THE INDIAN COLLECTIVE

THE INDIAN HOTEL COLLECTIVE

The Business Traveller team rounds up some of its preferred hotels in India, highlighting what makes each one special. From spa treatments to exotic wildlife safaris, we give you more reasons than ever to plan your next trip to this fascinating and diverse continent

WORDS A K A N K S H A M A K E R , N I S H A S H R O F F A N D S A N C H I T A N A M B I A R

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HERITAGE-RICH STAYS

Andaz Delhi Conrad Bengaluru houses a stunning outdoor in nity pool with Ulsoor lake as its backdrop. For health enthusiasts, an aqua  tness class takes place at the temperaturecontrolled pool every morning. A er taking a refreshing dip, head to Tiamo to savour Mediterranean delicacies and innovative mocktails. Keeping you company under the open skies are panoramic lake views and Bengaluru’s pleasant weather. hilton.com

Make the most of your stay at Andaz Delhi with a bespoke itinerary packed with immersive experiences that celebrate India. From the moment you arrive, the hotel reminds you of the nation’s diverse cultures and customs through its ambiance and o erings.  ese include an authentic meal at AnnaMaya restaurant with dishes celebrating local ingredients; in-room artworks commissioned from skilful Delhibased artists; and reading through the hotel’s very own 401 Reasons to Fall in Love with Delhi book, serving as a guide to plan your

INFINITY POOL EXPERIENCE

Conrad Bengaluru

capital tour. hyatt.com

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HIGH LEVEL DINING

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

Owing to its strategic location, close to the diplomatic enclave and major  nancial hubs, Hyatt Regency Delhi is widely preferred for high-end meetings.  e hotel’s world-class venues range from the magni cent Regency Ballroom, capable of hosting up to 250 people (banquet-style seating), to  e Living Rooms at  e Mansion, suitable for ancillary functions. A dedicated events team ensures a high level of comfort for you and your guests. hyatt.com For an overarching dining experience, head to Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. Perched on the 21st  oor is the recently opened Far & East that serves authentic Oriental  avours with an inventive twist. Its culinary highlights include yakitori, sashimi and funky rolls, Peking duck and Asian cocktails. Reserve a table at Cur8 restaurant for gourmet and Italian delights. You can either grab a seat on the airy outdoor terrace or in the modern kitchen-style dining room, which features a large grill. Other options include Copitas bar, perfect for dawn to dusk soirees and  e Collection, a lobby bar best known for  ne whiskies curated from across the

CORPORATE MEETS

Hyatt Regency Delhi globe. fourseasons.com

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RESPONSIBLE LUXURY AND FOOD TRAILS

ITC Sonar, Kolkata JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s invigorating wellness house, Spa by JW, o ers a calming atmosphere, elegant interiors and so music, inviting business travellers to enjoy therapies that can alleviate jet lag and other travel stresses.  e treatment menu is divided into multiple sections such as Calm, Indulge, Renew, Invigorate and Express treatments. Options include stress relief, deep cleanse aromatherapy, jet lag, Balinese, detox and revitalising treatments. We recommend the Signature Spa by JW experience, which includes a  ai massage followed by a specially designed massage using deeprenewal techniques and slow rhythmic movements.

marriott.com

Known for ‘responsible luxury’, ITC Hotels’ ITC Sonar, Kolkata follows suit in ensuring your stay is a conscientious experience. It is the  rst hotel in East India to have been awarded the Platinum rating under LEED® EB (Existing Building) programme. Another reason, in our opinion, to pick this hotel in the West Bengal capital is its ‘food sherpa trails’. In this city known for its lip smacking street fare and a glorious food history, the hotel marks a trail for its guests encompassing the likes of an early morning Chinese breakfast and a taste of Kolkata’s celebrated sweetshops.

