Mandarin Oriental Mayfair appoints assistant director of spa

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in London, which is scheduled to open this spring, has announced the appointment of Michelle Matthews as its assistant director of spa.

Matthews has been with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for the five past years. Prior to this she worked at the Corinthia and Bulgari hotels in London.

Matthews began her career and cultivated a strong foundation in wellness at a small spa in Manchester. After working as senior therapist during the opening of Bulgari Hotel London, she joined ESPA Life at Corinthia as head therapist in 2016, later advancing to treatments manager.

In 2018, Matthews moved to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, ascending to spa manager and then assistant director of spa. She expanded her role to include The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in 2022.

Creating spa excellence

Matthews has been working as part of the pre-opening team at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on everything from recruitment to training. She will lead the team for launch while continuing to maintain oversight of the day-to-day operations at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

Once both properties are open, Matthews will be responsible for overseeing operations across both spas.

“My aim at Mandarin Orietal Mayfair, as well as crafting the concept with the local community as a central focus, was was also to infuse the concept with our Oriental heritage – a significant element ingrained in The Spa at Mandarin Oriental brand identity,” said Matthews.

“Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to delivering exceptional experiences and creating an environment of excellence, driven by a passion for wellness and innovation,” she added.

“I am passionate about creating a working culture within the spa that encourages continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation.

“I am aiming to create a supportive atmosphere across both properties, where our team is empowered to push boundaries and strive for excellence.”

Biohacking in the city

The spa will feature a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, vitality pools, experience showers and steam rooms.

Brand partners include Swiss Perfection, Seed to Skin Tuscany and OTO. The group’s signature Oriental Qi ritual will use essential oils from the bespoke range created exclusively by Aromatherapy Associates.

A partnership with Bodyspace will provide a suite of hyperpersonalised lifestyle performance services, with a focus on improving longevity and quality of life.

Tranquility of Mayfair

An innovative urban space focused on renewal and recalibration, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will offer results-driven and bio-hacking treatments.

These will include Tranquillity of Mayfair, a synchronised four-handed massage combined with biohacking which compels the brain to power down and unwind.

“In the treatment, both sides of the body are massaged simultaneously,” explained Matthews. “The brain cannot work out which movement is next or which therapist is linked to which hand. This compels the brain to power down and unwind.

“At the end of this indulgent experience, a first for London, guests will be guided into a profound slumber via a binaural beat programme featuring 22 minutes of Delta waves.”

A hub of nature and art

The interiors of the subterranean spa have been designed by Tokyo-based studio, Curiosity, which has also designed the public spaces throughout the hotel.

The concept is based on a hub of nature and art, and guests will be welcomed by a sculptural green Ming marble reception desk and candle-like lighting.

Located on London’s historic Hanover Square, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is developed and owned by Clivedale London.

It will offer 50 guest rooms and 77 private residences led by Susanne Hatje as the general manager who was at the helm of Mandarin Oriental, New York for nine years.

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