Recharge. Wellbeing, ideas, travel and tech
Delhi delight
This palatial resort in India’s capital city will leave a lasting impression on even the most jaded of commercial travellers
W
WORDS: HANNAH GRESTY
ith Brexit looming and UK firms looking beyond Europe for new trading partners, New Delhi’s popularity as a destination among British entrepreneurs may well increase. India’s capital is no stranger to short-term commercial comings and goings. While many hotels that cater to time-poor business travellers favour function over style, Leela Palace refuses to compromise on either front. Palatial in both size and decor, the hotel offers an abundance of extravagance, from its infinity rooftop pool (the only one in the city) to its daily delivery of 14,000 fresh flowers. Located in the heart of the affluent diplomatic neighbourhood of Chanakyapuri, 35 minutes from Indira Gandhi airport and an hour from the fast-growing business hub at Gurugram, the Leela is the antithesis of a dreary business hotel. Yet its opulence and sheer scale make life easier for commercial travellers rather than complicate matters. Even its smallest
bedroom offers more than 50sq m of floor space. If you do have time for a spot of sightseeing, the hotel’s Rolls-Royce Phantom can whisk you off to any of the city’s Unesco world heritage sites, including the Qutb Minar – a 73m sandstone tower built in 1193 – and the aptly named Red Fort. For an authentic taste of India, step through the towering gold filigree doors of the Leela’s signature restaurant, Jamavar, which serves exceptional regional cuisine in a sumptuous setting. Its mouthwatering signature dishes – lobster nerulli, black daal and tender Awadhi lamb – are a world away from the Indian fare that Brits eat at home. The Leela is home to two world-class restaurants: the famed Italian-French Le Cirque and Megu, which serves modern Japanese cuisine. The lobby lounge, with its Venetian chandeliers, also makes the most charming setting for a fine cup of tea after a day of navigating New Delhi’s hectic streets.
The Leela Palace New Delhi is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection. Visit preferredhotels.com for further information jetairways.com
Leela Palace combines business convenience with luxurious style
Plus Healthy ways to boost your productivity p76 A Patagonian adventure p78 Skiing in Verbier p80 Headspace p82 November/December 2017 Director 75