Behind the Scenes of Mandarin Oriental’s New Middle Eastern Hotel Opening
Nicolas Dubort
General Manager, Mandarin Oriental, Muscat
inVOYAGE: Firstly, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today! We’re incredibly excited to see your new debut in the Middle East as you make final preparations to open your beach-front residences right in the heart of Muscat.
Can you tell us a bit more about your experience setting up in Oman? What opportunities did you foresee and did you encounter any challenges along the way?
Nicolas Dubort: You’re very welcome! Yes, it’s been an exciting journey as we prepare to open Mandarin Oriental, Muscat - a property set to become the city’s premier luxury destination and another highlight in the Group’s acclaimed collection of award-winning properties. With a culture of hospitality known for being generous and authentic, Oman offers a stunning natural environment complemented by rich traditions and customs, making the destination one of the most sought-after in the Middle East.
In fact, owing to its prime location and second-to-none facilities, we foresaw various opportunities for the property relating to the events sector. In terms of offerings, Mandarin Oriental, Muscat will be the only luxury hotel in the city with natural daylight in all its venues, from the ballroom to the spacious meeting rooms. This, along with the state-of-the-art facilities and seamless technology, will allow us to create memorable events for every single one of our guests.
Opening a new hotel always comes with a unique set of challenges, but thus far we’ve managed to push through thanks to the unwavering commitment and dedication of our team, and I’m confident this collaborative and resilient culture will remain long after we successfully launch the resort.
inVOYAGE: That’s great news! Now, I know in designing your property, you were heavily inspired by local Omani architectural styles. Can you tell us a bit more about this? How have you combined the spirit of Oman with your more modern design elements?
Nicolas Dubort: Mandarin Oriental has a strong global brand identity, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and an unmistakeable sense of place. At Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, we aim to celebrate the rich heritage and craftmanship of Oman by combining local cultural references with contemporary design and comfort, creating an inviting home away from home. Our mission is to embody Omani heritage and hospitality, infusing every aspect of our resort with a distinct blend of sophistication and generosity.
inVOYAGE: Could you tell us a bit more about your F&B Culture?
Nicolas Dubort: Our approach through our five dining concepts is to create distinctive experiences that will appeal to both international and local tastes. It’s important for us to build a strong emotional bond with the local community so we can foster that sense of belonging and be at the heart of the conversation in Muscat.
“Essenza” showcases dishes inspired by the six regions of Italy, offering a classic and comforting shared dining experience that celebrates the simplicity, quality and diversity of Italian cuisine. “Rawya” celebrates a culinary fusion of French Mediterranean, Arabic flavours and Asian favourites, reminiscent of the treasures found along the Silk Road. For a refined and intimate retreat, Sawa Lounge delivers an exquisite experience featuring an array of afternoon bites, comforting classics, decadent desserts and beverages to delight lovers of coffee. With mesmerising views and sea-side dining, Si Breeze offers a relaxed setting to enjoy flavourful tapas, delicate skewers, seafood towers and refreshing beverages. Mandarin Oriental's signature dessert boutique, The Mandarin Cake Shop, specialises in indulgent cakes, Viennoiserie and tasty savouries, accompanied by a selection of specialty teas and coffees.
inVOYAGE: Sounds fantastic! Now, I hear you’re building a rather incredible ballroom as well as a number of banquet and meeting spaces. What else can you tell us about the event spaces here at Mandarin Oriental Muscat?
Nicolas Dubort: We have an expansive indoor space of 1,250 square metres and our event venues include an impressive 800 square metre ballroom with an exclusive Bridal Room, perfect for unforgettable wedding celebrations. Additionally, we offer three versatile event venues complemented by outdoor spaces.
We have prioritised the comfort of our guests by meticulously designing our venues with a seamless layout to ensure ease of accessibility and non-intrusive technology. Moreover, to enhance convenience, our banquet kitchens are conveniently located adjacent to the ballroom. All our event venues are lit from natural daylight, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout.
Our culinary and service team cater to various event setups from gala dinners and large-scale corporate events to lavish private wedding receptions. In addition to custom menus, a creative team of event, meeting and wedding consultants provide their expertise in arranging event set-ups suitable for large-scale events to smaller meeting lunches.
inVOYAGE: Amazing! Well, Nicolas – thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, we’re incredible excited to see your property in person and wish you all the best for your grand debut!