Take a break!

In between meetings, seminars, conferences, one question often comes to mind, when is the break? Sitting for hours in a meeting or seminar can be tiring and all we think of is break time. A break is time when we slowly assemble our thoughts from the meeting, it is time where we refresh our mind, it is time when we stretch our legs. We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City understand that a break is a crucial time where people want to unwind and our Chef thought of making it memorable during our recent Regional Vice President (RVP) Awards event. Out of the box thinking got a green flag and breaks got innovation and new flavor.

The RVP Awards was a two day affair, where full day seminars where conducted in our banquet venues followed by an awards night. There were collection of breaks including morning and evening tea breaks. Take a sneak peek into few wonderful theme breaks designed by our Culinary and Food & Beverage teams.

Theme 1: Marshmallows and cup cake            

Am I dreaming? 6 different flavors of marshmallow, 10 different types of cup cakes and a marshmallow tree, it surely is a dream come true. The marshmallow and cup cake theme was full of varied flavors. A choice of everyone’s favorite chocolate or classic vanilla lay in front of your eyes. The ability to savor delicious marshmallows from vanilla white, strawberry pink, to orange or mango yellow, what could be a better way than to have marshmallows and cup cakes to give you an energy boost during the break.

Theme 2: Samosa       

A twist in the break with unique samosas. Our chefs have given the normal samosa a makeover with 10 different types of stuffed samosas with an array of chutneys. Enjoy irresistible samosas with a touch of masala chai to energize you between those long meetings.

Theme 3: Donna Hay               

Inspired by the books and style of Donna Hay an inspired food stylist who emphasizes more on basic ingredients and simply prepared dishes, this theme break brings the country style alive. With complete white décor and fresh glass on the floor, this theme brought the feeling of a picnic. Our chefs created a picnic spot in pre-function area.

Theme 4: Rejuvenate               

We all want a relaxing head or shoulder massage during our break and our rejuvenate theme did just that. A quick massage session and a healthy snack and juices are the perfect way to recharge yourself before a meeting resumes. Our rejuvenate theme showcased a range of healthy juices and smoothies like Wheatgrass and lemon juice to Mango berry smoothie. This theme also included hale and hearty desserts, enabling you to jump start the meeting after a rejuvenating break!

Theme 5: Ice Cream                

You scream, I scream we all scream for ice cream. Our favorite flavors like Chocolate, Strawberry, Mango and Pista where served with around 100 condiment options. Imagination got new wings with the ability to design your own toppings and create your own ice cream.                 

Theme 6: Chaat Street             

Mumbai city is famous for its street food like pani puri, dahi vada, vada pav and the list is endless. Our guests from all over Asia experienced a street food festival like never before. This theme displayed tempting street food a perfect replica of a Mumbai Street in our very own pre function area.

Time for a rainy getaway!

An ideal time for a getaway is none other than Monsoon season, where the streets are filled with happiness, where the ground smells like freedom, where rain drops gives you the feeling of being alive, where the climate boosts your spirit. A getaway from your mundane life, a getaway from office exertion, a getaway to refresh your mind and body, a getaway to energize yourself, a getaway to The Westin Mumbai will promise you just that.

As the monsoon weaves its magic into the city with cool showers and calming breezes, what better way to enjoy the rainy season than to curl up into our Heavenly Bed evoking a feeling of tranquility and well-being, nourishing your soul within a bustling city like Mumbai. 

Your welcome starts at the airport with our complimentary pick up in a luxury car. Check in to one of our spacious rooms, enjoy magnificent views of the rain and get a breathtaking view of the city.

Enjoy lavish buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes. The Westin Mumbai Garden City team will arrange airport transfers and high speed internet is at your fingertips. Rejuvenate your mind and body with our Heavenly Spa and enjoy 25% discount on any spa treatment. What can be a better way to enjoy your monsoon getaway with a minimum of 2 nights stay with The Westin Mumbai and you will leave feeling better than you did when you first arrived.

