If there is anyone who has shown the world that wellness is about more than a workout, it’s Simone Biles. The gymnast who redefined what the human body can do, and who stood just as firmly on business when it came to her mental health, has now been named the first-ever Global Wellness Ambassador for Mandarin Oriental.
Biles made her debut in the role at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, visiting the city for the first time as a sports fan. “I’m excited to partner with Mandarin Oriental because we share the same belief that wellness is about more than physical performance — it’s about taking care of your whole self,” Biles said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned how important recovery, mental wellbeing, and balance are. I’m honored to work with a brand that truly understands and supports that belief in providing guests with holistic wellness offerings.”
Now while we may not be receiving any friends and family discounts from our girl Simone anytime soon, there are some benefits you’ll get to indulge in the next time you stay at a Mandarin Oriental property. The long-term partnership positions Biles as an active collaborator, where she’ll work alongside Mandarin Oriental’s Wellness Board, which includes specialists in movement, nutrition, sleep, meditation and lifestyle performance, to help develop programs and experiences across the group’s global properties.
To mark the launch, Mandarin Oriental, Milan is offering two limited experiences inspired by Biles through the end of March. The Double-Double Glow is a full recovery spa treatment combining hot and cold stone massage with a high-performance facial. There’s also the Champion Chip cookie, developed with the hotel’s culinary team and inspired by Biles’s approach to nourishment, because yes, joy is part of wellness too.
When excellence meets elegance, something extraordinary happens. That’s exactly what unfolded when Simone Biles officially partnered with Mandarin Oriental as its first-ever Global Wellness Ambassador.
Yes, you read that right.
The most decorated gymnast in history is stepping beyond the mat and into the world of luxury wellness. But this isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. It’s a strategic, meaningful collaboration rooted in mental strength, physical resilience, and the art of living well.
So what does this partnership really mean? And why is everyone talking about it?
Let’s dive in.
A Historic First for Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental has long been synonymous with understated luxury. Known for its iconic fan logo and world-class spas, the brand has built a reputation for blending Eastern wellness philosophy with Western sophistication.
But appointing Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador? That’s history in the making.
This move signals something bigger than marketing. It reflects a shift in how luxury brands define wellness — not just as indulgence, but as strength, balance, and self-care.
Why Simone Biles Is the Perfect Face of Global Wellness
Let’s be honest. When you think of resilience, who comes to mind?
Simone Biles.
More Than Medals and Records
With multiple Olympic gold medals and world championship titles, Biles dominates gymnastics. But her impact stretches far beyond athletic achievements.
She became a global voice for mental health after prioritizing her well-being on the world stage. That decision reshaped conversations around athlete pressure and personal boundaries.
And that’s exactly what modern wellness represents: knowing when to push forward — and when to pause.
Mental Strength as the New Luxury
Luxury today isn’t just five-star suites and marble bathrooms. It’s peace of mind. It’s emotional balance. It’s feeling strong from the inside out.
Simone embodies that shift.
Her journey mirrors the wellness philosophy that Mandarin Oriental promotes — harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
Redefining Wellness in the Luxury Travel Industry
The hospitality world has changed. Travelers no longer book hotels just for a comfortable bed. They want transformation.
They want to leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Wellness Is No Longer Optional
Spas, meditation programs, fitness retreats — these aren’t add-ons anymore. They’re expectations.
Mandarin Oriental recognized this evolution early. Their spa programs have consistently ranked among the world’s best, integrating holistic therapies inspired by Asian traditions.
By partnering with Simone Biles, the brand reinforces its authority in wellness innovation.
What This Partnership Means for Guests
So what can travelers expect?
Curated Wellness Experiences
Expect bespoke programs inspired by Simone’s philosophy: strength, mindfulness, and intentional rest.
Imagine recovery treatments designed with athletic precision. Fitness sessions grounded in functional movement. Mental wellness workshops centered on resilience.
It’s not about copying a gymnast’s routine. It’s about learning from her mindset.
A Brand Alignment Rooted in Authenticity
Celebrity partnerships can feel forced. This one doesn’t.
Why? Because Simone Biles represents discipline, courage, and self-awareness — the same qualities that define Mandarin Oriental’s approach to service and hospitality.
Shared Values Matter
Both Biles and Mandarin Oriental stand for excellence. But more importantly, they stand for integrity.
In a world flooded with influencer collaborations, authenticity cuts through the noise.
The Growing Power of Athlete-Driven Wellness
Athletes are becoming wellness leaders. And it makes sense.
Who understands recovery better than someone who pushes the human body to its limits?
Performance Meets Prevention
Simone’s involvement highlights something critical: wellness isn’t reactive. It’s proactive.
Stretch before injury. Rest before burnout. Reflect before reacting.
That philosophy translates beautifully into the luxury spa environment.
Mental Health Advocacy Takes Center Stage
One of the most powerful aspects of this collaboration lies in its mental health message.
Breaking the Silence Around Pressure
Simone’s courage to speak openly about mental well-being changed sports culture. It also changed corporate conversations.
Now, that narrative enters the hospitality industry.
Guests aren’t just invited to relax. They’re encouraged to reset.
The Global Impact of This Collaboration
Mandarin Oriental operates properties across major cities worldwide. From urban skyscrapers to tropical retreats, the brand influences global travel trends.
Expanding Wellness Across Continents
With Simone as ambassador, wellness initiatives gain a powerful, recognizable voice.
Her global appeal ensures the message reaches beyond typical luxury audiences. Young travelers. Athletes. Families. Entrepreneurs. Everyone connects with strength and resilience.
How This Elevates the Mandarin Oriental Brand
Brand perception matters.
Partnering with Simone Biles positions Mandarin Oriental at the intersection of elite performance and holistic restoration.
Beyond Traditional Luxury
It’s no longer just about thread counts and Michelin-star dining.
It’s about how you feel when you check out.
Do you feel stronger? Clearer? Balanced?
That’s the real luxury.
The Future of Wellness-Focused Hospitality
This partnership could set a new industry benchmark.
Experience-Driven Travel Is the New Standard
Travelers want meaning. They want intention. They want stories worth sharing.
Simone Biles’ presence adds narrative depth to Mandarin Oriental’s offerings.
It transforms a hotel stay into a personal journey.
Why This News Is Dominating Social Media
Celebrity. Luxury. Wellness. Mental health. Olympic legacy.
It’s the perfect storm of virality.
A Story That Resonates Across Generations
Young audiences admire Simone’s courage. Older generations respect her discipline. Wellness enthusiasts appreciate her authenticity.
That cross-generational appeal makes this announcement powerful.
Strength as a Lifestyle, Not Just a Sport
Simone’s message has always been clear: strength isn’t just physical.
It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s spiritual.
And Mandarin Oriental’s wellness philosophy reflects that multidimensional approach.
The Symbolism Behind the Partnership
Think about it.
A global icon of athletic excellence joins a global icon of refined hospitality.
It’s synergy in its purest form.
Like a perfectly executed routine — every movement intentional, every detail aligned.
Conclusion: A Partnership That Redefines Modern Wellness
Simone Biles joining Mandarin Oriental as its first-ever Global Wellness Ambassador isn’t just headline-worthy news. It’s a cultural moment.
It represents the evolution of luxury. The normalization of mental health advocacy. The fusion of performance and peace.
In many ways, it’s symbolic of where the world is heading — toward balance.
And if wellness truly is the new wealth, then this partnership is pure gold.