Retreating back into one’s home, town, and regular life after a stint at the local spa can be extremely jarring on the mind and spirit, even negating the relaxation that was achieved. So indulging in a spa-cation is absolutely necessary. That said, I took the weekend off and decided to transcend the typical vacation into a “spacation.”
And for the experience I chose Renaissance Mumbai, a property which is aptly nestled amidst 15 acres of lush greenery and perched on the banks of the glistening Powai Lake. It is within short distance from Mumbai’s domestic and international airport.
As soon as I entered the hotel, I am taken in awe of the grandeur of the lobby. The rustic décor has locally borrowed elements like the beaming Mural walls that have been intricately sculpted depicting different scenarios from two of the most popular ancient Indian epics – ‘The Ramayana’ & ‘The Ganesh Puran’.
I’m informed that the hotel houses 600 beautifully designed rooms and suites offering sweeping views of the vibrant Mumbai skyline. For those who like to live grand, there is an option of upgrading to the concierge rooms, which allow access to the elite 12,500+ square foot Executive Lounge –featuring a sun deck terrace and a central bar.
I chose to spend my weekend by indulging in a range of activities at the hotel. Checking into the swish and swanky Powai Suite that spread across two floors and boasted a spectacular view of the city and lake had to be amazing. I would sunbathe by the poolside as my bartenders would whip up a refreshing drink or enjoy the unique and fun bar-ritual that takes place in the lobby area every day to inculcate a sense of bonding and amongst guests.
My best time was spent in the sweet-smelling treatment rooms of the ‘Quan Spa’. I tried the ‘Quan Signature Body Massage. The full body massage was administered with hot stones and included some much-needed stretching. Add to this the perfectly balanced massage strokes and for the next 90 minutes, I was in spa heaven as my intuitive therapist worked her magic…
As if this wasn’t enough pampering, my spa-cation continued with an Aroma Facial. I loved how the holistic facial leverages the finest ingredients via a specialized massage. After a luxurious facial, I usually suffer breakouts but this facial quickly hydrated and revived my skin complexion and texture. I was glowing inside out!
Another aspect I devoured was the food. I enjoyed royal North Indian Frontier and Mughlai cuisine at the authentic Indian specialty restaurant – Nawab Saheb, feasted on oriental and pan-Asian delicacies at the Chinese specialty restaurant – Emperor’s Court and treated myself to my favourite continental dishes at the multi-cuisine buffet spreads at Fratelli Fresh! For coffee and sweet treats, I loved Mumbai Express – a quaint little café and deli. Needless to say that the hotel is a culinary gem. The meal and Nawab Saheb and the irresistible tiramisu remains one of my best food memories.
I love how the property is pooch-friendly – allowing families to create blissful memories with their furry friends. On request, guests can also avail various pet-friendly facilities like hiring a dog walker and also having the team of expert chefs create customized and wholesome meals for their pets.
My spa-cation at this gorgeous property helped me walk out as a different person. I felt lifted up emotionally, mentally and physically. Packed with great food, gracious staff and surprises, this was one blockbuster staycation.
Where: Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel,
2&3B, Near Chinmayanand Ashram, Powai, Mumbai – 400 087, India
Phone: +91 22 66927777
Note: The writer was invited by the hotel but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
