A Grand Gesture

Hyatt and I are old friends. From the days in the 1980s when the chain was marking its presence in India and joining Delhi&rsquos skyline to a luxurious stint at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago (where I shared an elevator ride with Hells Angels bikers), to the Hyatt place&rsquos cosy spot in Gurugram and in its ritzy property in Dubai. I&rsquove found myself accustomed to its special brand of hospitality and personalised cosseting. 

The last time I was in Bengaluru, I added another to the list, ensconced  at the Hyatt Centric that offers World of Hyatt FIND, a specially curated experience for world of Hyatt members. 

Unique and locally-relevant, they include activities like dining, fitness, adventure and restoration. The property&rsquos enviable spot in the city&rsquos most lively boulevard doesn&rsquot hurt either. It may not be as spacious as others in the brand portfolio, but it is just as luxurious with 143 rooms and suites to choose from. If you are looking to splurge, their suites come with private gardens and are absolutely gorgeous. That evening, I met up with friends for a drink at The Bengaluru Brasserie, a poolside restaurant and bar which offers a global menu. The Liquid Bar in an alfresco setting, I heard, sees a lively turnover during the weekends earning stripes as a pub-hoppers&rsquo haven. 

Having fled the weeping skies of Delhi the day before, the next morning, I woke up quite early. I joyfully embraced the fresh spring breeze and sunny skies on the road to the Nandi Valley, nestled&nbspin the shadow of the Nandi Hills. Our destination was the SDU winery&mdasha serene boutique winery producing a range of wines distinguished by finesse and character, just 75 kilometres away from the main city. 

What made this curated vineyard tour even more pleasant was the company. I was joined by a young photographer I had met on The Golden Chariot tourist train and he had brought his wife along and so, we were quite a raucous trio during the tour of the vineyard, the lab where the magic happens and the rooms where some fine wine was resting. Our lunch that day was abrim with laughter, indulgent reminiscences and plenty of reds and white, paired with the best of food. 

The day ended with even more delights back in the hotel. A walk around the&nbspspa and fitness studio was another temptation to be indulged. I booked myself for a leisurely massage. But guess what The short nap I allowed myself turned into a rather longish one and I missed my slot. Ever happened to you after too much wine and too much &lsquosunny&rsquo company

Still, not all was over. As I lazily flipped channels and pored over the day&rsquos papers, an assortment of finger foods that in-room service had rustled up made for splendid company...and the diet be damned 

I lingered under the rain shower in the embrace of lemon-scented soaps and lotions that engulfed the well-appointed bath. I always dress for dinner when I&rsquom out...So, cool and collected, I wound my way to The Bengaluru Brasserie for delectable kebabs and perfectly turned out mojitos...No No Not the &lsquovirginal&rsquo but the way they are meant to be enjoyed. &lsquoSalud&rsquo to the chef and bartender who kept them coming as the conversation flowed on. 

Ruminating over my weekend of indulgence as the car headed to the airport, I would say looking after your comfort and giving you a fresh take on a holiday experience is very much at the heart of all the Hyatt brands, and in whichever city you happen to find one. while Bengaluru had plenty of diversions of its own, what stood out for me was that unique exploration of its surrounds that the Hyatt Centric so thoughtfully organised for me. 

The property is an&nbspapproximately 40-minute drive to Kempegowda International Airport &nbspand has 143 rooms including 63 standard rooms, 48 King view rooms, 28 Twin rooms and 4 suites with private gardens.