Grand Bharat it is a perfect coming together of Indian motifs and traditions – in its Ayurveda and yoga elements, bringing the best in its signature spa Kaya Kalpa; in its architectural forms that go back over centuries, encompassing the Mughal, the Mauryan and the Chola dynasties – you see them along with memories of The Raj, in architecture, cuisine and motifs . . .
Some twenty years ago, among the first of the private signature golf courses in India came up here. It became famous over time, as the ITC Classic, home twice to the Indian Open, and a favourite hangout of the professional golfer around the National Capital Region. 27 holes, professionally laid out, with an impressive membership spread over time. It was part of 300 acres of land and in recent years, quietly, but boldly and significantly, construction was going on for what is being seen today as India’s first national retreat, with its 100 all-suites and four presidential villas’ hotel – opened recently as ITC Grand Bharat. Truly, it has lived up to its reputation, in both parts – as an ITC hotel and also in its embodiment of Grand Bharat. Let us take a sneek look at both these parts.
As Grand Bharat it is a perfect coming together of Indian motifs and traditions – in its Ayurveda and yoga elements, bringing the best in its signature spa Kaya Kalpa; in its architectural forms that go back over centuries, encompassing the Mughal, the Mauryan and the Chola dynasties – you see them along with memories of The Raj, in architecture, cuisine and motifs. Over the years, these elements have been perfected by ITC in their hotels across the country – you would have seen them in Agra, Jaipur and in Chennai, and you will fondly recall them here, but in a style that amalgamates them all holistically. This is perhaps a summing up of the learning experience of the hotel major, in that it represents the best of ITC.
What do we have in the process? A national retreat that the country can be proud of! A Camp David of sorts, with its roots in Indian ethos, as ITC would do best. It can easily incorporate a helipad, and even though there are some security establishments in close vicinity, VIP flights cannot pose problems. It has private meeting rooms, compact halls fit for special country consultations with their advisors. The retreat is easily accessible from the IGIA – an easy one hour drive will take you there. For routine guests, there is a ballroom for 250 guests, private meeting rooms suitable for smaller celebrations, abundance of outdoor sports, an impressive spa with designer therapy rooms and a trained ayurvedic doctor on premises. It is also ideal for smaller groups, a fact that has already registered with many as shown in their occupancy patterns so far. I would also add a great retreat for intimate family bonding.
It has also enhanced the capabilities and the appeal of the golf course! It must also have enhanced the real estate value of property around. Just 20 minutes away, on the main national highway, is the fast emerging business district of Manesar. This part of Gurgaon is seeing rapid growth in industrial, commercial and residential development. Undeniably, it is an experience worth going over again and again, each time for a different reason.
Factsheet
Set against the Aravalli hills, the ITC Grand Bharat has been planned as the ultimate expression of luxury. This 104-suites, one-of-a-kind, destination luxury retreat is located 45 kms from the capital city of New Delhi and offers premium residential villas, exclusive accommodation and a stand-out, 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. An embodiment of ITC Hotels’ credo of ‘Responsible Luxury’, the mosaic of experiences is slated to usher in a new era of luxury with elaborate culinary experiences, conferencing facilities and extensive recreation and wellness services.
Enumerating ITC’s philosophy of creating hotels that are rooted to the soil, the 104 all-suites luxury retreat, epitomises the highest ideals of India’s rich heritage and culture; both past and present, reflected in its nationally inspired architecture, interior design and warm Indian hospitality, abetted by ITC’s bespoke services and commitment to world class quality.
Enticed by its diverse offers of unhurried luxury in lifestyle, health, wellness, beauty, recreation, cuisine and human bonding, the ITC Grand Bharat is an epitome of ‘Slow Tourism’ – A microcosm of ‘Bharatvarsh’ – it is the very idea of India. The 100 luxury suites and 4 presidential villas will be catered to by butlers facilitating bespoke experiences for resident guests.
Unique gourmet experiences are envisaged at the retreat with a ‘Well-Being’ chef at the helm. At ITC Grand Bharat, the ‘well-being’ kitchens have reimagined the finest cuisines that will go beyond fine European classics to reconstructed low-calorie gourmet experiences and flavors of Asia, as well as India. Dining options include the ‘Aravalli Pavilion’ (3-meal period restaurant) showcasing Modern Indian Mosaics, the ‘India Room’ (debuting fine European cuisine classics), the ‘Peacock Bar & Cigar Divan’ and ‘Apas Brasserie’ (poolside marquee lounge).
The retreat is housed in a 300-acre estate; the ‘Classic Golf & Country Club’, and boasts of South Asia’s only 27-hole signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, with a one-of-its-kind ‘Golf Academy’ for budding golfers. ITC’s internationally acclaimed indigenous spa brand, Kaya Kalp will be housed at the retreat covering 1,951 sq-m with nine therapy rooms, including couple suites.
Echoing ITC Hotels’ ‘Responsible Luxury’ ethos, the ITC Grand Bharat combines grandeur with intimacy to operate according the highest principles of environmental stewardship.
Salient highlights
An uber luxury retreat founded on the ethos of ‘Responsible Luxury’ – luxury without compromising the earth; sustainable practices embedded in luxury experiences.
- India’s first all-suites retreat
- The estate is spread over 300 acres – it also houses south Asia’s only signature 27-holes (of 3 nines each) signature Jack Nicklaus golf course.
- A tribute to India-‘Bharatvarsh’; its rich history & culture – resonating in its signature services, architecture and design.
- One-of-its-kind ‘Golf Academy’ for the budding golfers.
- ‘Farm to Fork’ – a 11- acre sustainable farm growing a variety of herbs, vegetables and grains for the retreat and club to meet its fresh produce requirements. On the anvil is also a 7-acre citrus plantation.
- Unparalleled recreation facilities which include Segway Tours, outdoor sports – include trekking, walks, tennis, badminton, squash, adventure sports, cultural shows, amphitheatre, themed evenings.
- ‘Cuisine Classica’ – a certification based training for home chefs to learn the culinary skills from ITC’s master chefs, in a relaxed environ
- Culinary safari’s through other ITC luxury hotels in the national capital region.
- Unique gourmet experiences enabled by the ‘food & fitness’ team, with a ‘Well-Being Chef’ at its helm.
- Featuring ‘Swasthya’ cuisine – eating for health & taste – food well researched and inspired to attain a complete sense of well-being, physical, mental and spiritual and the absence of any illness.
- Luxury through technology
- Guest recognition system – enabling guest identification in public areas through specific devices – a proprietary technology created by ITC
- Retreat smart map – aiding guests to manoeuvre through the retreat with ease through a smart device.
- State-of-the-art home theatre experience
- An all butler suite retreat enabling personalised and bespoke experiences.
- Picnics, sports, recreation and Yoga.
