Art Effect! | Verve Magazine
India's premier luxury lifestyle women's magazine
Travel
July 24, 2013

Art Effect!

Text by Shraddha Jahagirdar-Saxena.

Combine business with luxury at the well-appointed Alila Bangalore in Westfield. Its relaxing, conducive ambience willl ensure your stay is both comfortable and productive

HOTEL OF THE MONTH

ALL ABOUT DESIGN
When I alight in front of the open lobby of the Alila Bangalore in Westfield, the car having taken a U-turn from the main road to drive in, I walk down the corridor past the darwan. A seductive breeze instantly cools me down and I stop in the lobby to inhale its freshness. Tiny figurines capture my attention even as I am directed to a sofa to complete the formalities. Up ahead, I spot a larger, equally arresting one – the fluidity of motion of the human form is gracefully captured in metal. Artist Dimpy Menon’s works created for the hotel definitely serve to be a talking point as guests admire their different poses, across the property – on doors, outside the entrances of rooms, on the mantelpiece, and of course, on the wall of the lobby that welcomes you into the property. The design of the business luxury hotel is clean. The award-winning London-based architectural firm, Allies and Morrison, is known for its attention to detail and the effective environmental performance of its designs.

SUITE SMART
The hotel is not called a business luxury hotel without a reason. The accommodation includes 122 elegantly appointed rooms and suites that envelop you with a feeling of comfort. Choose a suite to enjoy an exquisite bath experience. The Leisure Suite offers a relaxing sanctuary of space and privacy that would make for a perfect couples’ retreat. You can curl up with a good book, catch up on work or just switch off and unwind at your leisure. And if you are caught up with a rigid business regiment, opt for the Soho Suite which offers a separate living area that can be used as a meeting room for work. And needless to add, the balconies offer great views of the landscape outside.

RELAXED DINING
With the temperature dip post sunset, I decide to dine in the open space of the Pasha Bar and Grill on the fifth floor – the chef persuades me to go for an authentic Indian meal. Close to the pool, the eating area offers an opportunity to unwind, literally put your feet up on the comfortable seating space and enjoy your meal. The setting is romantic enhanced by the candlelit deck – a cooler sets the tone for the rest of the meal as platters of kebabs and bowls of curries with accompaniments arrive at the table. The selection from the menu shows that it has been inspired by the Northwest Frontier. By the time I dip lazily into the kulfi and gulab jamun, my satiated palate urges my body to retire for the night.

BRIGHT MORNINGS
Waking up in comfort, I amble down at leisure to the sunny Tiffin Room on the ground floor. The all-day dining area offers a huge breakfast brunch as well as à-la-carte options. A scrumptious way to begin the day, it is wholesome, nourishing and of course, delicious. And, right outside, is yet another option that I slot for another time – the Tiffin Bar. Its café ambience is inviting. As I take a look for future enjoyment, I note the line of tiffins that decorate the wall and inhale the smell of freshly-baked pastries and breads. Sheer bliss for a snack, anytime!

REJUVENATION TIME
Post a business meeting in the heart of the Garden City, I return to the hotel and wend my way to Spa Alila. The therapist greets me in the quiet area and after a brief discussion about the massages – they provide therapies that blend ancient Asian healing techniques with age-old beauty recipes – I retire into an inner treatment room. I can sense the relaxation flow from her hands as I drift off into an oh-so-brief session of mindless peace.

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