Mandarin Oriental will operate a boutique-style luxury hotel and spa in the South Korean market for the first time, in Seoul’s Central Business District, north of the Han River, with the property opening in 2030.

The 128-key property, Mandarin Oriental, Seoul, is being developed by Hanwha Group, a South Korean business group with multinational affiliates in industries including aerospace, mechatronics engineering, clean energy, finance and retail.

Interior design will be by André Fu, who will blend understated elegance with design elements that capture the essence of the destination. The atmosphere will be intimate and residential, akin to that of a private members' club.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will be a destination spa that ranges across four floors with a concept that offers a serene sanctuary and a deep connection to nature via immersive art experiences, natural materials, ambient light and organic textures.

Therapies will incorporate Korean healing traditions, advanced beauty protocols, plus recovery and performance treatments.

Mandarin Oriental says every element of the spa has been crafted to help guests “recover, perform and evolve physically, mentally and emotionally.” Core themes will include Traditional Healing, Korean Beauty, Mind Reset, Body Performance and “Future Bathing”.

The spa will have a 25-metre swimming pool and a fitness centre, in addition to a private outdoor terrace to rest and unwind.

Other leisure activities on offer will include a golf academy with multiple simulators, a multiball court, a games room and a kids’ club.

Mandarin Oriental growth

Mandarin Oriental, Seoul is part of the hotel group’s plan for continued global growth.

Group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, Laurent Kleitman, said: “Mandarin Oriental, Seoul will reflect our commitment to thoughtful growth, offering an experience that captures the essence of the destination while delivering the legendary service and design our guests expect.”

The group now operates 43 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exceptional homes in 27 countries and territories, with more projects under development.

Spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental

In August, there was a changing of the guard at Mandarin Oriental, in the spa and wellness department.

Jeremy McCarthy announced his departure from the company after 11 years in charge of leisure, spa and wellness.

Emlyn Brown has taken up McCarthy’s former role as group director of spa, leisure and wellness at Mandarin Oriental. Brown recently left Accor, where he had been VP of wellbeing, strategy, design and development for seven years.