“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin
I recently had the chance to visit Miami, a city for which I have a great deal of affection having spent much time there in years past. Miami is a city long associated with luxurious oceanside views, a glittering skyline, vibrant dining, and beautiful people.
But as one who seeks the experience of luxury hotels, I embrace the rare opportunity to visit the one of only six Mandarin Oriental hotels located in the U.S. For more background and information about the sublime Mandarin Oriental hotel brand, Click Here.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami is quite simply one of the loveliest and most spectacular properties I’ve visited. Just magnificent.
Location
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami is located a scant ten minutes from Miami International Airport, on the southern tip of Brickell Island (also named Brickell Key), a luxurious man-made island southeast of downtown Miami.
Click Here to view the location of the Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Google Maps.
Awards and Accolades
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami is an impressively singular property, the most decorated and awarded of any property I’ve visited. It is one of only four Forbes Five Star Hotels in Miami, and it features one of only three Forbes Five Star Spas in Miami. Its signature restaurant Azul is one of only two Forbes Five Star Restaurants in Miami. The property is also a AAA Five Diamond recipient. Did you catch all that? Wow!
The Property
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is deeply rooted in Asian hertiage, the group being the result of the merger of two famous Asian hotels – The Mandarin in Hong Kong, and The Oriental in Bangkok. The Mandarin Oriental was formed, and the famous Fan Logo is prominently featured at all Mandarin Oriental properties. To read more on the history of the Mandarin Oriental, Click Here. Here’s the logo, and a picture of the fan I took in Barcelona last year, and check out the napkin fan from Miami. It’s all about the details.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami is especially noteworthy because its twenty stories of curved architecture is desiged to reflect the famous fan logo. The curvature also serves to provide a range of spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the sumptuous Miami skyline. Here’s a front view of the property, courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental. And the next image is from my suite. How’s that for a view?
Click Here to view a short overview of The Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Entry
The property’s entry and open spaces are high, grand, and magnificent, punctuated by expansive floor to ceiling windows, the Biscanye Bay in the background. Here is an image of the main bar, courtesy of the Mandarin.
Here are some additional images of the entry. The art and the architectural detail are superlative.
Accommodations
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami features 326 guest rooms and suites, set in classic design, and appointed with luxurious furnishings and amenities. As mentioned, the property “fans” outward across Brickell Island, framing the skyline and Biscayne Bay, revealing a dramatic and stunning setting. Here are images, courtesy of the Mandarin.
I enjoyed a sublime suite, facing the Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The suite’s balcony highlights the property’s curvature, granting a variety of views.
Dining
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami features a number of high-end dining options, including its signature, five star restuarant Azul, the Peruvian cuisine La Mar by Gaston Acurio, and the dramatic MO Bar + Lounge. Azul is one of the most revered dining establishments in Miami, offering waterfront views and modern American cuisine with Asian influences. Click Here to view the Azul Dinner Menu.
Here are some images of the property’s dining and beverage options, courtesy of the Mandarin.
Spa
There’s nothing like a Mandarin Oriental Spa, and Miami’s five star offering does not disappoint. The Spa is an astounding three levels of luxurious treatment rooms, with long windows revealing panoramic views of the skyline and the bay. My wife and I enjoyed a couples massage in one of the three couples’ treatment rooms, complete with a shower and Champagne!
Click Here to see my view from the sumptuous Spa’s Experience Shower.
Click Here to view the Spa Brochure.
The Pool and The Beach
As if this property didn’t impress enough, it offers an unparalleled selection of luxurious waterfront relaxation areas. The sprawling infinity edge pool spreads across the base of the property, welcoming guests with a soothing soak just feet away from the sparkling Biscayne Bay. Here is an image of the pool, courtesy of the Mandarin.
Here’s my picture of the pool, and the view – quite lovely, right?
The Private Beach
The pièce de résistance of the property is its private beach, located at the southern most point of Brickell Island. The Mandarin shipped in 260 tons of powdery beach sand to create the private beach, which is dotted with lounge chairs and surrounded by cabanas. It’s everything great about being at the beach, without having to brave the public beach.
Closing Thoughts
Perhaps my favorite part of visiting luxury properties is the unending variety of inspired and creative settings that hoteliers employ to serve their guests. Upon entry to the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, it is clear that the hotel’s designers embraced their role as facilitators in connecting the hotel to its guests.
The property’s magnificence is profound, yet understated, and awakens the traveler in all of us. Elegance abounds, and if you find yourself in Miami, take time to visit the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Your only regret will be that you didn’t visit sooner.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Location and Social
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami (Website): 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131 (Google Maps)
Click on the links below to further learn about and connect with the Mandarin Oriental, Miami:
Click Here to read the reviews on Trip Advisor
More Pictures!
Also, Click Here to view additional high resolution images that show off the Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
Thanks so very much to everyone at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, especially to Osa, Ana, and Janella on property. I would also like to thank the property for making this visit possible, and for the use of some of your high resolution images!
Please take note that the hotel welcomed me as a special media guest, but that my opinions are, as always, entirely my own.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this article, and happy dining and traveling!
#agp
