Of late, life for me has literally been a roller coaster ride – and however clichéd that statement sounds, I vouch for it to be my opening line for this blog entry. During my recent travel to Delhi, for the Vogue Wedding Show, I had taken a pit stop at Vivanta by Taj – Ambassador.
Just 17 and 22 kilometres away from the domestic airport and the international terminal respectively, Vivanta by Taj – Ambassador, New Delhi creates quite a buzz among business travellers. While Delhi’s main Connaught Place is just a 10-minute drive away, it is located close to several of Delhi’s prominent landmarks.
Drive in from the airport, delighting in backseat surprises (I’m not revealing anything here). You’ll see how they mean business in one of the best 5-star hotels in New Delhi in a quiet, efficient way from the moment you step in.
I entered their heritage property, which nests adjacent to the bustling Khan Market, and was caught off guard with the interiors, in the first glance. Their lobby is a unique mix of chic and classic – which only adds to the hospitable staff’s pleasant behavior. This arrival zone sets the tone for guestrooms and banquet facilities that deliver the ultimate in urban relaxation.
Tired from the day’s happenings prior to the check in, I was ushered into my suite – which had all my emotions run helter-skelter! As I marveled at the quaint interiors of my room, the phone was abuzz with a call from Priya Rekhi – my angel in disguise for this trip – also more aptly known as the Marketing and Communications head for Vivanta by Taj Ambassador. I was greeted by her charming personality, and was escorted for a personalized tour of this wonderful property.
We started this tour by taking a look at the fourth floor – where I was stationed, for it had been recently refurbished! What caught my eye during this tour was that each room had its own charm and its own meaning to the words luxury and comfort. With sheets and walls whiter that my whitest shirt, and suites that smelled as fresh as monsoon kissed meadows, we made our way through passages that were decked with artworks depicting the colonial era. Antiquities and installations that emphasized history, and art were sprawled all over the property.
Once we had our tour done with, I caught up with Ms Suman Gahlot, who happens to be the General Manager of the hotel.
Swiftly moving on to lunch, we parked our hungry guts at Larry’s China – Larry Carrington Goodrich was an American photographer who comprehensively photo-catalogued China and its land, people and culture. That’s the inspiration behind Larry’s China in New Delhi. The quaint décor is well-matched with a charming selection of Chinese dishes. Rustic, wooden floors and design details like Chinese memorabilia and navigational equipment create an experience that makes you want to explore further. Discover amazing Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine Let the flavours of the great cuisine at this Chinese restaurant in New Delhi take you on a journey like never before. Tantalizing flavours, only at Vivanta by Taj – Ambassador.
The heavy lunch and the ridiculously humid climate combined fuelled my need to take a sweet afternoon nap. I sprinted back to 403, and plopped myself on the bed and passed out like a child tired after hours of cribbing.
I was awake by 7 in the evening, and had nothing much to do that evening – so the opportunities I had, were quite endless. I looked at my options from the service card that the hotel had to offer, and as tempting ass their gym catalogue was, I opted for a relaxing spa session!
Once I got done with this impromptu, but much needed Spa break, I headed down to the lobby, to head to Yellow Brick Road – to have a fine fine meal for one!
Colourful and vibrant, the décor here offers an inspired joie de vivre. Vintage advertising posters and faux jaded furniture make Yellow Brick Road a lively scene, even at the oddest hour. The look is chic, the vibe informal. Splashes of colour, trendy furnishings and artistic food presentations set the perfect tone. Here’s where iconic dishes on the menu complement a lavish breakfast buffet. Not to be missed is Bull’s Eye. People drive miles for this rich, warm chocolate dessert topped with vanilla ice-cream. There is no better choice for a 3:00 a.m. coffee or snack attack – which was the case in my point, as YBR came to my rescue for that Insomniac hunger pang. Whenever you need to eat, Yellow Brick Road is there with exactly what you need.
Full to the brim, with good food, and lots of ice cream, I fill my tub with some bath salts, wash my dirt away, lay still and just let music speak to the rhythm of the water. Got off it, and into my bed – to finally catch a shut eye, by 4:30 AM!
Day 2, was hotter, and I was ready to brace the heat. For breakfast at YBR, I had asked a friend to join me. Once we met, we walked right into the ever so busy YBR, that was packed to its maximum capacity. The breakfast was healthy, hearty and one helluva platter for us to have kick-started our day right by getting into the carb-fest, as early as 10 in the AM!
Assisted by my friend, we packed quite a day by visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art, Majnu Ka Tilla, and Khan Market.
For now when I returned back, my day 3 was about to begin, however, in another city.
Discover the most happening restaurants, which create an enticing food corridor offering the best cuisine. Technology is woven through it all. Feel the pulse of an international business and conferencing destination in one of the best luxury hotels in New Delhi.
Soak in the colonial charm. Experience the buzz.
Get in touch with Vivanta by Taj – Ambassador :
Sujan Singh Park, Subramania Bharti Marg New Delhi INDIA 110003
bookvivanta.ambassador@tajhotels.com
+91 11 66261000
91 11 2463 2252
Photographed by – Karan Kapoor / I Capture Thee
