South Mumbai’s seafront, its skyline and the hotel’s diehard patrons welcomed the ‘return’ of a familiar presence a few days ago. The Oberoi, Mumbai, located a few kilometres from the World Trade Centre, and overlooking the vast expanse of blue – defying the destruction that had been wrought in the 26/11 terror trauma – reopened with fresh new contemporary exteriors. A step into the the 14-level atrium lobby (vertigo is forgotten promptly even as you gaze up at the façade) is an apt introduction to the renovation that has created a luxurious haven of contemporary elegance. Needless to add, dining at the Oberoi, Mumbai, offers the choicest of palate-pleasing options that reflect an understanding and passion for fine cuisine. A gourmet can take his pick of the hotel’s restaurants and lounge bars. Fenix, the new all-day dining restaurant, Vetro, the Italian restaurant, Ziya, the new Indian restaurant and The Champagne Lounge are must-visit destinations for those who seek the best in food and ambience. And for a quiet afternoon tea or a flute of champagne, do check out the Champagne Lounge or the soothing ambience of the new Eau Bar.

In their new avatar, the 287 guest rooms have their characteristic touch of luxury seamlessly blended with comfort and convenience. The predominant colour palette of pale ivory, sage and dark brown gives the interiors of the rooms a sense of serenity that is reinforced by the judiciously selected decorative elements and huge windows that admit an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of the ocean and the Mumbai skyline. Artworks, in the form of oil paintings and lithographs that have been specially commissioned, coupled with the intrinsic nature of silk seen in the upholstered cushions, a dark oak wood floor, dark walnut furniture and marble give a sense of warmth and richness.

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