Aruna Rathod experiences sheer luxury at the newly renovated Sheraton Grand Pune, making it the new go-to destination.
The first thing I notice is that the Sheraton Grand has a majestic lobby. Once I enter, I can’t help but stare at the chandeliers that have thousands of crystals in them, subtle and exquisite. After a warm welcome by the pleasant staff, I check into my club room on the 9th floor. A welcome note, two small chocolates with 8 and 0, marking 80 years of Sheraton hospitality, fruits and macaroons, soft lighting, and a king size bed makes the room welcoming. General Manager Jaswinder Narang informs, “We have recently completed an extensive rebranding and renovation, and a complete transformation of our 177 guest rooms, lobby and public spaces and have added meeting facilities.” The majestic hotel is located at Raja Bahadur Mill Road, Pune.
I head for the Shine Spa to pamper myself after the journey. A soothing interior and the attentive staff help me choose my treatment. At the end of a 20-minute head massage, I feel refreshed and great and hungry. I note that signature treatments at the Spa include the Shine Massage, Shine Facial, Shine Body Treatment, Shine Hands & Feet, and Shine for Two, which is a relaxing experience intended for couples. I note that I should indulge myself with the other treatments some other time.
A feast at the Feast
Back to the ground floor, I head to Feast for lunch. Feast is the interactive all-day dining restaurant and lunch is a grand affair. European, Indian, Asian, and Arabic cuisines and an extensive à la carte menu, with some exquisite dishes like baked salt-crusted fish and mishwi grill. Order for your custom made Mexican, Asian, Pasta at the live counter or you could have a Shawarma too! Dedicated islands offer sushi, salads, cheeses, home-baked breads, and desserts. Feast also features a live Tandoor for Indian breads. I find an extensive wine selection, carefully edited to complement the menu.
Totally satiated with a mix of Asian and Indian cuisine, I decide to have some cheese cake for dessert.
I head back to my room and it’s time for a nap. Within minutes I fall asleep in the comfort of the bed.
At the Club, Chingari and Bene
The Club members have access to the renovated lounge, where one can relax and unwind. Guests from the 28 Sheraton Club Rooms have exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a sophisticated enclosure with complimentary American breakfast, afternoon cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, and a variety of beverage options.
A quick look at the gym and I am ready for dinner. The choice is Chingari – with North Western Indian cuisine, located at the rooftop or Bene, the Italian restaurant on the ground floor. Both are tempting!
Adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool, Chingari is great during winters. The open-air kitchen gives guests a prime view of Master Chef Qureshi at the grill, creating his daily assortment of signature marinades and savoury Indian breads.
Bene is amazing. It has a bar and seating area with some amazing wall decor. Step inside the restaurant and the white and brick-coloured space is flooded with natural light from floor-to- ceiling windows (during day time) and the show kitchen— add to the inviting old-world ambience.
As you walk into the restaurant, a cluster of leather armchairs beneath a collage of framed artwork conveys the impression of entering a private club. That sense of exclusivity is continued throughout—whether dining in the chipped-stone alcove that accommodates 10 guests for a private meal, sitting at the intimate bar with its backdrop of local teakwood blocks, or enjoying the stunning patio with intricate wrought-iron furniture.
Running along one side of the restaurant, an impressive display of wine racks showcases an exceptional cellar of Italian and New World wines—the perfect accompaniment to the rustic menu of salads, soups, antipasti, pastas, and rotisserie meats. The chef indulged me with a salad, a risotto and of course, some melt-in-the-mouth tiramisu. If you have space for more, go through the wonderful selection of homemade desserts that are a fitting finale to a delicious evening.
A superb end to a great day. Totally relaxed, I retire for the night.
