Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Adelina Wong Ettelson

March 21, 2025

Adalina Wong Ettelson is global head of residences marketing for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.

The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. This edition features Adelina Wong Ettelson, global head of residences marketing for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

In this Q&A, Ms. Wong Ettelson discusses embracing the journey – however winding, the lavish-hotel lifestyle of branded residences and taking the time to disconnect and live in the moment.

Here is the dialogue:

What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?

My first job was as a consultant in Toronto, which I did for a year. It was too much about writing reports and analysis.

I always had a strong desire to be in advertising because of the power of imagery and its ability to evoke emotions. So I decided to make a change into the advertising field and move overseas to Hong Kong all at the same time.

It taught me that it is important to do what you love or what you think you love. Everything else will come.

Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?

The skills that have been critical to my success are adaptability, creativity and persuasion.

In a fast-moving world, the ability to pivot and adapt is essential. Creativity – thinking outside the box and embracing the process of building something new, whether an initiative, program or fresh approach – sets you apart.

Persuasion, the ability to effectively communicate ideas and inspire action, is just as important. Some may call it communication or negotiation skills, but I prefer persuasion because it emphasizes understanding others' perspectives and aligning on next steps.

While these skills may be innate, they are sharpened through experience and meaningful interactions with colleagues, both internal and external.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is that career paths aren’t always linear – and that’s okay. My journey has spanned multiple industries, from advertising to fashion to hospitality, but it has always been rooted in luxury and service.

Embracing this nontraditional path has given me a unique perspective in every role, proving that passion and adaptability are just as valuable as a straightforward trajectory.

"Success is no accident. It requires hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most importantly, a love for what you do or are striving to learn." – Pelé

How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?

Luxury real estate has evolved tremendously since I first entered the field. Branded residences were once an extension of luxury hotels, but today, we’re seeing a major shift with the rise of standalone branded residences, like the Mandarin Oriental Residences Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, Barcelona and Madrid, where owners enjoy the prestige and service of the brand without a hotel component.

This evolution shows us that there is increasing demand for ultra-private, highly curated living experiences, where amenities go beyond concierge and dining to focus on holistic wellness, from exclusive spa treatments to Michelin-starred private dining.

Just to elaborate on one of our properties to showcase this, at Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue, anything you would get at a Mandarin Oriental hotel, you get here as part of your residence. It is a lifestyle that you are buying into.

We worked with real estate developer SHVO to ensure all residents get the ultimate level of service for which the Mandarin Oriental brand is known. When you purchase a residence here, you not only get a fully furnished turnkey home, but also immediate access to spa services, such as a hair blow out, massage or facial, as well as access to private dining either in the restaurant Boulud Prive on the 27^th floor or in-residence from Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud. You can even have breakfast by Daniel Boulud in bed if you choose.

Every day at this property feels like a vacation. The definition of luxury living continues to evolve, and Mandarin Oriental remains at the forefront, setting new standards in personalization, programming and well-being.

What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?

Several recent projects have reignited my passion for luxury real estate. Each of them is exciting in their own way and showcases Mandarin Oriental Residences' commitment to exceptional living.

Mandarin Oriental Residences Kanai, Riviera Maya blends our legendary service with an immersive natural setting, offering the ultimate privacy along Mexico’s pristine coastline. In Abu Dhabi, our standalone residences in Saadiyat Cultural District introduces a new level of sophistication, seamlessly integrating world-class hospitality with the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

In New York, Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue offers residents fully furnished turnkey homes including sheets, pillows, dishes, robes, slippers, furniture, an expresso maker and anything you could possibly need. Buyers can sign, close and move in all on the same day, and the ease of this has greatly contributed to the success the project has seen.

Each of these projects reflects the evolving definition of luxury – where privacy, personalization and well-being are at the heart of every residence.

Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with?

I would love to have a long lunch with actor Anthony Hopkins. I find it fascinating to speak with creative individuals of a certain age, as they have so many experiences and lessons to share.

He’s an incredibly interesting person and what I admire most is his positivity, especially considering the L.A. fires that destroyed his home. I imagine he would be a fun and engaging lunch date!

How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?

Before a big meeting or presentation, I focus on three key things: preparation, perspective and positivity.

I take time to fully prepare for what I want to achieve and communicate to my audience, whether it is one person or 100, ensuring I’m well-prepared to tell my story and identify key moments for spontaneity and delivery.

I also remind myself to listen first and understanding different points of view, engaging with the room before making decisions or offering insights.

Most importantly, I approach every situation with a positive mindset, seeing challenges as opportunities to be proactive and creative. This balance of confidence, adaptability and inspiration helps me deliver with clarity and impact.

On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?

I travel a lot for my work, so on my days off I love spending time relaxing at my home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, enjoying the outdoor space and a slower pace of life. You can find me at my nearby Pilates Barre class or trying my hand at cooking.

Having said that, I also love traveling and exploring new places, finding inspiration in different cultures and experiences. The last place I went where I was truly inspired by the art and culture was for Carnevale in Venice, which is an amazing bucket list experience.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury, to me, is the ultimate freedom – the time and space to do what truly matters to you. In today’s always-connected world, the ability to unplug, be present and immerse yourself in meaningful experiences that resonate with you is the greatest luxury of all.

It’s not just about beautiful spaces or exceptional service, but about creating a lifestyle that allows for balance, well-being and personal fulfillment.

Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?

My favorite luxury indulgence is spending an entire day to myself wandering through New York or exploring a new city at my own pace, visiting museums, art galleries and simply taking it all in.

To me, the ultimate luxury is the freedom to disconnect and be fully present in the moment. We all live in a such a busy world where there are constant demands from our work, our family, etc., so the ability to unplug and enjoy something just for myself, with no deadlines, to me is the ultimate luxury.

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Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Adelina Wong Ettelson

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Off the Cuff: A Q&A with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Adelina Wong Ettelson

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