Rooted in tradition, defined by luxury, The Leela Palace Chennai offers an intimate escape where time slows and indulgence takes centre stage
BY BINDU GOPAL RAO
The Leela Palace Chennai is the only sea-facing property in the South Indian metro and is a perfect ode to its name – a regal palace in every sense of the word.
Nestled along the Adyar Seaface, the façade of the 4.8 acre, The Leela Palace Chennai towers 11 storeys high with 326 rooms and suites making a compelling design statement in the landscape framed perfectly by the Bay of Bengal – with lots and lots of roses and marigolds threading their way through the design palette of the hotel.
This glamorous city hotel with the feel of a seaside resort remains the preferred destination for those seeking out the very best in Tamil Nadu’s capital. Not surprisingly, from the moment one steps in, The Leela Palace Chennai weaves a magic spell upon guests with its regal splendour.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Designed by Atlanta-based architectural firm, Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart and Associates, Inc., the hotel’s inspiration comes from the spirit of Chettinad palaces and their architectural splendour.
Built in a colonial style, the property’s interior design has been done by DesignWilkes and landscape design by Bill Bensley. The design is rooted in tradition and straddles the fine balance of contemporary luxury with its polished marble corridors, high, chandelier-lit ceilings, manicured gardens and a curated collection of art and artefacts.
The rooms seamlessly blend modern comforts with the intricate artistry of Chettinad architecture. More than half of the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites have sweeping sea views thanks to its location on the Adyar seafront.
There are rooms and suites across categories whose sizes range between 4,842 sq. ft and 538 sq. ft. These include the Presidential Suite, Chairman Suite, Royal Suite – Two Bedrooms, Royal Suite – One Bedroom, Premier Suite, Executive Suite, Premier Club Room, Royal Club Sea View Room, Royal Club Room, Deluxe Sea View Room, Deluxe Pool View Room, and Deluxe Room.
To its credit, even the smallest rooms provide more space than the average business traveller probably needs. While only the suites come with dedicated butler service, all room categories have walk-in closets and bathtubs.
HOLISTIC GETAWAY
The Leela Palace Chennai offers an array of bespoke experiences including the Leela DISCOVERY Member Special Offer where you can enjoy up to 20 per cent off on stays as well as Blissful Escapes that gives you 1+1 on select beverages once during the stay as well as 20 per cent discount on food and soft beverages.
Couples can enjoy a romantic sojourn with in-room breakfast, couple’s spa package or candlelight dinner and a romantic welcome amenity. A stay at The Leela Palace Chennai is all about experiencing a slice of Chennai with a dash of luxury and enjoying the ethos of the city in its truest sense.
AN IMMERSIVE CULTURAL ESCAPE
Among the many local experiences here that are sure to resonate with you is the mesmerising evening ritual of lighting theepantham lamps to reverberating kombu blow-horns and soul-stirring Carnatic concerts.
You can even sign up for a Guided Palace Art Walk, complimentary for guests where you can check out art works like ‘Basant’, a celebration of spring by Lalit Kala Akademi award winner, Surendra Pal Joshi, ‘Life Circles’, a diptych artwork by Madan Meena, Jayasri Burman’s vibrant ‘Padmabati’ and Satish Gujral’s whimsical ‘Acrobat’.
For a more immersive experience check with the concierge and head on ‘The Peacock Trails’ that will take you to the 2,000-year-old neighbourhood of Mylapore where the art and traditions of Chennai are still practised and preserved.
Immerse yourself in local folklore, divine myths about gods and demons, ancient customs, and more, even as you decipher the name peacock trail. Culture aficionados can head to Dakshina Chitra, a living history museum that doffs its hat to South Indian art, architecture, crafts, and performing arts.
Another place to check out is the Kalakshetra Dance Academy where you can enjoy a guided walk through the world of traditional musical instruments and see the dance form of Bharatanatyam. These are paid experiences that are offered by the property.
If you are feeling adventurous, you do not need to look far, remember the Bay of Bengal is calling. The hotel organises paid expert-led sessions of surfing, stand up paddling, and kayaking.
