Conrad Pune—an oasis of luxury, wellness, and culinary delight

Nestled in the city of Pune, Conrad Pune stands tall exuding a vibe of luxury and warm hospitality, and I got to experience it from the get-go. As I stepped into the lobby of the hotel, I was greeted with smiling faces and a refreshing beverage to extinguish the fatigue of my road journey. 

My stay at Conrad Pune can be defined by the feelings of warmth, comfort, and luxury throughout. And while the raptures began the moment I stepped into the art deco property, it was amplified as I walked into my suite where fruits, sweets, and savouries, along with a warm welcome note awaited me. It featured a separate seating area with comfortable couches, a dining table, and a coffee station—perfect for guests to unwind after a long day of business meetings or leisure. 

The living area of the suite was so comfortable, that one could sleep there—except for the fact that it leads the way to the bedroom, which is even cosier and more luxurious. A bed that feels inviting, to say the least, came with bedsheets that felt rich and snugly with their 300-thread count. Conrad Pune also offers a special pillow menu, so you can choose the kind you’d want to rest your head on (or cuddle with!) I was incredibly happy with my non-allergen feather pillow. With a bed so comfy, you have to take a nap right away! And so, I slept like a baby for a few minutes and it recharged me completely for a day full of fun and experiences ahead. 

The suite’s bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower area. And if, like me, you love unwinding in a bubble bath with some wine and music, this is going to be one of your favourite areas of the suite. There is a TV in the bathroom that you can tune into as you soak your stress away. I rejuvenated my senses, enjoying my time alone, away from the hustle and bustle of my daily life. What’s more, there is a separate seating area in the bathroom where you can sit and get your hair and make-up done. I was so glad for the fact that I could sit and get all decked up for a nice lunch ahead. 

I went for lunch at the Asian specialty restaurant at Conrad Pune called Koji, and was enchanted by its stunning interior design. Turns out, it has been designed by a very popular Japanese interior design company, Spin. The authenticity of the restaurant wasn’t limited to its enigmatic design but also, and most importantly, extended to its food. I indulged in a plethora of dishes such as Truffle Mushroom Dumplings, Exotic Mushroom Sushi, Avocado Nigiri, Shishito Sriracha Roll, Plant-based Potato Noodles, Edamame Fried Rice and more. The dishes served at Koji heralded me to culinary bliss. I washed it all down with some Japanese saké. I ended my lunch on an even better note with the Koji cheesecake.

I retreated into the cosiness of my suite, where I spent the next hour or so relaxing and watching some TV. While I did that, I was looking forward to a nice high tea at Kabana, the exclusive poolside café which offered an array of snacks and some refreshing beverages. For those who want to unwind in the evening in the pleasant breeze with a wine or a spirit, that option is available, too. I spent the next few hours at this oasis of absolute tranquillity, relishing some delicacies, a stunning view, and some calm.

My gastronomical journey wasn’t complete without the delicious veg thali I devoured at Zeera, brimming with a plethora of Indian dishes that made me feel right at home.

The next day, after a night of restful sleep, I headed to Coriander Kitchen for a delicious spread at the breakfast buffet. With pancakes that melt in your mouth, dosas that bring along a lightness with them, avocado toast that gave me the boost of energy I needed to start my day and many other dishes to satiate my gluttony—I was in a pure state of culinary ecstasy. The highlight of this all-day diner is the picturesque water body which punctuates the outdoor area; it is massive and stunning, blending in a lovely sanctuary charm to a city hotel.

Speaking of ecstasy, what I absolutely loved from the bottom of my heart, soul, and aching muscles, was the Balinese massage at The Conrad Spa, situated on the Lifestyle floor at the hotel. The spa boasted of luxury amalgamated with the holistic power of healing. The highest standards of hygiene and hospitality were maintained at the spa. And as I submitted myself to experience the wholesome power of the Balinese massage, I found myself falling into a relaxing slumber. Post the blissful massage, I experienced their steam and sauna rooms, and stepped out of the spa feeling a renewed sense of vigour and a spring in my steps!

I had the afternoon to myself, so I headed to Pune Sugar Box in Conrad Pune, and if you are a lover of books, good food, and coffee, you will find yourself there, too! I ordered a Tomato mozzarella pesto sandwich and a nutty iced coffee, and I found myself enthralled by the plot of Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover. I gulped down the captivating story with a side of an assortment of tempting pastries, recommended by the chef.

While I had a day I couldn’t stop feeling ecstatic over, I was really looking forward to going to their rooftop restaurant called Al Di La. The rooftop lounge bar kisses the sky while offering a picturesque view of the entire city. A great place to enjoy the sunset as well as to have a fine dining experience at night, the restaurant was definitely a highlight of my stay at Conrad Pune. Their Creamy Polenta Cake with Mushroom Ragu is to die for and is also nutritious. With unique and refreshing cocktails offered at the restaurant, I could just kick back, and enjoy the vibe and the music at Al Di La!

It was a restorative stay, and I could imagine myself staying here for both business and leisure. In fact, with the kind of luxury and hospitality Conrad Pune offers, I could imagine what fun it would be to attend weddings at this hotel. PS: If any of my friends are planning to get hitched, here’s dropping hints! Any excuse to head back to this idyllic hotel—be it a staycation, an event, an occasion or a wedding—will have me running back to it!

Check out Conrad Pune's website here: www.conradpune.com