The Trident Bandra Kurla is Mumbai’s newest and glitziest five star business hotel. By Raul Dias
It’s only 11 in the morning and already ultra-potent visions of a tall flute of champagne topped with a million tiny bubbles instantly occupy my mind as I step into the rather diminutive but opulent lobby of the mint-fresh Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai. The reason for this mirage is the stunning bubble chandelier that is suspended languidly from the atrium’s ceiling. Almost fluid in appearance, this delicate glass ‘confection’ sets the tone for this über-glamorous business hotel that made its grand debut in December last year. Glamour and business—two disparate words one normally shies away from stringing together in one sentence, yet the Trident, Bandra Kurla personifies both to great effect. Right from the Botticino marble floors to the intricately carved latticed jali screen that forms one wall of the lobby, this place is jazzed up to shine the brightest. And it does... Offering some of the best facilities for the business traveler, the hotel’s Trident Meetings wing on the third level comprises six meeting rooms, four boardrooms and six web-enabled computer workstations, besides a well-appointed library.
As I check into my deluxe suite, I am instantly enveloped into a space that is both sophisticated and soothing at the same time. The décor of my suite is a refreshing play of a white oak floor, dark walnut furniture, brushed chrome light fixtures and elements of furnishings in vibrant shades of red. But the piece de resistance is undoubtedly the gargantuan glass walled bathroom replete with double vanity counters, a separate shower cubicle liberally scattered with decadent bath amenities from Crabtree & Evelyn, a stand-alone bath tub with... get this, an LCD television mounted right above it!
Lunch at the all-day dining restaurant 022 (pronounced Oh Two Two) is a lesson in Zen simplicity as I sit by the sushi bar trying to conceal my manic gusto as I dine on an assortment of expertly prepared sushi with warm miso soup and edemame as accompaniments. The perfectly circular restaurant itself complements the fare it dishes out; in the sense that it is minimalist and non-fussy in its 360˚ interior design that overlooks a lush garden on its west side.
Since I’d already bitten into the forbidden fruit called pampering, I decide to indulge a bit further and book myself an invigorating 75 minute Abhyanga massage at the Trident Spa—the hotel’s sanctuary of calm nestled among a thicket of shrubbery and adjacent to the well-equipped fitness centre with the 32 meters long outdoor infinity swimming pool in front. Kitted out in muted, restful colours, the spa encompasses six therapy rooms and two therapy suites. The extensive spa menu includes therapies, massages and beauty treatments that combine ancient Asian traditions with contemporary international influences. In addition to the popular Ayurvedic, Balinese and Thai massages, the menu offers an innovative Hot Lava Shell massage that I promised to treat myself to later whenever I check into the hotel again.
Having being ‘tipped off’ by Zakia Kazi, the hotel’s super efficient Assistant Communications Manager to try out the hotel’s one-of-its-kind room service; I did just that and was I in for a treat or what? No boring old standard room service tray for me, the room service attendant rolled into my room a spiffy table for one with all the trappings of a ‘proper’ restaurant table replete with china, fresh flowers, salt-n-pepper shakers et al. But the crowning glory was the nifty little oven attached to the table from where he proffered my tenderloin steak done just the way I wanted it in all its medium rare glory. And he even went on to construct my passion fruit iced tea in front of my eyes expertly mixing the various ingredients with the precession of a chemist in a lab!
Later that night as I tucked into my seared foie gras with garoupa fish in an asparagus sauce at the hotel’s Italian fine dining temple—Botticino which gets its name form the marble extensively used all over the hotel, I smiled a contented smile. And no, it wasn’t just the grappa and apple cocktail that did the trick. It was a lethal mix of another kind where luxury, comfort and class intermingle in a setting that typifies the good life of the hi-flier.
Factfile
Location: C-56, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 098
Accomodation: 199 Deluxe Rooms, 136 Premier Rooms, 77 Trident Club Rooms, 10 Deluxe Suites, 11 Trident Club Suites, 2 Premier Suites, 1 Presidential Suite
Contact: +91 22 6672 7777, www.tridenthotels.com
(First published in India Today Travel Plus)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Nurture among nature!
