We all swoon over the thought of jetting off to someplace new. While travel is well embedded in our souls, there are times when we are pressed for time. This is where a staycation comes in picture and options galore. Lucky, for me, my staycation was 24 hours of luxury and pampering at the ravishing Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.
With my birthday falling on the day I checked in, my staycation was as celebratory as it could get. I was welcomed with broad smiles and told that they were expecting my arrival. Every staff member addressed me by my name and wished me a happy birthday which added to the personalization bit. Check-in was as swift as it could get over incredibly refreshing orange juice.
The property, we were informed, houses 202 spacious guest rooms and luxury suites. Our sanctuary for the night was the Four Seasons Executive Suite, no less. The green and beige colour schemes, panelled walls and mahogany and maple furnishings are enhanced by rich silk and mohair accessories. A plush sitting area features an armchair and divan, writing desk, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, private bar and everything you could possibly ask for.
The gorgeous bath area is a different room in itself which is replete with marble. It features a double vanity, deep soaking tub and glass-walled shower. Bathrobes, honey and vanilla scented toiletries (a deviation from the chain’s usual L’Occitane products) are provided.
With a personalized welcome greeting card and a stunning chocolate cake to bring in my birthday, I was looking forward to the day ahead. The next surprise came when my room sharer was gifted a complementary 30 minutes spa therapy on the eve of my birthday. I thought to myself, Four Seasons definitely has its ways of tugging at heartstrings with their impeccable hospitality.
The latter part of the day was spent soaking in the swish vibes of the open-air pool deck and taking in the gorgeous vistas of the azure swimming pool while savouring in the fresh fruit platter. Another highlight of my stay experience has to be my spa journey at the swanky spa area that boasts of eight treatment rooms, a relaxation room, lockers and my favourite of jacuzzis.
I was told that a couple of treatments have been added to the bespoke menu. My treatment for the day had to be the orange and peppermint scrub followed by an hour-long massage. Being one who is familiar with the spa, I have always loved the personalization and attention-to-detail that the spa exudes. My therapist also asked me to pick up the oil of my choice for the massage which quickly impressed me.
Within 30 minutes of being scrubbed, I could see the distinct change in my skin tone and disappearing of even the slightest of acne on my body. Next was my hour-long massage which with the synergistic use of a blend of essential oils combined with brilliant techniques not only helped me achieve a greater sense of serenity and calm but also opened my eyes to my inner self. With seductive aromas, luxury and an incredible therapist, the experience was definitely a sensory journey of a different league.
Our food experiences at San:Qi took us through a culinary adventure through some of the most popular cuisines of the East – Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indian. Sleek and contemporary, with accents of glass and natural woods, the restaurant features the best of Asian dining, accompanied by a hip wine bar, trendy world music and new Indian jazz. Linking the two floors is a dramatic staircase lined with wine racks.
The Pla Krapong Sauce Ma Kham-fried sea-bass with tamarind sauce, the Thai Green Curry and Koa Phad Tha Ley- the seafood fried rice are stuff that gastronomic heaven is made of. For desserts, we fell head over heels in love with Timeless Chocolate that with warm fondant, sous-vide mandarin, spices, chocolate soil, mandarin-star anis sorbet, mint and mandarin gave us complete #dessertgoals. For guilt-free indulgence, we recommend the Passionfruit Tofu which with Cheesecake, infused fennel, passion fruit spheres, mint moss, black sesame galette and edible flow is as tasty and healthy as it can get. Also be prepared to be awed by Aer, Mumbai’s highest rooftop lounge which will win you over with the jaw-dropping views it boasts. The mocktails by their mixologist adds to the wow factor.
The next morning, before leaving, we loved our breakfast and learned that none does breakfast in bed better than Four Seasons! We were spoiled with a luxury assorted platter of everything from mashed potatoes, eggs, fresh fruits, delish yogurt fruits to the best of waffles, pancakes and every possibly breakfast delicacy, you could ask for. Breakfast was a gourmet proposition and the hotel ensured we basked in it like billionaires do.
Verdict
The hotel offers a chat function where you can directly message the concierge. The pet-friendly policy is another added bonus. The humbling staff and the thoughtful touches of the hotel definitely impress. So does the menu with its delectable offerings where freshness takes center stage. The Four Seasons Hotel definitely reassures levels of luxury. Also, there is no worry that can’t be scrubbed down and melted away by a treatment at the spa here. The hotel with countless discreet staff lurking behind the scenes to lay on every need will ensure that the pillows are fluffy enough, deep-soaking tubs and fresh flowers be impressive enough and robes are as silken as they should be. A stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is like a wrap-around embrace with luxury. Swaddling in soft linens, cuddly blankets and personalized touches, you could get used to this addictively luxurious life!
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
1/136, Dr E Moses Rd, Gandhi Nagar,
Upper Worli, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Phone: 91 (22) 2481-8000
Note– The critic was hosted by the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own.
