For a Mumbaiite, slipping out for a weekend has never been so hard. But planning a scenic drive and choosing a place still needs thought. With the number of beautiful properties offering the perfect getaway, Mumbaikars are spoilt for choice.
This time the chosen one was – The O hotel in Pune. Actually launched in 2008, it is situated bang in the heart of the city, in the ever happening Koregaon Park. Situated right next to the famous German Bakery, this 5 star property, boldly different in décor and design, is the concept of a famous South African Interior designer – Les Harbottle.
Business or pleasure, Pune offers both. Mine was simply a Spa weekend and the hotel’s hospitality and service rendered just that. I was taken in by the décor, the presentation and the hearty lunch that we had at the Kitsch, the 24 hour dining lounge that slips into a bar area seamlessly. This eclectic multi cuisine restaurant boasts of the only freestanding 18 feet high glass wine cellar. Obviously they have the largest wine selection in the City. Point noted, evenings will be well taken care of.
Entering our rooms we were enveloped in finesse, whether it was their warm timber floors, their crisp linen sheets, or custom made bathtubs. The view was Koregaon Park shrouded with greenery. Ensconced in luxury, we rested as we planned the rest of our evening. Options were so many as everything is around the same area, and one can easily stroll around sighting the Osho Ashram or just hire the hotel car and go malling if one terribly must.
The evening brings a drink at the Bar with our excellent hosts-the Seolelakers (Oxford Properties) and we are all charged for an Asian dinner at the only authentic Japanese fine dining restaurant with an ‘interactive open kitchen’ concept in Pune.Harjuku has Live Sushi, Sashimi and Teppanyakki Counters. The private dining, offers a cocooned pod, enclosed in crystals providing the ultimate private fine dining experience.
The next day the O Spa tempted us to spend the whole morning with our chosen signature treatments. Rejuvenation and relaxation, was high on our list. Their indoor rooms and outdoor pavilions with beautiful waterfalls and LED lighting offer both. Brands like Prevonia Botanical for the face and body, Wella for the hair, caviar facials, Moroccan Rassoul wraps, volcanic ash wraps, offer one total indulgence.
A state of the art Gym and a swimming pool strategically situated side by side, flanked by an alfresco restaurant called Addah are distractions as well. On in the lobby level is The Chai House-Trattoria, serving from global munchies to local street food like Macaroons to Malai buns, Bailey’s Chai to Kashmiri Kahwa, empanadillas to paani puri shots. The surprise is that this same Chai house turns into a beer garden in the evenings.
Destination – Pune. The O hotel welcomes its guests with open arms and lucid weekend promises. So when are you going to take them up on that offer?
Previously published in the Sindhian
Image Credits : Maya Lalchandani, Google
