On 18 October 2013, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group celebrated the 50th anniversary of its flagship Hong Kong property with a glamorous gala party.
To celebrate 50 fantastic years, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong welcomed over 800 celebrities, dignitaries and society guests from Hong Kong and around the world. Celebrities and VIPs included Mandarin Oriental fans Dame Helen Mirren, Maggie Cheung, Bryan Ferry, Vivienne Tam, Karen Mok, Mary McCartney, Frederick Forsyth, Caterina Murino, Darcey Bussell, and Sir David Tang. Notable guests from Hong Kong included Moses Chan, Aimee Chan, Hins Cheung, Michelle Wai, Kathy Chou, Ankie Beilke, Pansy Ho, Simon and Daisy Ho, Maisy Ho, Yvette Yuen, Ming Ho and Louisa Cheng, to name a few. Overseas guests included George Osborne, City of London (England) Mayor Boris Johnson, Olivier Krug and legendary Chef Pierre Gagnaire.
L to R Mary McCartney, Frederick Forsyth, Caterina Murino, Maggie Cheung, Sir David Tang, Vivienne Tam, Karen Mok, Bryan Ferry, Dame Helen Mirren, Edouard Ettedgui, Darcey Bussell and Jonas Schuermann at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s 50th Anniversary Gala on October 17 2013 in Hong Kong Photo by Jessica Hromas Getty Images for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the very essence of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. Having delighted guests with award-winning service and impressive facilities for nearly 50 years, it is the much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of this exciting city. The spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the famous Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. A collection of ten outstanding restaurants and bars, including two with Michelin stars, and a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa, indoor pool and 24-hour fitness centre, make the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong the recognized home away from home for discerning leisure and business travelers alike.
The magnificent evening began with a star-studded red carpet arrival in front of the hotel, which drew a stellar crowd. Guests were welcomed by Edouard Ettedgui, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonas Schuermann, General Manager/Area Vice President, Operations and hotel colleagues. An extraordinary outdoor spectacle, fusing history, design and technology – three elements for which the Group is renowned – then took place. A three-dimensional projection over the façade of the property traced the hotel’s history and beginnings in 1963 and the subsequent development of the Group into the global luxury brand that it is today.
“From our great beginning in 1963, our brand has grown to 45 luxury hotels in major global destinations,” said Edouard Ettedgui. “It is fitting that tonight however; we pay tribute to our original flagship, our wonderful staff and our loyal guests. The service excellence and attention to detail given by our 850 colleagues each and every day is why this hotel is held in such high regard by so many people around the world,” he added.
Later in the evening, guests were treated to live performances by two of the Group’s celebrity fans, Hong Kong’s very own actress, singer and songwriter Karen Mok and the enigmatic Bryan Ferry. Menus were prepared by talented Executive Chef Uwe Opocensky and his team, and The City Contemporary Dance Company, showcased a “Dance of Golden Fans” choreographed by Willy Tsao.
François Curiel, President of Christie’s Asia auctioned off three outstanding prizes raising funds for local charities Mindset, The Hong Kong Red Cross and Hong Kong Cancer Fund.
“This iconic hotel has long been in the heart and hearts of the Hong Kong people, and we are delighted that so many guests could join us to celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Jonas Schuermann, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s General Manager/Area Vice President, Operations.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the world. The Group now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing over 11,000 rooms in 26 countries, with 20 hotels in Asia, 11 in The Americas and 14 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties. The Group has equity interests in a number of its properties and net assets of approximately USD 2.9 billion as at 30th June 2013.
Mandarin Oriental’s aim is to be recognized widely as the best global luxury hotel group, providing 21st century luxury with oriental charm in each of its hotels. This will be achieved by investing in the Group’s exceptional facilities and its people, while maximizing profitability and long-term shareholder value. The Group regularly receives recognition and awards for outstanding service and quality management. The strategy of the Group is to open the hotels currently under development, while continuing to seek further selective opportunities for expansion around the world.
The Group began with the opening of its flagship property, The Mandarin, in Hong Kong in 1963, which soon built up an enviable reputation for luxurious service. In 1974, Mandarin International Hotels Limited was formed as a hotel management company. The Group’s intention was to expand into Asia and operate hotels that would reflect the standard of service synonymous with their property in Hong Kong.
In 1974 the company’s hotel interests expanded further through the acquisition of a 49 percent interest in The Oriental, Bangkok. The Oriental was already a legendary property and acknowledged as one of the world’s great hotels. Through the management of both The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental, Bangkok, the Group was in an unusual position of having two “flagship” hotels whose names represented the best in hospitality.
In 1985, the Company restructured its corporate structure by combining these two prestigious properties under a common name, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. In 1987, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was floated on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong under the name of Mandarin Oriental International Limited with a net asset value of USD 277 million.
The parent company, Mandarin Oriental International Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group International Limited, which operates from Hong Kong, manages the activities of the Group’s hotels. Mandarin Oriental is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. The Group’s express aim was, and still is, to concentrate on the development and operation of deluxe and first class hotels worldwide.
Filed under: celebrations, Hotels and Hospitality, Lifestyle, Living/Travel, Social/Life, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged: Aimee Chan, Ankie Beilke, “Dance of Golden Fans”, Bryan Ferry, Caterina Murino, Chef Pierre Gagnaire, Chef Uwe Opocensky, City of London (England) Mayor Boris Johnson, Dame Helen Mirren, Darcey Bussell, Edouard Ettedgui, Frederick Forsyth, George Osborne, Hins Cheung, Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Jardine Matheson Group, Jonas Schuermann, Karen Mok, Kathy Chou, Louisa Cheng, Maggie Cheung, Maisy Ho, Mandarin International Hotels Limited, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong 50th Anniversary Gala, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group International Limited, Mary McCartney, Michelle Wai, Mindset, Ming Ho, Moses Chan, Olivier Krug, Pansy Ho, Simon and Daisy Ho, Sir David Tang, The City Contemporary Dance Company, The Hong Kong Red Cross, VIVIENNE TAM, Willy Tsao, Yvette Yuen