Two cities, one trip: holiday-planning made simple
For centuries-old bazaars and coastal chic
Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans have all called Istanbul their home, while the Silk Route’s merchants flocked here to sell their exotic wares. All left their mark on this vibrant East-meets-West metropolis, with its unique architecture, culture and food. Experience it all from the waterfront Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, set in the chic Kuruçeşme neighbourhood. Three pools, multiple restaurants and a 3,500sqm spa will keep you occupied, but beyond the hotel there are all kinds of marvels to explore, from mosques and hammams to the centuries-old Grand Bazaar. Ask the concierge to arrange a bespoke tour of its galleries and museums, or browse Turkish carpets, jewellery and spices on a private shopping spree.
Plan a car-ferry combination or fly to the Aegean coast; the flight to Bodrum takes just over an hour. It’s hard to believe that this sprawling city was once a sleepy fishing village. While the old quarter is all cobbled streets and tumbling bougainvillea, the waterfront is lined with sleek yachts and clubs. The coastline that stretches away to the north is quieter, and it’s here you’ll find Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. The five-star retreat hugs Paradise Bay and has two private beaches, while an off-road safari will take you through the pine forests to a nomadic village. Come the evening, head for dinner on the lantern-lit deck at Hakkasan – a memorable end to your stay on the Turkish Riviera.
For bright lights and baseball
Glittering skyscrapers, bright yellow cabs, the Statue of Liberty, hot-dog carts… Walking around New York, it feels as if you’re on a movie set. Take a bite out of the Big Apple by strolling through Central Park, catching a show on Broadway, or hitting the hottest new restaurants; start with Upper East Side bistro Le Veau d’Or, perhaps, or hip Southeast Asian spot SEA. When it’s time for a rest, retreat to Mandarin Oriental, New York, a calm, cocooning hideaway right by Central Park. Survey Manhattan, martini in hand, from the MO Lounge, or take a swim with skyline views in the 36th-floor pool.
The rail journey from NYC to Boston, Massachusetts takes around four hours. The largest city in New England is steeped in history, from its 17th-century Puritan roots to its part in the American Revolution – a story told via the extraordinary 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. Mandarin Oriental, Boston is at the heart of the action, just blocks away from sights like the Boston Public Library and Museum of Fine Arts. For baseball fans, Fenway Park is a 20-minute stroll, whether you’re in the bleachers for a game or taking a guided tour. After a day’s exploring, head back for dinner at Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay; try the buttery Connecticut-style lobster roll, served on toasted brioche.
For nature treks and shopping
Begin your Southeast Asian adventure in Singapore, just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The first thing you’ll notice is how incredibly clean it is. The second? How much there is to do. Whether you’re into culture (don’t miss the National Gallery or Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay) or nature (trekking in the wetland reserves, botanic gardens and mangroves is lush), there’s something for everyone. On Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is a lesson in luxury. Service here is second to none, and nothing’s too much trouble, from poolside drinks to cookie-baking sessions for the kids. Adults can sign up for Tingkat painting and decorate a tiffin box, or unwind in The Spa, whose Essence of the Garden City treatment calls on Malay massage techniques.
It’s an hour by air to Kuala Lumpur (aka KL), Malaysia’s capital. Like Singapore, it’s a heady mix of futuristic infrastructure, colonial buildings, temples, street-food stalls and quaint cafés. While a visit to Bukit Bintang’s shopping malls is a must, so, too, are the Batu Caves, a series of temples built into the rocks accessed by 272 rainbow-hued steps. Amid all the fast-paced fun, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is an oasis of calm. It’s set between the greenery of KLCC Park and the Petronas Twin Towers – best admired from the infinity pool, or over a Jungle Bird at the MO Bar (rum, Campari, lime and fresh pineapple, since you ask). The concierge, meanwhile, can conjure up all kinds of special experiences, from behind the scenes concert-hall tours to adventures in the Highlands.