Luxury For The Long Haul

The Taj Wellington Mews Luxury Residences has sought to revolutionise the concept of creature comforts says Bhisham Mansukhani.

The dictionary definition of Mews is 'a street lined with buildings, originally private stables that have been remodeled as dwellings'. Carpeting 2.6 acres in South Mumbai, The Taj Wellington Mews, offers luxury's ultimate. The 80, Sue Freeman designed, generously roomy apartments that allude to the enigmatic tradition of the palatial suites of yore do more than justify John Portman's very Manhattan like architectural rendition -- a grey metallic facade wrapped around a circular structure endears in contrast to the melee of colour around it. Less is hardly more for this property though the lobby makes a minimalistic impact, which ends right there.

The studios (350 sq.ft.) are the smallest available here but still tuck in a kitchen with a washing machine, dishwasher and hot plate. The one bedroom residence (700 sq.ft.) includes a living room equipped with a work station and study desk, an operational kitchen and a bedroom with an attached bathroom. The more spacious cousin (1,100 sq.ft.) adds a separate dining area as wells as a balcony sit-out. The shower cubicle inside the washroom is an additional frill.

The two bedroom residence (1,500 sq.ft.) raises the bar of home like luxury. The three bedroom residence (1,900 sq.ft.) opens up into the hall allowing flexible interaction in addition to a children's' room. The acme, quite literally, is the four bedroom penthouse (5,300 sq.ft.), on the top most floor with a separate areas for sitting, dining, study and as well as three spectacular oceanic view's. The master bedroom has attached separate sex washrooms, a walk-in closet as well as a spacious kitchen with two maid's rooms, utility room, and a store area.

All the residences offer a home theatre system, plasma television, Wifi, personal safe, locking system, dishwasher, microwave, crockery, cutlery with a state-of-the-art business centre etc. Meeting rooms ranging between 170 square feet and 230 square feet, complete with wireless internet access and a library. Other prerequisites range from a car wash and rentals to beauty treatments, babysitting, pet care and courier services. In addition to this there is an in room menu, which features signature dishes from restaurants of Taj Palace and Towers and Taj President located nearby. An air-conditioned van is always on standby to deliver the orders. The Weli Deli, which houses a gourmet store serves up a range of sandwiches, salads and an assortment of beverages while an exclusive bar, titled, The Lounge which provides guests with entertainment and minimal banqueting facilities.

The Wellington Mews Spa, an expanse of 80,000 square feet is housed in a separate building at four levels connected by a mezzanine floor to the residency and caters to the burgeoning culture of wellness. It contains a therapeutic spa and state-of-the-art health club and a swimming pool.