What really works for Vivanta By Taj Surajkund is its location. Not in the city yet not too far from it. Surrounded by the greens, standing in the spacious balcony of one of its 287 and terraced suites early morning, the feeling of solitude does visit you. The company of Aravalli Hills — one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges with all its flora and fauna, works in the favour of this five-star property. Citing its distance from the city as its USP, The Taj Group — which took over the property from The Claridges, Surajkund Hotel, on management contract — is pitching it as a wedding destination.
If money and time doesn’t allow a Delhi-NCR wallah an exotic location, this can be it, claims the hotel. Rajeev Khanna, General Manager, Vivanta By Taj, feels that 22,000 sq feet of conferencing and banqueting space can really make one lavish wedding happen. Experiencing the mehndi ceremony by the poolside — recreated by designer Nida Mahmood — one is taken over by the feeling of celebration and rejuvenation simultaneously. Aesthetically done floral decorations dotting the poolside offering a breathtaking view of the forests, with little canopies by the pool for wedding guests to sit and get mehndi done, render it special. Food and drinks counters offering varied fare — street food, Thai specialties, a kabab station and ice creams and kulfi area, encircling the pool ensures a great gastronomic journey as well.
Nida Mahmood is on the panel along with various other wedding designers of the hotel and a couple up for some quirky ideas for their nuptials can engage the young designer who is known for her fun concepts. And milliner Shilpa Chavan, who owns LittleShilpa brand, is designing the bridal suites for Vivanta By Taj’s first few weddings scheduled from November to February.
Pampering, understandably an integral part of such affairs, marks many of its activities, especially the wellness programmes.
Besides Jiva Shringaar and Jiva Bridal Bouquet, Jiva Nidra is another offering that spells indulgence. Tired of partying and work stress, this sleep ritual will help you sleep better. The USP of this programme is that it happens in the privacy of your room. So rather than you going to the spa, the spa comes to you.
Forgetting the world, I let myself be taken over by the treatment. I prepare myself for the calming massage by soaking myself in hot water with special oils in it. All this is prepared by the therapists who come in carrying all the paraphernalia. It is followed by an elaborate massage session with special relaxation blend oils applied. A glass of milk with oatmeal is given to me thereafter. Not supposed to step outside after the massage, a light meal is ordered in the room and I relish a spaghetti full of vegetables with an assortment of breads. I sleep tight and wake up feeling refreshed and energetic.
Spread across 18,500 sq ft, the Jiva Grande Spa is indeed one of the high points of the hotel. Its baoli (reservoir) like entrance is inspired by the ancient Indian baoli in design and concept.
The proximity offers a dialogue with heritage as well and the hotel with its ‘Tallis Trails’ led by Robinson does just that. As we walk in the Tughlakabad Fort, transfixed by the marvellous edifice, the superb storyteller that Robinson is, introduces us to the unknown details and stories, leaving us even more intrigued. Adventure sports, visits to Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and Surajkund Craft Fair are few other areas where the hotel is now seeking to venture into.
VIVANTA FOLK STUDIO
Bringing craft traditions on this unique platform, the folk studio is designed to showcase craft techniques of different States. Designed by an artist couple, the studio will have live performances and demonstrations by artists, who will change every six months. The guests can buy products and even try their hand at it.
(The writer was at Vivanta By Taj on the invitation of the hotel)
