By Rama Gaind
Staying at the new Novotel in Mumbai’s Juhu Beach served up the best of both worlds: basking in the many ways to relax and savouring many culinary delights.
The morning starts early here to escape the heat. Even walking along Juhu Beach at 7am I could not escape the humidity of Mumbai.
It’s an ideal time to be reflective, watching families bonding during their morning walks, dogs running around with their handlers or making the acquaintance of stray canines – some roamed aimlessly while others slept in small groups on the sand.
The sound of the Arabian Sea as soothing as the waves rush to shore. Louder than that was the collective sound of young boys playing cricket. Every spare spot had a cricket pitch – on sand. It was fascinating to watch their eager faces as they hit the balls and scored. Running fast appeared effortless for these eager youngsters.
These were aspiring future ‘great’ cricketers, no doubt, emulating the success of India’s cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar. He is the leading run-scorer and century maker in Test cricket and the only player to score a double century in the history of One Day International cricket.
Elsewhere along the beach, small shops were slowly opening their doors to continue trading which is at its most brisk in the evening. Eager to get an early start, a lone beadmaker was busy putting out his wares on display in anticipation of quick sales. He also took the time to make new bracelets. They was an assortment of colourful and dainty pieces to suit all tastes, styles and ages.
Another vendor took it in his stride as he assisted in quenching the thirst of customers by selling coconuts. Coconut water is naturally fat-free and low in food energy.
At 8.30am it was time to take refuge indoors – in cool interior of the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. This is the flagship property of Novotel in India which opened in July 2009.
This prime beachfront property, sprawled over 2.5 acres, offers rooms and suites with breath-taking views overlooking the Arabian Sea. Epitomising luxury, this comfortable home-away-from-home offers 203 contemporary rooms, each with a media hub for connectivity and entertainment, plus an array of restaurants and bars, a spa, beauty salon, 24-hour gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, health club and sauna.
It was a short, but memorable stay. Designed for the international palette, but there were many locals in the crowd, Novotel Juhu Beach offers five food and beverage options. The Square – the all-day dining restaurant creates ‘food-out-of-the-box’; Olio – invites you to a take a culinary journey through Italy and other countries along the Mediterranean; Sampan – a revival of Mumbai’s favourite Oriental restaurant serves Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine; Bageecha – an al-fresco dining experience features tandoori delights; and Gadda da Vida – a sophisticated lounge bar.
It was a privilege to be upgraded to the Premier Floor where I savoured not only the service in the Premier Lounge, but also the wide-sweeping views of the beach and the city in the distance.
The focus for Novotel is on discreet, personalised service which augers well for its moto: ‘Designed for Natural Living’,
Located in the financial capital of India and the home of Bollywood, the hotel is just 20 kilometres from downtown Mumbai.
One of the most famous suburbs of Mumbai, Juhu is well-known for its affluence and the beach. Juhu is the address for wealthy business identities and some of the most famous stars of the Indian film industry including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Amrish Puri and Dharmendra. West of Juhu is flanked by the mighty Arabian Sea and Santa Cruz and Vile Parle are in the east. Both are an easy commute by train to Juhu.
While in Juhu, pay homage at the Shiv Mandir or visit the ISKCON Temple which is just opposite. Every day about five thousand pilgrims visit the temple and on Sundays the number swells to over 10 thousand.
There is so much to do at Juhu Beach. Horse riding is popular. You can also go for beach walking tours, get mehndi designs drawn on your hands or buy gifts from the local vendors on the beach. Several fairs and festivals are held on Juhu beach. Paani puri, pav bhaji and aloo tikki are some of the popular local culinary delights.
Set aside some sightseeing time in Mumbai. Get a sense of the city’s colonial history in Colaba and Fort, home to the iconic Gateway of India and ornate High Court, and see ancient sculptures and miniature paintings in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum in Kala Ghoda. This dynamic city is overpowering from the Gateway of India!
Get spiritual and visit one of Mumbai’s oldest temples, Mahalaxmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road. It is dedicated to the three shaktis – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Kali. One of its most fascinating features is its grain-strewn courtyard, where one can see flocks of pecking grey pigeons, going about their business oblivious to the hordes of worshippers.
You must not leave without seeing a spectacular sunset. Nature is truly resplendent as you watch the horizon light up against the vast seemingly endless expanse of the Arabian Sea: you will be mesmerised by the deep red, orange and yellow hues of the setting sun.
DETAILS BOX
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, India
Australians can make bookings on the Accor reservations number in Australia on 1300 65 65 65
Qantas Holidays have packages, call 13 14 15
