Background
The Toronto-based Four Seasons luxury hotels and resorts opened Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai back in 2006. The hotel comprises 202 rooms and suites.
What’s it like?
A hidden oasis in the heart of the city. Winding green pathways lead to the entrance of the hotel. The lobby is well-lit with sufficient seating space for waiting guests. The hotel’s lobby lounge is here, however, breakfast operations have been shifted to San:Qi (the hotel’s other F&B outlet) as it allows for better ventilation in a larger space. In terms of making the guests secure during the pandemic, thermal screening and sanitisation at the entrance, a minimum of four people in the elevators, and QR codes for F&B services are some of the measures that have been undertaken.
Where is it?
In Upper Worli, within close proximity to Lower Parel, one of the city’s largest financial hubs. Terminal 2 of Mumbai airport is about a 40-minute drive. BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), another popular commercial district of the city, is half an hour by road.
Rooms
A wide-range of categories encompass the accommodation at the hotel. From the Executive Premier room (55 sqm) to the lavish Deluxe Sea-View suite (101 sqm), there’s enough to choose from, depending on your preference of views and amenities. I stayed in a Deluxe Sea-View room (49 sqm) on the 30th floor that overlooked a striking view of the city. It felt like watching Mumbai go by from a birds’-eye-view, literally, as eagles flying alongside my window kept me company in the evenings. The room is decorated in chic colours of brown and olive; and a well-equipped working space doubles for a dining table if need be. The marble bathroom features Kama Ayurveda amenities and the bathtub is by the window for a luxurious way to relax, perhaps with a book or a glass of wine.
Food and drink
My F&B experience at the hotel was exceptional. I was pleasantly surprised by the array of cuisines that are prepared to authentic perfection. For instance, I would highly recommend the North Indian flavours at San:Qi (which was originally just a pan Asian restaurant) — the chur chur (broken into crispy pieces) naan and Dilli-wala (Delhi-style) butter chicken was beyond delectable. Breakfast was bagels with cream cheese with a side of bacon and sausages.
I quite liked the selection of teas at San:Qi, where I enjoyed my breakfast in a socially distanced ambience. Pan Asian flavours at San:Qi are in my opinion, one of the best in the city. I tried the spicy salmon maki roll and pad Thai along with the Shanghai crispy chicken in Yu xiang sauce. All three dishes from different cuisines (Chinese, Japanese and Thai) were prepared brilliantly.
I also spent an evening at Aer Bar and Lounge, the iconic rooftop bar, watching the sun go down whilst I sipped on some of their signature cocktails — including a red wine sangria, and “All That Bitters”, a kasturi methi (fenugreek) infused gin-based cocktail.
The hotel also houses The Club — an exclusive members only business space.
Meetings
The meeting spaces of the hotel come together under a space called The Mansion. From open-air lawns to sophisticated ballrooms, the spaces are cavernous for all kinds of events.
Leisure
The Spa and the pool were closed during my visit due to government restrictions. However, it is on my list to revisit as it boasts eight treatment rooms, a Vitality Lounge including a herb-infused steam room, an ice fountain, cold mist showers and a reclining Vitality Pool. The Fitness Centre can be utilised by requesting a slot (due to distancing measures).
Verdict: A luxurious staycation experience highlighted by its unparalleled dining.
Price: Internet rates are upwards of ₹6,048
Contact: Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, 114, Dr E Moses Road, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli, Mumbai 400018
