Hyatt Regency Mumbai

Just ten minutes by car from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the Taj Santa Cruz is a a luxurious option for those looking for rest and relaxation before or after a flight.

As soon as you enter you are struck by the six-storey-high piece of Thikri art that soars up towards the glass ceiling, changing colour throughout the day as the sun makes its way across the sky. Rooms and suites are spacious and blend traditional and contemporary design, and offer views of the runway, city or the pool.

When it comes to eating and drinking, there is no shortage of choice. Grab a single malt or a cocktail then head to China Inc with its live dim sum kitchen, or to
Rivea for contemporary French and Italian cuisine. To recharge after a morning spend exploring, try the hotel’s high tea with Indian tea served alongside traditional Mumbai street food.

If you’d like to really unwind, make a beeline for the spa or let off some steam in the 24-hour fitness centre.

Marine Drive is a sweeping crescent in the south of Mumbai that follows the curve of the bay. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace thanks to the string of golden lights that twinkle like gems in the evening. The Oberoi Mumbai is a jewel of a hotel located on the Drive with spectacular views across the water.

The hotel is centred around the lobby, a bright and airy space tiled in white marble and featuring a black granite water feature. A huge skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows flood this space with natural light and at its centre is a stylish red piano.

Rooms come with large windows, through which guests can gaze out across the water and Marine Drive. Beautifully furnished with silk armchairs, mother of pearl dressing tables and walls adorned with antique lithographs, rooms and suites have plenty of style and all the special touches you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice. Opt for contemporary Indian in the golden-hued Ziya restaurant, or opt for Italian, Japanese or pan-Asian cuisine. If you’re simply after an expertly mixed cocktail or a fine single malt, then the Eau Bar is your port of call. It even features a 500 glass tube installation to ensure the perfect acoustics.

When you want to relax, take a dip in the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool or indulge in a spa treatment that blends ancient knowledge and modern science.

Since its opening in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace has been one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. An architectural gem, the hotel blends plenty of old-world charm with all the comforts of a modern luxury hotel.

Its location is hard to beat, perched on the water and overlooking the majestic Gateway of India monument, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The hotel’s 560 rooms are spread across the Palace and the Tower wing and come with spectacular views of the city, the Arabian Sea or the Gateway itself. Italian marble bathrooms add another element of luxury.

The hotel itself has plenty of character with vaulted ceilings, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers and an impressive art collection. There are four restaurants specialising in Japanese, Chinese, contemporary Indian and eastern Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a patisserie that serves a selection of mouthwatering cakes.

The Sea Lounge is full of colonial charm and is famous for its afternoon tea which can be enjoyed while enjoying live piano music. There is also the Harbour Bar with a fantastic selection of cocktails and light tapas, and a poolside restaurant set under a lush green canopy.

The hotel is a real oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Mumbai, and for the ultimate in relaxation be sure to make use of the large outdoor pool, the fitness centre and the spa with its range of soothing treatments based on ancient Indian healing methods.

One experience not to be missed while staying here is the Heritage Walk, where you’ll get an insight into the hotel’s 113-year history and be regaled with many entertaining tales from yesteryear’s guests.