On 31 May 2025 Mandarin Oriental, Miami closed its doors, concluding a distinguished chapter after 25 years of defining luxury on Brickell Key.
To honour this significant moment, the hotel hosted a Farewell Gala, an elegant celebration of its storied legacy, its role in shaping Miami’s cultural narrative and the timeless values that continue to define Mandarin Oriental.
Since opening in 2000, Mandarin Oriental, Miami has been a global pioneer for crafted experiences, blending its dual Asian heritage, contemporary elegance, and warm, intuitive service. Routinely recognised with Forbes Five-Star accolades for both the hotel and spa, it has served as a sanctuary for discerning travellers, tastemakers and global icons. Its unique location, culinary excellence and unmatched hospitality have made it a fixture in the city and an emblem of the Mandarin Oriental ethos.
Guests experienced an immersive evening inspired by the theme Honouring an Icon: Celebrating the Past, Present and Future, designed to honour Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s 25-year journey while looking toward the next chapter. The event unfolded across the hotel’s most iconic spaces, with the lobby transformed by cherry blossom installations, a wishing tree, and brand iconography woven into every detail.
A large-scale Baywalk LED screen installation displaying a visual timeline of the hotel’s 25-year history alongside renderings of the future Mandarin Oriental Residences reinforced the spirit of transformation. Fan dancers and live musicians guided guests through the property, while synchronised swimmers and a dramatic fire performance over the pool created a poetic contrast of reflection and renewal
Signature cocktails and culinary offerings were served throughout, including an elevated tasting journey curated by Executive Chef Diego Oka at La Mar by Gastón Acurio, paying tribute to the hotel’s culinary legacy. The experience concluded with a drone show above Biscayne Bay, celebrating the past and illuminating the future of Mandarin Oriental in Miami.
“The evening was designed to honour the present moment and the many people who shaped the identity of Mandarin Oriental, Miami,” said Flavia Daudan Caponi, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Miami and Area Vice President, Operations. “It was an opportunity to recognise our colleagues, thank our guests, and reflect on the lasting impact this hotel has had on the city and our brand. While the doors have closed, the legacy built here continues.”
“Mandarin Oriental, Miami has long exemplified the service, craft, and emotional connection that define our brand,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “Its legacy is a reflection of what we stand for as we accelerate our growth. We are focused on bringing the Mandarin Oriental experience to more key destinations across the USA, including a next-generation hotel and residences that will represent a bold evolution of our presence in Miami. This is part of our long-term strategy to double the size of our portfolio while preserving what makes us special—our guest-centric approach, our attention to detail, and our ability to create meaningful, lasting experiences. Most importantly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the exceptional colleagues of Mandarin Oriental, Miami, whose dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have truly set this hotel apart. Their embodiment of our legendary service has been the soul of this iconic property and the cornerstone of its enduring spirit.”
Mandarin Oriental’s connection to Miami remains devoted. Building on its longstanding partnership with Swire Properties, the two companies are once again collaborating to redefine the city’s luxury hospitality and residential landscape. A completely reimagined Mandarin Oriental, Miami and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami are set to debut on Brickell Key in 2030.
The development will feature two distinct towers. The South Tower will offer 228 private residences, with interiors by acclaimed Parisian designer Tristan Auer. The North Tower promises to set a new design benchmark for the brand, with 121 guest rooms, including 34 suites, a signature Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and a collection of refined indoor and outdoor dining experiences. It will also house 66 private residences and 28 hotel-branded residences, blending the comforts of home with the services of a world-class hotel.
With over four decades of placemaking in Miami, Swire Properties has shaped Brickell Key into an iconic destination. Together, Mandarin Oriental and Swire are excited to set new standards in luxury hospitality and residential living in Miami.