Guide to Fans of M.O.: Benefits of Pearl & Silk Tiers Explained
For years, Mandarin Oriental’s guest recognition programme, Fans of M.O., stood out in the loyalty landscape for its refreshing simplicity. There were no points to count, no status credits to chase, and no complicated tiers to climb. It was a single-level programme that offered instant gratification: book direct, and you could select two benefits to enhance your stay. However, the programme has since evolved early 2025. While the base membership remains accessible to all, Mandarin Oriental has introduced two higher tiers - Silk and Pearl - to recognise their most loyal guests.
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental
If you are new to the brand, the standard Fans of M.O. membership is free to join. Unlike traditional programmes (like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors), you do not earn points towards free nights. Instead, the value proposition is based on instant perks. When you book a qualifying rate directly on the Mandarin Oriental website, you are invited to select two additional privileges from a list of options:
Breakfast for one (this means you must use both your picks to cover breakfast for a couple)
Room Upgrade (One category, subject to availability)
Dining or Spa Credit (Usually valued around USD 50)
Early Check-in (12:00 PM)
Late Check-out (4:00 PM)
Streaming WiFi
Celebratory Treat
Pressing Services
For guests who frequent Mandarin Oriental properties, the programme now offers two higher tiers, with no published criteria for entry (though spend and frequency of stays are the obvious drivers).
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental
1. Fans of M.O. Silk
Designed for more regular returning guests, the Silk tier fixes the biggest pain point of the base membership: breakfast.
Automatic Daily Breakfast: Silk members receive complimentary breakfast for two people automatically when booking direct.
Plus 2 Additional Privileges: You still get to choose two extra perks from the standard menu. This means you can now secure breakfast and a room upgrade and a late check-out.
Enhanced Recognition: Access to Chef's Exclusive dining surprises and tailored spa treatment enrichments.
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental
2. Fans of M.O. Pearl
This is the top-tier status for the brand's most loyal followers. Information on Pearl is kept discreet, but reports from members suggest significantly elevated recognition.
Bespoke Experiences: Access to invitation-only events, such as intimate suppers or private art viewings.
Stronger Upgrade Priority: Pearl members reportedly receive higher priority for upgrades, sometimes spanning multiple categories.
Flexible Benefits: While benefits can vary by property, the service levels are akin to VIP status, often including a personal meet-and-greet by hotel management and highly personalised welcome amenities.
| Benefit | Fans of M.O. (Base) | Silk (Invite Only) | Pearl (Invite Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Requirement | Free Sign-up | Invitation | Invitation |
| Daily Breakfast | Must use Pick 2 choice | Automatic (for 2) | Automatic (for 2) |
| Additional Privileges | Pick 2 | Pick 2 (on top of breakfast) | Pick 2 (enhanced) |
| Room Upgrade | Subject to availability (if selected) | Subject to availability | High Priority |
| Unique Perks | Members-only offers | Chef/Spa enhancements | Bespoke Experiences |
A common question is whether you can stack your Fans of M.O. benefits with luxury advisor programmes like American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) or Virtuoso and the short answer is generally, no. The Pick 2 benefits from Fans of M.O. are tied specifically to Qualifying Rates booked directly on the Mandarin Oriental website. Rates booked through FHR or Virtuoso are considered separate rate codes.
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Xi’an
For base members of the Fans of M.O. program, booking a luxury travel advisor rate (e.g. Virtuoso) is almost always superior to booking direct as a standard member.
Luxury Travel Advisor rate: Breakfast for two, USD 100 credit, and an upgrade.
Fans of M.O. (Direct): A choice of two perks. If you want breakfast for two, you get nothing else - no credit, no upgrade.
For Silk and Pearl Members, the equation changes because Silk and Pearl members get automatic breakfast, booking direct becomes more competitive. However, the USD 100 property credit offered by Luxury Travel Advisors is often higher than the dining credit option in the Pick 2 menu (which is often capped at roughly USD 50 value).
That said, you should always attach your membership number to any booking. Even if you don't get the Pick 2 benefits on an FHR stay, properties will often honour your status recognition (like the welcome amenity or Pearl-level treatment) regardless of the booking channel.
The evolution of Fans of M.O. into a tiered programme is a welcome change for loyalists who previously felt unrewarded for their heavy spend. While the Silk tier brings the programme in line with industry standards (giving breakfast without sacrificing other perks), the Pearl tier remains a mysterious holy grail for the brand's top clients. If you are just starting out with Mandarin Oriental, ignore the direct booking perks and find a Fan Club advisor to maximise your value. But if you find yourself with a Silk invitation in your inbox, booking direct suddenly makes a lot more sense.
American Express Singapore has announced a significant devaluation to the Membership Rewards programme effective 23 February 2026. Transfers to major airline partners like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific will require 25% more points, while transfers to Emirates will require 50% more. A temporary foreign currency spending bonus for Platinum Card members has also been announced.