How do you strike a balance between work and leisure? It's a question that I try to dwell on while Anna, the soft-spoken masseuse at The Spa at the newly launched Park Hyatt Hyderabad places a warm towel over my eyes. I push aside the question for later.

Business hotels the world over ponder the answers to the same question. They need to provide an environment of calm for their guests while making sure that all of the latter's work-related needs is met with efficiently. At the Park Hyatt Hyderabad, close to three-fourths of their clientele are expected to be from the world of business, and they have tried to create a space where the guests can make time for both relaxation and rigour. Located in the prestigious Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad, the simple façade of the hotel can be misleading. When you step inside, it is into a truly luxurious environment.

Design details

Space. Tonnes of it. That is my first impression while walking through the hotel. I soon realise that this has more to do with smart interior design. The design firms John Portman & Associates and Hersch Bedner Associates have kept the look and feel of the hotel as open as possible. The restaurants and rooms are placed around a central area which grabs your attention with impressive columns, a gleaming, white abstract sculpture and the small French patisserie. Walkways on the floors above are hidden behind wooden slating and guests will catch glimpses of green while they walk by, thanks to the terrace gardens maintained on certain floors. Funky chandeliers imported from the Czech Republic light your way. Dark wood, cream upholstery and Madurai granite pervade the décor of the hotel, from the lobby into the rooms. But splashes of colour are present in abstract paintings by a French artist who is said to have been inspired by Indian culture. The hotel offers 185 guest rooms and 24 suites. They also offer 42 fully serviced luxury apartments on the two topmost floors, called The Residence.

The View King room, decked out in olive and cream upholstery with wooden floors was unique in its design. A large dressing area with an oversized mirror is on one side of the entrance to the room while the rainwater showerhead, tub and washroom are on the other. The king bed and TV follow with glass windows at the far end. The view was not too pleasing, but you could always draw the shimmering olive curtains to cut it out. The suites are impressive with more space and bathrooms with only glass walls and electronic blinds. For guests who wish to stay for extended periods, single, two and three-bedroom apartments decorated using the same core theme of warmth and business-chic are available and are accessed via separate elevators for added privacy.

Tuck in, tune out

The hotel has enough dining options to satisfy the most discerning guest. Restaurants ‘The Living Room' and ‘The Dining Room' located on the ground floor have open seating arrangements near the water feature. The former offers juices and fresh pastries from the Patisserie while the latter serves both Indian and European cuisine with a selection of wines. Flaky pastry with creamy mushrooms, succulent chicken tikka and a goat's cheese blanc-manger are the highlights of The Dining Room's menu. Finish the meal with their signature cheesecake or three sweet helpings of profiteroles swimming in a dark chocolate sauce. For authentic Northern Italian cuisine, head to Tre-Forni Restaurant and Bar, named after the three rustic ovens placed in the restaurant. A large, chic bar area decked out in cool grey welcomes you into the restaurant. Their selection of wines is as impressive - it includes the La Brancaia 2008 and Armand de Brignac - as their signature peach bellini. Moving into the dining space, the ambience is one of comfort with open kitchens and baking areas. The crisp chicken pizza with zucchini is lightly flavoured and a diner's favourite, as is the parmigiani. Succulent slices of eggplant alternating with stringy mozzarella and tomato is a meal in itself. If you love coffee, try the creamy tiramisu served in a fashionable cocktail glass. But for a true Italian ending, the panna cotta, flecked with vanilla seeds and served with pistachio crumbs and caramel garnish is the perfect choice. The Oriental Bar and Kitchen offers South East Asian snacks to accompany drinks, with separate libraries each for cognacs, Asian liquor and whiskies. There are talks of opening a cigar lounge as well.

The business traveller can make the most of the well-equipped gym or take a dip in the elongated infinity pool with private cabanas. Here too, the view can be a little discomforting as there is some building construction underway across the street. Your best option is to head to The Spa, with its wellness therapies inspired by those given to the Nizams of Hyderabad. The suites are subtly lit and private with a large couples suite available as well. Best of all, the massage beds are heated from underneath, which makes the experience more enjoyable. Try the Swedish massage with sandalwood and nutmeg infused oil which is truly relaxing. With the numerous banquet halls, a charming business centre, efficient staff and personalised service, Park Hyatt Hyderabad aims to cater to all your business and recreational needs.

What: The new Park Hyatt

Where: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

How much: Rs 15,000 onwards per room per night

archanaachal@thehindu.co.in

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