TRIED & TESTED HOTEL Intercontinental Singapore e Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

BACKGROUND Situated in the very epicentre of Hitech city, the Westin Hyderabad Mindspace thrives in the city’s IT hub, blending luxury with comfort. The hotel is the first in Hyderabad to completely harness green power. With an onsite bottling plant and rainwater harvesting, this hotel is ideal for environmentallyconscious travellers.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Upon entering, I was greeted by the pleasant sta in the hotel’s spacious lobby. With a tastefully minimalistic design, the 425-room hotel provided a soothing atmosphere to unwind in. The Westin Hyderabad o ers a tantalising range of dining options fit for a gastronomical adventure, and plenty of quiet places to comfortably recharge after a busy day.

WHERE IS IT Located right in the city’s IT hub, Westin Hyderabad Mindspace provides easy access to the Raheja Mindspace IT park. The hotel is located just 2 km from the Shilparamam cultural society and is a short drive to the Qutb Shahi Tombs and Golconda Fort. The hotel is also in proximity to the scenic Durgam Cheruvu Lake and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre. ROOMS The hotel o ers 425 spacious rooms and suites that have been carefully designed with a range of amenities to make for a comfortable stay. Guests can choose from a range of well-furnished rooms including rooms and suites that provide exclusive access to the Executive Lounge. I stayed in the Executive Suite. This room was 68 sq m with a balcony, and had a comfortable living area with a home theatre system. The suite provided access to the Executive Lounge. The elegantly designed marble bathroom had a separate shower and bathtub, and the signature Westin Heavenly Bed and soft pillows were perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.

FOOD AND DRINK The hotel’s vast array of dining options are a delight for every gourmand. I breakfasted on a healthy bowl of oatmeal and a colourful platter of freshly cut fruits at Seasonal Tastes. I dined at The Westin Club on simple but delicious fare such as smooth chickpea hummus served alongside toasted pita bread, and a classic glass of red wine, paired with cheese. For guests who enjoy traditional Italian cuisine, Prego is ideal for premium Italian wines, gourmet pizzas, handmade pasta, on the backdrop of a poolside view. Casbah o ers finger foods and cocktails upon a Mediterranean aesthetic in the courtyard. Kangan o ers authentic Hyderabadi fare, seasoned with regional flavours.

MEETINGS The hotel is well-equipped with meeting and event spaces, with state-of-the-art technology for the ultimate seamless meetings experience. With 4 breakout rooms, 14 contemporary meeting rooms, a rooftop as well as lawn venue, and the plush Westin Ballroom, this hotel is ideal for hosting conferences and events.

LEISURE The hotel ensures its guests’ luxury and relaxation through the hotel’s Heavenly Spa, which o ers a range of traditional Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs and wraps, massages, and facials. Guests can unwind in the spa’s plunge pool or steam room after a busy day, or grab a quick workout at the fitness studio.

VERDICT The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is ideal for a combination of work and relaxation, catering to the needs of every kind of traveller.

BEST FOR Curating elaborate event spaces

DON’T MISS Gourmet pizzas at Prego

PRICE Internet rates are upwards of ₹12,400

CONTACT Raheja IT Park, HUDA Techno Enclave, HITEC City, Madhapur, Telangana 500081 marriott.com

The hotel is the fi rst in Hyderabad to completely harness green power

Intercontinental Singapore

BACKGROUND The flagship hotel of Intercontinental Hotels Group, Intercontinental Singapore has won the Luxury Heritage Hotel award in 2020 and 2021. The hotel embodies its deeply artistic and cultural roots through its heritage architecture and surroundings, replete with history.

WHAT’S IT LIKE I noticed that the hotel did a wonderful job in melding together modern and traditional aspects to create a well-balanced atmosphere. The hotel caters to the requirements of every kind of guest, with exceptional dining options, dedicated service, and state-of-the-art event spaces.

WHERE IS IT Nestled in the cultural districts of Bugis and Bras Basah, the hotel overlooks Arab Street and Kampong Glam. It is conveniently located close to Marina Bay and the Central Business district, and is a short drive away from Singapore Changi Airport. The Bugis Mass Rapid Transit train station connects the hotel to other tourist sites in the city. Guests can head over to the Bugis Junction mall, just minutes away, for shopping and dining. ROOMS The hotel o ers 403 spacious rooms and suites, each with wide windows that brighten up the rooms with plenty of natural light. The hotel o ers a variety of options to stay, with Heritage, Deluxe, and Grand Deluxe rooms, Executive Suites with access to Club Intercontinental, and Heritage Suites that have traditional shophouse shutters and timber floors. I stayed in the King Bed Junior Suite, which sprawled over 52 sqm. The comfortable king-size bed with feathery soft pillows made for a relaxing night’s sleep. Other amenities included a walk-in shower and a separate bath.

FOOD AND DRINK With a collection of restaurants, the hotel o ers a bespoke experience for many cuisines, right from Italy to China. I had a sumptuous breakfast spread at Club Intercontinental, where I dined on egg-white omelettes, warm oatmeal porridge, and freshlycut fruits. At Man Fu Yuan, one can travel through the cuisines along the silk route from China to Southeast Asia. Guests can feast on traditional Japanese unagi, sushi, tempura, and sukiyaki at Chikuyotei. The chandeliered lobby lounge is ideal for drinks and small platters.

MEETINGS With 11 function venues and over 1000 sqm of event space, the hotel can accommodate 500 people for a conference and is equipped to provide a world-class meeting experience. The hotel has state-of-the-art technology like LCD projectors and high-speed internet, providing seamless sound and lighting equipment. The Grand Ballroom has beautiful French windows and high ceilings and can accommodate up to 600 guests.

LEISURE The hotel’s fitness centre is ideal for unwinding after a long day. It includes a Yoga Quiet Room, sauna, and is well-equipped for a rigorous workout. The swimming pool is ideal for taking a refreshing dip.

VERDICT With a prime location, good service, and well-equipped meeting rooms, Intercontinental Singapore blends comfort with practicality to cater to the needs of business and leisure travellers. Ravi Lalwani

The hotel embodies its deeply artistic and cultural roots through its heritage architecture

BEST FOR Its heritage Peranakan carvings

DON’T MISS Italian Sunday brunch at Luce

PRICE Internet rates are upwards of 500 SGD (28,860 INR)

CONTACT Bugis Junction, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966 ihg.com

82 BIG PICTURE THE

Verdant views of Kerala

Known as God’s own country for its charming landscapes, this particular frame captures why Kerala is renowned for its beauty. Karthik C S who works as a full-time cinematographer in the Indian film industry clicked this shot in Vagamon, Kerala. Shot on the Canon EOS R using the Canon RF 35mm lens, the soothing image instils a sense of calm in the viewer. “Hailing from Kerala, one would think that I am used to seeing sights like these but each time I come across a view like this one, I am spellbound".