Make your weekends wow at Swissotel. t2 checks in to check out the star hotel’s festive package

CHECK-IN: After club-hopping for t2’s Party pages all (Friday) night long, I was eager and impatient to check in at Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista to experience their weekend package. The smiley staff made me feel welcome with, “We have been waiting for you”, and ushered me to my room on the sixth floor. Wearing heels had taken their toll so as soon as I entered the Swiss Executive Room (with wobbly legs), all I wanted to do was simply crash on that super comfy bed under the pop art on the walls. Too tired to explore any further... I soon went Zzzzz. 

MORNING AFTER: Early to bed and early to rise... is not my story. But on Saturday morning, I had no other choice when rain and the rumbling of thunder awoke me. As I dragged myself out of bed to draw the curtains, my jaw almost dropped to the floor! The large glass windows in my room were misty and covered with droplets of water and wait... was that a Jacuzzi outside? “Whoa this is super!” I thought, suddenly wide awake. Out came my phone to Snapchat and make my friends and sisters J. After all, they were all slogging in office! Minutes later, I took an oh-so-relaxing early morning dip in the Jacuzzi and then rushed to Cafe Swiss before the breakfast buffet closed. 

BACON LOVE: On most other days, I end up skipping breakfast. So stepping into a buzzing Cafe Swiss was a surprise. One could go a la carte or for the breakfast buffet. I made a mountain of crispy bacon, along with hash brown, scrambled eggs and grilled veggies and then moved to freshly-made pancakes and waffles along with my patent milk tea! 
If you want anything in particular, just call for the chefs who are most willing to make your first meal of the day satisfactory. #Burp

HAPPY ART: A happy tummy means a happy mood... reflected aptly by this adorable towel art in the room that had my specs on too! Touched by the gesture, I named it Jumbo in my head and let him continue wearing my specs.

NOM NOM: After a few hours of rest, it was time to report at Durbari — the fine-dine North Indian and Mughlai restaurant. After going slurp-slurp with Chicken Shorba, I stuffed myself with Dal Durbari and Gandhoraj Mahi Tikka but the dish that stole my heart was Durbari Raan, a tandoor speciality. Meaty and spicy, a must-try! You can also try the cheesy and tasty Murgh Ke Parchey. 

KEEP CALM AND SPA ON: I had often spotted the “Purovel Spa” while going to Splash to report on their popular pool parties so I was rather excited to take my first spa here. I was introduced to my therapist Annie who helped me pick the Purovel Mountain Massage — good for muscle aches and blood circulation. “Aromatherapy is the most commonly-asked-for therapy by walk-in guests but guests staying with us, especially foreigners, like to opt for the Mountain Massage as the strokes are longer and deeper,” she said. If you have chronic body pain, try the hot stone massage which is an experience in itself. 

Tip: Taking a shower before your therapy is a good idea. One must get rid of chlorine, perspiration or dirt from the body. After your massage, don’t take a shower for at least an hour. Allow the oils to soak in. 

 

DATE NIGHT: One of the high points of the weekend package is customisation. For example, you can surprise bae with a candlelit dinner by the Jacuzzi, just like we did, er... only bae was missing! The balloons floating around, a bed of red roses on the table, Closer by The Chainsmokers playing in the background and of course champagne and delicious Italian bites... totes lit!

SATURDANCE: Once the mood is set, hop into Maaya the nightclub for some Saturday night jive! With resident DJ Koushik manning the console, it’s hard not to groove. Guests under the weekend package can enjoy two complimentary drinks on arrival. 

MORNING DIP: Start your Sunday at the infinity pool with this breathtaking view of the city skyline. Breathe in the fresh air, do yoga or take an early morning swim and watch the flights take off — we suggest don’t skip this experience. After a swim, I settled with Harry Potter and  The Cursed Child until my stomach sent signals that I was hungry. 

BRUNCHING IN STYLE: The Sunday brunch at Swissotel is quite a thing. “We innovated our brunch menu as there is so much to offer. Every month we have themes like Punjabi, Goan or street food counters. The idea is to give guests an experience of varied cuisines,” said executive chef Pranay Kumar Singh. We loved the chocolate fountains, the scones, the crispy waffles all washed down with Rose wine. 

WEEKENDPACKAGE

Where: Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista, next to City Centre New Town

When: Friday (check-in 2pm) to Sunday (check-out noon) or Saturday to Monday. 

Package inclusions, for two: Buffet dinner on the day of check-in, buffet breakfast on both mornings, one buffet lunch, two complimentary drink coupons at Maaya, 20 per cent discount on F&B, 50 per cent discount on spa, 50 per cent discount on laundry, usage of swimming pool, sparkling wine in the room upon arrival, free wi-fi, in-room amenities, with special ones for kids. 

Pocket pinch: Choose from the Swiss Classic Room @ Rs 6,850, Swiss Advantage Room @ Rs 7,850 and Swiss Executive Room with Jacuzzi @ Rs 10,350. (19.23  per cent tax is applicable)

Hotel speak: “The aim of the Weekend Getaway Package is to make our guests feel good by providing a serene atmosphere away from the bustle of the city. Here, they can treat themselves to luxurious dining experiences, enjoy a tipple at lounge bar Maaya or indulge in retail therapy at the adjoining mall... and of course make memories!” said Ishandeb Chatterjee, director of sales, Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista.

 

Text and pictures: Pramita Ghosh

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