SPA INVIGORATION

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

itchotels.in

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LAVISH WEDDINGS

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is located next to the international and domestic airport terminals and o ers e ortless connectivity to the city’s major business and tourist attractions.  e business hubs of Gurugram, New Delhi and Cyber City are within easy reach, making the hotel a go-to venue for big corporate and social gatherings.  e property boasts Delhi NCR’s largest convention space spread over a vast expanse of more than 3,716 sqm. Combined with the adjacent Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, this twin-hotel destination is well suited to major car and product launches, medical seminars, expos and exhibitions. all.accor.com Due to its proximity to the airport and state-ofthe-art facilities, Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel is popular for hosting weddings and corporate gatherings.  e event space spans 6,503 sqm and features two elegant ballrooms, supported by an events team dedicated to organising memorable nuptial ceremonies.  ere’s also the option to host grand events on the beautiful open lawns, while all guests can make use of the dedicated shuttle bus service that runs between the property and the airport every 20 minutes. all.

LARGE GATHERINGS

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

accor.com/6687

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GOURMET DINING

Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru

Open until midnight, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ CHI,  e Spa has an outpost at Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel, New Delhi. Designed for sheer rejuvenation, the spa sprawls some1,858 sqm. Organic luxury brands such as Zents and Omorovicza are used for treatments. Housing a hot whirlpool bath, a swimming pool, a steam and sauna and a salon o ering beauty and hair services, the spa is well equipped to spoil guests and help them achieve a state of complete relaxation. We recommend the shirodhara that helps with jet-lag and induces uninterrupted sleep. shangri-la.com Housed under the roof of Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru, are four restaurants that serve authentic cuisines. Each restaurant prides itself on the art of genuine culinary experiences. Caprese blends high-quality ingredients with Italian cooking techniques to serve a range of pasta, pizza and risotto. For a taste of royal fare from four regions of India, head to Ssa ron. Focusing on seasonal, market-fresh and home-grown produce, the restaurant brings tantalising Indian  avours to life. Yataii for traditional Japanese and the signature Shang Palace for Cantonese cuisine are also our top

THERAPEUTIC INDULGENCE

Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel, New Delhi

picks. shangri-la.com

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WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

Sujan Sher Bagh Nestled in the deciduous valley of Mangar Bani, around an hour from Delhi,  e Lalit Mangar teleports you to a world far away from urban life. Wake up to the sound of rustling leaves and singing birds at this 35-suite property, located in a forest grove and built using unique earthrammed architecture, layered with raw materials like gravel and chalk. Go biking in the forest, have a go at rock-climbing, choose natureinspired therapies at Rejuve -  e Spa or picnic in the valley. Ideal for a corporate retreat, there’s a multi-functional event space too. thelalit.com

Ranthambore is a billion-year-old jungle that’s dotted with ruins of palaces and teems with exotic Indian wildlife. Sujan Sher Bagh makes for a luxurious base for your safari expedition at this forest, considered one of the  nest jungles in the world for observing tigers in their natural habitat. Part of the Relais & Châteaux group, Sujan Sher Bagh features 12 sophisticated hand-stitched canvas tents with custommade furniture.  e boutique property’s highly skilled team cra s exceptional guest experiences, from farm-to-table dining and spa treatments to its highly sought-a er game

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

The Lalit Mangar safaris. thesujanlife.com

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RESIDENCE ACCOMMODATION

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences  e suites at  e St. Regis Mumbai are a perfect amalgamation of sophistication and grandeur. Options vary from the spacious and demure St. Regis and Caroline Astor suites to  e Metropolitan with sea views and the lavish Presidential Suite. Elegant décor, superlative facilities and  rstclass personal services are all part of the package.  e One Bedroom Residential suite is ideal for corporate travellers visiting the  nancial capital of India for a long or short stay. marriott.com

 e Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences rede nes luxury living with its plush apartments.  e 89 one-, two- and threebedroom residences feature subtle interiors, are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and appliances and o er impeccable guest services.  ree-bedroom apartments span167 sqm and comprise a kitchen, large lounge/dining area

PREMIUM SUITES

The St. Regis Mumbai

and a powder room. theleela.com