Come and recharge yourself with Westin Aspire!

A guide to Westin Wellness

When we think of wellness, it happens so naturally that we conjure up associations to harmony, tranquility, health, and rejuvenation, to name a few.  That comes as no surprise to those of us within the Westin brand who are constantly exposed by branded images and words that internalized these ideas and feelings with perfection.  Wellness as an idea is much bigger, and far more elusive, than these words or feelings can collectively embody.

Wellness can be defined as life balance. Wellness harmoniously nurtures your mental, physical, and emotional health intrinsically uplifting optimism for the foundation of a happy life. Imagine your mind, body, and soul feeling good from a renewing sleep, energizing workout, relaxing spa, nourishing foods, and fresh air empowering you to channel your energy to living your best life. Wellness is the attitude, decisions, and actions made today that make us into better versions of ourselves tomorrow.

Here at The Westin Mumbai Garden City we offer guests a soothing, contemporary environment for work and play. Whether you’ve arrived for business or pleasure, the hotel offers a suite of amenities to inspire you to be at your best. The experience begins when entering the hotel premises, with a drive through the charming green reserves, leading to an enchanting water body, followed by our Sensory Welcome inside the Westin place, where signature scents uplift your spirit. The elements of wood, stone and floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample rays of natural daylight leading to refreshing rituals and countless opportunities for relaxation and renewal. We pride ourselves in offering a personal and instinctive service, and a sensory – rich environment that evokes a feeling of tranquility and well-being, nourishing your soul within a bustling city like Mumbai. 


We offer distinct elements to uplift guests mentally, physically and spiritually by engaging and stimulating each of the five senses, Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, and Scent through a holistic approach to wellness.

Westin Heavenly Bed - Wellness is comfort when you lie down for a renewal rest. Good sleep is critical for both mental and physical health, the Westin Heavenly Bed evokes superior slumber, an experience so divine, you will never want to get out of bed.

WestinWORKOUT^® Fitness Studio - Stay fit and focused while you’re away, you need a workout routine that's challenging, flexible and rewarding. WestinWORKOUT^® combines state-of-the-art equipment and high-performance workouts to create a customized solution for guests who are committed to maintaining an active lifestyle during their travels.

Heavenly Spa by Westin – Rejuvenate through natural therapies integrated with modern spa concepts to create a complete wellness experience. The Heavenly Spa by Westin provides authentic, memorable experiences based on unique treatments and quality products delivered with care by skilled therapists.


Service Express^® – A single point for ease of contact, any request or concern, our Service Express provides for an unrivalled level of personalized services with the touch of a single button.


SuperFoodsRx™ – Our menus detail all the nutritional benefits of each food and how they work in combination with each other to give you the focused energy you need to meet the challenges of your day and maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst on the road.



White Tea fragrance – Weal when you close your eyes, take a deep breath and the fragrance fills your lungs and heart with peace and tranquility which will remain with you throughout your stay and beyond.

In pursuit of living your best life, be enriched by healthful options and environments that inspire your personal goal of achieving your better self, evolve seamlessly between simply being yourself at home or becoming a traveler on the road, discover equilibrium so that you leave every journey of experience feeling better than you did when you arrived. Come experience wellness at The Westin Mumbai Garden City and revive yourself.

THE WESTIN MUMBAI GARDEN CITY

International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, Goregaon East, Mumbai 400 063

Rhythmic Strokes in the Resonance of Rain

Our favorite season of the year has arrived. It is the season of making paper boats, it is season of colorful umbrellas, it is the season of unstoppable rains; it is king of all seasons, Monsoon! In India, monsoon is one of the much awaited seasons, as farmers and farms are blessed with rain to bring prosperity and a new beginning, rain is the start of a journey; it is an answer to the thirst of the agricultural industry. The distribution of rain across India is varied. Over a period of time, due to global warming there has been a major change in the trend of rain.

