Mandarin Oriental, Taipei Review: Art & Luxury in the Kingdom of Butterfly, Formosa, Taiwan

Sasha Huang

Oct 18, 2023

TAIPEI

In true Mandarin Oriental fashion, Mandarin Oriental Taipei blooms in elegance right in the heart of the metropolis. The stunning establishment is set on the city's adored opulent boulevard Dunhua Road as a true embodiment of indulgence in luxury.

Design

The grand architecture is reminiscent of European chateaus. Stepping into the property means that you will be greeted by its 3 impressive fountains for its hotel and boutiques entrance; a bespoke art installation by Fidia Falaschetti and a majestic 1,400 kg chandelier with 50,000 crystals and light amber crystal drops by Czech designer Tafana Dvorakova to reflects Taiwan’s nickname as "The Butterfly Kingdom".

At the same time, the butterfly print is at the forefront of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei's signature fan design. The European-style antique illustrates a colourful and intricate design of hand-painted butterflies in blossoming flowers against the verdant background of Taipei's leafy avenue.

Reflecting the country's gifted name Formosa, meaning beautiful in Portuguese, the interior is occupied by delicate and bespoke artworks of a floral theme. The property houses more than 1,700 art pieces on display, including Blossom, an exquisite series of Calla Lily flowers blooming placed on every floor from 7 to 14. The lovely sculpture installations is from Taiwanese artist Nai-Wen Chang and symbolises purity, beauty; rebirth and new beginnings. Its regal presence is felt at every corner of the establishment.

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Accommodation

There are 254 guest rooms, 47 suites and 2 presidential suites at this hotel. The walls feature hand sculpted peony flowers by English artist Helen Amy Murray. In Taiwanese culture, it symbolises good fortune and prosperity.

All beds are fitted with 480-thread-count satin bed linen, valet closet and marble bathrooms featuring a separate powder room, bathtub and walk-in rainforest shower. The premier rooms and suites offer a private master bedroom with an adjoining living area with sofas, a working area and many more unique artworks. Capturing a luscious view of the city's skyline or hotel's courtyard, the rooms are crafted with classic inspiration and contemporary touches.

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Dining

Complementing the property's mesmerising allure, the dining options at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei present a lavish collection of gastronomic journeys full of art and taste.

Nestled at the edge of the ground floor, The Jade Lounge sets an elegant scene for its gourmet traditional afternoon tea. Its opulence is accentuated by the 28,000 hand-blown glass chandeliers by Czech designer Katarina Fulinova, which hang gracefully over the main area. Here, you can indulge in its delicate pastries and menu of European and Chinese teas in a quiet setting. On the 6th floor, you will find Bencotto- which serves a delicious selection of contemporary Italian cuisine made with fresh seasonal produce from an open kitchen. Café Un Deux Trois is the hotel's modern restaurant with semi buffet options.t. Here, you can dive into a delightful array of recipes and flavours. For a casual night out, M.O. Bar serves as a desirable cocktail destination for all social settings. The venue takes inspiration from 1920s Art Deco movements for a truly eclectic time. You can also shop at the lovely Mandarin Cake Shop for the country's most iconic pastries from Executive Pastry Chef Kevin Chiu.

Image courtesy of Sasha Huang | CSP Times

Ya Ge is Mandarin Oriental, Taipei's signature dining concept. Helmed by Executive Chef Cheng Kwok-Hung, the restaurant offers a timeless experience with the most exquisite modern Cantonese cuisine that has garnered itself one Michelin star in the MICHELIN Guide Taipei, Taichung, Tainan & Kaohsiung for the sixth consecutive year in 2023. Its dining space is a comforting and refined atmosphere to spotlight the impeccable dishes. The menu is rich in texture, flavours, colours and recipes foregrounding the masterful craftsmanship of Chef Cheng and his team.

Here is a peak at Ya Ge's luxurious 8-course lunch menu:

Caviar, South Africa, Abalone Aspic | Goaroupa Pan-fried with Superior Soy Sauce | Black Pork, Honey, Barbecued | Shrimp Paste, Goose, Pan-fried

Fish Maw, Dendrobium, Cordyceps, Doubled boiled

Lobster, Braised with X.O. Sauce

Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Kong Pao Style

Conpoy, Winter Melon, Braised in Chicken Jus

Minced Pork, Chili Oil, Peanuts, Inaniwa Noodles

Bird’s Nest, Ai-Yu Crystal Jelly | Red Date, Coconut Cake, Chilled | Egg Tart, Baked

Vegetarian Set Menu

Asparagus Crispy, Deep fried | Chinese Yan, Pao Stule, Wok-fried | Sweet & Sour Sauce, Mushrooms, Wok-fried | Morel, Pumpkin, Vegetables Dumpling, Steamed

Matsutake Mushrooms, Fungus, Camboo shoots, Boiled

Black Truffle, Morel, Bean Curd, Braised

Blazed Mushroom, Tofu, Mushroom, Braised

Macadamia, Yellow Fungus, Celery, Snap Peas, Asparagus, Lily, Wok-fried

Wild Mushroom, Jasmine Rice, Stewed

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Facilities

The 20-metre outdoor pool is a fan favourite at this hotel. It is the perfect place to indulge in life's simple joy by just sunbathing or swimming under the warm sun.

Meanwhile, the spa takes care of all of your wellness needs. Signature packages include the Formosa, a full-body massage completed with facials that use local rituals and ingredients, and the Eastern Harmoniser, a full-body massage integrated with Jade stones and completed with traditional scalp and face scrapping.

Overall

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, is an exquisite urban sanctuary where modern luxury and timelessness converge to present an exceptional experience full of art, vibrance and elegance.

All imagery of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is provided by Mandarin Oriental, Taipei.

Book a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei HERE.