As the year draws to a close, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is transforming into a sophisticated holiday destination, offering guests and residents elevated dining, luxurious stays, and effortless celebration solutions throughout the Christmas and New Year period. These offerings, ranging from a final festive season at the iconic Mandarin Grill + Bar before its renovation to bespoke home catering and indulgent spa retreats, aim to encapsulate the magic of the holidays with characteristic ease and style. The hotel provides curated experiences designed to turn seasonal gatherings and personal indulgences into memorable, stress-free occasions.
Savoring the Culinary Legacy
The property’s festive calendar highlights a crucial moment for Mandarin Grill + Bar, which will be hosting its last holiday season before commencing renovations in February. Patrons have a final opportunity to enjoy the heritage dining room, noted for its Hong Kong elegance and current menu helmed by Chef Junior Nadje, whose Michelin-level expertise shines through the special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day multicourse meals. Offerings include meticulously prepared dishes such as carved gravlax, Dover sole, and USDA Prime beef, complemented by classic festive desserts including Grand Cru Yule logs and Stollen.
For a cherished tradition, the Festive Afternoon Tea returns to Clipper Lounge. Guests can reserve a table to enjoy seasonal delicacies like warm scones with the hotel’s renowned rose-petal jam, gingerbread, and smoked-turkey sandwiches, ideally situated near the hotel’s much-admired Christmas tree. For those seeking a slightly more casual environment, Café Causette provides a similar festive high tea experience, perfect for families and shoppers amidst the bustle of Central.
Grand Buffets and Effortless Hosting
Mandarin Oriental embraces the spirit of abundance with its returning festive buffets. Clipper Lounge will host daily semi-buffet lunches and evening dinners through Dec. 24, culminating in full buffet extravaganzas on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. The spreads feature fresh seafood, sashimi, a robust Christmas carvery with roast turkey and prime rib, and international options ranging from dim sum to a Parmesan wheel pasta station. Guests celebrating on Christmas Day can opt for a special Champagne-led brunch, and free-flow packages featuring limited-edition Moët Impérial are available to enhance the celebration.
The hotel also simplifies holiday entertaining through The Mandarin Cake Shop and its specialized catering team. Hosts can pre-order an entire festive feast, including free-range roast turkey or honey-glazed ham with all the traditional sides, along with elegant desserts like the toasted cinnamon cranberry tart. For larger parties, the hotel’s external catering service brings the Mandarin Oriental experience directly to private gatherings, providing seamless service for canapé receptions or buffet-style lunches with beverage packages.
Gifting and Ultimate Relaxation
Gifting at the Mandarin Oriental carries a distinctive touch of luxury. Executive Pastry Chefs Daniel Texter and Paul Chan craft detailed edible showpieces, including chocolate creations like Santa’s Chocolate Teddy and the standout Santa’s Bag, available at The Mandarin Cake Shop. The hotel also curates a range of festive hampers, from traditional versions featuring Stollen and rose-petal jam to opulent editions showcasing Krug Champagne and caviar.
For a personal reset, The Mandarin Spa offers targeted treatments. The Festive Glow Package combines a deeply hydrating facial with a manicure and pedicure, complete with a glass of Champagne. Men can indulge in the Modern Man Makeover at The Mandarin Barber, featuring a cut, Hydrafacial, and expert grooming. Couples seeking deeper relaxation can select the Christmas Retreat, a two-hour experience incorporating exfoliation and massage.
The hotel remains a prime location for a luxurious seasonal escape. The Festive Wonders package, available through early January, includes complimentary breakfast alongside access to a curated calendar of holiday activities, carols, and children’s storytelling. For a spectacular culmination to the year, the New Year’s Eve Celebration package provides a roast dinner at Mandarin Grill + Bar, entry to The Aubrey After Dark, and front-row seats to the city’s midnight fireworks display, setting an elegant tone for the year to come.