The Park, New Delhi
The best hotels around the Gulf Air network reviewed each month
WHERE IS IT? At the hub of the Indian capital with stunning views of the 18th-century observatory, Jantar Mantar.
WHO STAYS HERE? A mix of style-conscious Indian and international “bleisure” travellers, who combine both business and leisure travel. A sprinkling of Bollywood stars and cricket celebs spice up the clientele.
ROOM FACILITIES The ten-storey hotel has 220 chic rooms that are designed (by Conran & Partners, UK) as quiet havens away from the busy city. The Residence, located on the top two floors, has 25 deluxe rooms and 11 suites that offer state-of-theart technology including large LCD TVs, personal DVD players and iPod docks. The best views are from the 01 room series, on the fifth floor and above.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Fire, the contemporary pan-Indian restaurant, and its bar Agni – the two are separated by a curved bronze wall – remain the hottest and hippest places to be seen in Delhi. There’s also Mist, a cool 24-hour café with an espresso bar, a wood-fired pizza oven and a predominantly Italian menu.
THE POOL Aqua is a cool, classical white outdoor space with a small, iridescent blue pool. Around this are timber pavilions, circular rattan beds and a screen of bamboo. The open deck is used for sun-bathing by day and dancing and partying at night. The Aqua garden offers the most glamorous alfresco experience in Delhi, and is hugely popular for parties and Sunday brunch.
THE EXTRAS Aura is a designer day spa and salon located on the second floor of the hotel. The signature 90-minute massage is a fusion of Indian and Western techniques and costs Rs3,370 inclusive of tax. Daily yoga classes are held on the Terrace overlooking the pool. The Box is a chic store stocking hand-picked designer fashion, home accessories and beauty products, all made in India.
PRICE The standard room rate is Rs14,000 (BD100), but rooms may be available for Rs9,500. The Residence Room rate is Rs20,000. Rates vary seasonally and are subject to 12.5% tax.
VERDICT A hotel inspired by the Hindu science of vastu shastra, which like feng shui focuses on energy flows and harmonious design. Whatever – it works for us.
The Park, New Delhi, 15 Parliament Street, Connaught Place +91 (0)11 2374 3000
JORDAN
Dead Sea sells
If you’re thinking of planning your summer break and want to try out a range of water sports in comfortable surroundings, you may want to consider the new Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Jordan. This Dead Sea resort hotel, which opens on 1 June, offers a range of outdoor activities, including yachting, windsurfing, sea kayaking, diving and snorkelling. The hotel features six restaurants and bars with views of the Dead Sea, a private beach and a spa.
www.kempinski-aqaba.com
SHANGHAI
Club class
A large renovation programme at the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland means that the hotel now boasts a new lounge and club on the 30th floor, with panoramic views of Pudong and the Pearl TV Tower. The hotel, on Nanjing Road in the city’s commercial centre, has more than 400 rooms, two restaurants, a coffee shop, gymnasium, sauna, massage centre and conference rooms for up to 400 delegates. www.sofitel.com
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