Vivanta By Taj, Whitefield: Modern 5-Star Luxury Hotel In Bangalore

Incredible glass exterior

Something I always found intriguing about this hotel was the glass exterior, and how it changes colors! If you get the chance to view it from a distance, it looks like the ocean, ranging in different shades of blue and green.

The hotel was built in 2007, and for a nine-year-old accommodation, it has been kept in immaculate condition. When you walk into the lobby, you will notice the bold crimson of the accent ceiling and interior decorations. The curved couches, light effects, and indoor plant life really add a relaxed, modern appeal to the hotel lobby - kind of like an upscale bar and lounge.

Check in starts at 2pm, whereas checkout is at noon, but the receptionists are super friendly, and will try to get you to your room earlier if possible when checking in.

Order from the pillow menu

After you’ve made it to your room, you might just instantly take a nap after putting away your belongings, because the bed is that comfortable. They even have a complimentary pillow menu that allows you to choose from an abundance of varieties to suit your comfort needs. These include pillows for tranquility and dreaming that both have Himalayan and Tibetan herbs in them. There’s a pillow for energy, and a baby pillow with herbs that causes a calming effect, which is perfect for those who have kids.

There are many rooms to choose from to accommodate your needs: the Charm Room, Delight Room, Allure Room, Indulgence Room, and then a range of suites and loft styled rooms as well for families or large groups. For a 5-star hotel, the business definitely knows how to keep your wallet happy, and you can expect to pay between 8,000 INR (120.10 USD) to 19,750 INR (296.50 USD) for the premium rooms.

If you’re traveling for business, there’s a desk tucked away, creating a sense of privacy. There’s also a cozy area by the large floor to ceiling windows where you can look out at the city while having your morning coffee or tea. Complimentary bottled water are also provided daily by the hotel staff, and if you need more (of anything really) just give the reception a phone call and they’ll assure it’s there in no time.

The room I stayed in didn’t have a bathtub, but the shower was relatively sizeable, and you have access to hot water 24 hours a day. You’re provided with amenities made by Forest Essentials, a highly sought after ayurvedic company in India, that includes shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and bar soap. The aromas are not overpowering at all, and make you feel like you’re in a luxury spa.

Amazing reflexology

Speaking of luxury spas, the Vivanta by Taj offers many relaxing and uplifting treatments at their very own Jiva Spa. Of course, you’ll find the usual back massages and facials on the list, however they offer unique services too. You can choose reflexology, which is the best foot massage you will ever have, there’s also champi (ayurvedic head massage), meditation services, and you can even chant mantras or practise breathing techniques.

A relaxing space to enjoy your meal

The Vivanta by Taj has many dining options to fulfill even the needs of the pickiest of eaters. Terracotta is a classy indoor restaurant, with floor to ceiling windows, and the choice of outdoor seating. Open from 12:30pm until 3pm, then again from 7pm until 11pm, you’ll indulge in some delicious North-Indian fare that is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

The Latitude is also an indoor restaurant full of vivid warm tones and corkscrewed lighting effects that rise from the floor. You can expect more Continental cuisines here such as Italian minestrone, pizzas, fish and chips, salmon, and chicken varieties. However, you can also find your traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian dishes as well, including vegetable korma (a spicy curry with mixed vegetables), a vegetarian kebab platter, chicken tikka masala, and even kheema pav, a minced lamb with spices and red chili usually served up with warm dinner rolls. Latitude stays open for 24 hours a day, serving breakfast at 7am and lunch options around 12 noon.

If you prefer more salads and starters, the Caramel Café is open from 7am until 2am, and has an extensive salad menu along with lighter meals like sandwiches and a variety of breakfast pastries. This is a great place if you want to take something to-go or back up to your room to enjoy. The Tease Bar, open from 3pm until 11:30pm, is a great place to relax after a long day with a couple of appetizers or a creative cocktail to take the edge off. All the drinks have cute names too, like ‘we wish polygamy was legal’ or ‘18 till I die!!’