We all love to go out during the rain and just stand there, drenched yet immersed in the moment. However after such a wonderful moment the effects begin to reflect through dull skin, frizzy hair and an exhausted body. During the rain our body temperature drops and it is at such times, we should opt for warm therapies.

Our Heavenly Spa by Westin has created a warm oil based therapy especially for this monsoon season. Spa therapy and Ayurveda Bliss, two exclusive treatments designed keeping in mind the season’s requirement will leave you feeling enliven and energized. The therapy includes massages using almond or herbal oil and warm wraps will give you a soothing feeling.  These unique treatments will furnish a nurturing and healing touch that will stay with you even if the rains don't. Experience the warmth of monsoon with Heavenly Spa and wash away the strains of summer. Come, make a fresh start!

Be prepared for monsoon season with the tips shared by our Heavenly Spa team:

• Take special care of yourself. Stay away from bacterial and fungal infection.
• Hair gets moist and damp during monsoon.  Wash and condition it properly. Avoid using leave-in conditioner, use serum as an alternative.
• Wash your hands and legs with anti bacterial soap once you enter your home.
• Apply a gel based moisturizer before you go to bed.
• Keep your hair dry if needed use a hair dryer.
• Many people face the problem of dandruff, if needed use a dandruff shampoo.
• Opt for a warm spa therapy as the body gets cold in the monsoon season.

Heavenly Spa, Level 4,

8 am to 9 pm, 21 June – 25 August 2012

Spa therapy at Rs. 4494/- and Ayurveda Bliss at Rs. 5618/-

The Real Hero

Dad, our strength, our advisor, our protector, our admirer, he played many roles throughout our life. From the moment of our birth, dad plays a crucial part in our lives. Whether it is walking, riding a bicycle, helping with studies or planning a career path, our dad is always there. He tosses us in the air to give us the feeling of flying, he carries us on his shoulder to make us feel on top of the world, he catches us every time we fall to keep us safe and secure, our achievements are his pride, our smiles are his power, our sadness was his greatest pain.

We needed dad when we learning to swim, horse riding, playing cricket, flying a kite or even simply the comfort of his company whilst watching TV. Dad has always been there to support us, encourage us and motivate us to be our best. He pushed us so that we reach our potential. He taught us so that we obtain a good quality education. He pacified us when we failed. There is not a single moment where our dad was not with us when we needed him.

Our dad was a hero to us. When we were kids, dad’s shoulders were the highest point; our dad’s hand was strongest; our dad’s anger was fatal; our dad’s smile was unforgettable. All those moments and memories are a crucial part of our life. A birth connection, an unbreakable bond and a deep relationship, it stays with us throughout our lives. Even if our dad is not present with us, he is still with us in our heart. His soul never left us, it is with us forever.

We would have not been who we are today without our dad. Dedicate an afternoon to his constant effort and encouragement to coach us into what we are today. Indulge in a delectable buffet spread to show our love and care. Join us on our Father’s Day Brunch on 17^th June 2012 at Seasonal Tastes and relive the emotion with your dad.  

Serenity personified

Enter into the world of calmness; listen to the rhythm of your heartbeat; breathe the aroma of white tea scent, this is just a canvas of the environment in which our Spa & Recreation Manager, Archana Ghemeri works. Ms. Ghemeri is a certified clinical aroma therapist and cosmetologist. She is also an internationally trained therapist. Archana is in this profession for over 15 years. In her kitty, she has worked with prestigious organizations including Taj Hotels and Resorts. Archana’s specialty lie in spa therapies, in setting up an international spa and spa standards in countries like Maldives, Sri Lanka and Dubai. Her focus is not only on spa and spa services but also on spa products and creative menus. She personally designs spa products, spa packages and tries to bring new flavors onto the table. Archana specializes in designing spa itineraries to suit customer’s requirements.

