The St. Regis Mumbai
The St.Regis Mumbai is the city’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations owing to it’s buzzing night clubs, stylish bars and outstanding restaurants. I was recently invited to this luxurious hotel with its refined elegance and came back impressed with the ambiance, food and service.
Approximately 45 minutes away from the international airport, The St. Regis is a prestigious address where everyone in Mumbai aspires to be. The hotel’s design captures an urban aristocratic style, complemented by warm tones and specially commissioned artworks which lend an elegant and stylish touch to guest rooms and public spaces. With 386 well appointed guest rooms including 27 suites and 33 residential suites for extended stays which feature a kitchen, a spacious living room and the option of one or two bedrooms, The St. Regis Mumbai is very well equipped to host the well heeled traveler.
After a hassle free check-in, I was escorted to a luxurious suite in the hotel. An eclectic mix of classic and contemporary décor, designed with Indian tikri work specially commissioned from master craftsmen of Rajasthan, makes all the rooms at The St.Regis Mumbai a visual treat. A hand-written note by Anuraag Bhatnagar, Multi-Property Vice President, Luxury, India and General Manager St. Regis Mumbai, a box of fine chocolates and other goodies made me feel very welcome. The windows of the Caroline Astor suite where I was hosted offered a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea as The St.Regis Mumbai is located in the tallest hotel tower of the city.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, a guest can witness a session of the Champagne Sabering evening ritual which is a tribute to the timeless legacy of The St. Regis hotels. The art of sabrage has an interesting history which dates back to more than 200 years. It is a practice associated with Napoleon Bonaparte who once opened champagne with his sabre to announce his victory.
This practice continued as a tradition in Europe and is now carried out religiously at most St. Regis hotels and resorts around the world. The hotel staff continues to sabre champagne rather than uncorking a bottle. This ritual is often performed by butlers and managers in the presence of most of the guests staying in a hotel, who enjoy a glass of bubbly after the ritual.
The legendary St. Regis afternoon tea ritual comes alive in the Drawing Room where local Indian teas are also served along with delectable food. The St. Regis bar serves its own signature version of the cocktail Bloody Mary which was created in the iconic King Cole Bar. Called the Mumbai Mary, the cocktail embodies the bold spirit of the city by including spices like cinnamon and coriander to create a soulful Indian version of the classic. While sipping on the Mumbai Mary in the plush St. Regis bar, one can’t help but notice the beautiful mural in the bar that occupies a place of pride. The mural at The St.Regis Mumbai captures how colourful and busy the Maximum City is and depicts interesting local elements of the Maximum city such as the dabbawallas, Bollywood shootings, etc. A walk around the drawing room is like taking a walk of a museum as it is filled with interesting pieces of art which blend seamlessly into the décor of the lobby, an absolute delight for lovers of art.
The St. Regis Mumbai houses several award winning restaurants and elegant nightlife destinations under the able guidance of Himanshu Taneja, Director Culinary. Seven Kitchens with its natural light, vast interiors, international cuisine and popular Sunday brunches makes for a great choice whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar inspired by the colonial era is renowned for its robust Indian flavours and delicacies. Inspired by the lives and times of the ‘Sahibs’ in the colonial era, an empty seat is always reserved for the literary genius Rudyard Kipling in the bar that takes its name from this prolific writer. A unique menu that showcases specialties from Hyderabad, Awadh and Kashmir, this restaurant is an ode to regal Indian food and is a great place to stop by for an elaborate lunch. A meal at By the Mekong is a gastronomic journey through China, Vietnam and Thailand. I tried their authentic variety of dim sums here on a Sunday afternoon; the views of the racecourse and the Arabian Sea from the windows are fantastic as it is located on Level 37. Yuuka also located on Level 37 is a 50-seater Japanese-inspired space that houses soaring ceiling-height and eternity-edged window frames which afford fabulous views of the city’s skyline. Elegant raw silk chairs, solid wooden and slate block tables draw inspiration from the traditional Japanese Tatami seating. Yuuka showcases plenty of innovations specially created for this restaurant along with some signature dishes from the brilliant Chef Ting Yen’s Boston menu. We started a meal with the unique Avocado Tartare (Crispy Carrot Chips, Corn Dashi, Beurre Monte Served on ice) followed by a sushi platter and the innovative Salmon on Fire. The meal ended with beautifully styled desserts such as the Coconut Sphere with Coffee Mousse and Yuzu Sorbet and Green Tea Layer Cake with Matcha Dust and Aged Rum Soaked Raisins. Luna Gusta, a modern European restaurant, epitomizing elegant décor and an unparalleled view, offers the perfect dining experience for lovers of food. The menu includes delectable dishes carefully created with exotic ingredients accentuating distinct European flavours. Complementing Luna Gusta is Luna Nudo, the infusion themed bar -the perfect place to enjoy live pulsating music with some great food and drinks. While here, one can relax and unwind with stunning views of the bay along with a drink from their exhaustive list of premium alcoholic beverages.
While at The St. Regis Mumbai, it is a good idea to relax and rejuvenate at The Iridium spa which consists of nine therapy rooms that include a couple suite and is done up in muted shades of beige, brown and decorated with modern oriental accents. Therapists at the spa specialize in incorporating natural botanical extracts which rejuvenate and rebalance the mind and body.
The St. Regis Mumbai is not just a hotel but a luxurious destination for those who enjoy the fine things in life! With something to please both the local and international sensibilities, this hotel is a perfect place to unwind for both the business traveler as well guests who are holidaying. Combining traditional Indian hospitality with modern touches to facilitate convenience for guests, it definitely is one of the finest hotels in the country currently!
