S02 TB India Supp 2013 Hotel Hotline_Layout 1 21/10/2013 16:47 Page 7
Hotel hotline
Destination spa hotel Vana, Malsi Estate is opening later this year
From new spa retreats to suite additions to old favourites, here is a round-up of what is happening in India’s hotel world Vana Retreats A new retreat is poised to open in December that will put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything it does. Nestled within 21 acres of mango and lychee orchards, surrounded by Sal forest with views across the lower Himalayan foothills, Vana, Malsi Estate will have 69 rooms, 17 suites and four villas, and is the first property from the Vana Retreats brand. Its offering will include ayurveda in its purest form, with treatments and consultations being offered in an ayurveda centre and its cuisine in a dedicated restaurant. A separate wellness centre will offer treatments from Tibetan and Chinese traditional medicine, as well as consultations which address different needs. The spa will have an extensive treatment menu and the ritual spa will offer longer treatments and customised wellness sessions. Yoga will also be given significant importance at Vana, Malsi Estate. The Retreat will have 50 treatment and consultation rooms. There will be four yoga studios and pavilions, an indoor and outdoor pool, wet areas, watsu and a gym. Before they arrive, guests will be given a consultation to ensure they get their best out of their stay for their health and wellbeing. Room rates will start at £300 per person per night based on a minimum All About India
stay of three nights. vanaretreats.com Vivanta by Taj The hotel chain has opened two new hotels this year, both fully geared up for the corporate market. The first opened its doors in March in Gurgaon, 18 miles south of Delhi and is close to the city’s international airport. The hotel has 189 rooms with city and pool views, 18 suites, one presidential suite, an executive lounge, conferencing facilities and fully-equipped banquet halls. The hotel can also play host to highend business meetings and conferences. Rates start at £200 per room per night. Meanwhile, Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund opened last month. Located just a few minutes' drive from the commercial and residential district of South Delhi on one side and the corporate hub on the other, the new hotel overlooks the entry gate of the famed Surajkund Lake Complex. It is perched among the ancient Aravallis, a short distance from the Tughlaqabad fort. The hotel features 287 rooms and suites, conference and banqueting facilities and a Jiva Grande Spa. Iconic Knightsbridge restaurant San Lorenzo has celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of Maritime by San Lorenzo at Taj Land’s End in Mumbai. This move marks the restaurant’s
international debut. The menu will include San Lorenzo’s signature Italian dishes. Taj Lands End is a modern hotel located in Bandra, a buzzing area of Mumbai, with views of the Arabian Sea. vivantabytaj.com Gateway Hotels and Resorts The Gateway Expressway Chennai opened last month, bringing the total number in the group’s portfolio to 23. The 200-room hotel provides skyline views of Chennai, has a fitness centre, pool and spa. Prices start at £53 per room per night. thegatewayhotels.com ITC Hotels ITC Grand Chola in the Southern Indian city of Chennai has introduced two new suites. The Karikalan presidential suite and the Raja Raja grand presidential suite are the latest additions to the property, and both designs of the hotel are inspired by former emperors. The Raja Raja grand presidential suite is a six-bay suite and has an exclusive VIP lounge with dedicated entrance and elevator to the private pool, health club and separate living room, drawing room and kitchen. The Karikalan presidential suite has personalised check-in, a 24-hour butler, breakfast in-room and complimentary canapés and cocktails each evening between 6pm and 8pm. itchotels.in 7