suite dreams

Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
USP – Nature at its best

Banjaar Tola, the latest luxury lodge from Taj Safaris is an ideal paradise for nature travelling. Situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park, this lodge houses two elegant camps with nine suites each. Each lightweight, en-suite tent is opulent and blends with its natural surroundings — with pressed bamboo wall panels and floors and locally crafted wooden furniture. Textiles have been designed in tones of delicate saffron and acid-washed green, with rich block-printed Madhya Pradesh cottons and silks. Each suite comes with an intimate deck overlooking the river along with a prudently positioned swimming pool. Conservation efforts have been undertaken to protect the scenic environment. A treat for wilderness lovers.

The Kohinoor Suite, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.
USP – Stunning views of the Taj Mahal

What more can you say about a room that offers one of the most breathtaking vistas of the Taj Mahal? That should pretty much seal the deal for even the most demanding guests. But the brilliant Kohinoor Suite at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra is not just a room with a view. It comes equipped with an entrance foyer, airy living room, dining room and study, a bedroom with an attached bath and three private open-air terraces, each granting different glimpses of the Taj. Elegant furniture, exquisite upholstery and the warm and woody interiors filled with artefacts and coffee-table books immediately create a personal and royal, yet welcoming living space. The arched floor-to-ceiling window perfectly frames the Taj Mahal; it also has a specially positioned brass telescope that provides stunning views of each architectural detail of the monument. Imagine a romantic dinner in your private balcony and a luxurious bath while gazing at one of man’s greatest testimonials to love! Monumental!

deliciously exotic

China House, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

USP – Authentic warmth

China House stands apart from the crowd of oriental restaurants in the country. The restaurant recreates the cosiness of a Chinese home that appeals to your senses at once. Its clean and warm interiors impress with a contemporary yet authentic feel. Dining tables under pagodas surrounded by wild bamboo plants, elicit interest in what lies behind the large wooden doors at the entrance. The décor inside will not disappoint either. Authentic Chinese artefacts decorate every corner. The dining area inside comprises four private rooms entirely different from each other. Interactive kitchens, an exclusive tea bar and lounge definitely makes it a hotspot for an indulging dining experience.

The Spice Route, The Imperial, New Delhi.
USP – Exquisite interiors

Spice Route dazzles with its visual exotica. True to its name, the eatery echoes the journey of the spices from the Malabar Coast in India through different parts of South East Asia to Vietnam. Designed by Rajeev Sethi, the restaurant which took seven years in the making, is an architectural wonder of folklore, religion and the cultural details of these regions that are entwined with the spice trail. The walls flaunt murals hand painted using vegetable and flower dyes (a tradition dating back to 3000 years) by artists brought in especially from a temple in Kerala. Created on the principles of Feng Shui, The Spice Route is a treasure trove of antiques. Illustrations from the Kamasutra, antique Kerala ceilings, 16th century pillars, Thai sculptures, authentic food and a gorgeous courtyard for a backdrop – all makes The Spice Route a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, making its way to many a ‘ best of’ list.

heavenly waters

The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala.
USP – Great for aqua lovers

The picture says it all. No other resort grants a more spectacular view of the pristine Kovalam coastline like the Leela Kempinski in Thiruvananthapuram. Two intoxicating infinity pools overlooking the Arabian Sea almost give you the impression that it’s the edge of the world. The pools have sunbeds and dining areas around them. The soothing sound of the waves, the sea breeze and perfect sunsets – you have plenty of excuses for a summer break in Kerala.

divine aesthetics

The Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.
USP – Artsy lobby

The lobby gives away a great deal about a hotel and The Grand Hyatt’s lobby scores with its art installations. Lord Shiva is the central theme in many pieces on display. The art at the hotel is inspired by the three great archaeological sites of Mumbai, each dedicated to Lord Shiva –the island of Elephanta, the cave temple of Jogeshwar, and Mandapeshwar. The works celebrate the timeless architectural idioms of these three sites making the lobby at the Grand Hyatt fabulously matchless.

sweet nothings

The Patisserie and Delicatessen, The Oberoi, Delhi.
USP – Deliciously inviting

The Oberoi Patisserie is spread over a sprawling 4,000 square feet with lounging areas and counters with high bar stools and a wide range of pastries, confectioneries and more. The clean modern décor comes sprinkled with interesting displays of an enormous wedding cake, chocolate bags and red marzipan shoes. No explanation required for disrupting your diet!

rejuvenating idyll

The Jiva Spa Boat, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur.
USP – Tranquil haven

Imagine being lulled by the soothing sound of a river while masseurs are working their magic on your body? Experience salvation with the Taj spa aboard a boat. The design of the boat fuses historical and regal references with style and features a spacious, air-conditioned double spa suite, a relaxation lounge, steam bath and shower. The suite opens out onto a large sky deck that offers a soak bath, traditional lounging bed and dining area with views overlooking the Aravalli Mountains. Each session can last between three to five hours. Simply heavenly!

serene glam

The marble bathroom, Presidential Suite, The Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi.
USP – Most luxurious soak

You can’t complain if someone takes too long to step out of the shower. The white marble-clad bathroom will have the same hypnotic effect on the best of us. The tropical rain shower and freestanding whirlpool bath make it simply an irresistible experience.

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