India - Alila Bangalore Hotel and Residence
Alila
Bangalore Hotel and Residence
South India is first urban resort is in the
hi- tech hub of Whitefield, 20km from Bangalore’s city centre and home or
world- class technology parks, impressive corporate campuses and exclusive
residential enclaves to house the multinational workforce. With its South- East
Asian design and stylish traditional Indian touches, such as teak planters’
chairs on the airy terraces, the new 120- bedroom Alila is a relaxing haven
from all the hyperactive commercial bustle of the area. There are distinctive
bronze figurines by local sculptor Dimpy Menonoutside the doors of the spacious
bedrooms and suites; the public spaces make the most of Bangalore’s mild
climate with shaded courtyards and soothing water features. The Tiffin room has
an extensive menu with regional Indian cuisines as well as Asian and European
dishes. There is a sun- soaked pool deck on the fifth floor with a 20- metre
infinity pool and pretty views over local farms and Varthus Lake in the
distance. Spa Alili uses superb organic products from Bali; morning yoga
classes are held on the pool deck.
Bed
room
When to go
Bangalore is at its best in the Indian
winter months, November to February, when the daytime temperature is in the
mid- 20*Cs.
Room to book
The four suites at the rear of the property
have soothing views over the fields and across to the lake. 00 92 80 285 4446;
www.alilahotels.com. Double from $160
Grand Hyatt Goa
Grand
Hyatt Goa
Goa is largest luxury resort can
accommodate 2,500 wedding guests and grand processions complete with richly
caparisoned elephants. The hotel has already hosted Goa’s most prestigious
events, including the India Resort Fashion Week and the Goa ThinhFest; together
with the superb facilities and service standards, these have established this
hotel as one of the best in India. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Panjim, Goa’s
capital, the hotel is set in 28 acres of tropical gardens overlooking Bambolim
Bay. All 298 rooms and 16 suites have large terraces; may have splendid views.
The buildings were inspired by 17th- century Portuguese architecture
but the contemporary interiors have introduced elements of local crafts and
sandstone into the design. The main ‘palace’ houses the reception, restaurants
and bars: the Verandah, an elegant seafood restaurant; the Dining Room for
multicultural buffets; Chuha for regional India cooking (executive chef Mark
Hagan handpicked his team from dhabas- road- side eateries- across India to
ensure authenticity); Confeitaria serves excellent espressos. The large outdoor
pool is surrounded by 200- year- old bayan trees and there is a 25- metre
indoor pool in the luxurious Shamana Spa along with 19 treatment suites, an
impressive fitness centre and a yoga studio.
Bed
room
When to go
Goa Is incrrasingly a year- round
destination, popular even in the June- August monsoon period.
Room to book
The bay View rooms in Block 7 have wonderful
views across a palm grove and the ruins of a 16th- century chapel to
the bay beyond. Room 7116 has uninterrupted views.
00 91 832 301 1504;
www.goa.grand.hyatt.com. Double from $198
The Park on Holiday Beach, Goa
The
Park on Holiday Beach, Goa
Right in the heart of buzzing Calangute
strip in North Goa, this new beachfront hotel could not be better placed for
those wanting to be in the thick of Goa’s vibrant holiday scene. It is the
latest addition to the Park Hotel group, which now has 10 designer hotels
across India. Owner Priya Paul is a passionate art collector and design
aficionado and her touch is clearly evident in this new 30- room property.
Exclusively commissioned works of art dominate the public spaces, including the
spectacular, glass- mosaic fish by acclaimed Goan- based artist Yahel Chirinian
which hangs above the reception desk. On the beach directly in front of the
hotel is an enormous pink sculpture of a naked, well- rounded woman titled ‘Big
Mama’ by artist Anil Kumar. Each of the all- white bedrooms has a different
portrait by fashion photographer Rohit Chawla, and groups of friends and
families can be heard swapping rooms as they choose their preferred image. The
Park on Holiday Beach is a playground for the Indian Jet Set with two happening
venues, the Love restaurant and Peace Bar, both beautifully positioned on the
beachfront overlooking the Arabian Sea. The soundtrack begins with chilled
sunset music and ramps up to full- on progressive tech music as the night hots
up. During the day, the compact pool is lined with colourful cabanas for
relaxation and spa treatments.
Bed
room
When to go
The Indian winter, November to February is
the most comfortable season; but Goa is increasingly a year- round destination
even in the heavy monsoon months of June, July and August.
Room to book
The two deluxe suites at the front of the
property (with balconies) are the only rooms with beach views. 00 91 832
2267600; www.theparkhotels.com. Double from $198
