Condé Nast Traveller India - Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla

the ChatWaL, New York
Since it launched in August, The
Chatwal has brought a revival
of 1930' s Gotham glamour to
New York' s theatre district. It has
been more than a decade since
a hotel opening caused a stir in
this part of the city, so Vikram
Chatwal' s hotel has become
a Midtown Manhattan landmark.
The building was originally
home to the Lamb' s Club,
a classic example of Empire Art
Deco design. Here, legendary
club members like WC Fields
and Fred Astaire made history
on Broadway and in Hollywood,
so it is fitting that The Chatwal
has emphasised its theatrical
heritage. Interior designer
Thierry Desont has restored
the place to the standard of
the Lamb' s Club golden age,
while giving it contemporary
flourishes. A club atmosphere
prevails throughout the
88 rooms and suites. All rooms
have their own Backgammon
set and pack of Chatwal playing
cards, but with the Lamb' s Club
restaurant downstairs and the
bar' s extensive cocktail menu
beckoning, it' s unlikely you'll
find time for too many games of
Patience. The hotel has a spaÐ
The Chatwal Spa by KashwéreÐ
that offers a bespoke menu with
a selection of result-oriented,
touch-driven treatments to
rejuvenate weary guests. The
spa features a relaxation lounge
with spa aperitifs, two plunge
pools offering hot and cold
therapy, a fitness centre and
a manicure and pedicure studio.
When to go September
or October to catch the
new season' s shows
on Broadway.
Room to book The
Stanford White suite on the
second floor.
+1 212 764 6200; www.
thechatwalny.com. Doubles
from US$695 ( 32,500)
the beSt
neW hoteLS
IN THE WORLD
THE AmERIcAs
& cARIbbEAN
Right: One of the suites at The Chatwal, New York
Below: The living room at the Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
photographs: SImon bRoWn; myRIam babIn
eStanCIa VIk JoSe IgnaCIo, Uruguay
The imposing white edifice of Estancia Vik looks slightly attentionseeking
in the rolling landscape outside José Ignacio, the
fashionable seaside town that attracts an international, boho-chic
crowd. Built on a rise overlooking a lagoon and the Atlantic, and
surrounded by 1,500 hectares with stables, a polo field and 1,400
cattle, the hacienda has just 12 suites, each devoted to the work
of a different Uruguayan artist. The public spaces are similarly
endowed: Clever Lara contributed 34 paintings for the living room;
Marcelo Legrand splattered vibrant colours across the corrugatedtin
walls and ceiling of the barbecue room; the games room features
an intricate wall sculpture by José Pelayo. In all, it is an eloquent
expression of Uruguayan originality. There are activities to pursue,
such as riding (horses and bicycles) and canoeing (excellent
for birdwatching), and guests can also take polo lessons and go
on nature walks. But most head down to the beach for the day,
returning to change before hurrying back into town for dinner.
They are missing outÐt he peaceful, early-evening views are
sensational and the chef produces a small but very good
dinner menu deploying fresh, healthy ingredients from the
organic kitchen garden.
When to go In José Ignacio ` the season' is between
Christmas and mid-January. February and March are lovely
and much quieter.
Room to book Depends on your preference: in some rooms
nudes abound, in others landscapes or abstracts. Bathrooms have
sculptured wooden bathtubs and recessed rainshowers.
+ 598 94 605 212; www.estanciavikjoseignacio.com. Suites
from US$275 ( 12,900)
THE AmERIcAs & cARIbbEAN continues on page 315
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