Category: Interview

Interview with Mr. Michael Ziemer, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

With more than 30 years of extensive experience in hotel management, over 13 years in Asia, and a comprehensive knowledge of the region, Michael Ziemer is well-placed to ensure Mandarin Oriental, Taipei’s continued success as one of the best hotels in the city.

His most recent role was General Manager of The Excelsior, Hong Kong, a Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group property. During his five-year tenure there, he oversaw the successful execution of numerous development projects in the hotel.

As an Australian citizen of German ancestry, Mr Ziemer is fluent in both English and German, he joined the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2003 as Resident Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, was then promoted to General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich in 2004, and in 2007, assumed the General Manager role at Mandarin Oriental, Macau, before returning to Hong Kong and The Excelsior in 2010. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, he was General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. He has also held managerial positions in several hotels in Australia, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

SpaChina interviewed Mr Ziemer, to learn more about Taiwan, and about Mandarin Oriental, Taipei.

Mr. Ziemer, how do you find living in Taipei?

Taipei is highly spirited with a variety of events and activities from a creative art scene, performing arts culture, dynamic shopping, renowned museums, and great restaurants along with stunning nature scenery. I enjoy living in the city very much. My favorite place is probably the Songshan District because the Min-shen Community has a mix of chic boutiques, hipster cafes, and antique shops. Songshan Airport and Taipei Arena are also nearby, and of course, the best hotel in Taipei is there, with luxurious accommodation and great restaurants. The most impressive and unique characteristic of Taiwanese people is their amazing hospitality. They always go the extra mile just to give you a hand and they are also very passionate in sharing what they love. Quality of lifestyle and health, I think, are definitely top priorities for the Taiwanese market. Not only is there an increasing number of fitness centers in the city, but also organic shops that offer fresh and seasonal produce. The evolution of technology has reached a point where people are extensively occupied with the busy hassles of everyday life, so the balance and quality of life has become a significant concern for everyone. How to find a healthy equilibrium between success on the professional front while maintaining a well-rounded personal life will be the target and objective for many in the future.

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern design. What are the unique points of the hotel?

The most unique feature of Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is its remarkable architecture. The design has been created with iconic architecture reflecting European styles, and has become one of the city’s prestigious landmarks. Many visitors stand outside and admire the building and photograph it, whether it is to capture the beautiful façade, the central courtyard, or the landscaping. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei’s interiors include exquisite accommodation which adds a new dimension to luxury accommodation in Taipei. They combine elements of contemporary luxury with classic style whilst offering the city’s most spacious accommodations. Undoubtedly, the gourmet focus of the hotel has helped make it a very exciting destination within the city and has quickly established itself as the place to be for local residents; our culinary team includes many skillfull and talented chefs with wonderful backgrounds. Most importantly, it is the people that make the biggest difference. Taiwanese hospitality is very genuine, warm and helpful. By combining this with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service, it makes for very engaging service experiences.

What makes your guests choose Mandarin Oriental, Taipei?

Our key markets in the region are China, Hong Kong, Japan as well as the local Taiwan market. Europe and the US are also important target groups. In the past, there were mainly business visitors from Europe and US but we are looking at a growing trend of discerning leisure travellers coming to explore the delights of Taipei and Taiwan. Normally, they will spend at least three days at the hotel. For a long time, Taiwan has been well-known in the Asian region as one of the most exciting world food destinations, but it has so much more to offer beyond gourmet delights. Rich culture, stunning landscapes, extensive hot spring experiences and of course the renowned warmth and friendliness of the Taiwanese. I think Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is the combination of all these fantastic aspects of Taiwan plus a sense of luxury and exclusivity.

How do you see the importance of a good spa as part of a luxury hotel or resort?

The spa is an essential part for any luxury hotel and resort because the spa represents healthy living and well-being, which are important features for global travelers and local residents. Therefore, Mandarin Oriental’s Signature Spa Therapies aim towards addressing guests’ increasing desire for simple, effective and authentic spa experiences. Spanning two floors, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, is more than 3,500 square meters in size which is the largest spa centre among the Mandarin Oriental properties in Asia. The spa offers 12 individual treatment rooms, including two glamorous VIP suites and four couples’ spa suites. Furthermore, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei offers guests a series of innovative and restorative spa journeys inspired by Asia’s local culture and wellness rituals. These complete body journeys last up to three hours, and encompass a range of various treatments.  On a monthly average, about 60% of in-house guests, 20% of spa members and 20% outside guest will come in for spa treatments.

