Last updated January 18, 2024
As the creamy strawberry ice cream from a room service-delivered Back Bay Sundae melted in my mouth, I snuggled deeper into my cloud-like bed at the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Boston. It was 8 p.m. on a Saturday—and I was in self-care heaven.
After undergoing a recent renovation, the property had been high on my to-visit list.
Now, I’ll be candid. My approach to wellness embraces the healthy and the indulgent. So you’re just as likely to see me drinking green juice and going for a run while on vacation as you are to see me enjoying the sundae I just mentioned.
And the beauty of Mandarin Oriental Boston is that it offers the best of both of these worlds.
A Room You Won’t Want to Leave
The Mandarin Oriental Boston has done a stellar job of thinking of all the details you would need in a home away from home.
Thanks to features such as a stunning view of the city where I could enjoy a sok with a glass of bubbly and my book, I had to remind myself to leave my room and explore Boston a bit.
For example, the bed is heavenly (as I mentioned earlier) and the rooms are outfitted with the latest technology, including a Bluetooth speaker and an AirPlay option on the flat-screen TV.
Windows actually open so that you can get a bit of fresh air. And the bathroom is outfitted in environmentally friendly full-size Diptyque products.
The tea drinker in me appreciated that all I had to do was call guest services, and an electric tea kettle and English breakfast tea were delivered to my room. For the coffee drinkers, there is a Nespresso machine in the room.
Treatments for Mind & Body
I’ll never take a steam room and spa snacks for granted again! That’s what I found myself thinking during my visit to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Boston.
I was also excited to see that the facility featured a crystal steam room (infused with eucalyptus essential oil), vitality pool, and experience shower, which is an invigorating shower that allows the guest to choose from four touch settings and incorporates light therapy.
But, what I really love about this spa is the innovative programming and treatments that are offered.
Of course, guests can indulge in more traditional massage treatments. This spa also offers options that address the mind as well as the body.
During my visit, I experienced the Inner Strength Treatment, which involved a blend of healing and balancing aromatherapy oils. (The treatment uses massage to ease physical tension and emotional anxiety resulting from a traumatic experience or stressful time in one’s life.)
I left the treatment feeling relaxed and ready for my next experience: a Himalayan Sound Bathing experience.
For about 30 minutes, Senior Massage Therapist Tony Reed led us on a guided meditation based on a walk through the forest.
Along the way, he used the singing bowls, which are meant to restore balance by advancing stagnant energy and reinstating your natural energy flow.
Sound like something you might like to try? The spa offers the treatment on a one-on-one basis, too.
Service that Goes Above and Beyond
I felt like family. Even before my arrival, Mandarin Oriental, Boston staff did a fabulous job of answering my questions and making my wishes come true.
For example, Brett arranged for the tea setup I mentioned earlier and suggested the two spots where I enjoyed two delightful seafood dinners (more on that in a moment).
Then, there was Michelle, who greeted me when I returned in the evening.
And Jason in the spa, who ensured that I got to enjoy the sound bathing experience in addition to the treatment I’d been booked for.
From these individuals to the staff who brought my room service breakfast in the morning or answered the phone when I had a question, the customer service was stellar and left me with a smile.
Your Workout Wish Is Their Command
Location is everything, and this property is fortunate to be located in a very walkable/runnable area. For example, one day, I enjoyed a run along the Charles River path, while the other I walked down to the Boston Public Garden.
If you’re looking for a guided run, the hotel offers a MOBoston Running Club that meets at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you’d rather stay indoors, you also have the option to book a private yoga or Pilates class.
Or, head to the fitness center where you’ll find Technogym equipment for running, weight-training and cardio workouts, as well as a personal Kinesis Wall and TRX Suspension Training equipment.
Tantalize Your Taste Buds
My mornings started with green juice, while the days ended with wine — and on that Saturday, a sundae.
Beautiful food and drink make me happy, so they’re a part of my wellness. And in this area, the Mandarin Oriental Boston and its surrounding restaurants do not disappoint.
My room service breakfasts provided a perfect balance of healthy and indulgent: green juice and eggs and bacon or blueberry pancakes.
Dinner my first evening was spent at Atlantic Fish Company (just across the street from the hotel), where I sat on the patio and dined on lobster crab Louie, oysters, Atlantic cod, and New England clam chowder.
Then, my second evening was spent sitting at the bar at Select Oyster Bar (less than a five-minute walk), chatting with the bartenders while I enjoyed oysters (when in Rome, right?), a striped bass tartare, and clams with chorizo—truly a seafood smorgasbord.
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
