Built in an art-deco form that draws inspiration from the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the palaces of the Vijaynagar Empire, the aptly named Leela Palace’s copper domes, arches, exquisite marble fountain at the end of the palm-lined driveway and ornate ceilings reflect the grandeur of the palaces of yore. There is luxury at every turn with hand-woven carpets, priceless brass antiques, finest crystal and bone china adding to the sumptuousness. Combined with the regal ambience are state-of-the-art facilities across six floors that house 357 rooms and suites. Each room has fine handcrafted furniture, large Italian marble bathrooms, balconies that overlook the azure pool or the verdant gardens in the courtyard, and round-the-clock butler service.

If you are a member of a royal family, a powerful captain of industry or an international celebrity, your preference would certainly be The Royal Club on the top three floors of the hotel. The Royal Club offers all the special privileges that an international jetsetter would expect: a Champagne Lounge, a Billiard and Sports Lounge, a Cigar Lounge and a signature restaurant featuring an opulent English breakfast, caviar, foie-gras, white asparagus, truffles, escargot, French farmhouse cheese and authentic French wines. The piece de resistance of the hotel is the 3500 sq ft Maharaja Suite on the fifth floor. With a panoramic view of the inner courtyard and its lush gardens and misty waterfalls, it offers impressive security features including bullet-proof windows and hardened reinforced concrete walls, ceilings and floors to ensure total protection for the VVIP guests.

The theme of sophisticated luxury continues through The Royal Suite, the aptly named Turret Suite catering to long staying guests, and the Executive Suite that are all affiliated to The Royal Club. The sheer scale of the hotel is an invitation to discover what lies along the high ceilings and vast corridors. Sauntering down the ground floor, you are bound to be drawn to the Library Bar. Classy and cosy, it reflects the style of an old English lounge and is a place to pore over a first edition or indulge in a martini and cigar. Or you could opt for The Library Bar Lounge, with its charming al fresco setting of cane chairs and colourful cushions.

Jamavar

Journeying on, you will be spoilt for dining choices as the hotel boasts of three of the finest restaurants in town. Cheerful and contemporary, Citrus is a 24 hour eatery offering international and authentic continental and Indian cuisine. Its Mediterranean fare is popular, with fresh salads, a variety of pastas and a selection of delectable pizzas from the wood fired oven. It also offers al fresco dining on the deck facing the pool and the landscaped gardens. The Indian restaurant Jamavar, rated among the World’s Top Ten Power Dining Spots by Forbes in 2007, serves an array of the finest recipes drawn from the royal kitchens of India. The menu comprises specialties from both North and South Indian culinary traditions. Zen showcases exotic flavours of Thai, Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine and specialises in Teppannayaki and Sushi. The hotel will introduce two more dining options in 2008 that will delight the gastronome. Adding to the indulgence of the shopping experience at The Leela Galleria will be a gourmet shop; an Italian restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor dining will dish out superlative fare, whether it is creamy pasta and risotto or an invigorating espresso. If you want to have a party, it simply has to be at The Grand Ballroom which is the largest pillar free room in the City and can accommodate 650 guests. You could choose between the Royal Ballroom, two boardrooms and ten meeting rooms for meetings of various sizes.

If you feel more energetic, head to the gym with its state-of-the-art cardio theatre. For golfers, the 18-hole course at the Karnataka Golf Association is just across the road. For sheer indulgence, there is nothing like soaking in the open air jacuzzi after a few laps in the swimming pool. Lying beside a gently tinkling fountain, you could soak up the warm sunshine even as your feet revel in the hands of an expert reflexologist.

If walking the talk has tired you out and you are in need of pampering, the spa at The Leela Palace is a 2000 sq ft oasis of wellness, lifestyle enhancement and relaxation. You could take your pick of massages from among the authentic Ayurvedic treatments, followed by a rejuvenating stint in the sauna, steam baths, therapy suites, jacuzzi and body jet showers.Indeed, a lavishly royal experience.