Soul Rejuvenation: Taj Palace, Mumbai

I arrived at the Taj Palace having completed a 10 day Vipassana (silent meditation) at the Dhama Giri Vipassana Centre in Igatpuri, close to Mumbai.

By the time I arrived I was exhausted and desperately in need of some luxury after 10 days of living (extremely!) modestly and with no access to a hot shower.

I had mentioned in passing to a friend that the strength of the Euro against the Indian Rupee had meant that I could stay for a few nights in this extremely beautiful hotel in Mumbai. Being familiar with both Mumbai and the hotel they said that the one thing I had to do was to ensure that I got a room in the actual old palace part of the hotel, even if this meant paying for an upgrade.

The Taj Palace Swimming Pool

Staying in the Taj Palace

In order to be sure that the upgrade was worth it I asked to see the room in the hotel main and the room in the palace and my friend was quite right. For a special treat the Taj Palace was absolutely worth it.

The bedroom

It is not just necessarily for the room alone, which was of itself, with views of the Arabian Sea, spectacular, but also because of the Taj Palace itself.

The view from the bedroom

If you love antiques, then this will be heaven. With beautifully curated peaces dotted elegantly about on each floor, the journey back to your room becomes a deeply sensory experience.

Inside the Taj Palace

A floor in the Taj Palace

The hotel itself also offers a fabulously tranquil, respite from the frenetic pace of Mumbai, a particular favourite being the poolside cafe.

The poolside cafe

The poolside cafe

Shopping in Mumbai

Being based in Europe, one of my absolute favourite things to do in India is to collect Saris and then have them altered when I get home. The textiles and colors of the saris are such that the results can be quite spectacular and really bring you enjoyment, particular as each garment is then a momento of your holiday.

TAJ PALACE MUMBAI can be booked on Booking.com