresses near Passeig de Gracia, each of them a home to excellent design.

“The cult restaurant Il Giardinetto was designed in 1973 by Alfonso Milà and Federico Correa. It’s a benchmark in interior design, architecture and fine dining. Espais Volart, Fundacio Vila Casas art museum hosts temporary exhibitions by the most prominent contemporary Catalan artists from the Vila Casas Foundation collection, as well as works by lesser-known creators. For the finest custom-made shirts, I go straight to the tailoring department of Santa Eulalia fashion boutique. The service is impeccable. Located at Joan Güell 21, Roca Gallery is a centre for design and cultural events, notable for its interior design and a façade designed by our own studio. CCCB is a very special place where the new architecture of the Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona merges with the restored historical building.”

Discover more about Mandarin Oriental Residences, Barcelona

Looking up at the ceiling of the mosque in the Abrahamic Family House.

Abu Dhabi

Whether it's recreating history’s most dangerous stunts or wowing audiences with astonishing sleights of hand, magician and escape artist Drummond Money-Coutts has firmly established himself as the elite-tier entertainer of choice. Now living in the UAE, he shares with us his favourite spots in and around Saadiyat Island.

“The bowls at the Mamsha Al Saadiyat branch of Feels are fantastic. Its smoothies are some of the most delicious I’ve had anywhere in the UAE and the staff are always so welcoming. It's one of my favourite healthy food brands. The pasta and pizza at Antonia in Mamsha Al Saadiyat speak right to your soul. An Italian restaurant with fast, fresh and incredibly friendly service, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Mysk in NYU Abu Dhabi is a quiet spot that’s great for work and focus. All the pastries are exceptional, and the Devil’s Chocolate Cake is game-changing. Areej Al Ameerat at The Galleria Mall is a hidden gem for fragrance lovers. The boutique is near Saadiyat and has a trove of oils and scents. As a bonus, if you ask nicely, they’ll have their craftsmen make you stunning bespoke trunks and cases of all sizes. The Abrahamic Family House is the site of a synagogue, mosque and church all constructed side by side. Whilst the architecture is striking it’s so much more than that – it’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. No matter your faith, this is a must-visit.”

Discover more about Mandarin Oriental Residences Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

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