#BloggerContest: Parisian Luxury in the Heart of Mumbai

From the reflective surfaces and vast spaces in the reception to the opulent colour scheme and bath indulgences in the rooms, everything about Sofitel Mumbai BKC spells carefully curated elegance. I spent a relaxing weekend at one of their luxury rooms and rediscovered the pleasure of a staycation.

Checking-in to Luxury

We checked in on a Saturday afternoon, easily finding our way to this hotel located in Bandra Kurla complex. It’s only a short drive away if you’re arriving from the airport and gives you easy access to most of the city. After a smooth check-in process, we were taken to our oh-so-beautiful room. A plush double bed with purple cushions and adjoining cut-work golden lamps caught my eye immediately. Imagine my delight when I walked into the bathroom and found a cosy bathtub and The French Note toiletries lined up next to the mirror. This was truly a dream come true! A capsule-operated espresso machine and a large platter of exotic fruits and macaroons completed the picture perfect welcome.

We spent the evening enjoying leisurely laps in the L’OH Pool, built in the style of French canals. To work up an appetite for dinner at Jyran, my favourite Mughlai and North Indian restaurant in Mumbai, we walked along the sea at Bandra. It was a wonderful feeling to be a tourist in my own city.

Decadent Dinner

Dinner was a decadent affair, with instrumental ethnic music and mellow lighting that danced with the beam of the chandeliers to produce a dreamy effect. We indulged in the chef’s signature menu that included potatoes with almonds and fresh pomegranate and kebabs made of hung yoghurt and fried cashew nuts for appetisers and koftas in cashewnut gravy and paneer chunks in tomato and onion gravy for mains. To top it all, we had ghee-soaked black dal and paan kulfi with Tabakh Jamun (gulab jamun stuffed with dry fruits and topped with honey) for dessert.

Vintage Car Ralley and More

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The next day, we dragged ourselves out of bed to hit the weights and treadmill at So FIT, the in-house gym. We ended our workout with a tour of So SPA, a true work of art adorned with dangling ‘golden drops of luxury’ and intimate therapy suites. On that particular weekend, Sofitel was hosting a vintage car rally and the morning passed in a haze of champagne, celebrities and four-wheeled blasts from the past.

Our gorgeous staycation at Sofitel Mumbai BKC ended with a delicious meal at Tuskers, their vegetarian restaurant specialising in Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine. I’d had their thali before so this time, we opted for an a la carte lunch. Kebabs made of spinach, curd and pomegranate seeds, my favourite Amritsari mirchi ka pakoda and the classic Bharwan Paneer vied for my attention as did the thepla, tandoori roti and bajre ki roti. We were truly spoiled for choice as the menu also had Rajasthani classics like kofta stuffed with ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi  and the staple of dal, baati and churma.

Thus ended my tryst with chic Parisian luxury in the heart of my hometown.

The writer specialises in luxury travel, food and lifestyle and blogs at www.trailstainedfingers.com .