An example of the complexity of Wang ’ s design , suites feature bespoke Fromental wallpaper , hand-gilded mirror artwork and custom-designed furnishings including leather-topped desks and an ' acorns ' chandelier . The stunning lounge area was completed by a beautifully intricate gold gilded decorative ceiling . Rather than ‘ just ’ being a glorious décor finish , it is actually a painstakingly intricate replication of the adjacent Royal Parkland ’ s carriage paths .
The intricacy of design and excellence is also evident in the hotel ’ s spa , a subterranean bliss of thalasso pool , sauna and steam room , with treatments underpinned by ancient massage technique and contemporary therapeutic practice . My own Oskia warm oil massage in the award-winning spa was developed as a restorative full body treatment to gently release stress and anxiety , unravel tension and embrace Eastern-inspired compression and pressure point massage to ease aches and pains . Fully demonstrating its relaxed and reinvigorated promises , I left with that perfect balance of zen calm and raring to go .
Of course alongside fabulous rooms and that award-winning spa , the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is also recognised as one of the city ’ s finest culinary destinations , with a plethora of expressive , eccentric and simply exquisite dining opportunities for both hotel residents and foodie guests alike .
Afternoon tea , of course perfect for Mother ’ s Day , is set in The Rosebery against a backdrop of white-panelled walls , stunning cornicing , mirrored bar , golden contemporary chandeliers and dark wood tables framed by latticebacked wood chairs set with plump deep sage or burnt orange velvet cushions . The macaron alone is worth the visit !
Our evening dining destination was the hotel ’ s self-coined ‘ eccentric izakaya experience ’. The Aubrey is everything you could imagine from an acclaimed , intriguing , standalone London must-visit . Atmospheric lighting and cleverly positioned seating create intimate , secluded and mysterious dining nooks , the perfect setting to indulge in the Japanese dining experience which showcases intricate sushi , sashimi and maki alongside the best A5 Kagoshima cooked on the robata , complemented by carefully crafted signature cocktails developed by bar director , Pietro Rizzo . The vibe is part invocative gastronomic journey , part energetic night out , as live DJs perform late into the night on weekends and for brunch .
Keen to showcase the menu , which draws on classical techniques of Edomae sushi , tempura and robata , to its fullest extent , the restaurant team selected a host of signature dishes , which form the small plate sharing experience for us to try . Taking us on a flavour-filled journey of yellowtail sashimi with spicy ponzu , shiso
and chilli ; sake salmon ; a divinely morerish and spicy charcoal chicken karaage with yuzu mayo ; robata grilled miso black cod ; the sticky BBQ tonkatsu beef rib and a fought-over wagyu oxtail and bone marrow fried rice . We ended our taste-bud adventure with the classically fresh flavours of yuzu meringue with white chocolate and Earl Grey , and the intriguing depths of the black sesame cheesecake offset with citrus and marshmallow . Pausing only to sip ‘ The Death of the Lion ’ inspired by a classic gimlet with a yuzu twist and ‘ The Black Cat ’, The Aubrey ’ s take on a classic old fashioned with a hint of smoke . A final twist of culinary intrigue before retiring to the bar for a final farewell digestif .
Waking to the sun streaming across our Presidential Suite and the carriage paths of the park beyond , we made our way to breakfast . Served in a beautiful sunny dining room affording views of meandering carriage drivers and , if you time it right , the King ’ s Guard on horseback , classic tea , a plentiful buffet and refined à la carte eggs are on the menu . The whole concept is the perfectly relaxed-formal beginning to your day and end to your stay ; one that will be memorable for all the right reasons .
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 66 Knightbridge London SW1X 7LA www . mandarinoriental . com / en / london / hyde-park
mandarinorientalhydepark mo _ hydepark
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