On a great day, it takes an hour and a half to drive from the Kempegowda Worldwide Airport to Bengaluru’s plush HAL Airport Highway neighbourhood the place The Leela Palace Bengaluru stands tall in all its glory.
I had ready myself for the lengthy drive from the airport, into the infamous visitors of the Backyard Metropolis however round an hour into the drive, the panorama begins altering. The town’s seemingly infinite periphery thins out as we go away the final of the freeway and enter what is known as the backyard metropolis, and rightfully so. Amidst the concrete jungle is a peppering of canopying timber blooming with flowers, magnificent gardens on the aspect of the street, and the sky peeks from between the leaves, bathing us in balmy daylight.
As we snake previous shaded roads which have an old-world appeal synonymous with the town, The Leela Palace Bengaluru emerges from behind a hedgerow of sheltering timber. The pastel pink and moss inexperienced façade is tough to overlook, and also you realise, you’ve arrived at your vacation spot. The din of the town is drowned out by birdsong, and also you’re left baffled by the way you’ve escaped the concrete jungle and entered an oasis of serenity.
The second I step out of the automotive and into the lodge, the very first thing I see is the botanical marvel round which the lodge is constructed. The sprawling property nestled throughout a land of seven lush acres seeks inspiration from the structure of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the backyard metropolis itself because the garden curves across the property, permitting residents entry all through. From my perch on the far finish of the foyer, I watch because the solar drenches the inexperienced panorama in heat rays. A pathway cups across the lawns in the direction of a wonderful lagoon nestled in a secluded nook, which I make a psychological observe of exploring round sundown.
Escaping The Mundane
The palatial lodge looms above providing friends a variety of lodging choices from balcony rooms to terrace suites and maharaja suites. Every room, executed up in a royal, earthy aesthetic with nature-inspired parts, comes kitted out with The Leela Palace’s signature Tishya Bathtub & Physique Facilities in addition to a comfortable balcony with a view of the gorgeous backyard beneath. As I settle into the room and decide from a number of teas, I really feel a way of calm envelop me. Whereas this fashionable lodge would make a serene getaway anyplace, within the busy metropolis of Bengaluru, it feels extra like a discovery of peace.
True to type, The Leela Palace Bengaluru is elegant and imperial with refined tones. The enduring restaurant Jamavar sits nestled within the far nook of the lodge, giving friends the chance to expertise a melange of flavours in secluded privateness. Subsequent to it resides Zen if you happen to fancy an unique escape stuffed with aromas, tastes, and textures of Asia. We resolve to check out Citrus, one of the vital common eating places within the lodge. Famished, I dig into the scrumptious unfold, choosing from a number of European, Asian, and Indian fares. Beginning off gradual with a hummus platter, I do know I’ll be spoilt for selection after I see a sprawling salad bar and some steps past, the gourmand woodfired pizza station. Having fun with how contemporary the meals tastes, I finish my lunch with an assortment of desserts; every thing from strawberry pastries to crème brûlées and chocolate tarts to linzer tortes, let’s simply say I’m a contented camper because the afternoon involves an in depth.
Sluggish Dwelling At Its Finest
As soon as I pry myself away from the meals, curated by Chef Simran Singh Thapar and workforce, I resolve to discover the backyard because the solar slowly begins dipping in the direction of the horizon. A serene stroll, greatest taken barefoot throughout the grass, takes me across the backyard to the lotus lagoon the place a number of bloom from behind lush leaves. Subsequent to it sits a relaxing waterfall, the sound of which lulls me right into a meditative hush. I settle myself towards a palm tree and let the rhythm of the water carry a way of calm. Simply as twilight units in, I make my approach towards the pool and let the lullaby of the tune of the birds and rustle of the timber pull me right into a restful state.
Mindfulness At Your Fingertips
Within the morning, I discover my option to the yoga studio tucked behind the pool the place I discover the lodge’s signature wellness program Aujasya by The Leela in collaboration with Jetsynthesys’s ThinkRight.me. The holistic program permits me to take pleasure in therapeutic yoga routines and meditations by merely scanning a code on my telephone. A various number of conscious actions underneath the second pillar Renew (Mindfulness) helps me select the one which feels best for me.
Rejuvenated publish an enriching mindfulness session, I stroll down the grassy esplanade towards the lodge restaurant. Over there, I’m greeted by a selection of wellness drinks created for the primary pillar of Aujasya, Restore (Meals and Vitamin). Within the restaurant, the workforce lay out a real breakfast of champions that includes contemporary fruits, buttery croissants and muffins, fresh-off-the-pan dosas, and vadas, in addition to Aujasya-inspired vegan and gluten-free dishes like Black Chana Hummus with Vegetable Crudites, Roast Beets, Valencia Orange and Walnut Salad, and Basil and Chia Seed Pudding, and extra which are nutritious in addition to soul-fulfilling. Add to it the top-notch hospitality and atithi devo bhavo ethos, and The Leela Palace Bengaluru actually brings work-life steadiness an exquisite new that means.
My Three Secret Spots To Discover A Conscious Second
1. By the waterfall
Discovering a second to apply mindfulness by the waterfall was one of the vital memorable experiences for me all through the two-day journey. Sitting on the damp grass and being enveloped by nature felt really particular.
2. On the yoga studio
In the event you’re somebody who seeks full silence, there’s no higher spot than the lodge’s yoga studio. Whereas an teacher is at all times accessible to information you, you possibly can at all times apply what you’re feeling is correct in your physique.
3. Having fun with a conscious meal
Top-of-the-line meals I’ve had, the Aujasya menu was a gastronomical affair. A wholesome steadiness of millets, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and entire grains made the meal a culinary marvel.
My Suggestion: Himalayan Earth Bowl with its Himalayan bean tofu, roast natural, beats, garlic wilted greens, and toasted pumpkin seeds, served on a mattress of Himalayan pink rice kedgeree and the Quinoa Biryani with its mix of pink and yellow quinoa cooked with handpicked aromatic spices and contemporary greens, served with avocado and mint raita, and a spiced tapioca cracker.
My Favorite Spot: The backyard is stuffed with fruit timber that appeal to birds of every kind. Shaded by a cover, it’s cool and calm all through the day, however I extremely suggest the early morning hours.
My Favorite A part of the Day: Watching the color of the sky change, casting a stunning golden mild on the domes of the property at sundown. Finest skilled from personal balcony.
Learn Extra: How To Enhance Your Morning Chai With Antioxidants & Nutritional vitamins?
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