GASTRONOMY CALLING
If you love food, the property is sure to tantalise your tastebuds with an array of scrumptious global fare at the many fine-dining restaurants. China XO, an award-winning restaurant, is complete with a live dim sum station, a traditional woodfired Peking duck oven and a Chinese tea counter. It is all about savouring the finest and most authentic Eastern fare. Do not miss delicacies like Stir Fried Prawns in XO Sauce, Mapo Style Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Golden Garlic Fried Rice.
For the finest Indian fare there is Jamavar, the Indian speciality restaurant within an uber luxurious setting. Think a gleaming gold embellished ceiling, auspicious jyotirlingas, a grand Maharaja Table, and classic Turkish chandeliers.
Do not miss the specials Dal-e-Jamavar, the Raan-e-Jamavar, Galouti Kebabs, Fish Curry, and Biryanis and if you are here on Sunday, do not miss the special brunch Jashn-e-Jamavar.
Do keep your eyes peeled for interesting popups that are a regular affair. Most recently, Chef Prateek Sadhu’s renowned restaurant, NAAR, chose The Leela Palace Chennai for an exclusive four-city culinary tour.
For a drink by the sea, head to Library Blu done up in hues of the colours of the ocean, cerulean, aqua, sapphire, and indigo. Sip on award-winning single malts and regionally inspired cocktails paired with a tantalising tapas menu and you know how to spend your evenings right.
The Lobby Lounge is the place to head for casual drinks, coffee catch ups, and quick meetings as well as indulge in a sumptuous high tea in the afternoon. Do not miss trying the exquisitely crafted light bites here.
Spectra, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, is named after the seven shades of the spectrum and has seven interactive culinary islands manned by a brigade of expert chefs.
Foodies can rejoice as there is never a day of boredom here as each day of the week brings in something new – think Wednesday’s World Street Food Buffet, Seafood Fridays, Spectacular Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch.
The Cake Shop that retails decadent cakes and pastries as well as freshly baked goods, handcrafted chocolates, traditional French pastries, and designer cakes is where you can team a slice of cake with a cup of steaming coffee. Do not miss the German Kraftkorn, Vollkorn and Roggenfix, and the Italian Ciabattas, Focaccia, and Grissinis made from flours sourced specifically from Europe.
Among other immersive experiences that the property offers is a Local Market Tour and Cook-off with the chef where you can handpick freshest seasonal produce and aromatic spices with a local guide in a bustling local market and enjoy a masterclass or a friendly cook-off with the in-house chefs.
If you love your drinks, the mixology session at Library Blu is an invigorating hour-long session that is all about mastering the craft of the perfect drink and understanding the stories behind them. These are paid experiences and can be booked through the concierge.
MICE MUSINGS
The Leela Palace Chennai boasts some of the most amazing event spaces in the city and at the heart of it is their staggering 12,300 sq. ft Grand Ballroom exclusive of a large pre-function area that spans 6,525 sq. ft.
Royal Ballroom exclusive of a large pre-function area, and convention facility that caters up to 1,500 people. Weddings at The Leela Palace Chennai are all about indulgent spa rituals to personalised bridal beauty services.
The pillarless halls here have a ceiling height of 14 ft with the main hall having a capacity of up to 1,000 people. With a procession and assembly area on a private road, the team also makes special arrangements for sangeet functions and related performances. The large open terrace is perfect for fireworks.
This apart, there are two meeting rooms (1,092 sq. ft), four boardrooms (798, 293, 218, and 167 sq. ft), and an office room (150 sq. ft) that can be used for corporate meetings and celebrations.
The team also offers several bespoke packages for all kinds of events from birthdays to baby showers and celebrating promotions or graduations.
INDULGENT WELLNESS AND RECREATION
Among the many wellness offerings apart from the swimming pool and gym is the in-house spa, a haven of tranquillity that offers indulgent spa therapies, rejuvenating facials and more.
Check out the paid experience called Vitality Mornings, a multi-step wellness experience that is about starting the day in the chess garden with a crafted detox drink, followed by a personalised yoga session, a soothing Thai massage, a dip in the Vitality Pool or steam and sauna session, ending with the signature Aujasya by The Leela breakfast. Made using whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy this is a meal for wholesome nourishment.
Where: Adyar Seaface, 175 Sathya Dev Avenue Extension, MRC Nagar, Chennai 600 028
Call: +44 6665 1234
Wallet: Starting from Rs25,000 plus taxes per night
