Le Sutra, Mumbai, India - Explore & Book
"Look out for this little hotel or you might miss it altogether. However, once you’re past its unassuming frontage there’s plenty to capture your attention. Conceived as an 'art hotel', this little suburban sanctuary is a great entry point for first-time travellers to India who want a rapid initiation into its art, philosophy and culture. Small enough to be a guesthouse but with the conveniences of a large hotel, including a spa and concierge services, Le Sutra packs quite a punch with its 14 original and immaculate themed rooms.From the minute you enter, there’s plenty to look at - amorphous sculptures, installations tucked into niches, literary quotations scribbled on walls and intricately inlaid flooring. The owners mobilised over 150 artists, designers and visualisers from across the country to help with the design, which was spearheaded by Mitali Bajaj of Dr. Art + Design, the Mumbai design studio. But don’t expect expensive, auction-worthy pieces; many of the artists were art students. Set in the lively northern suburb of Khar (adjacent to Bandra), Le Sutra has fantastic access to some of the city's most popular restaurants and vibrant bars. A hop, skip and jump away is Carter Road, a waterfront promenade that comes alive at dusk thanks to its long strip of street-style eateries. It’s also perfect for that early morning jog. In a city filled with either pricey signature chains or indistinctive mid-range hotels, Le Sutra is a cool addition to the pack. Highs Close to Mumbai’s most popular suburb, Bandra, which has a thriving nightlife, cosmopolitan feel and great shopping The design concept makes for an interesting stay. Ask for a guided tour of the rooms, each a one-off, with a unique carved chairTwo restaurants, serving excellent food: Out of the Blue offers Indian fare, and is super popular with locals; Olive has Mediterranean meals in a cool Ibiza settingThe themed rooms, based around the 3 gunas of Hindu philosophy, are full of beautiful detail: Buddha frescoes, horse-head beds, mirror sculptures, lotus-pond showers. Great value for money tooBooks on Indian art, philosophy and yoga in your room Lows You might be disappointed by the lack of facilities: there is no swimming pool or gymNot child friendly; best suited to single travellers or couplesIt can get noisy during the day, and we've heard that the next door bar plays loud music until after midnight on Thursday-Saturday nightsNo inspiring views from the bedrooms, despite the hotel’s proximity to the seaService can be laid-back but overall is very friendly and helpful" - Arati Carroll