Offering a stellar spa menu for the man, The Waldheim Alpine Spa nestled in the serenity of Tasmania, Australia, is the perfect place to soak away tension and time, says Raul Dias
Recently voted as one of Australia’s best residence spas, The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness in all its calming glory. Set among the towering presence of the King Billy pines and sonorous streams that meander around soothingly, the spa is THE place to hit after an invigorating ramble through the 20 walking trails spread around the lodge that suit every fitness level and where you can discover typically Aussie animal and plant varieties found nowhere else on Earth.
Combining nature’s intelligence and power of touch, The Waldheim Alpine Spa’s massage therapies—all using Elemis products—mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain. Particularly popular among men is the 2 hours 15mins two-part treatment, Elemis Total Time Out for Men (AUD 285) that calls itself the ‘next-generation of spa therapies for men’. Part one of the ritual starts with the 75 minute long Skin IQ Facial that is designed as a high powered anti-ageing facial and is the ultimate skin overhaul for male skin. Prescribed to combat the demands of a hectic, modern lifestyle, this facial protects the face against the harsh, ageing effects of shaving and environmental damage.
After the facial, the pampering continues for a whole hour with the Signature Wellbeing Massage that is focused on relieving specific stress and muscle tension. This massage customized to your very own unique needs, uses dynamic blends of essential oils. And the choice is almost endless. Try four special and diverse options for starters! One can pick right from Stress-a-Way, that is designed to soothe and relax with a blend of Lavender, Chamomile, Melissa, Geranium and Bergamot oil to the very desi sounding Chakra Balancing that promises to bring your body and emotions into total equilibrium with the exotic essence of frangipani.
The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has on its menu the Urban Cleanse Facial (AUD 175) for 75mins. Touted as ‘a high performance complexion cleanse for total skincare defence’, this super-grooming facial decongests the skin, working overtime to eliminate blocked pores, neutralise impurities and reduce sensitivity.
And as a post therapy indulgence the spa also offers the services of a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge all overlooking the placid Pencil Pine River. Indulgence was never this good… trust us!
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, TAS, 7306, Australia. Tel: +61 3 6492 2103. Website: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
Fast Facts
When to visit: Tasmania is perfect to visit any time of the year. Each season has its own marvels to offer. Still, ideally speaking, the best time to visit Tasmania would be November to May.
How to get there: Fly in to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital via Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane by Qantas Airways that personifies luxury and comfort.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge is an iconic, unique wilderness experience and is the closest you can be to the entrance of Tasmania’s spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Doubles at AUD $300 onwards per night, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain. Tel: +61 3 6492 2103. www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
The Islington Hotel is a veritable gem on the Hobart hospitality scene. With a mountain-view pavilion and a well-appointed wine cellar, the Islington is as cozy as it can get. Doubles at AUD $300 onwards per night, 321 Davey Street. Tel: +61 3 62202123. www.islingtonhotel.com
What to see: Battery Point, Hobart’s most historic suburb is named after the gunnery once stationed there. Primarily residential, Battery Point is an appealing mix of 19th-century workers’ cottages and colonial mansions. Many are classified by the National Trust. Arthur’s Circus, a highlight of the suburb, is a ring of cottages circling a village green. The area has several tearooms and restaurants, fine antique shops and pubs. The Colonial Museum, Narranya, is located in Battery Point, as is St George’s Anglican Church (1836), a Hobart landmark.
(First published in Time'n Style Beauty)
Recently voted as one of Australia’s best residence spas, The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness in all its calming glory. Set among the towering presence of the King Billy pines and sonorous streams that meander around soothingly, the spa is THE place to hit after an invigorating ramble through the 20 walking trails spread around the lodge that suit every fitness level and where you can discover typically Aussie animal and plant varieties found nowhere else on Earth.
