Mandarin Oriental is proud to unveil its global collaboration with Pantone® to celebrate the newly announced Pantone Colour of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer.
This year, Mandarin Oriental is taking a distinctly different creative approach to the festive season that is more culturally relevant and attuned to today’s consumer sentiment, As Pantone’s official hospitality partner, Mandarin Oriental brings Cloud Dancer to life across ten of its most iconic properties through a collection of experiences designed to translate the colour’s serene, uplifting spirit into hospitality moments that are both peaceful and inspiring.
Selected annually to highlight the relationship between colour and culture, the Pantone Colour of the Year captures the global zeitgeist of the moment. This year’s shade, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, arrives at a time when travellers are seeking relief from overstimulation, valuing simplicity, renewal and mindful creativity. Described by the Pantone Colour Institute™ as “a lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world,” Cloud Dancer symbolises new beginnings, clarity and serenity — themes that feel especially timely.
Mandarin Oriental extends this vision through “A Place to Touch the Clouds,” a series of light-touch, multi-sensory moments that bring Cloud Dancer into unexpected corners of the guest journey. Each participating property interprets the colour through its own creative lens, offering subtle, atmosphere-shifting touches rather than spectacle.
Experience Highlights include:
- Cloud Dancer Inspired Afternoon Tea featuring lightness and purity in flavour
- Oxygenating spa rituals designed to restore calm and clarity
- Skyline stays elevated above the clouds, infused with soft tonal cues
- Cloud Dancer Post Boxes for letters to Santa — a simple moment of nostalgia
- Elegant festive décor that transforms the hue into sculptural, serene expressions
Across all locations, Cloud Dancer becomes more than a colour — it becomes a feeling, a shift in energy, and a more thoughtful way to experience the festive season.
Alex Schellenberger, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Mandarin Oriental, commented: “Cloud Dancer resonates deeply with Mandarin Oriental’s belief in the power of calm inspiration. Following the launch of Mandarin Oriental’s new signature colour, Celadon Green, this collaboration with Pantone allows us to continue exploring colour as a medium for storytelling and connection. Concurrently, we are creating moments that invite our guests to pause, to breathe and to rediscover the beauty around them. This partnership reflects our dedication to elevating the everyday through craftsmanship, cultural expression and exceptional experiences.”
“In an era filled with urgency and hyper-productivity, a new need is emerging: to reclaim time, reconnect, and value presence,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice-President, Pantone Colour Institute. “Mandarin Oriental’s A Place to Touch the Clouds series beautifully captures the essence of Pantone Colour of the Year 2026, creating spaces that quiet the mind and invite genuine relaxation. Cloud Dancer is about giving ourselves permission to pause, to let our minds wander freely, and to allow creativity to breathe. It’s in these moments of calm and stillness that true innovation takes root.”
CLOUD DANCER EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE WORLD
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Where Hyde Park’s serenity meets the elegance of Knightsbridge, the hotel’s “A Season of Craft” theme unfolds in deep winter blues and soft off-white accents. Cloud Dancer adds a quiet luminosity to champagne moments at The Mandarin Bar and seasonal teas in The Rosebery, complemented by creative workshops from the 12 Days of Craftmas.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
High above Columbus Circle, the hotel becomes a festive dreamscape with Cloud Dancer enhancements woven into its celebrated White Christmas and Nutcracker holiday atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a Nutcracker-inspired afternoon tea, carolers, visits from Santa and seasonal experiences shaped by the city’s creative energy.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
A refined urban retreat, the hotel weaves Cloud Dancer throughout all elements of its festive season, from serene white floral arrangements and ethereal décor to thoughtfully crafted cakes and themed cocktails. Each detail reflects the hue’s gentle spirit, creating an atmosphere of quiet holiday elegance.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Set against river and mountain vistas, the hotel presents Cloud Dancer décor in partnership with Montblanc, transforming the lobby into a sculptural winter tableau. The Pantone Color of the Year 2026 reimagines the classic goûter with cloud-shaped pastries and a delicate white Mont Blanc.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Beating at the heart of the city, this timeless landmark on Victoria Harbour gently welcomes guests into ethereal winter scenes crafted for togetherness and reflection. Cloud Dancer softly illuminates the tranquil décor, creating a serene backdrop for cherished seasonal gatherings.
Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen
Suspended among the clouds at 388 metres, the hotel introduces a Cloud Dancer suite in partnership with 1436 ERDOS, a premium cashmere brand originating from Inner Mongolia. Guests can also savour a snowy white afternoon tea at Lian Lounge on the 78th floor, accompanied by spectacular views above the city.
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
A tranquil riverside sanctuary, the hotel unveils a sustainable Christmas tree artfully crafted from repurposed glass bottles reclaimed from guestrooms and event spaces. Complementing the “White Winter by the Huangpu River” theme, the hotel introduces a festive afternoon tea featuring cloud-light pastries and a curated selection of bespoke bar concoctions—all inspired by Pantone Color of the Year 2026.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
High above the city, the hotel embraces Cloud Dancer through Japanese artistry and quiet celebration. Thoughtful details create an atmosphere of grace, inviting guests into moments shaped by warmth and connection.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Under the winter sun, Cloud Dancer weaves through lantern-lit pathways, festive menus and creative workshops inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship. A floating white cloud in the lobby, a cloud-shaped Christmas log and other such creative Cloud Dancer inspired culinary inspired touches bring the hue to life in this idyllic retreat.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai (Newly Opened)
The city’s newest landmark introduces Cloud Dancer through elevated décor, skyline-facing afternoon tea rituals and festive installations that reflect Dubai’s dynamic spirit with Mandarin Oriental’s contemporary elegance.
Cloud Dancer beautifully reflects Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to innovation, artistry and experiences that allow guests to slow down and rediscover simplicity. As Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 inspires a global movement towards calm creativity, Mandarin Oriental invites guests to journey into this enchanting world across its participating destinations.