A widespread movement away from cities during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic has been a feature over the past three years, but in recent decades the far bigger trend has been one of global migration into cities, particularly in Asia’s emerging economies. India is no exception as many millions of people have poured into its cities, all in need of employment, a home and, if possible, a little luxury.
One of the great phenomena of the 21st century is the emergence of megacities. Indian cities, including New Delhi, are already emerging as megacities, populated by tens of millions. The country has seen the percentage of its population living in cities rise to 35 per cent in 2021, up from 28 per cent in 2000 and 17 per cent in 1950.
In the future, these megacities will need to compete aggressively for resources, talent, investment and jobs. It means that quality of life and general liveability will be key selling points. High quality, sustainable residential areas are central to this and essential for cities to thrive.
New Delhi’s population is currently 32 million, up from 13.5 million 25 years ago and 3.9 million 50 years ago. The city has seen a huge expansion during that time, extending into neighbouring cities, such as Gurugram, about 30 km southwest and connected by a 16-lane expressway.
Gurugram: A gateway to luxury
Gurugram is home to one of India’s most interesting and innovative residential developments, The Camellias, the country’s first foray into establishing a vertical city of the future and one that delivers more than a little luxury.
A vertical city is essentially a self-contained community typically in a skyscraper, but it can also be a large more spread-out building, depending on the space available. Vertical cities can play a significant part in solving overpopulation and overcrowding, which is an issue in New Delhi.
The Camellias is developed and managed by DLF, India’s largest real estate company. Over the past 75 years, DLF has built a strong reputation for real-estate development, management, and investment services of the highest calibre. The Camellias, which is classified as super luxury, ticks all those boxes. It is the first such development in India to be accredited with LEED Platinum certification, the highest rating by the US Green Building Council, with DLF the only Indian real estate company to be listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Setting a new standard for facilities and service
With its name having been inspired by one of Asia’s most beautiful native plant species, The Camellias offers unparalleled amenities, gorgeous views and truly personalised service. It has five-star level facilities and prides itself on gold-standard service, including a round-the-clock concierge service. Its residents also have easy to the Rapid Metro, the country’s first private metro system, for an onward connection to the Delhi Metro.
The gated community combines stunning architecture, spectacular landscape design and a living experience far superior to anything experienced to date in India. The development comprises 16 towers ranging from 18 to 38 stories, with the tallest reaching 156 metres in height. Within these towers are 429 homes, with penthouses 13,200 square feet in size.
The whole development is set in 500-acres of grounds, along with 1,200 acres of greenery surrounding it. That greenery includes 25,000 trees on its two golf courses, the DLF Golf Academy and The Pavilion, designed by Gary Player and Arnold Palmer respectively. The Arnold Palmer course, which opened in 1999, is championship standard and offers night golf.
And for those not on a golf course, there is The Camellias Club, one of the largest clubhouses in the world, spanning 14,865 square metres, including outdoor spaces. The on-site facilities include five restaurants, cafes and bars, a yoga and Pilates studio, spa, bowling alley, swimming pool and fitness centre, with a boxing ring, rock-climbing wall and an athletics track. There is also a cinema with a 14-metre screen, deep comfort recliners and butler service.
Executed by experts
The Camellias was designed by six of the world’s leading architects and designers, known as the Grandmasters. They brought their expertise to the architecture, interior design, interior lighting, garden landscaping, and the sports and fitness centre. Between them, the Grandmasters’ portfolio includes properties such as the Edition Hotels, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Nobu resorts. The Camellias was built to redefine the levels of luxury these properties boast.
Home to celebrities and global businessmen, the development has world-class security operating 24/7 and it has a first-of-its-kind private fire station, with trained firefighters and fire trucks. Its emergency services extend to an ambulance stationed at the premises – also 24/7 – in the event of a medical emergency.
Living at The Camellias allows you to enjoy a living experience far superior to anything experienced to date, thanks to a bespoke, highly personal approach catering to your every wish and whim.
