Jyoti Balani visits Waterstones Hotel & Club in Mumbai and comes back charmed by the serenity and exclusivity that the retreat offers in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Located within a short distance of Mumbai’s International Airport, Waterstones hotel and Club offers the comforts of a five-star hotel combined with the creativity and attention to detail of a boutique, paired with the facilities and lush grounds of one of Mumbai’s most exclusive private clubs. It is a unique hotel, one that would appeal to the discerning, creative traveler. Occupying half of a gated, 10-acre compound, Waterstones Hotel & Club encapsulates the wit and style that make Mumbai the capital of Indian glamour, fashion and design. Each of the hotel’s floors, which together house 99 rooms and suites, has been individually designed to evoke a distinct feel and environment, from the cool minimalism of the glacier level, to the rustic warmth of the mountain level, to the bright energy of the fire level. Crystal chandeliers are replaced by warm lamps floated at varied levels over a peaceful sunken lobby. Each of the five floors has a different theme to it – Rainforest, Mountain, Marine, Glacier, and Fire.
Keeping in mind the varied interests of the guests, the rooms have been uniquely designed to separate the sleeping area from a cozy sitting area that also has a trendy workstation for the business traveler. The modern bathroom, closet space and all the amenities are carefully chosen to make a guest’s stay comfortable and complete. We were welcomed with assorted chocolates and fruit platters as we stepped into our stunning suite. All the rooms are inspired by nature and decorated with subtle colours that exude warmth. What is unique about this hotel is the fact that being in a city which is known for its pulsing and frenetic energy, Waterstones Hotel manages to create a space which is intimate, private and peaceful. This was my third visit to this beautiful property and I must say that every visit has been a fabulous experience.
The Waterstones Club, attached to the hotel by a covered pathway, offers the best modern amenities, while paying tribute to the refined luxuries of Mumbai’s classic clubs. The plush red seating in the movie screening room, the timbered eaves in the card room, the heavy lamp in the billiards room, the wood paneling in the Van Gogh Bar, all make their aesthetic nods to the past without losing the lightness and buoyancy of modern tastes. Hotel guests feel entirely at home in the Club’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, and have unfettered access to its Olympic-size pool, tennis, squash, badminton and basketball courts, state-of-the-art gym, and exclusive salon and spa facilities. While at the club, it is a great idea to dine at The White Barn to get a taste of the Hamptons in the heart of Mumbai, serving fresh salads, sandwiches, snacks and Indian staples 24-hours a day. Together, Waterstones Hotel & Club form an exclusive urban resort, the first in Mumbai. Sanjay and Rachna Narang have missed no opportunity to imbue this distinctive luxury property with their international style and local sensibility, creating a world that is both outside Mumbai and inextricably part of it. The Waterstones Club is known for its exclusivity and has members who are celebrities, business scions and expats from the city who visit the place to enjoy the quiet intimacy and privacy it offers.
As one enters the club, the sight of the gorgeous Infinity pool greets you and you can’t help but stop and stare in awe. In a city where space is a luxury, The Olympic-size dimensions of the beautifully created pool are an absolute delight. Add to it the comfortable loungers, the green foliage and the row of palm trees which surround the pool, I didn’t feel like stepping out of the stunning property to go out into the city and face the traffic, the noise and the hustle and bustle of the city.
The White Barn, a 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant with its lush gardens and the Infinity Pool providing a perfect backdrop offers a refreshing mix of local and international favorites and healthy well balanced meals. The ambience in the White Barn is warm and casual. A Country Barn feel has been achieved using maple and white ash wood, brick clad walls and wooden rafters for the ceiling. While enjoying a great meal at this fun eatery, you can’t help but notice the unusual chandelier made of broken crockery which is designed by Ingo Maurer, a German industrial architect.
Bliss spa in this hotel is definitely one of the best spas in the country offering traditional spa facilities set in soothing designer spaces. Well trained therapists offer an extensive menu of rejuvenating therapies that relax the mind and body such as aromatherapy, hot stone, detoxifying, etc. Allure – The Salon is a great place to spend time at owing to the wide variety of services, administered by expert stylists and specialists using proven international products. Whether it is personal grooming, a makeover or simply refreshing one’s skin for that flawless glow, Allure is the ideal solution.
All Stir Fry is known for its Oriental street kitchen style and is popular for its open noodle and produce bar that allows for interactive wok cooking. This restaurant offers an All-you-can-eat Wok concept with a range of sauces like Hoisin, Kung Pao and Pepper & Mongolian to choose from depending upon the preference of the diner. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, the talented culinary team led by Executive Chef Zubin D’Souza also serves a-la-carte pan-Asian menu with a wide variety of signature dishes such as Combodian Prawn Soup, Teppan Fry Noodles, Burmese Khao Suey and steamed Basa served with Oyster sauce and Shitake Mushrooms. A few new additions that have gained a lot of popularity since the time it opened are Chicken Massaman, Green Tea Cake and Tum Tim Grob. All Stir Fry located in Waterstones Hotel is an all-day dining destination featuring luxurious lawns and view of a cascading waterfall embellishing the space. Designed with a tasteful blend of East and modern architecture, the restaurant has an adjoining lawn which makes this venue perfect for special occasions and exclusive parties. Featuring natural materials, the interior and exterior spaces co-exist and benefit from the extraordinary natural light. After a great meal at All Stir Fry, it is a great idea to relax in the colourful lush bar called On The Rocks which is located very close to this restaurant.
Waterstones Hotel & Club is like an oasis in a busy city where one can relax and rejuvenate in gorgeous surroundings!
Address: Waterstones Hotel, Off International Airport Approach Road, Sahar, Mumbai – 400059
