Lap of Luxury
It takes after the romantic war adventure film from 1942, where Humphrey Bogart played a nightclub owner in Casablanca, Morocco, with Ingrid Bergman as his former lover. That makes this dining space for two, equally sought after by the city's elite. "There is a virtual scramble for the dinner booking every night. It is a sort of prestige issue with the high fliers and demands a tremendous amount of dexterity on our part to accommodate our regulars without ruffling any feathers," confesses chef, Hemant Oberoi, the man behind it all. Tear yourself away from the buzz of the Souk and make way past the bar, through the kitchen to this balcony-converted alcove on the 24th floor of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower at Apollo Bunder. At Casablanca, the world comes to a standstill. Virtually. The gleaming transparent glass frontage hooks your eyes as they capture the winking lights of billionares' pampered anchored yachts caressing the waters of the Arabian Sea beyond, the view of the towering Gateway below, together with the pedestrians dotting the area.

During the afternoon, natural light fills Casablanca with an inviting warmth that melts your bones. It is a private setting in lush, luxuriant confines where two is company and four is a crowd. Unusual artefacts from Morocco stand against the two small walls; crisply cut fresh flowers bring in colour. The exquisite Rosenthal dinnerware designed by Versace, Christofle cutlery and designer linen floor add to the majestic surroundings. The vibrant stained glass door opens with a litany of chefs only to serve the multiple courses. Breathless? Check the meticulous detailing: nothing but the best will do for your special company. Swirl the best of French, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Argentinian Malbac and more. A menu created at Casablanca is never repeated again. Savour the superlative tagines of Morocco, mezze from Lebanon and delicious Egyptian seafood. You will relish the tabbouleh, the crisp fattoush, the Beirut sambusek, kebab meshwi, Damascan dolma, the Kibbe, Arak on crushed ice.… After all, little treasures are wonderful pleasures.
Show me the money: Depends on what your little heart desires. Expect a minimum of Rs 15,000 for a couple caper.

On a High
You need to be a special resident guest at this five-star hotel to snare this one. Liplocking at Point of View at the ITC Grand Central Sheraton & Towers in Parel makes you feel you are atop the Eiffel. With an unbeatable 360-degree sweeping view of the entire city of Mumbai, strung together with street lights at night, rambling space and the ever so precious, solitude. You could make passionate love on the rooftop with the twinkling stars. Sprawl easy on recliners, soak up soft, melodious strains of soulful music, serenade your partner, sip on sinful spirits from the amply stocked bar in the adjoining indoor lounge and stun with the choicest of flowers flown down for the night.

A special rendezvous at Point of View beats everything: from a caviar facial to a Carribbean cavort. Delectable nibbles in coy oysters, salmon tarts and much more. Upper Crust is the dining area adjacent to the lounge but this is exclusive in function for guests staying on the luxury floor of the hotel. The split-level lounge is a visual treat in a combination of soft lights; cream, jade and ivory tones, fringed palms, plush couches and tall windows. Flowing chiffon curtains, rich upholstery and dappled lights create an enviable ambience of sheer elegance and class in this secluded part of this grand five-star hotel. Here, it's only you and your beloved away from the prying eyes of curious onlookers.
Show me the money: Not for the faint hearted. Rs 22,500 to Rs 90,000, to book yourself into the luxury floor.