Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

BACKGROUND Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hospitality firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada, opened Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai in 2006. The property comprises 202 rooms and suites.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? A hidden oasis in the heart of the city with winding green pathways leading to the entrance of the hotel. The lobby is well lit with sufficient seating space for waiting guests. Breakfast is normally served in the lobby lounge, but due to pandemic, has moved to the hotel’s other restaurant, San:Qi, as it is larger and allows for better ventilation. Health and safety measures at the hotel include thermal screening and hand sanitisation at the entrance, a maximum of four people permitted in the elevators and QR codes for F&B services.

WHERE IS IT? In Upper Worli, close to Lower Parel, one of the city’s largest financial hubs. It’s a 40-minute drive to Mumbai International’s Terminal 2 and 30 minutes to BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), another popular commercial district.

ROOMS There are many room options from which to choose, including the Executive Premier (55 sqm), ideal for business travellers and the more lavish Deluxe Sea-View suite (101 sqm), perfect for leisure visitors and staycationers. I stayed in a Deluxe Sea-View room (49 sqm) on the 30th floor, which striking city views, It gave me bird’s-eye view of Mumbai – literally – with eagles flying by my window. The room was decorated in chic brown and olive hues and featured a wellequipped work space, which doubled up as a dining table. The marble bathroom was kitted out with Kama Ayurveda amenities and the bathtub was situated by the window – ideal for a lazy evening relaxing and watching the world go by.

FOOD AND DRINK The dining experience was exceptional. I was pleasantly surprised by the array of cuisines prepared to authentic perfection. For instance, I can highly recommend the

North Indian flavours at San:Qi – the chur chur (broken into crispy pieces) naan and Dilli-wala (Delhi-style) butter chicken was beyond delectable. The Pan-Asian flavours at this restaurant are, in my opinion, some of the best in the city. I also tried the spicy salmon maki roll and pad Thai along with the Shanghai crispy chicken in Yu xiang sauce. All three dishes from different cuisines (Chinese, Japanese and Thai, but prepared brilliantly). Breakfast at San:Qi was also very satisfying – bagels with cream cheese and a side of bacon and sausages, washed down with a great selection of teas. I spent an evening at Aer Bar and Lounge, the hotel’s iconic rooftop venye where I watched the sun go down while sipping a few fresh concoctions.

MEETINGS The Mansion is a stately private residence featuring diverse event spaces, which range from elegant ballrooms and indoor venues such as The Conservatory and The Library, to open-air lawns. There is a dedicated events team to arrange all the details, including cuisine.

The hotel also houses The Club — an exclusive members-only business space on the 33rd floor with meeting, dining and lifestyle facilities.

LEISURE The spa and the pool were closed during my visit due to government restrictions. However, the spa is on my list to revisit as it boasts eight treatment rooms, a Vitality Lounge, including a herbinfused steam room, an ice fountain and cold mist showers, plus a reclining Vitality Pool. Guests must book to use the fitness centre due to distancing measures.

VERDICT A luxurious staycation experience enhanced by its unparalleled dining offering. Akanksha Maker

The Mansion is a stately private residence featuring diverse event spaces