Combining nature’s intelligence and power of touch, The Waldheim Alpine Spa’s massage therapies—all using Elemis products—mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain. Particularly popular among men is the 2 hours 15mins two-part treatment, Elemis Total Time Out for Men (AUD 285) that calls itself the ‘next-generation of spa therapies for men’. Part one of the ritual starts with the 75 minute long Skin IQ Facial that is designed as a high powered anti-ageing facial and is the ultimate skin overhaul for male skin. Prescribed to combat the demands of a hectic, modern lifestyle, this facial protects the face against the harsh, ageing effects of shaving and environmental damage.
After the facial, the pampering continues for a whole hour with the Signature Wellbeing Massage that is focused on relieving specific stress and muscle tension. This massage customized to your very own unique needs, uses dynamic blends of essential oils. And the choice is almost endless. Try four special and diverse options for starters! One can pick right from Stress-a-Way, that is designed to soothe and relax with a blend of Lavender, Chamomile, Melissa, Geranium and Bergamot oil to the very desi sounding Chakra Balancing that promises to bring your body and emotions into total equilibrium with the exotic essence of frangipani.
The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has on its menu the Urban Cleanse Facial (AUD 175) for 75mins. Touted as ‘a high performance complexion cleanse for total skincare defence’, this super-grooming facial decongests the skin, working overtime to eliminate blocked pores, neutralise impurities and reduce sensitivity.
And as a post therapy indulgence the spa also offers the services of a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge all overlooking the placid Pencil Pine River. Indulgence was never this good… trust us!
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, TAS, 7306, Australia. Tel: +61 3 6492 2103. Website: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
Fast Facts
When to visit: Tasmania is perfect to visit any time of the year. Each season has its own marvels to offer. Still, ideally speaking, the best time to visit Tasmania would be November to May.
How to get there: Fly in to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital via Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane by Qantas Airways that personifies luxury and comfort.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge is an iconic, unique wilderness experience and is the closest you can be to the entrance of Tasmania’s spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Doubles at AUD $300 onwards per night, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain. Tel: +61 3 6492 2103. www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
The Islington Hotel is a veritable gem on the Hobart hospitality scene. With a mountain-view pavilion and a well-appointed wine cellar, the Islington is as cozy as it can get. Doubles at AUD $300 onwards per night, 321 Davey Street. Tel: +61 3 62202123. www.islingtonhotel.com
What to see: Battery Point, Hobart’s most historic suburb is named after the gunnery once stationed there. Primarily residential, Battery Point is an appealing mix of 19th-century workers’ cottages and colonial mansions. Many are classified by the National Trust. Arthur’s Circus, a highlight of the suburb, is a ring of cottages circling a village green. The area has several tearooms and restaurants, fine antique shops and pubs. The Colonial Museum, Narranya, is located in Battery Point, as is St George’s Anglican Church (1836), a Hobart landmark.
(First published in Time'n Style Beauty)
On A Swan’s Trail…
The scenic Swan Valley in Western Australia is a treasure trove of delectable treats, as Raul Dias recently found out
Sadly, it was my penultimate day in Western Australia and after a fun-filled 15 days in the land down under, the last thing I wanted to do was get on a plane and embark on a grueling 10 hour flight back home to be welcomed back by tons of work, toil and yes… the beginnings of an oppressive Indian summer! I just had to do something that would pre-emptively soothe my future frayed nerves. And the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail—a 32-kilometer scenic loop just a 25 minute drive from Perth was to be my salvation.
Taking in more than 150 wineries, lively breweries, fine restaurants, bustling cafés and quaint specialt
y stores, the Swan Valley Trail seduces visitors with a rich fusion of all things decadent. My first stop on this hedonistic odyssey was a rather altruistic one. Being a confirmed non-coffee drinker with tons of friends and family addicted to their daily caffeine fix, it was off to the Yahava Koffee Works store to pick up some artisanal blends of roasted coffee beans as gifts to take back home. The store offers a mind-boggling smorgasbord of coffee beans all roasted and packed before your very own eyes.
