Exclusive interview: Jeremy McCarthy discusses leaving Mandarin Oriental

Jeremy McCarthy has spoken to European Spa about his decision to leave his role as group director of spa, leisure and wellness at Mandarin Oriental.

Handing over the reins to Emlyn Brown, who has joined from Accor, McCarthy leaves behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, innovation and growth in the spa sector.

He spent 11 years in the global role, first joining as group director of spa before being appointed to the more senior role in 2023.

Prior to Mandarin Oriental he worked in various positions including at Starwood and Four Seasons.

McCarthy has played a key role at Mandarin Oriental from a wellness perspective, investing time and energy into developing the talent and skills of the team. He has also overseen growth in the resort side of the business, a major shift for the global hotel operator.

We talk exclusively to him about his journey, what he is most proud of and what the future holds.

What are you most proud of from your time at Mandarin Oriental?

On leadership in spa and wellness: “Working with Mandarin Oriental has been a great opportunity to continually strive for the exceptional. Mandarin Oriental has been recognised by the World Spa Awards as the best hotel spa brand for the last three years in a row, and our own research of luxury consumers shows that they recognise Mandarin Oriental as a leader in spa and wellness.”

On colleague wellness: “In my time with Mandarin Oriental, we established industry-leading colleague wellness programmes for all of our colleagues across the group. Over the years I have seen colleagues that have been positively impacted and, in some cases, completely transformed by these experiences.

“Most importantly, the wellness culture that we have established in the group of colleagues looking after each other’s mental health and wellbeing makes a beautiful environment to work in. It’s a culture that keeps growing stronger year after year.”

On resorts and leisure: “When I joined the group, Mandarin Oriental was a predominately urban hotel company with only 10 per cent of the portfolio being resorts. Today, we have a reputation for operating some of the best resorts in the world with incredible leisure experiences, kids and family programming, sports offerings, cultural experiences and more.

“Looking to the future, a majority of Mandarin Oriental’s development pipeline is now resorts with some spectacular destinations coming soon, including Mallorca, Cortina, Maldives, Bali, Kanai, Setouchi, Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman and many more.”

How has your background in psychology helped you in this role?

“My background in psychology has had a big influence on the approach to mental wellness within Mandarin Oriental. We have developed some brand-defining initiatives around the importance of silence and quiet contemplation (our annual Silent Night ritual).

“There is also finding balance with technology (Digital Wellness and Tech Detox retreats), and an ongoing emphasis on mindfulness and ‘Inner and Outer Strength.’

“We believe that by building our guests’ inner and outer strength, we help them to be at their best and to pursue the exceptional in their own lives.”

What lessons have you learned from your time at Mandarin Oriental?

“Working with Mandarin Oriental has been an incredible opportunity to live and raise our kids in the heart of Asia.

We have fallen in love with the people, the food and the spectacular scenery in this part of the world. I feel blessed to have learned so much about eastern philosophy and culture through my time with Mandarin Oriental.”

Do you have a favourite Mandarin Oriental spa?

“They are all my favorites. It is hard to pick a favorite but some that stand out to me are the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino: a beautiful resort spa with amazing heat and water experiences.

“The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Lake Como — we renovated the spa and I think the finished product is spectacular. It has great facilities by the lake and an incredibly soothing zen-garden inspired treatment area.

“The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo has some of the best therapists I have ever experienced and a sauna with a view, what more can you ask for?”

What is your favourite Mandarin Oriental hotel?  

“Again, I can’t possibly pick one but some that stand out to me are Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: an iconic hotel underpinned by spectacular Thai hospitality and the original Oriental Spa that has been the inspiration for so much of what we do in spa and wellness.

“At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, we transformed an incredibly unique property into one of the world’s best resorts. This is the property my family wants to return to again, even after I’ve left the group.

“Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing is such a unique cultural experience with a hotel embedded into a traditional Chinese hutong village. A stay here transports you back to a simpler time and fills you with a sense of wonder and curiosity.”

Is there anyone at the Group you would particularly like to thank?

“It has been a great honour to work alongside so many great people in my time with Mandarin Oriental. One person that is worthy of special recognition is Andrea Lomas-Gong.

“She has been our vice president of spa and wellness operations, and has been by my side for my entire journey with Mandarin Oriental. She puts her heart and soul into everything that she does and is a big part of what makes wellness at Mandarin Oriental so authentic.”

What can you tell us about your future?

“Our plan is to relocate back to the United States, but my family has a bucket list of things we want to do in Asia before we leave.

“We plan to do some personal travel in China, Vietnam, New Zealand and Japan before ultimately returning back to our home in New York.”