The lines between personal and professional time are fast blurring. As smartphones, laptops, tabs, et al help work become a part of personal time off, be it a vacation or late-night movie; gradually the reverse is gaining popularity too – wherein you attach time off with work duty. Mixing business and leisure may have been a big no till a few years back, but now it’s fast growing as a trend, replete with its own acronym – Bleisure.
As work trips increase for companies with each passing year, employees have been seen extending their stay to see the destination as a traveller once the work part of it is done. Typically, this is done by scheduling meetings on a Monday or Friday, so you can cash in on the weekend, and the extensions are anywhere between one to three days. As these short getaways sandwiched between work rise consistently, we pick five of the best bleisure hotels across India for your next work-cum-wanderlust travels.
Andaz, Delhi
High on quirk and unabashed about its love for Delhi, Andaz is where you should stay when in the capital. Rooms and suites equipped with work desks,WiFi, multiple charging points and healthy dining options such Annamaya and Soul Pantry keep you fueled for the work part of the trip. And their book ‘401 Reasons to fall in love with Delhi’ is a ready reckoner for anyone looking to soak in the city’s soul. Not mere suggestions, they also regularly organise walks and experiences through the various aspects and areas of the city (food, photography, history, and more) that you can be a part of.
St. Regis, Mumbai
The impressive St. Regis is next to Lower Parel and Worli, making it the ideal location for a work trip. And once that’s done, you can revel in its many indulgences – the country’s highest nightclub, Asilo; four distinct dining options – Indian, European, Japanese, Pan Asian, the Iridium spa, and fitness facilities. Apart from proximity to the business district, It’s close to major attractions such as Colaba, Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Gateway of India, and Elephanta Caves as well.
Hyatt Regency, Ahmedabad
Next to the airport, Hyatt Regency in Ahmedabad is equally close to the business and cultural centres of the city. The hotel is happy to help you plan your time around its many museums, monuments, and handicrafts. And all this will be set up while you look onto splendid views of the Sabarmati Ashram from the confines of your room. Gujarati, Italian, and Chinese cuisines punctuate your stay as the hotel helps you get a glimpse into Ahmedabad’s rich heritage.
The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
The name of the hotel translates into the experience it puts forth. Just minutes away from the city’s main attractions, this 130-year old hotel has heritage walks lined up for you to experience the City of Joy. You can take your pick from the Spice Route for insight into Bengali cuisine, Indian wine Trail through the local vineyards, Cultural Kaleidoscope, and European Walk to explore colonial architecture. Add to that the extensive range of The Oberoi spa and their impeccable hospitality, which makes for a relaxing stay.
Marriott Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru
An L-shaped pool to laze around in, Serena Spa to rejuvenate after packed business-led days, to-go coffee cups for guests taking the cab – Whitefield is your best bet when it comes to a bleisure trip to Bengaluru. In the middle of the business district, it’s easy access to the main sights without being stuck in the city’s notorious traffic. They’ve got five different dining options across bars, cafes, and dining and a seamless service that adds to the sublime experience of staying here.
All images: Courtesy hotels.
An innate love for travel and food has translated into many a trips since childhood for Megha; it also fed her curiosity to know about local cultures. When not writing, she is on the lookout for three things: A great dark chocolate dessert, a beautiful pool where she can practice her backstroke, and art that she can save up for.
Most Popular
