Listed as Best New City Hotels under the Urbanist Standouts in “The  2015 Hot List”  at the recent US Conde Nast Traveler Awarde the magnificent Mandarin Oriental celebrates its first anniversary with a bouquet of offers for its guests. Poonam Thapa  gets a taste of Taipei’s most luxurious hotel that has her inundated with its sheer opulence and classic elegance:

Everything spells grandeur and luxury at the Mandarin Oriental hotel which is known world over for its impeccable and legendary service quality.

Right from the splendid oval fountain at the entrance, that stands as a harbinger of the exclusive experience that is to come, to opulently smart white corridors, the dazzling crystal chandelier with over 50,000 crystal beads in the lobby, the baroque style combined with lavish European classic interiors and a mind-boggling 1700 pieces of extravagant and valuable artworks that adorn the walls. It is simply overwhelming!

The property is colossal with 256 tastefully done rooms and 47 suites, designed elegantly in classic inspiration and contemporary state of the art technology.  The magnificent Presidential suite including a Mandarin Suit is almost 400 sqm and comes with a private spa and gymnasium - the ultimate in luxury, comfort and indulgence.

We were housed in the deluxe suite on the 17^th floor. It is also one of the most spacious one. With high ceilings, tastefully sophisticated interiors, sparkling chandelier and exclusive artwork on leather, I was engulfed in poshness. Added to it, the superior in-room technology that enables one to connect to six different devices at a time. A luxurious marble bathroom and walk-in closet enhanced the comfort and lavishness promising a memorable stay. From the window, I could catch a view of the Songshang airport along a wet Taipei skyline.

The six restaurant and bars can rightly be termed brilliant masterpieces.  Designed  by  Tony Chi, world renowned designer,  the restaurants are embodiment of perfect style, grace and splendour  I fell in love, completely, with the Café Un Deux Trois and its stylish mirrored ceilings that, I thought, looked spectacularly chic. Guests can choose to have breakfast here or at the Oriental Lounge with free flowing champagne. Bright yellow flowers placed at vantage points made cheerful reflections ensuring our mood for a beautiful day that was enhanced with an array of chef de cuisine Florence Dalia’s spectacular fare for the morning. Fascinatingly, the designer wants guests to have a happy experience, walking through FUEGUIA 1833, a high-end Argentina perfumery, where you are greeted by the gentle waft of fragrance, view a magnificient cake shop and pass through Pages, a relaxed reading area. The intention, we were told, is to offer guests with an absorbing and unforgettable experience as they enter the restaurant.

Café Un Deux Trois

Ya Ge is the Cantonese restaurant with its graceful and luxurious ambience, a perfect place to enjoy excellent oriental cuisine with personalised service and a range of private rooms with intimate private bars. The carefully crafted menu here features a selection of dishes that is sure to please your palate.Contemporary art pieces with earthy color tones and wooden furniture make  a  unique blend of subtle glamour that complements with the elegant dishes.

Bencotto is the lively Italian restaurant which is overseen by Michelin-starred, Italian chef Mario Cittadini in an almost rustic setting.  A large open kitchen gives you a view of the culinary delicacies that are created here. A beautiful wall display showcases neat bottles of wine and world class liquor in the most stylish setting.

 The M.O. is a trendy Bar that serves exciting range of cocktails and Champagnes to discerning guests. The Jade Lounge is the place to visit for Mandarin Oriental’s renowned afternoon tea. Located adjacent to the lobby, it is lavishly designed with pearls and peacock feathers that represent glamour and prosperity in Taiwanese culture.

In the private courtyard is The Mandarin cake shop is an opulent pattesserie that offers delectable selection of pastries, a range of bread and pralines by renowned world chocolate Master Frank Haasnoot.

The hotel also houses one of the largest spa amongst Mandarin Oriental properties world over where guests can enjoy a relaxing time as they rejuvenate in its luxurious environs along.  Fitness lovers can experience a splendid pool and bespoke programmes at the state of the art gym.

You will find Taiwan’s first spectacular Grand Salon, accompanied by a romantic roof garden, which is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies.

 A shopping arcade, that promises an exclusive and exciting experience is to be open to guests soon.