She is a firm believer that every individual is different and every treatment given to those individuals must be unique. Every 3 months, Archana modifies the spa menu according to the season for our Heavenly Spa by Westin. She says that every season has its pros and cons and we at The Heavenly Spa make sure that our clients are treated and renewed with the season. The therapists working alongside Archana are trained to international standards and she personally takes care of their learning. When asked about spa trends in India, she said “It is growing and people are moving ahead with more awareness. The only thing I have observed is that there is lack of knowledge in terms of understanding a spa therapy and its value.” While talking to her, it is clearly evident that a Spa experience is much more than just a massage.

Take a sneak peek into the one on one ‘rapid fire round’ with our Spa and Recreation Manager, Archana Ghemeri offering an insight into her experience and path to success:

Describe a massage?

It is a healing therapy which enhances your mind body and soul for better living.

In the eyes of a Spa Therapist…..

We don’t do massages, we do healing! It is a transfer of energy from one soul to another i.e. a therapist to a client and from a client to a therapist.

The most innovative Spa concept you visited in the world?

A Spa in Maldives, it is below sea level with a view of sea creatures whilst having a treatment.

Best Spa destination

Bali, Indonesia

What you do in your free time?

Try to channelize my energy and focus more on the value of each and every individual’s well being.

The one thing you want to change in yourself?

Try and concentrate to stay positive for a better living.

A tip for being happy and feeling renewed…

Think positive and good things will happen for you. 

Ancient secret now in your kitchen!

Rajasthan with its varied culture and tradition has always been an intriguing place for travelers. The state is well known for its history, people, palaces, forts and cuisine. The land of princes is a place for fine gastronomy, cooked up by the 'Khansamas' (the royal cooks). It was a place for cooks to show their culinary skills to the royal family. The cuisine is spicy in flavour, rich with ghee, rustic in nature and delicious in taste. The recipes passed from generation to generation, making Rajasthani delicacies one of the most renowned cuisines in the Indian subcontinent.     

It is a myth that Rajasthani food consists solely of vegetarian offerings. Very few people know that Rajputs were non-vegetarian unlike the Marwaris who were vegetarian. The food is made with less water and contains more milk and buttermilk making it rich in taste. Apart from Dal bati, which is a famous Rajasthani dish, there are many dishes depicting an age old era of warriors. Our Chef De Cuisine – Kangan, Ajay Chaudhary, dipped deep into the Rajput kitchen to bring authentic recipes for you to try in your very own kitchen.  

Jodhpuri mirch paneer

Ingredients:

Paneer                         200gm
Tomatoes                    80gm
Onions                         50gm
Green chillies             50gm
Cumin seeds              10gm
Ginger julienne         10gm
Garam Masala          10gm
Ghee                           50gm
Salt                             10gm

For paste
Ginger                         20gm
Garlic                          20gm
Dry red chillies           15gm

Method of preparation:

1. Cut the paneer into cubes and deep fry and keep aside.
2. Chop onions, tomatoes and slit whole green chillies and keep aside.
3. Heat ghee in a pan, crackle cumin seeds and fry onions until slightly brown.
4. Add the ginger julienne, ground paste, tomatoes and whole green chillies and cook it.
5. Cook until the masala leaves the sides of the pan; add salt and garam masala powder.
6. Add paneer and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

Bhuna kukda

Ingredients

Chicken                                   250gm
Curd                                        80gm
Garlic                                      40gm
Red chilli whole                     40gm
Green Cardamom                 5gm
Cinnamon                               5gm
Clove                                       5gm
Mustard Oil                           50ml
cumin Seeds                          10gm
 Turmeric powder                10gm
Coriander leaves                   50gm

 Salt                                        10gm  

Method of preparation:

1. Clean and wash chicken and keep it aside.
2. Soak red chillies in lukewarm water for 30 mins. Grind everything garlic, red chillies, cloves, green cardamoms, cinnamon and turmeric powder to a fine paste.
3. Apply the prepared masala and salt to the chicken and keep it to marinate for 2 hours.
4. Heat oil in a kadhai, mix cumin seeds, when they crackle mix in the marinated chicken and stir fry on a high flame.
5. When all the moisture has evaporated, mix in beaten yogurt and a little water and continue cooking on high flame heat.
6. Stir fry till all moisture has evaporated and chicken has cooked.
7. Check for seasoning and stir fry till the masala coats the chicken.
8. Serve hot and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. 

