For the perfect New England weekend destination head north to Boston for its world-class museums, performance arts, historic waterfront, and exciting culinary scene. And for a place to encamp, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is both glorious and centrally located. Of course, anyone who travels first-class is aware of Mandarin Oriental’s penchant for hospitality, impeccable service, and magnificent décor; in the Boston property, it’s hard to miss the spectacular paintings by such luminaries as Frank Stella and David Hockney which adorn the hotel’s grand lobby.
Gracious Rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in silks and plush velvets and festooned with museum caliber Asian artworks. For supremely lavish digs, the Dynasty Suite, is a generous 1,700 square feet of the finest furnishings and the best views in the Back Bay; but you don’t have to book the Penthouse Suite to enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s elegance and ambiance.
Set in the center of Boylston Street’s thriving shopping district, the hotel is a short walk to both Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and the breathtaking Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, an extraordinary personal collection of artistic treasures that include an ancient Greek marble goddess and a Rembrandt self-portrait. Stroll leisurely along Back Bay’s historic Newbury Street and peruse the fashionable boutiques and charming antique brownstones.
The Mandarin Oriental hotels are second-to-none when it comes to Spa treatments with their rethinking of haute-holistic skin care and specialty aromatherapy massages. Full day wellness programs like the “Bostonian” include a Quintessence Body Scrub, Oriental Massage, a Spa Tea Lounge lunch, and Ultimate Facial. Guests do not have to book a treatment to enjoy the experiential showers, Crystal steam room and relaxation lounges. The fitness center includes a Kenesis Wall, TRX training equipment, workout classes, and personal training sessions.
Great restaurants are numerous in this metropolis, but you won’t have to leave the hotel for outstanding fare. Start your morning with the gourmet breakfast buffet at Bar Boulud, the hotel’s in-house eatery. Internationally acclaimed Chef Daniel Boulud brings his classic French touch to his namesake restaurant. The impressive wine cellar includes Chef Boulud’s favorites from Burgundy and Rhône Valley regions.
–Paula Koffsky
Photo Credits: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group