“Good things come to those who wait.” That is the view of Mark S. Bradford, general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, who oversaw the opening of the luxury brand’s stunning new property in January.

It is the first Mandarin Oriental in the city, the ninth in China and the fifth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area. The 178-room property is also the tallest Mandarin Oriental hotel in the world, located on the 67th to 79th floors of UpperHills in Futian District, with amazing birds’-eye views of the lush greenery of Bijia and Lianhua Hill parks and the modern downtown Shenzhen cityscape.

Classic brand, elegant lifestyle

“Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, is a classic and renowned brand that brings a new luxury lifestyle to the vibrant city of Shenzhen,” said Bradford in an interview with Shenzhen Daily. “We offer customized experiences for the young generation, who have high spending power and are discerning when it comes to high quality and good taste. The hotel is very modern, with contemporary architecture and striking interior design.”

The general manager is known for his love of art and is proud of the tasteful pieces located throughout the building, especially the huge digital art installation in the lobby by Chinese artist Mu Lei. “Every guest will see this fabulous artwork; I am convinced that Mu Lei is one of the leaders of China’s digital art movement, and will be appreciated internationally,” said Bradford.

The hotel boasts a 1,500-square- meter meeting space with a semi-outdoor terrace, the highest banquet space in Shenzhen on the 77th floor and a helipad which overlooks Futian CBD.

With its rooftop helipad, and twin-engine Airbus H350 helicopter, partnered with Heli-Eastern, Mandarin Oriental is the only hotel in the city to offer helicopter “flight-seeing” trips around Shenzhen.

“As the tallest Mandarin Oriental hotel in the world, with our own dedicated helipad, it is a match made in, and above, the clouds and epitomizes ultra-luxury, modernity, and privacy,” said Bradford.

Bradford enthuses about the dining options, describing them as a chance to “wine and dine in the clouds, gazing at glorious greenery and glittering skyscrapers.” The hotel has become a prime local foodie destination, popular with the younger generations thanks to a dazzling echelon of bars and restaurants. At the hotel’s signature rooftop MO Bar, guests can enjoy a casual, unpretentious after-dark experience kickstarted by crafted cocktails; they can also come earlier to chill with a tranquil afternoon high tea at LIAN Lounge on the 78th floor.

The flagship restaurant is The Bay by Chef Fei, helmed by a Michelin-starred gourmet maestro who takes Cantonese cuisine to new levels of innovation. Other options include TAPAS 77, RIN, and OPUS388, all on the 77th floor with great views.

A genuine world of FANS

While embracing the younger generations, and the latest trends, the tradition and culture of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group remain prominent. Bradford stated that the Shenzhen hotel has designed its own version of the group’s “well-known and beloved” fan logo, a symbol recognized worldwide for providing hospitality excellence.

“Our fan logo has unique meaning for every hotel and is closely connected with the host city,” explained Bradford. “At the Shenzhen hotel, we hope that the fan logo can also symbolize the local Cantonese culture and people. It is also my humble vision that the local community embraces our hotel as its very own. We are here to serve the community with sincere and warm hospitality from our heart, to create ‘a genuine world of FANS’ in Shenzhen.”

A must-try staycation destination

Conde Nast Traveler just released the Hot List for the China Region and, naturally, the newly-opened Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen is among the 16 hotels featured.

“I’m very proud of that listing which comes just 100 days after our opening,” said Bradford. “It is a real measure of the mark we have made on this remarkable city and a recognition of the incredible hard work from our team. Due to the pandemic, operating a luxury hotel has become far beyond checking in, and checking out, guests in a fancy property. Quality time with family and friends is the most precious commodity today. As a luxury hotel, we also need to create special moments for every guest and become a must-try destination for a Shenzhen staycation.”

Despite the current tough environment, the hotelier is convinced that Shenzhen’s star will continue to rise — and that Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, will be a favored address for high net worth individuals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area who are seeking discretion, privacy and superb service.

“Speed is a word that perfectly epitomizes one of Shenzhen’s many qualities,” he said. “We spent only about nine months in setting up, and opening, the hotel and yet the finished product showcases amazing creativity, and quality, whether it is the design, the architecture, the artwork or the food.”

The veteran hotelier is always excited to discover new destinations, appreciate different cultures and adapt to different dynamics. The much-traveled Bradford previously opened the Mandarin Oriental property in Beijing and has also worked in Thailand and Morocco.

“You can’t compare Shenzhen to other locations in the world; we never follow the same model to open business in different places,” he said. “We all like constantly new things and that is what is incredible about creating something original.”