Maas ka bootha

Ingredients

Lamb piccatta                                   5no

Lemon juice                                       25ml

Ginger garlic paste                           30gm

Raw papaya paste                            15gm

Hung curd                                         80gm

Brown onion paste                           50gm

Desiccated coconut paste                10gm

Red chilli powder                              15gm

Salt                                                     10gm

Ghee                                                   50gm

Method of preparation:

1. Rub lamb piccatta with lime juice, half of the ginger garlic paste, salt and raw papaya paste and keep it aside for 30mins.
2. Rub hung curd till it becomes into a smooth paste, add the remaining ginger garlic paste, brown onion paste and desiccated coconut paste red chilli powder and salt into it.
3. Marinate lamb piccatta with the above paste and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Cook marinated lamb piccatta in a pan over sigri.
5. Serve hot with garlic and onion chutney.

Celebrate World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED), an initiative run by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is celebrated every year on 5 June. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise global awareness on the world environment and also to encourage people to take steps to conserve our environment. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment took place in Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972.

The first World Environment Day was on 5 June 1973. World Environment Day is celebrated every year by a different city with a different theme to spread awareness about the deteriorating environment and to encourage people to take positive actions to conserve it. Different countries carry out activities like street rallies and parades, concerts, tree planting and clean-up campaigns. In many countries, World Environment Day is used to enhance political attention and action towards improving the environment.

The event has helped us understand the environmental issues at hand and enabled everyone to realize their responsibilities towards sustainable development and a better world. It is not just a day activity but an opportunity to come together and take measures for our mother earth. Every small step taken by an individual counts, even if it is walking to work, cleaning up the neighbourhood, or saying no to plastic. It is time to make green choices, take initiatives and be an ambassador of Go Green!

Every action is a step closer to a healthy environment and green economy.  Tell us about your green initiatives and help us change the world.

Like us on Facebook to know more on energy saving tips and our green program.

Royalty at its best!

Rajasthan pre 1949 was termed Rajputana. The name originated from Rajputs, a royal warrior. The word Rajput formed from the Sanskrit word Raja-Putra means Son of King. Rajputs rose to prominence between 6^th to 12^th centuries and owned the majority of the princely states of Rajasthan. There were 23 princely owned states, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer to name a few. Rajasthan is eminent for palaces and forts. The region has a rich cultural history.

Rajasthani cuisine is influenced by war-like situations and also based on the availability of ingredients. Due to war, the food was cooked in a way that it can be preserved and eaten after 2 days without heating. Rajasthani food contains less water and green vegetables. Ghee is an essential part of Rajasthani cuisine. Rajputs are tough warriors and their diets also reflect this persona. Rajputs eat what they hunt. Food tends to be spicy and caters more towards the vegetarian palate. Rajput cuisine is more rustic in nature and there are no desserts in their cuisine as Rajputs devour sweets throughout the meal.     

Foodies who like to explore rich culture and tradition, would surely visit the land of Rajputs and from such land we bring the Rajputana food festival to savor exquisite delicacies of an age old era. Tempt your tastes buds with delights such as Sangri ke kebab, Kaer saangari, Laal maas with Ghewar and moon dal halwa. Come join us as we re-live history the royal way!  

Flavours of Rajputana,

Kangan, Level 18,

1^st – 15^th June 2012, 7 pm – midnight

For reservation, please call 022 6736 1830