From Lonavala and Karjat to Alibaug, there are so many destinations close to Mumbai that have luxurious resorts and boutique stays, making them the ideal weekend getaway spots. But for me, Pune has always been that second home and a place to unwind. Having spent much time visiting the city when my elder sister was studying there years ago, Pune grew on me. Now, with a full-time job, I hardly get time to head out of the city for a short break, until a few weekends ago. I chose to escape the daily hustle and bustle and set off on a drive to Pune. True that the city has become almost as busy as Mumbai, so I chose to be at a space that was in the heart of Pune’s captivating downtown but still came with that serenity. The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, which is right at the edge of the prestigious Poona Club Golf Course, proved to be the ideal urban retreat.
Cosy Haven
Featuring 198 spacious rooms and suites with a verdant golf course and city skyline views, expect nothing short of luxury. After enjoying the refreshing welcome drink, I head up to my suite. The door opens to a large living room that leads into a bedroom with a view of the city as well as the swimming pool, which called out to me. I hold on to that thought and check out the rest of the room, outfitted with beautiful details and a signature sleep experience that includes a pillow menu, 24-hour in-room dining and a deep soaking tub.
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Of course, the tub was equally alluring but I chose to start my mini vacay by taking a dip into the temperature-controlled infinity pool instead.
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Feast Fest
Having built an appetite after an hour-long swim, I was ready to indulge in some gourmet preparations. While the hotel is aptly located in the heart of the city, giving access to some of Pune’s best F&B offerings, you must check out the dining scene within the hotel. I dug into the lavish buffet for lunch at Three Kitchens Restaurant And Bar, which features an extensive spread of Indian, Asian and Western cuisines.
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The hotel also features other culinary options – The Ritz-Carlton Tea Lounge brings the time-honoured custom of afternoon tea to the city; Alta Vida is a craft cocktail and grills destination; and Aasmana, a rooftop lounge serves Indian cuisine with 180-degree views of the golf course and adaptations from the royal kitchens of India.
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Modern Japanese cuisine takes centre stage at Ukiyo’s Yakitori Brunch, which features a long sushi counter and robata grill complemented by an expansive selection of sake. If you’re in Pune right now, you must head there for a culinary event STAT! Chef Niyati Rao of Mumbai’s Ekaa is currently doing a pop-up at Ukiyo with a 9-course menu that pays homage to the Royal Empires of the World. Savour exquisite dishes including a Scandinavian course, inspired by the Viking Empire, featuring a sugar-based pickle of green strawberries, honouring their foraging lifestyle; or go on a culinary journey with a tribute to the Qing Empire of China, showcasing the art of extracting rich flavours in broths using ingredients like goji berries and Sabudana. My only complaint? I’m not there for it!
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Time To Unwind
Before I headed back to Mumbai, I ensured to check out The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where every detail is designed to offer rest and rejuvenation. Eight treatment rooms host signature experiences including massages and facials performed by expert therapists. I unwinded with an aromatic massage therapy that eased all the knots in my body and sent me into a deep slumber.
Energised and refreshed, that’s exactly how I wanted to feel before leaving. And thanks to the spa and my overall stay at The Ritz-Carlton in Pune, I was at ease and ready to get back to the grind.
