Mandarin Oriental’s guide to self-care

Plus: An artist that also works as a bellman - and succeeding with F&B during a pandemic

Hospitality Daily is a summary of stories for busy people who want to get better each day at providing hospitality.

Today, you’ll find:

  • Mandarin Oriental’s guide to self-care

  • An artist that also works as a bellman

  • Succeeding in F&B during a pandemic

Mandarin Oriental’s guide to self-care

When it comes to wellbeing and mental health, even small steps and changes can help clear your mind and boost your mood. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Mandarin Oriental asked their wellness experts for their self-care tips, from morning rituals to meditation to deal with stress.

Their number one pointer? Make self-care part of your everyday routine. “There’s so much wellness advice out there, it can feel overwhelming,” says Jeremy McCarthy, Mandarin Oriental’s Group Director of Spa and Wellness. “We’re supposed to exercise, meditate, walk, stretch, diet, socialize… The list goes on and on. The important thing, I think, is not to feel pressured to do it all; it’s more about creating opportunities in your week to do things you find restorative and energizing.”

I love this example of showcasing the expertise of your team - while engaging your guests both on property and those who will hopefully stay with you again soon.

Welcoming with art: Jeffrey Okyere-Agyei at Park Hyatt New York

When the pandemic first hit, New York City streets became a ghost town. Jeffrey Okyere-Agyei, a motorcycle enthusiast, took to the empty streets to reflect. At a red light on the Westside highway, he was overwhelmed by how much the skyline had changed. Okyere-Agyei was on a path to creating a collection of abstract artwork inspired by the city’s skyline: EDIFICE. Now, it’s on display at Park Hyatt New York.

“As a key figure of our arrival experience at the hotel, Jeffrey’s dedication to the Park Hyatt brand resonates with our guests. Well known for his welcoming smile and unparalleled service, Jeffrey is a staple figure of hospitality at Park Hyatt New York. This exhibit allows Jeffrey to further express himself through his love of art. We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide this outlet as a growth and development platform for one of our talented colleagues. The presentation of this work further contributes to the artistic and cultural offering that Park Hyatt is known for,” shared the hotel’s GM, Peter Roth.

Succeeding in F&B during a pandemic

As the pandemic persists, hotel F&B departments continue to pivot and are ready to adjust on the fly. For Kernzner International’s Martin Chung, SVP of Operations, that’s been all about offering options.

“We offered guests a variety of ways to dine with us, welcoming them into our restaurants and bars at the level of interaction they felt most comfortable with. From private dining in villas and suites to offering to-go and delivery options for locals at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai or One&Only Cape Town, each offering was suited to each destination and each guest.

“We’re seeing people interested in unique dining areas. They want to eat on the sand at the beach or on the balcony of their suite, at an intimate treehouse amongst a forest or enjoy other private nooks around our resorts.”

For Chung and his team at Kernzner, the in-room dining approach has permanently changed. “In lieu of offering a pre-set selection of snacks and beverages, at select One&One resorts, guests are invited to visit the Refreshment Centre to customize their in-room selection with items that extend far beyond the classics. From in-house-made savory items and sweet bites to fresh-pressed juice and crafted bottles cocktails, guests can pre-order exactly what they want to have on hand from the moment they book and throughout their stay.”

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