Perched above Shenzhen’s skyline, Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen offers world-class luxury, breathtaking views, and exceptional wellness experiences. Compare Retreats checks in …
Location
Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, the tallest hotel in the Mandarin Oriental Group, offers an unparalleled luxury experience from its sleek, modern 79-storey skyscraper in Shenzhen’s vibrant Upper Hills. Spanning the 67th to 79th floors in the heart of the Futian commercial and financial district, the hotel boasts breathtaking panoramic views, opulent accommodations, an award-winning spa, and exceptional dining—all delivered with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality.
Accommodation
With some of the largest hotel rooms in the city, Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen features 178 exquisitely designed rooms and suites that blend contemporary elegance with luxurious comfort. Generously sized and thoughtfully furnished, these accommodations provide a tranquil retreat from the fast-paced energy of the metropolis. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking views of Lotus Hill Park, Bijia Hill Park, Shenzhen Bay, and the distant mountains of Hong Kong, while the vibrant city skyline creates a striking contrast against the lush natural landscapes.
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I stayed in Room 7003, an east-facing Deluxe View Suite on the 70th floor, spanning an impressive 114 sqm. Thoughtfully designed with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, the expansive suite offered breathtaking wraparound vistas, creating a profound sense of connection to the city—yet within the serenity and privacy of my own sanctuary in the sky.
The interior design seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, embodying the Mandarin Oriental Group’s refined ethos. A soothing palette of hushed greys and beiges sets a tranquil tone, complemented by vibrant blue accents. Carefully curated materials enhance the suite’s luxurious feel, from grounding wooden elements in the living room and a sumptuous leather headboard to a sleek marble bathroom and plush textiles throughout.
Beyond the impeccable design, the suite is outfitted with top-tier amenities, including Diptyque toiletries, a Dyson hairdryer, and Bose speakers. A standout feature is the deep oval bathtub—perfect for indulgent, cocooning baths while soaking in the magnificent views.
The Spa
Renowned worldwide for its pioneering spa and wellness concepts, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen is no exception. Spanning 1,500 sqm on the 68th floor, it offers an extensive menu of signature Mandarin Oriental treatments, seven exquisite treatment rooms with breathtaking views, and a striking 20m swimming pool crowned by a soaring 30m-high, cathedral-like ceiling. Guests can also enjoy the state-of-the-art Sky View Fitness Centre, equipped with the latest Technogym technology, ensuring a holistic wellness experience at the pinnacle of luxury.
On my second day, I indulged in The Spa’s flagship Spirit of Shenzhen treatment, a two-hour wellness experience inspired by the city’s subtropical climate. Designed to eliminate dampness and promote detoxification, the treatment began with a consultation with Stephen, The Spa Manager, followed by a tour of the heat and water facilities by Monica, my knowledgeable and gracious therapist.
To prepare, I spent time in the steam room with a rain shower, which helped open my pores, elevate my heart rate, and optimise the effectiveness of the treatment. My treatment room, ‘Jing’—meaning quiet in Chinese—was a refined sanctuary of serenity, with sandy-hued interiors and textured elements that paid homage to Shenzhen’s coastal heritage and history as a fishing village.
The experience began with a relaxing ritual, featuring a purifying foot soak infused with rose petals, salt, and softening milk oil, followed by a soothing foot massage. I then reclined on a heated 49°C Quartz Sand bed, its enveloping warmth enhancing relaxation, while a mini singing bowl therapy session set the tone for deep tranquillity.
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The therapeutic sound vibrations gradually eased my mind and spirit into a slower, more meditative state, preparing me for the acupressure massage that followed. For the treatment, I selected a calming blend of cinnamon and lavender essential oils and requested Monica to focus on my head, torso, and arms. Within the first ten minutes, the tightness in my head dissipated, and I sank into a deeper state of relaxation.
For my back, Monica used a Xiuyan jade massage tool in combination with long acupressure strokes along the meridian channels (jingluo in Chinese). This technique effectively released muscle knots, soothed tension points, and stimulated stagnant Qi, promoting a profound sense of balance. By the end of the treatment, my body was gently perspiring, as if I had just completed a rejuvenating cardio session—yet I felt utterly relaxed.
I immediately noticed the circulation-boosting effects of the treatment and found it highly effective in expelling dampness. The lingering heaviness and bloating I had felt before the session had noticeably improved, leaving me feeling light, refreshed, and re-energised.
Dining
Guests will certainly be spoilt for choice with the hotel’s array of exciting and diverse dining options. The eight enticing and impressive F&B concepts include Cantonese, Japanese, and Spanish restaurants, in addition to the spirited industrial-chic MO Bar. Located on the rooftop, the trendy and atmospheric bar combines an innovative cocktail menu with spectacular views over Shenzhen.
During my stay, I enjoyed a daily buffet breakfast at Bazaar, the hotel’s dynamic open kitchen Asian café. The breakfast buffet offers an impressive spread of exotic fruits and colourful juices, freshly baked breads and pastries, Continental breakfast options, as well as Chinese delights such as congee, dim sum, and noodles. I also loved the fresh and wholesome Mandarin Oriental-stamped coconuts, which I found to be a fun addition to the meal.
On my final night, I enjoyed a delectable dinner at the Chinese fine dining restaurant, The Bay by Chef Fei. Led by the two Michelin-starred Chef Fei, one of China’s most famous chefs, the restaurant has a Cantonese-focused menu prepared using the freshest ingredients and elements taken from regional cuisine. As a pescatarian, I especially enjoyed the variety of seafood and vegetarian dishes available on the menu; such as the nourishing double boiled geoduck soup with seaweed, and aromatic wok-fried squid with ginger.
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The Mandarin Club
To enhance the hotel experience, guests staying in the Suites and Club rooms have exclusive and complimentary access to The Mandarin Club, the hotel’s Executive Lounge on the 78th floor. Open daily from noon, an assortment of beverages and light snacks are served during the day, in addition to afternoon tea and evening cocktails. I had dinner here on my first night, and was delighted by the abundant food options featuring a multi-course dinner menu, as well as a wide selection of appetisers and desserts.
Final Thoughts
The Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen is a fantastic option for city dwellers seeking an oasis of comfort and calm from the busy demands of modern life. The location of the hotel on the top floors of a modern skyscraper takes full advantage of Shenzhen’s beautiful landscapes, and allows guests to physically and metaphorically retreat into the skies. I thoroughly enjoyed my luxurious urban wellness experience, with my suite and spa treatment amongst some of the many highlights of my long weekend sojourn.
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