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The Spas at Mandarin Oriental Introduce New Wellness Music Program

The brand uses the healing power of music to create the perfect atmosphere for holistic wellbeing
Heather Mikesell

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Harnessing the transformative energy of music, The Spas at Mandarin Oriental recently launched a new Wellness Music Program across the group. The Wellness Music Program, drawing on regional cultures and philosophy, is the latest innovation by the Spas at Mandarin Oriental. It is designed to elevate the guest wellness journey.

Long regarded as a tool for enhancing mood and calming the body, music has been identified as a distinctive and valuable part of a wellness practice. The music program, which enhances Mandarin Oriental holistic signature treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, draws inspiration from ancient Oriental philosophies and is designed to nurture guests and deliver a deeper sense of renewal.

To create the program, the group collaborated with MusicStyling, a network of world-renowned ambient composers and highly qualified and experienced internal team of experts. The carefully curated selections draw on global musicians, musical experts, and themes from historical philosophical texts to give further space for healing. 

Each of the five musical compositions in the Five Elements playlist was inspired by the Chinese Five Phases Music Therapy. Following the five elements found within Mandarin Oriental’s signature spa treatments, the playlist is also personalised based on the specific needs of each guest and their element profile. These playlists may be enjoyed in the relaxation areas and can be personally tailored and provided to guests for their enjoyment after their visit.

·       Awaken – Spring: Jue relates to wood and traditionally associates with the liver and gallbladder, representing the season of spring and the energy of youth and growth. This series of music is composed of ancient vertical and bamboo flute. The Jue sound is clear, melodious, and deep to provide a gentle energy boost and deep sense of renewal.

·       Bloom – Summer: Zhi relates to fire and associates with the heart and small intestine, representing the season of summer. It provides warmth, the capacity of love, and enables us to mature and blossom. This series of music uses the guqin instrument in combination with other silk‐string instruments. The Zhi sound is distinct, flowing, soothing, and melodious. It is designed to relax and revitalize the body and open the heart.

·       Flourish – Indian Summer: Gong relates to earth and associates with the stomach and spleen, representing the late summer season. It provides us with the ability to nurture ourselves and others. This series of music is composed of the gong combined with xun and sheng. The gong sound is equivalent to ‘1’ in Chinese musical notation designed to stabilize emotions, release stress, and recenter the body and mind.

·       Release – Autumn: Shang relates to metal and associates with the lung and large intestine, representing the autumn season. It provides us with our capacity to look at what lies beyond ourselves and the power to let go. This series of music is composed of metal instruments such as chimes and singing bowls. The Shang sound is deep, sonorous, bright, and powerful, providing a deep exhalation to let go and restore harmony in the body and mind.

·      Reflect – Winter: Yu relates to water and associates with the kidney and bladder, representing the winter season and providing us with adaptability and willpower. This series of music is composed of a combination of struck instruments and free reed pipes. The Yu sound is graceful, quiet, soft, gentle, but warm, like the slight waves of water designed to provide a time to pause and gather inner strength.

“Caring for mind, body, and spirit is the cornerstone of Mandarin Oriental’s spa and wellness philosophy,” says Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness. “Our Global Wellness Music Program is designed to create the right healing atmosphere for our holistic spa and wellness services. Fans of the brand will be able to experience the program firsthand on Global Wellness Day. Our teams across the globe have created a series of distinctive activities, each designed to harness the healing power of music.”

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.