Taj Palace Hotel is a chic example of India’s opulent and heartwarming hospitality in the heart of New Delhi. From the architecture to the spice, here are five reasons why this getaway in the Indian capital should be on your radar.
1. Traditional meets modern. This palatial oasis in Central Delhi greets you with traditional décor, lavish chandeliers and earthy paintings, all reminiscent of India’s royal era. The warmth of the friendly staff is deeply rooted in the Indian culture. The rooms at the Taj Palace, however, are modern and tastefully furnished — the wooden bedside panels add a chic touch, the floors are carpeted in natural colors and details like woven bottle covers finish the ambiance. Complementing this are glass-walled bathrooms in the Club Room and a Jacuzzi in the Presidential Suite.
2. The special touch. The Taj Palace experience comes with a special touch that differentiates it from other luxury brands. Every afternoon, the aroma of freshly baked macaroons floats in the warm afternoon sun at the Taj Club lounge. Stay in the Club Room (and higher category rooms) to receive those cookies, along with a complimentary high tea consisting of nibbles such as olive bruschetta and mini tarts, a rotating selection of artisan sandwiches and home-brewed tea.
By night, the lounge transforms into a cozy, dimly lit bar with free cocktail hours that offer something for everyone — single malts, liqueurs, imported wines and beer. Cold and hot snacks do the rounds and conversation flows easy.
3. Rejuvenation the Indian way. The in-house Body Essence Spa at Taj Palace blends traditional Indian treatments with contemporary rejuvenation techniques — here, Indian aromatherapy meets Western therapy, and Balinese massages are offered with a traditional wellness twist.
4. A drink outdoors. If you like your drinks served alfresco, The Blue Bar is Taj Palace Hotel’s gift to you. Enjoy an eclectic blue drink (such as the Burning Berries) under the blue sky here, one of Delhi’s best bars. Its bohemian décor with dominant black and red colors, bar shimmering with white curtains, outdoor setting, comfortable sofas and extensive range of liquors, wines and cocktails nicely complement the opulence of Taj Palace. Must-tries are the Asian Muse, made with Ketel One Vodka, lemongrass and ginger beer, and the New York Flip, mixed with bourbon, cream, egg and sugar syrup.
5. A little bit of masala. Masala (the Hindi word for “spices,” a blend that includes dry mango powder, coriander and turmeric) is an integral part of Indian cuisine. And Masala Art restaurant at Taj Palace eases you into Indian food without overwhelming your palate. In the interactive show kitchen, watch expert chefs whip up roti pe boti (Indian bread with chunks of meat), paneer kaliya (peppered cottage cheese) and bharwan bhindi (lady fingers filled with a mixture of Indian spices) before indulging in a royal Indian feast.
Photos Courtesy of Taj Palace and Shivya Nath
