- Robert Frost, A Peck of Gold

Yea, 'We all must eat our peck of gold', and what better place to experience that than at the Golden Palms Resort and Spa, with all its luxury, beauty and calm. Welcome to this beautiful 14 acre Resort and Spa, situated in the north-western suburbs of Bangalore. Conceptualised and designed by Mr. Sanjay Khan and Mrs. Zarine Khan, the resort is a sprawling mass of green foliage, well maintained lawns, a huge, blue swimming pool and a few beautiful buildings interspersing the landscape. But before you dismiss it as yet another resort, think about this - 148 luxurious rooms, one of the largest swimming pool and the largest Spa in Asia! Now that doesn't read 'common'. Besides, the brand name of '' alone speaks of world class hospitality.

The first things that you will notice about the Golden Palms is the clean, fresh air tinged with spicy aroma of herbs, beautiful sculptured fountains, pleasant hotel staff and detailed architecture. The next thing that you will notice is the 130 metre long lagoon-shaped swimming pool. So tempting is its blue tranquility and clean water, that you would want to drop everything and head for a good dip!

By the pool side are two of the three restaurants of Golden Palms - Cafe Solaire and Badsha, and the Aqua Bar. Cafe Solaire is the all day indoor-outdoor restaurant offering neo tropical buffet and a la carte menu. You can choose from a wide variety of fresh seasonal fruits, salads, pastas, breads, grilled dishes, cold meats, desserts and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

Badsha - true to its name, serves tandoori fare in the Mughlai tradition and Lucknawi cuisine from the Awadh region of North India. It is an open-air restaurant open for dinner only. So, now when you yearn for those yummy kebabs, lentils, Indian breads and biryanis along with a great atmosphere, you know where to head to.

Overlooking the pool are the Resort's rooms and suites. All these rooms, beautifully done and oozing in opulence and luxury would seem to have been lifted straight out of your dream house. Every single detail, however minute, has been taken care of - from designer ash trays to delicious smelling pot pourri by the bedsides. Each of the rooms and suites have a large balcony or terrace with garden views. The rooms are located in eleven pavilions, with 14 suites and 2 Presidential Suites - the 'Tipu Sultan' and the 'Poorniya'. Each of the rooms are spacious, have bathrooms equipped with large drencher shower heads and all kinds of modern facilities from in-room safe to a mini bar. There is also a room equipped specially for the physically challenged guest.

Now that we are done with the pool and suites, let's move on to the Spa - Life Enhancement Centre. With five floors of the building solely dedicated to promote health and well being, it is one of the largest Spa in Asia and one among the best in the world. The Spa offers holistic treatments to reduce weight, enhance beauty and rejuvenate the body and soul. It features state-of-art techno gym and cardio vascular equipment combined with a group fitness studio and a separate gym block for women. Says Peter J Simpson, General Manager, Golden Palms Resort and Spa, "We understand the gender sensitivity in India. Some women may not be comfortable with men around. Therefore a separate gym block for the women." They also have a meditation and yoga facility, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi. A variety of hydrotherapy treatments, Ayurvedic, Balinese and Swedish massages in addition to an extensive range of specific face and body care treatments, including acupuncture and reflexology are available. For sports enthusiasts, there are two clay surface tennis courts, two squash courts and a jogging track. For those feeling less ambitious there is snooker, pool and billiards.

Just at the entrance of the Life Enhancement Centre is a Spa Bar and Health Cafe. It is primarily meant for post-spa relaxation but like everywhere else in the resort, anybody is welcome here. And if any among you despairs for a Health Cafe which would serve nutritious drinks and food without compromising on the taste, then don't despair anymore. This Health Cafe promises not to disappoint you. It serves health drinks and light meals, customised for all weight watchers and to every palate from Rajasthani to Continental.

Garden of Eden. Except that Adam is missing and Eve is lost in the embrace of a python. Well jokes apart, we are talking about Golden Palms' signature supper club. It is a simply awe inspiring restaurant with its faux trees whose tentacle like branches and apples crowd the roof. Besides the fabulous interiors, you can enjoy the advantages of a restaurant, a bar and a dance floor - all at one go. On entering the Garden of Eden, the restaurant is towards your left. The bar and dance floor is towards your right. Soft muted lights, delicious food prepared by internationally renowned chefs, great music playing in the background and your sweetheart by your side - well what more can you ask for?

Last but not the least - the Nostalgia Bar, located adjacent to the hotel lobby. Here nostalgia for Hollywood and Bollywood is complete in its theme interiors, giant plasma TV screening the yesteryear hits of the two greats and sculptures recreating behind-the-camera scenes. The 'fun pub' atmosphere is emphasised with the piped-in music. The bar serves a big variety of exotic snacks, besides the wide range of imported and local spirits and wines, liquor and cocktails.

And of course, mention has to be made of the packages that Golden Palms has to offer to their guests. Executives wanting to escape from the stress and chaos of their professional life, are offered the Executive Getaway Package for two nights and three days. For couples and parents, there are the Fusion Package, Honeymoon Package and The Great Escape for Parents. Girls Just Want To Have Fun is solely for the pampering of the women kind, Mother To Be package for cherishing soon-mothers-to-be and Healthy Lifestyle package for everybody who desires of a more healthful life. These packages include the suites or rooms, various treatments of the Spa from Cleopatra's Milk Bath to a Romantic Flower Bath, and various sports and adventure activities.

Whew!! Now that was just wee bit of the Golden Palms Resort and Spa. For more you will have to visit the resort and believe me, it will be more than you expected.

Golden Palms Resort and Spa
31-32 Nagarur Village, Dasanapura Hobli
Off Tumkur Road, Bangalore - 562 123
Phone: +91 (0) 80 2371 2222

Mischelle Rebello

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