A Slice of Luxury

We checked into The Oberoi, Mumbai for this issue’s sparkling cover shoot with Diana Penty and experienced hospitality at its finest.

IT’S BEEN A HECTIC DAY. After the cancellation of my first flight and a strenuous six-hour wait at the Kolkata airport, I arrive at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport post 6 pm. I am in the city to shoot with this issue’s cover star—the lovely Diana Penty—at The Oberoi, Mumbai. Recognised as the No. 1 City Hotel in Asia by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, The Oberoi, Mumbai makes for a homecoming for me in more ways than one. First, the property’s all-day diner, Fenix, was my favourite hangout during the years I was working in Nariman Point; second, the hotel’s location on Marine Drive, with a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and the Queen’s Necklace, is unparalleled. That view is one of the reasons Mumbai is my favourite city.

A chauffeur-driven comfortable (and sanitised) ride drops me at the hotel lobby. From the moment I complete a contactless check-in to my Deluxe Ocean View Suite, the service is immaculate. Personalisation extends from room towels embroidered with the guest’s name to a lovely chocolate fondant dressed up in my ’gram pictures. Dining is simply a sensory delight through the day. The chef prepares a quinoa salad specially for me at dinner, and I re-order it for the following day’s lunch at the Fenix. The hotel’s splendid breakfast spread is sent to my room, because buffets aren’t on the menu for now (owing to the hotel’s strict hygiene and safety protocols in the wake of COVID-19).

My room overlooks the Queen’s Necklace, and as the evening lights adorn Marine Drive, I capture the prettiest frame of Mumbai I have seen in a while—the perfect Insta burst! The rooms at The Oberoi, Mumbai are tastefully done with a colour palette that predominantly reflects pale ivory, sage, and dark brown. The accent chairs and upholstered silk cushions in carmine, amber, and azure lend pops of colour to this haven of peace and luxury.

In the evening, once the hectic shoot wraps up, I catch up with the general manager, Natasha Mehta, over a cocktail at the outdoor deck of The Eau Bar. There’s live music in the background, and the moon shines on us. As I reminisce about my years spent in SoBo (South Mumbai), I make a mental note of coming back here and recommending this experience to anyone visiting Mumbai. oberoihotels.com

Clockwise from left: The Champagne Lounge is situated just off the hotel lobby; Premier Ocean View Room; The Oberoi, Mumbai is a striking example of modern architecture.

The outdoor deck of The Eau Bar.