Simon Biles named wellness ambassador for Mandarin Oriental.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, has taken a bold leap forward in its evolution of wellness.
The group has announced the appointment of Simone Biles — the most decorated gymnast in history — as its first-ever Global Wellness Ambassador, marking the beginning of a long-term, purpose-driven collaboration that redefines what luxury wellbeing means in the modern era.
The news broke as Biles made her debut in the role at the Milan Winter Olympics, attending the event as an international sports fan.
Her presence symbolised the intersection of peak performance, balance, and self-care — the very pillars on which Mandarin Oriental is building its next generation of wellness experiences.
With Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador, Mandarin Oriental is not just curating five-star experiences — it’s designing a future where balance, resilience, and purpose are the ultimate expressions of luxury.
A New Chapter in Luxury Wellness
Biles’ ambassadorship is part of Mandarin Oriental’s strategic expansion into holistic wellness, a philosophy that goes far beyond spa treatments and physical fitness. The group’s Global Director of Wellness, Emlyn Brown, describes it as a “new phase of wellbeing” for the brand — one that integrates mental health, recovery, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle balance.
“Simone embodies the values we want to express through this next chapter,” Brown shared in an interview with Spa Business. “She personifies excellence, resilience, and authenticity — qualities that deeply resonate with Mandarin Oriental’s approach to wellness.”
The brand, long celebrated for its award-winning spas, is developing a Global Wellness Board of experts across disciplines such as meditation, nutrition, movement, sleep, and mindfulness. Biles will partner closely with this board, contributing her own insights on discipline, recovery, and mental wellbeing to help shape future guest experiences.
Beyond the Podium: A Wellness Icon
With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals to her name, Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. But it’s her openness about mental health and resilience that has solidified her as a role model far beyond gymnastics.
At the Global Wellness Summit in 2023, Biles delivered an emotional keynote on the power of self-belief and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. She candidly discussed the struggles that led to her temporary withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and how working with a sports psychologist helped her rediscover balance.
“It’s about taking care of your whole self,” Biles says of her new partnership with Mandarin Oriental. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that recovery, mental wellbeing and balance are just as important as physical strength. Mandarin Oriental understands that, and I’m honoured to partner with a brand that supports this holistic view of wellness.”
From Spas to Holistic Wellbeing
Mandarin Oriental’s spa heritage has long been celebrated — from its renowned Thai-inspired body rituals in Bangkok to the tranquil spa suites in London and Hong Kong. Yet, this new era of wellness signals something more profound: a lifestyle philosophy grounded in mindfulness, movement, and purpose.
“Our guests are no longer seeking only relaxation — they’re looking for transformation,” says Brown. “The future of wellness in luxury hospitality lies in helping people feel genuinely restored in mind and body.”
To celebrate the partnership, Mandarin Oriental, Milan is offering two limited-edition treatments inspired by Biles’ debut at the Winter Olympics: a targeted deep body massage designed for active recovery and a high-performance Glass Skin facial, both available until the end of March. Each experience reflects the brand’s commitment to performance-led wellness — where precision meets indulgence.
A Deeper Purpose
Beyond luxury, this collaboration reflects a profound purpose-driven alignment. Both Biles and Mandarin Oriental have pledged to support Laureus Sport for Good, a global charity that uses sport to transform the lives of young people around the world.
This partnership reinforces Mandarin Oriental’s vision for wellness as a broader social mission — one that inspires guests to live with balance while helping communities thrive.
Brown emphasises this shift: “We don’t see wellness as a trend; it’s a timeless value that connects body, mind, and purpose. Simone’s personal journey and values align perfectly with ours.”
The Power of the “Wellness Fan”
Mandarin Oriental is known globally for its iconic “Fans of M.O.” campaign, which celebrates passionate ambassadors such as Morgan Freeman, Dev Patel, and Michelle Yeoh — all genuine admirers of the brand. Now, as Brown puts it, Biles takes on a new role: the brand’s first wellness fan.
This concept underscores authenticity — a hallmark of Mandarin Oriental. Every ambassador is chosen not for celebrity status alone, but for their genuine connection to the brand’s ethos. Biles brings not only global recognition but lived experience in resilience, recovery, and balance — the foundations of wellbeing itself.
The Evolution of Global Wellness Luxury
For Mandarin Oriental, this partnership represents more than marketing — it’s a strategic statement about where wellness in luxury travel is headed. Guests today crave emotional connection as much as physical rejuvenation. They seek destinations that nurture health from the inside out.
By aligning with Biles, a symbol of mental strength and grace under pressure, Mandarin Oriental positions itself at the forefront of a new wellness movement rooted in authenticity and holistic living. From restorative spa experiences to sleep optimization programs and nutrition-led menus, the brand’s wellness journey promises to be as multidimensional as its guests.
As wellness continues to shape global travel trends in 2026, Mandarin Oriental’s collaboration with Simone Biles stands as a testament to the evolving definition of luxury — one where true indulgence means whole-self harmony.
