Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group just signed an agreement to manage two iconic hotels in Europe: Hôtel Lutetia in Paris and the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. The acceptance of the offer is subject to the completion of a consultation process with the relevant Works Councils, which will begin shortly. Also just signed: a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico is expected to open in 2028 and will be the group’s third property in the Caribbean. The project is part of Esencia, a new cosmopolitan coastal community owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.
There’s clearly a momentum to grow the luxury brand, whose business model includes hotel ownership and hotel management. The portfolio currently includes 41 hotels, 12 residences and 25 homes in 26 countries.
Luxury Travel Advisor caught up with Tiffany Cooper, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s head of development for the Americas to find out where the luxury brand is headed in 2025.
New resort projects have also been announced recently in Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico and Riviera Maya, says Cooper. Of note is the closure of its Miami property in May to make way for a new-build property in the city, which will comprise two new towers.
“Mandarin Oriental targets major gateway cities, where demand for luxury experiences remains strong, such as Los Angeles, Nashville, Dallas, Mexico City and Los Cabos, to name a few,” says Cooper, who notes that emerging hubs, such as select markets in the Caribbean as well as South American destinations are a focus as well.
Mandarin Oriental recently announced full ownership of its collection of luxury private vacation homes. Cooper says that portfolio, currently with 20 homes, will continue to grow, with an eye on top leisure destinations, including the UK, the French Riviera, Marbella and Bali, as well as other key destinations.
How does Mandarin Oriental select locations for these exclusive homes? Criteria includes settings that provide “secluded intimacy, family-friendly attractions, [venues for] celebrations and outdoor pursuits,” says Cooper.
What attributes must a hotel have to become part of the Mandarin Oriental portfolio? The ability to provide a stellar dining experience, for one, says Cooper.
“Mandarin Oriental is known for our exceptional food & beverage experiences with more Michelin stars than any other group of our size— 27 Michelin stars across our portfolio of 41 hotels,” she says.
“Additionally, holistic wellness experiences across the whole portfolio have been repeatedly recognized annually by the Forbes 5 Star ranking and something our guests have come to expect when selecting our hotels,” she says. “We plan to continue to evolve these experiences by bringing the best of our global expertise together to create new opportunities and locally relevant experiences for our guests.”
Luxury Travel Advisor was curious about what it takes to bring an existing property up to Mandarin Oriental standards when it becomes part of the portfolio.
“Conversions and adaptive reuse projects are an important part of our strategy as they allow us to preserve architectural heritage while introducing a new level of luxury,” says Cooper, noting the goal is “to create a seamless blend of history and modern luxury. A great example of our approach is the upcoming transformation of Hôtel Lutetia in Paris, which will soon become Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris. This iconic hotel, known for its rich history and stunning architecture, will keep its unique charm while bringing in the signature luxury and experience that Mandarin Oriental is known for.”
At the end of the day, Mandarin Oriental will keep up with what the ever-changing guest is looking for when it comes to spending money for a fabulous experience.
“Luxury in 2025 is defined by personalization—guests expect tailored experiences that reflect their preferences, from bespoke itineraries to individually curated wellness treatments,” says Cooper. She says that luxury brands must go beyond offering high-end services and offer amenities and experiences that guests can't find elsewhere.
“This is where Mandarin Oriental excels—through attention to detail, emotional connection, and exclusivity,” she notes.
There is also an increased focus on exclusive, high-touch experiences, says Cooper.
“Affluent travelers are seeking more bespoke and meaningful experiences, not just luxury for luxury’s sake. This includes deeper cultural connections, unique adventures, and services tailored to individual needs. Luxury will continue to diversify, with travelers seeking experiences that align with their values, whether that’s through eco-conscious tourism, culinary excellence, or culturally immersive stays.”
As the definition of luxury continues to evolve, Cooper says that "Mandarin Oriental will continue to innovate and evolve its offerings to meet these diverse demands.”
Related Articles
Mandarin Oriental Announces New Luxury Resort in Puerto Rico
Mandarin Oriental Expands Presence Across Americas
Mandarin Oriental, New York Awarded Sustainable Certification