Purchases made, I set off on a very selfish mission to satiate the chocoholic in me with a treat that my now-thicker waist won’t let me forget in a while. The Margaret River Chocolate Company is a chocolate-coated jewel of the Swan Valley that produces a tantalizing array of premium quality chocolate products. It also provides an interactive chocolate experience with free chocolate tastings that I literally OD’d on! From the scrumptious cookies-n-cream filled centres to the fiery chili bon-bons, I saw them all off in one clean swoop, while toting bags of the stuff for future sinning.
Then it was off for a spot of lunch and wine tasting at the Sandalford Wines magnificent property perched on the placid Swan River. So, after a round of swirling, sniffing, sipping and yes, spitting, I sat down to a delectable lunch of medium rare medallions of venison accompanied by a rabbit and pear terrine that worked superbly with Sandalford’s best Semillon. A quick free tour of the winery was next on the agenda as I ambled along learning more about the winery that was established in 1840 and is today one of Western Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries.
With just a smidgen of space left in my tummy, I couldn’t resist the charms of the Cape Lavender Swan Valley concept store that literally drew me in from the road with its heady lavender fragrance. A tradition at this store—that sells almost everything from jams, wines and even toiletries made from lavender—is the afternoon high tea, complete with lavender-infused tea and the über-colonial lavender scones topped with strawberry jam and lashings of clotted cream.
Tea over and done with, I literally waddled my way out of the store ready to take on all that life was about to throw back at me!
(First published in DNA)
Sadly, it was my penultimate day in Western Australia and after a fun-filled 15 days in the land down under, the last thing I wanted to do was get on a plane and embark on a grueling 10 hour flight back home to be welcomed back by tons of work, toil and yes… the beginnings of an oppressive Indian summer! I just had to do something that would pre-emptively soothe my future frayed nerves. And the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail—a 32-kilometer scenic loop just a 25 minute drive from Perth was to be my salvation.
Taking in more than 150 wineries, lively breweries, fine restaurants, bustling cafés and quaint specialt
y stores, the Swan Valley Trail seduces visitors with a rich fusion of all things decadent. My first stop on this hedonistic odyssey was a rather altruistic one. Being a confirmed non-coffee drinker with tons of friends and family addicted to their daily caffeine fix, it was off to the Yahava Koffee Works store to pick up some artisanal blends of roasted coffee beans as gifts to take back home. The store offers a mind-boggling smorgasbord of coffee beans all roasted and packed before your very own eyes.
Purchases made, I set off on a very selfish mission to satiate the chocoholic in me with a treat that my now-thicker waist won’t let me forget in a while. The Margaret River Chocolate Company is a chocolate-coated jewel of the Swan Valley that produces a tantalizing array of premium quality chocolate products. It also provides an interactive chocolate experience with free chocolate tastings that I literally OD’d on! From the scrumptious cookies-n-cream filled centres to the fiery chili bon-bons, I saw them all off in one clean swoop, while toting bags of the stuff for future sinning.
Then it was off for a spot of lunch and wine tasting at the Sandalford Wines magnificent property perched on the placid Swan River. So, after a round of swirling, sniffing, sipping and yes, spitting, I sat down to a delectable lunch of medium rare medallions of venison accompanied by a rabbit and pear terrine that worked superbly with Sandalford’s best Semillon. A quick free tour of the winery was next on the agenda as I ambled along learning more about the winery that was established in 1840 and is today one of Western Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries.
With just a smidgen of space left in my tummy, I couldn’t resist the charms of the Cape Lavender Swan Valley concept store that literally drew me in from the road with its heady lavender fragrance. A tradition at this store—that sells almost everything from jams, wines and even toiletries made from lavender—is the afternoon high tea, complete with lavender-infused tea and the über-colonial lavender scones topped with strawberry jam and lashings of clotted cream.
Tea over and done with, I literally waddled my way out of the store ready to take on all that life was about to throw back at me!
(First published in DNA)
Monday, March 8, 2010
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