With its growing portfolio of luxurious spas in key hotels and resorts worldwide, Mandarin Oriental has recently announced the appointment of Mr Ingo Schweder as Group Director of Spas.

In his new capacity, Mr Schweder will be responsible for the successful operation of existing spas as well as those under development. In addition, he will oversee and further enhance Mandarin Oriental’s unique spa concept. Based in Hong Kong, he brings more than 19 years of luxury hotel and spa experience with him to the Group. Most recently, Mr Schweder was based in Delhi and was responsible for overseeing the Group’s Indian development opportunities. Beginning his career in 1982 with Raffles Hotel Singapore, Mr Schweder worked in senior managerial positions for Westin International Hotels and Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Shangri-la International, The Oberoi Group and The Rafael Hotel Group. During his time with both the Oberoi and Rafael groups, Mr Schweder was instrumental in designing and
developing spectacular destination spas in India.

The Mandarin Oriental Spa concept continues to receive international acclaim for its focus on well-being and for providing guests with luxury spa experiences that draw on the Group’s oriental origins. Each spa is unique from its design concept to the exotic array of international therapies that it provides. In London and Miami, guests are encouraged to book time rather than treatments, so that each visit is highly personalized. In Bangkok, the spa’s setting in a traditional teakwood house, application of local herbs, and exotic mix of therapies has earned it the reputation as one of the world’s best spas. Notably, Travel & Leisure, USA has consistently accorded it the World’s Best Spa and UK Tatler Travel Guide cited the spa as “what you expect hotel pampering heaven to be”.

Edouard Ettedgui, Group CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said, “With Ingo’s many years of luxury hospitality experience and specialized knowledge of spa operations, he will be able to make significant contributions to the Group’s future success and the further development of our spa product.”
He added, “Mandarin Oriental is all about delighting our guests. We have an award-winning recipe in spa operations and we look forward to continuing to provide our guests with experiences that greatly enhance their stay and overall well-being.”

The Group has solid plans for the expansion of its highly sought after and personalized spa product. Currently, Mandarin Oriental operates six internationally acclaimed spas in London, Miami, Aventura (Florida), Bangkok, Macau and Manila. By 2006, this figure will double as the Group adds spa facilities to its existing hotels in Bermuda (2003) and Hawaii (2002), followed by the opening of luxury new spas within properties currently under development. These exciting new developments include New York (opening 2003), Washington (2004), and Tokyo (2006).

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. In total, the Group operates 18 luxury hotels in key business and leisure destinations, with three additional hotels under development, including New York (opening late 2003), Washington D.C. (opening 2004) and Tokyo (opening 2006). Mandarin Oriental now operates some 7,000 rooms in eleven countries with nine hotels in Asia, six in The Americas and three in Europe.

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