It’s been a few days but … back to my Indian adventure! After leaving the jungle, I was off to Mumbai, where I stayed at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. This five-star luxury hotel was imposing and impressive, from the moment I stepped foot inside. I was pretty hungry on arrival and was thrilled to see the dining options, of which there were plenty. Dinner at the Italian restaurant Celini was delicious – I had a mouthwatering ossu bucco (I’d had my fill of curry and needed a change!). China House serves a menu of typically Chinese cuisine and M is a grill and martini bar. Of course, there’s an Indian restaurant, too; Soma dishes up authentic regional and tandoor-grilled cuisine.
The rooms are bright and tranquil and feel strangely out-of-place amidst the chaos of Mumbai that resides right outside the hotel grounds. But it’s a welcome respite and a wonderful place to rest and relax after wandering the streets of one of the world’s most intriguing cities. Pictured here is the Grand King room, with floor-to-ceiling windows (you can have a courtyard or city view) and the minimalist, modern decor is totally Zen. Crisp, white linens, golden Jaisalmer stone (an Indian sandstone) and light sycamore wood paneling give the 40-square-meter interior a spacious and airy feeling and ensure a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!
Click here for more information on the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.
Next up on the itinerary: A stop in the Indian jungle to go on safari! Here, I stayed at the wonderful Baghvan Pench Jungle Lodge. When I wasn’t out on an early morning (or mid-afternoon) game drive, searching for the ever-elusive tigers and leopards that roam Pench National Park, I was hanging out in the luxurious accommodations at the resort. Pictured above, you can get a sense of the “lobby” that greets guests. More like a living room in a thoughtfully designed home, this space gives an immediate sense of the style and intimacy guests can expect to find here. Cocktails here in the evenings give guests the opportunity to meet other guests and make you feel at home rather than “at hotel”.
The bedrooms are equally as welcoming. Featuring soaring ceilings and a rather rustic exterior (this is the jungle, after all!), the interiors are warm, comfortable and cozy. On cold nights, guests return to their rooms to find hot water bottles warming their bed and early morning tea and biscuits brought to the door are an exceptional way to start the day. There are many amazing resorts and hotels all over the world but this one, nestled deep in the heart of the Indian jungle, was truly special. Aside from the stylish accommodations and the surrounding natural beauty, here, heart, hospitality and friendship come first. Quite unexpectedly, I found myself shedding a few tears to leave the friends I’d made on my much-too-short stay.
For more information, visit andbeyondindia.com
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