Two year since taking over as General Manager, Lars Wagner has completely transformed the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, bringing with him the winning recipe of Mandarin Oriental, Munich, one of Europe’s finest urban luxury hotels as well as one of the finest Mandarin Oriental property worldwide.
The main restaurant of the hotel was not only revamped but also re-branded (CALLA), Chef Nasser Jeffane offering a mix of modern Swiss/French and health-conscious cuisine, centered around seasonal and locally-sourced produce, succeeding in equally attracting locals and hotel guests. Calla has now established itself as one of Geneva’s leading restaurant. The recently introduced ”Funky Sunday Brunch” has yet been another success with local patrons. Lars is adding to the attraction of Calla by inviting celebrity Chefs to host exceptional dinners. For instance, last October Calla welcomed renowned French Chef Marc Veyrat while this month, Chef Moha Fedal from Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech hosts a week of Moroccan cuisine. One of the main attractions of Calla is now its outdoor terrace.
Besides partnering with Grand Prix d’Horologerie, one of the most prestigious yearly events of the Swiss Watch Industry, the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva has been hosting exquisite events such as the one in partnership with Domaine Clarence Dillon and Sotheby’s organized in 2014. Calla complements the already established and highly successful Michelin starred of the hotel, the RASOI by Vineet, specialized in Indian cuisine.
Also under the helm of Lars, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva complemented its existing fitness facility with a brand new beauty studio by world famous and Geneva based beauty brand L. Raphael. The new beauty studio offers high-end facials and body treatments by L Raphael, including the signature Oxy-Peel anti-aging treatment for face and body. It is for the first time since opening that the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva offers beauty & wellness services.
But probably the most important part of the transformation was at the level of service, which improved to reach levels of perfection throughout most departments, especially F&B, Front Office and Concierge. The arrival and departure experience is flawless and so is the assistance of guest relations.
Having passed through two stages of renovations, the Mandarin Oriental Geneva now has two different types of rooms according to the interior design – there is a newer floor designed by Sybille de Margerie (also the designer of Mandarin Oriental, Paris), dominated by very bright colours with striking lighting and the other types of rooms and suites which are infitely contemporary with a classic touch. Personally, I preferred the second, my favourite room type being the top floor Junior Suite, each with a lavish outdoor terrace with stunning views of the city and the River Rhone. Although not new, these rooms and suites are impeccably maintained.
Watch here a video preview of Rhone River View Junior Suite on the 7th floor, with a private outdoor terrace.
Oliver Petcu in Geneva
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