If a friend of yours has only 36 hours in Taipei, what agenda will you recommend to them?

To start the day, I would recommend a visit to the National Palace Museum located in Shilin. The National Palace Museum has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. After a rich cultural adventure, guests can take the Taipei Metro (MRT) to Tamsui District. Home to a variety of Western colonial, Japanese, southern Fujianese, and native Taiwanese cultural and architectural attractions, Tamsui is a must-visit location for all visitors to the Taipei area. Most renowned for its amazing sunset views, Tamsui offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops, hawker stalls, street performers, traditional cultural performances, and is the getaway to Taiwan’s scenic North Coast.

Afterwards, guests may de-stress at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei by enjoying the 2-hour 30-minute Formosa treatment where the body is layered in white mud which hydrates and remineralises the skin. A fusion of butterfly massage techniques and warm oil is applied during a full body massage to relax and rejuvenate the skin thoroughly. The Formosa therapy is priced at TWD 9,800.

After the spa, guests may enjoy delicious and authentic Italian food at Bencotto or classic traditional Chinese cuisine at YaGe. And for guests who seek more diverse dining options, Café Un Deux Trois provides a variety of cuisines from all over the world. After dinner, the hotel’s M.O. Bar offers excellent cocktails and premium champagne, as well as live DJ performances for guests to wrap up the night on a swinging note. Mandarin Oriental, Taipei provides the most luxurious and spacious guestrooms in the city, so I believe the guests will definitely enjoy a good night’s sleep in our elegantly designed and modernly equipped rooms.

The next morning, guests may kick off the day with a delicious and traditional breakfast at Min-shen Community which is 5 to 10 minutes away from the hotel, where an eclectic array of coffee shops can be found. A slow stroll along the beautiful tree-lined boulevard of Fujin Street while taking in the enchanting charm of Taipei city will definitely leave guests mesmerised. Also, Huashan 1914 Creative Park offers a variety of exhibitions, including experimental performances, and an intriguing choice of venue that will take guests’ imagination to the next level.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city with boundless potential, says Mr. Richard Deutl, General Manager of St. Regis Chengdu. SpaChina had the opportunity to interview him

The top inland Chinese city in terms of prospects and development, according to just about everyone, is Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan. Mr. Richard Deutl, General Manager of St. Regis Chengdu, is a complete convert.

“I believe Chengdu will embrace an even brighter future in next five years, based on its amazingly fast growth, in terms of economy, infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and global influence,” he said.

Mr. Deutl, with nearly three decades of experience, in the industry, led the pre-opening team for the St. Regis Chengdu, which opened in Sep 4, 2014. Prior to that, he opened the The Westin Nanjing and worked at various Starwood hotels around the world. He has ten years of China experience, having also served as General Manager of the Sheraton Hotel in both Tianjin and Wuxi. He first joined Starwood at Sheraton Innsbruck, Austria in 1988. 

Here are excerpts from SpaChina conversation with him:

When was your first time to Chengdu, what is your impression of this city?

My first time to Chengdu was October 2012. I was impressed that this is really a dynamic, well-structured city. It’s really difficult to compare Chengdu with other first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong, since it’s unique, with its own distinctive culture and features. The historical legacy, fast development and comfortable lifestyle are combined perfectly here. All foreigners would like living in Chengdu. I like its international connections, it’s very easy to fly in and out, the environment is nice with a good climate. There is so many delicious food of which my favorite is Tofu. I am a big fan of our Chinese Chef Mike Li who cooked really wonderful Sichuan dishes like Stir-Fried Fish Fillets with handmade Chili Sauce, Mapo Tofu, etc. I miss Chengdu flavor if I am not here for just three weeks.”

What is your guest profile? Where do they come from?

Hotel guests include business and leisure FIT, MICE groups, and banquet and wedding guests. Sixty percent are from mainland China while others are from North America, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Europe. On average they stay 2-3 nights. We’re highly spoken-of by guests for our signature butler service, guestroom facilities, dining quality and private while elegant ambience.

What are the top offerings of the hotel you are proud of?

