This content is paid for by an advertiser and published by WP Creative Group. The Washington Post newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more about WP Creative Group.
Content from MGM Hanami
Have the ultimate cherry blossom experience this season at MGM National Harbor.
scroll
It always feels a little like cherry blossom season at MGM National Harbor. The iconic trees have been incorporated into the design throughout the resort, from photography in the Lobby Bar, to decor in the Blossom Cocktail Lounge.
So, it’s no wonder that during the springtime, when 1.5 million people come to Washington, D.C. to catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms or “Hanami,” the MGM National Harbor creates a seasonal experience like no other.
“Residents expect customized cherry blossom opportunities everywhere they go, and we are excited to feature what we have to offer,” said Chris Gumiela, Vice President of Brand and National Marketing at MGM National Harbor.
Visit the MGM National Harbor for a unique Cherry Blossom photo op using augmented reality, or catch a sneak peek below.
From bud to bloom
Open your camera and scan the code (or view this article on your mobile device) to see a cherry blossom progress in augmented reality.
This year’s festivities will be unforgettable, with The Theater at MGM National Harbor hosting Cherry Blast, a premier National Cherry Blossom Festival event blending art, food, an open bar, dueling DJs, Japanese cultural performances and more on March 30. The event will feature a performance and DJ set by five-time Grammy winner, CeeLo Green.
While Cherry Blast is a long-running annual feature of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, MGM National Harbor taps into its global reach, working with its team in Japan to produce an authentic and “first of its kind” experience with a menu curated by MGM Japan, said Gumiela. Over the past several years, MGM Japan has helped integrate Japanese arts and culture throughout their resorts in Las Vegas, Maryland, and beyond, and the Cherry Blast is one of their most exciting collaborations yet.
It’s the premiere cherry blossom celebration that locals and tourists alike can’t miss.
“People travel [from] far and wide to experience the blooming of the blossoms, along with individual events that highlight the region,” said Gumiela.
Putting a spectacular spin on an ancient tradition
Putting a spectacular spin on an ancient tradition
The MGM National Harbor is the place to be throughout the season, as the resort curates experiences catering to all types of visitors. “We continue to build upon a robust cherry blossom program here at the resort, and we do so because we see the interest from guests who come to our property during the days of the annual festival,” said Gumiela.
‘‘
We wanted to create an environment that felt natural to the landscape but highlighted it in ways that can only be done by MGM.
- Chris Gumiela, Vice President of Brand and National Marketing at MGM.
,,
To eat and drink
As part of the 17th annual Cherry Picks Restaurant Program, for example, Fish by Jose Andres and Lobby Bar will be featuring a new cherry blossom-inspired item every week from March 20 through April 14: a cocktail during week-one, followed by Exquisite Entree and Divine Dessert Weeks. If the cherry blossom mouse with dulcey chocolate cremeux and vanilla sponge doesn’t excite your sweet tooth… nothing will!
During Flower Hour at Blossom Cocktail Lounge, a cherry blossom-themed cocktail program will be available weekdays from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Vodka lovers can sip on the Massive Cherry Mule or the Cherry blossom Jubilee featuring cherry-vanilla syrup, chocolate, vanilla ice cream while gin drinkers might prefer the Spring in Sendai.
To eat and drink
As part of the 17th annual Cherry Picks Restaurant Program, for example, Fish by Jose Andres and Lobby Bar will be featuring a new cherry blossom-inspired item every week from March 20 through April 14: a cocktail during week-one, followed by Exquisite Entree and Divine Dessert Weeks. If the cherry blossom mouse with dulcey chocolate cremeux and vanilla sponge doesn’t excite your sweet tooth… nothing will!
During Flower Hour at Blossom Cocktail Lounge, a cherry blossom-themed cocktail program will be available weekdays from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Vodka lovers can sip on the Massive Cherry Mule or the Cherry blossom Jubilee featuring cherry-vanilla syrup, chocolate, vanilla ice cream while gin drinkers might prefer the Spring in Sendai.
To play
The party continues at the resort’s 16,000-square-foot gaming floor, where a $50,000 Cherry Blossom Slot Tournament will be held on March 30. (Head over to MGM National Harbor’s website for registration information.)
To relax
After all of that celebrating, a trip to the property’s 27,000-square-foot spa could be in order. Along with the various massages, facials and body treatments offered, hanami season brings an extra treat: free cherry blossom shea butter cream with any vichy body treatment, a form of hydrotherapy that follows signature marine-element-infused or shea butter-sugar exfoliation.
Enhancing a natural spectacle, year after year
Enhancing a natural spectacle, year after year
Another unique experience can be found at the 15,000-square-foot Conservatory, which features a cherry blossom-inspired installation designed and curated by sought-after event planner and designer Ed Libby. Complete with cherry blossom branches dangling from the glass ceiling, the installation creates “a magical cherry blossom wonderland,” said Gumiela.
‘‘
We recognize the importance of this annual cultural spectacle for the DMV, we hope people walk away feeling excited and energized.
- Chris Gumiela, Vice President of Brand and National Marketing at MGM.
,,
From unforgettable special events like Cherry Blast to over-the-top installations in the Conservatory, each year brings something new and thrilling to cherry blossom festival season at MGM National Harbor.
“We recognize the importance of this annual cultural spectacle for the DMV,” said Gumiela. “We hope people walk away feeling excited and energized.”
phase 1
Round green buds appear on the tree branches, and then small flowers start to appear.
phase 2
Pink florets begin extending out of the buds. Next, flower stems, called peduncles, grow longer.
phase 3
White Sakura blossoms begin opening, and when most have, it’s reached peak bloom.
TAP HERE TO SEE BLOSSOM VISION
FROM BUD TO BLOOM
Watch a cherry blossom grow in augmented reality.
11%
LOOK AROUND
BEST ENJOYED WITH HEADPHONES
To view in AR, please allow camera access
Please experience AR in Safari on iPhone
Chrome on other devices.
Please, enable gyroscope in your iOS settings: Safari > Privacy & Security > Enable motion & orientation access
Please rotate your device. This content is best experienced with your device in portrait mode.
HANAMI AT HOME
Have the ultimate cherry blossom experience this season at MGM National Harbor.
