Luxury And Travel Hub: A Royal Stay At The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the flagship hotel of the Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, stands majestically overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Gateway to India in Mumbai. The hotel is celebrated as the city’s first harbor landmark, rendering a panoramic view of the bay. Named after “the epitome of love,” The Taj Mahal Palace welcomes as the best destination to celebrate love and our wedding anniversary.Rich Heritage – taj_mahal_palace_mumbai_Pooside The Taj Mahal Palace is a world leader in hospitality and a favorite destination for discerning travelers. For more than a century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. Built in 1903, by Jamsetji Tata, it was the only hotel in India to have electricity then. Considered to be a second home to the Maharajas and the playground of Princes, the hotel has still maintained its palatial standards of living. The palace corridors stand testimony to a century old heritage, with genuine art and artifacts gracing the aisles. Under the iconic dome roof, there is a story to tell behind every pillar, a landmark deal in every boardroom, and a storied celebration under every awning.

Treasure-trove Of Artworks –Over the past century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has amassed a diverse collection of paintings and works of art. From massive Belgian chandeliers to the finest in Bastar tribal art, from Anglo-Indian inlaid chairs and tables to Goan Christian artifacts, from Mughal-inspired Jali designs to contemporary sculpture, the hotel manages to incorporate a myriad of artistic styles and tastes.Priceless paintings from Indian masters like V.S. Gaitonde, Ram Kumar, Ara and Jehangir Sabavala adorn the walls of the refined Palace Lounge.A tryptich by MF Husain, titled Three Stances of the New Millennium, graces the lobby. It was created over nine months in 1999-2000, when the renowned artist was living in the hotel and it was the first ever commissioned work of the hotel.

Celebrating 100th Anniversary –

At the completion of its Centenary year, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai sports a rejuvenated look, with new restaurants, beautifully restored guest rooms and a charming new lobby lounge. The luxurious property has embarked on a graceful journey toward its next hundred years.

Royal Accommodation –To accommodate the endless parade of global who’s who, a 20 storey Tower wing was added in 1973 to the the Palace. The 560 rooms including 44 suites are the perfect blend of rich history and modern convenience. Offering a remarkable blend of old-world elegance and modern facilities, every aspect of our stay was infused with the trademark hospitality that has received world wide acclaim. Though the hotel was fully booked, our request for a sea-facing room in the Palace wing was fulfilled by the most supporting staff. taj_mahal_palace_mumbai_Luxury_Grande_Room_1 Boasting of the elegant Rajput bay windows, the Luxury Grande room opened up to an eclectic mix of timeless elegance, modern minimalism, style and sophistication. We were pampered with the personalized Taj Butler service along with a host of amenities offering us a taste of royal living.
taj_mahal_palace_mumbai_Luxury_Grande_Room_Bathroom The swish Italian Satwario marbled bathrooms are fitted with colossal bathtubs with hydro massage hand-showers and separate cubicles with overhead Rain showerheads.

Jiva Spa – Relaxation was calling my name and I answered it by heading for a complimentary massage experience at Taj Mahal Palace’s Jiva Spa. Tucked away in one corner of the property, beside the pool, it offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honored Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps. As suggested by the Director of the spa at the hotel, I indulged in the Sammardana which is a 60 minutes Indian Deep Tissue Massage.I was treated to a customized technique of muscle massage performed by specially-trained hands, which worked on my deep-seated stress. Designed to enhance mobility of joints and render a deep sense of relief, the out-of-this-world experience made me feel fresh, relaxed and rejuvenated.As recommended, I arrived 30 mins prior to the appointment to make the best of the wet and heat areas as it helps to open pores, warms the muscles and encourages detoxification, promoting deeper rest. The session also included a pre-therapy and post therapy ritual. It ended with a signature herbal drink concoction of jaggery, basil leaves and lime juice.

Dining –From globally renowned chefs to iconic restaurants, The Taj Mahal Palace focuses on some of the world’s most revered cuisines, treating guests to a treasure trove of culinary styles that span the globe. We indulged our taste buds at the Shamiana, the original coffee shop of the city, for dinner that bestowed us with an unforgettable experience imbued with lasting status. The staff was very much helpful and pleasant and suggested delicious dishes. Offering an all-day dining experience with an a la carte menu to suit every mood and palate, Shamiana also serves an international breakfast fare with live counters.

Taj Mahal Palace also offers other bespoke dining options and customized signature experiences at five Fine Dining restaurants restaurants that include Souk, Wasabi by Morimoto, Golden Dragon and Masala Kraft.

Harbour Bar at the hotel is the oldest and the first licenced bar in Mumbai.

Shoppers’ Delight –

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Well-heeled shoppers indulge in the most luxurious retail therapy by picking up pieces from the latest collection from Louis Vuitton and Dior outlets at the hotel. taj_mahal_palace_mumbai_Louis_vuitton_boutique

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The shopping boulevard is also home to Ermenegildo Zegna, Gazdar Jewellers, Mont Blanc, Burlington’s, Ravissant, Dia, Joy Shoes, and Malabar Boutique among others, featuring exclusive, leather goods, men and woman’s clothing, accessories, scarves, exquisitely crafted watches, elegant designer jewelry and writing instruments.

Celebrity Guest List –

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The prestigious guest list boasts of various Kings, Presidents, legends, performers, religious figures and entertainers such as George Bernard Shaw, Irving Stone, Barbara Cartland, Douglas Fairbanks, Sir Richard Attenborough, Baz Luhrmann, Yehudi Menuhin, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Mick Jagger, Margaret Thatcher, Prince Charles, Jacqueline Onassis, William Jefferson Clinton, David Rockefeller, Robert McNamara, Lord Wedgwood just to name a few.