As a traveller one always gets to experience the world as a destination. While travelling from one city to other seems like a fascinating job, the most important thing that one carves for is homely comfort and hearty meals. This summer I visited Mumbai for a work trip, and thanks to the wonderful folks at ITC hotel, I had a splendid weekend at the ITC Maratha exploring the wonderful property.
Here are some travel postcards from my stay, hope you enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoyed experiencing it.
While I had an incredible experience at this luxury business hotel located near the international airport, the affectionate staff of the hotel made sure that I had a comforting break away from home. Right from the warm welcome by the hostesses draped in pink Paithani saris, to my helpful butler Ms Shreya Bhate and the marvelous Ms Priyanka Jacob, who gave me company at all times – the staff ensured and arranged for everything that I could have possibly asked for. The hotel management was so sweet to frame a special chocolate photograph for me and customized an assortment of desserts to make me feel at ease.
I stayed at the beautiful executive suite accentuated with the traditional art forms of the Maharashtra region such as Warli, Chitrakatha drawings and Paithani artwork in the rooms and lobby area. By the way, if you are a solo woman traveller you could also ask for the Eva wing with curated services for lady guests.
As we speak of hospitality during the stay, I have to mention Chef Deepti Jadhav (Sous Chef of Peshva Pavillion) and Executive Chef Liang of Pan Asian restaurant, who gave me a personal tour of their busy kitchens and spoke extensively about their association with the food and hotel industry. The property is also home to some of ITC Hotel’s most celebrated, award-winning culinary brands – Peshawri, Dum Pukht, Dakshin Coastal, Pan Asian and Peshwa Pavilion. So if you are foodie visiting Mumbai, these iconic restaurants should be on your “must-eat-there” list.
Being a member of the responsible luxury panel with the ITC group of hotels, I was told about the latest sustainability practices at the hotels and how it is a crowning glory for everyone who is a part of these initiatives. To begin with, ITC Maratha has been recognised as a LEED Platinum Certified hotel by the US Green Building Council in the Existing Building Category and it has installed an off-site wind farm to produce clean energy to meet power demands of the property. Thus, the total electrical energy demand at ITC Maratha is sustained through renewable energy sources.
It is considered as one of the most iconic hotels in Mumbai, and the architectural elements are an ode to the old city of Bombay. With the Indo-Saracenic architecture inspired by the essence of Mumbai, the hotel pays a tribute to the region of Maharashtra and the mighty Maratha dynasty. The elemental structures that represent the Flora fountain, Rajabai Clock Tower and the Grand central station along with the wooden horse structure of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the reception area are some of the most eye-catching things that you would notice here. The iconic dome shaped pavilion is perhaps the most photographed area of the hotel, which shines like a glittering crown in the centre of the property.
Without compromising on the luxe factor, the hotel continues to charm the guests with responsible banqueting initiatives, encouraging guests to help minimise their carbon footprint. The luxury of space in a cramped city like Mumbai will take you by surprise, and the sprawling lush outdoors. The hotel is also a pioneer in settling gold standard for zero waste, treating soild and water waste with the help of an in-house biogas plant that helps in production of bio gas fuel for the kitchen area. More than 45% of the produce used at the hotel’s kitchens is sourced from farms within a hundred-kilometre radius to reduce carbon footprint and supporting local farmers.
When I think of all the fantastic services that I got to enjoy at this property without feeling guilty about indulgence, I couldn’t help but wonder about my next trip to the city of dreams. Till then I wouldn’t stop dreaming about the refreshing dip in the pool on a hot noon while sipping a mango drink and thinking about the delightful suite life in the maximum city. XX
