A CITY OASIS

TAJ, BANGALORE

GETTING THERE A five-minute walk from the Kempegowda International Airport and 26 km from the city CONTACT Ph 080660 03300 taj.tajhotels.com PRICES Rooms from `8,500, suites from `25,000

It is mid-afternoon and the floor to ceiling window in my room overlooks a gleaming water body with flowering shrubs; the beautiful calm is a much-needed add on. Welcome to the newest luxury address in town, the Taj Bangalore. The 156-room property with a modern glass façade combines a contemporary design with a sprinkling of traditional elements. The sleek, cavernous lounge bears witness to a traditional lamp lighting ceremony at dusk each evening. The design and offerings keep in mind the weary traveller looking for a good night’s rest and a delicious comforting meal.

The cosy contemporary rooms come with little embellishments like silk throw pillows, exquisite lamps and pampering treats like a DIY soothing foot soak with detailed instructions on a personalised note. The large bathrooms have separate shower and toilet cubicles, a bathtub and space for vanities.

The suites also have a selection of local snacks from Karnataka for midnight munching in addition to an all-day-breakfast menu at Café 77 East, the 24-hour coffee shop that draws its name from the longitude it stands on. For an authentic Indian meal head over to Tamarind that brings you cuisines from Punjab, Rajasthan and Awadh. Soi and Sake, the Asian speciality restaurant has a Sushi bar, Teppan grill and an exclusive wine tasting room.

The hotel is also a great venue for weddings and events with a 9400 sq ft banquet hall and indoor locations for smaller soirees including one that overlooks the gleaming airport lights. Jiva, a holistic spa offers Ayurvedic treatments and steam rooms and traditional Indian massages like Champi (head massage) and Sammardana, a relaxing and invigorating deep tissue massage. Compact, comfortable and contemporary, it’s the ideal city hotel.