The pool at Soho House Mumbai.Credit:Simon Brown
THE PLACE
Soho House Mumbai (SHM) is the newest property for the Soho House group,which owns 23 private clubs across the UK,Europe,North America and now,India. Designed to be a home away from home for people working in the creative industries,non-members are also welcome to book hotel rooms. The group's properties are located in top-notch locations and SHM is no exception:the 10-storey beachside property in North Mumbai is in the heart of upmarket Juhu,home to wealthy Mumbaikers and Bollywood celebrities.
THE LOCATION
The dining room at Soho House Mumbai.Credit:Simon Brown
SHM is a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the international airport (off-peak) and neighbours Versova,Pali Hill and Santa Cruz West. At least an hour by taxi from South Mumbai,the oldest part of the city and the site of many Mumbai tourist attractions,you'll need to factor in significant travel time for any excursions south.
THE SPACE
SHM has 38 guest rooms,as well as a library,members/guests floor with bar and restaurant,a gym with daily yoga classes,rooftop pool with bar,a 32-seat cinema,and two public restaurants. The Soho House brand is famous for its award-winning style and excels in in seemingly effortless casual luxury translated into bespoke local design. In Mumbai that translates to the detailed use of Indian textiles and tiles,a moody colour palette,and cane and brass furniture and fittings – a nod to colonial and tropical interiors.
THE ROOM
Uninterrupted views from our balcony of Juhu Beach,the Arabian Sea and soaring kites (birds) almost upstage the interior of our sea view room,which is arranged with every comfort including,eccentrically,a hot water bottle. Thick sisal carpets,a high and bouncy bed,soft cushions,perfect lighting,muted colours and antique timber furniture croon understated luxury. In the bathroom,green and pink patterned tiles add a boho touch and I'm delighted by the complete suite of full-size toiletries (no tiny bottles) by organic English brand Cowshed,and the obligatory plush bathrobes and slippers. A dial-up phone,a Marshall radio/speaker and a weighty set of door keys add a cute retro touch. In the mini bar,huge handmade choc-chip cookies are complimentary.