In addition to the signature St. Regis rituals such as Afternoon Tea, Champagne Sabering, Bloody Marys, and St. Regis Butler Service, St. Regis Chengdu has outstanding facilities as well, including the exceptional Iridium Spa, the only one hotel with both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, spacious and high-tech equipped guest rooms, elegant dining outlets like YunFu, Decanter and Yanting. Our Aficionado program and family tradition also impress guests with seamless care and exploration to this storied city. Nowadays guests are seeking not only for a bed and a restaurant in a hotel, but a holistic experience, something really luxurious, private and customized. A high profile Spa facility let you escape from the busy routine life, recovering with real relaxation and rejuvenation. About 8% of house guests use spa.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of managing an international high-end hotel in Chengdu?

I feel privileged to have such an elite hotel team, especially after two years, we still have so many loyal staff who joined us in the pre-opening stage still working here. I don’t think there are any disadvantages to manage an international high-end hotel in Chengdu. For the general managers of different luxury brand hotels in Chengdu, we’re here working not only for the hotel, but also for the city’s development, that is to place Chengdu on the map of the global hospitality industry and become known to the world. My management style is to leave more freedom and space for my staff, inspiring them to be self-motivated, results driven, detail oriented, hard-working and smart, with my guidance and support.

How do you see the business competition in Chengdu?

Such a high profile hotel portfolio in the Chengdu market speaks for the city itself. Not many cities in China like Chengdu have gathered so many top-tier hotels in one district. Generally speaking, it’s useful to drive the healthy competition of creating personalized and high standard experience beyond expectations, to capture more guests, but the market seems nearly full already.

Iridium Spa has a big space and leading spa equipment. What are the key concepts for Iridium Spa?

Yes, Iridium Spa treatment is distinctive for its unique concept of seamlessly incorporating high-tech facilities with natural treatment solutions. It features a crystal and stone energizing system, a lighting system for color meditation therapy, senses loungers, holistic cocoon suites, aroma steaming & cell bathing system, aqua-dry massage tables including bathing and thermal. These luxury settings ensure that all guests have an exceptional experience of not only the relaxation available in other spa centers, but also the fun and joy of exploration as well as naturally returning to a normal life rhythm after a thorough rejuvenation. As the economic and cultural hub of southwest China, Chengdu is experiencing rapid growth, with tangible improvements to people’s life. The well-educated, high-income people are getting more aware of and enthusiastic about luxury spa treatments which can refine their body and soul. 

We have quite a few frequent guests from both the foreign and local community. As well as  elegant ladies, we are more than happy to see many gentlemen joining our membership. Te lifestyle of Chengdu is very well known in China as it’s very like southern Europe’s slow-paced style, which is of course good for the health with their super strong anti-pressure capability and cheerful personality.

What is the favorite treatment at Iridium Spa?

The signature TaiJi Massage, which combines TaiJi balancing theory, traditional Chinese massage and classic aroma therapy, and can ease body fatigue and balance energy field, refreshing mind and spirit with Herbal Mineral Pad. Iridium Spa has also adopted the top quality amenity “Amala” from Germany, which has won global organic recognition, to ensure a perfect delivery of refreshing experience. Another popular signature program is ‘Designed Escape’, which inherits the bespoke service of the St. Regis brand, customizing your own treatment package based on all the existing selections, with the help of our professional therapist. Price is RMB1,880 for 150 minutes.

If friends only have 36 hours in Chengdu, what would you suggest they do?

I would suggest they stay at The St. Regis Chengdu and let our professional butler customize a 36-hour itinerary for them. The Panda Base, Beijiu Museum, Sichuan Cuisine Museum, and the Jinsha Site Museum are all popular destinations. Local snacks are a must-try. If short of time, our Chinese Restaurant offers authentic flavors of Chengdu snacks like Mao Xuewang, Dandan Noodle, Chongqing Noodle, etc. The Social buffet restaurant on the 4th floor features MaoCai, Bobo Chicken, and seasonal hot pot in winter. I also strongly recommend our Iridium Spa winter promotion package. Guests can enjoy body massage of 60 minutes for only RMB688 or 90 minutes treatment at RMB888, with a choice of Deep Tissue and Aromatherapy Fusion, etc. The most high-tech and spacious spa suite will highlight your stay with extreme relaxation and indulgence.