For a celebration like no other, head to the Mandarin Oriental for High tea and a luxurious massage
The Mandarin Oriental spa recently underwent a huge renovation. The massage rooms, waiting areas, and the hot tub were all redone. And I visited the spa and had an uber relaxing massage.
Year of the Earth Dog Spa Experience
The Earth Dog year is considered to be one of action, requiring planning and energy in order to succeed. To celebrate Chinese New Year, Mandarin Oriental has launched the Year of the Earth Dog Spa Experience to relax guests while rebalancing energy for both body and mind. The treatment has been designed to reduce stress, promote relaxation and ease pain and muscle tension. Guests will be welcomed with hot or cold towels infused with tangerine oil, which symbolizes good tidings.
I’m not much of a talker when I’ve having services done, you know? Like getting my hair cut or my nails done. I just want to sit there. I loved that my masseuse got that. While I engaged her some conversation about herself and her background, she was basically following my lead to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. And this massage at the Mandarin Oriental was heavenly.
Calming waiting area at the Mandarin Oriental spa
I also learned that each year, Mandarin Oriental hotels pick a different hotel to create their Chinese New Year zodiac themed massage. This year’s was Atlanta’s Mandarin Oriental. All hotels around the world then get trained in that specific massage and it is offered all year.
The entire massage was 1 hour 20 minutes and is designed to leave you feeling content, restored and happy. The treatment utilizes Mandarin Oriental’s signature bespoke Flourish Oil, which contains a blend of lemongrass, cardamom and coriander. The addition of hot stones (which I’d never experienced before since I’m somewhat of a massage newbie) was quite exhilarating.
Chinese New Year zodiac themed massages are sensational.
The only thing I thought was a bit strange was the tummy part of the massage (because dogs like their stomachs rubbed). It is nice in keeping with the “Year of the Dog” theme but just didn’t add anything much to my experience. But overall, I felt so relaxed and at peace when my massage was complete. The massage treatment at the Mandarin Oriental is available through February 4th, 2019.
Mandarin Oriental Afternoon Tea
HIgh tea is always available at Mandarin Oriental throughout the year with various themes
Though the massage was well over an hour, it seemed I blinked and it was over. It would really be a shame to just pop in and be on my way, so I stayed for afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental hotel. Check out the selection of a dozen teas to peruse before making your selection. Feel free to open them up and take a sniff. I feel in love with the delicate Shanghai Rose, but then moved on to my favorite, Chai.
Served fireside in the hotel’s black and white marble lobby, the tea will include a selection of fragrant Chinese teas accompanied by delicious delicacies. Menu highlights I experienced included Barbeque Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao), Dumplings (Guotie), Duck Gua-Bao and sweet Sesame Balls. Though this particular tea service at Mandarin Oriental is only good for a short time, any tea service will be full of delectable goodies. Add a glass of champagne to your tea service a bit of additional luxury. Tea will be priced at USD 48 per person and reservations are suggested.
Mandarin Oriental has special tea themes throughout the year
Affiliations:
![Member, Association of Food Bloggers](http://associationoffoodbloggers.org/wp-content/uploads/MemberLogo.jpg")
They have improved the parking lot behind the restaurant so you no longer need a way to get all the terrain in and out of it. Parking is also available along State Street if the lot is full.
Looks like that was an awesome time!