Hotel Review: Le Sutra, The Indian Art Hotel, Mumbai


If you’re looking to stay in a unique hotel in Mumbai then look no further than Le Sutra. Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Khar, this hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Indian art, creating an enchanting space that celebrates creativity and culture.

From its intricately decorated rooms to its captivating art installations, Le Sutra offers a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of India while indulging in top-notch hospitality.Join me on a tour of the hotel and discover why it is a true masterpiece in Mumbai’s hospitality scene.I was on a work trip to Mumbai and decided to stay on for a few days once my colleagues returned to the UK. I normally stay at the Taj Land’s End, which is a five-star luxury hotel in Bandra.

I’ve always had the best experience there but this time, I wanted to try somewhere new, something a little more unique. I came across Le Sutra online ahead of my Mumbai trip and it immediately appealed to me as the vibrant photos leapt off the page.

The meaning of Le Sutra

Le Sutra is a boutique hotel based on Indian art, culture and philosophy. Various aspects of Indian mythology and spirituality inspire the hotel’s design and décor. Sutra means ‘a rope or thread that holds things together’.

There are only sixteen rooms over three floors, all individually designed by 20 painters, 40 sculptors and 15 designers.Let me start by talking about its location, which was a huge selling point for me. I wanted to stay in Bandra, as I would be on my own in the city for two days. I know the area well and feel comfortable in this location.

A bit of research showed it was easy to get from the hotel to Linking Road with it’s varied shops, restaurants and market.It was also easy to travel to Santa Cruz for it’s fashion boutiques and near to other parts of Bandra too like Bandstand, Carter Road or Pali Hill. Its proximity to the seafront also offers beautiful views and a serene ambiance.

First Floor of Le Sutra – Tamas

The hotel spans across three floors, each carefully curated and designed to offer a unique experience to guests. The first floor is ‘Tamas’ which is a quality of a spoilt person – drowned in self-indulgence.Tamas represents darkness and ignorance. When tamas dominates the mind, it leads to dullness, confusion and a lack of motivationLe Sutra - the Maya Room

The Maya Room

I was given the Maya room on this floor. This was the only room available, as the hotel was fully booked. It’s also a single room and it made sense to have me stay here.

In Hinduism, Maya refers to the illusory nature of the material world. The painting above the bed was stunning.I was told it depicts a reflection of the inward eye and shows human live for their attachments and desires. There was a huge grid above the bath showing elements like power, money and age.Le Sutra bedroomBut the artist is trying to portray that a human being is above these worldly labels.There is so much detail in the theme of the rooms and each is like a mood board, telling the story of the character the room is based on. There were only three rooms on my floor. One of the rooms was occupied but I was shown the Ravana room.



The Ravana Room

Ravana is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the epic Ramayana. Ravana was the powerful and learned king of Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka).

He was exceptionally knowledgeable in various fields, including music, arts, and warfare. His kingdom was opulent and technologically advanced.Ravana is often portrayed with ten heads, signifying his immense intelligence and mastery over various subjects. This aspect is metaphorical, symbolising his great wisdom and capability to manage multiple tasks or thoughts simultaneously.

One of the most well-known incidents involving Ravana is the abduction of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Driven by his desire for Sita’s beauty, Ravana kidnapped her and held her captive in Lanka, leading to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.Le Sutra decor in the roomsThere was a huge painted headboard, which depicts his thoughts. His character also influences the chair and sculptures in the room.



Second Floor of Le Sutra – Rajas

The second floor is the Rajas level, which represents activity, passion and restlessness. A mind influenced by rajas is dynamic and seeks pleasure and achievement in the material world.Le Sutra - Decor in the rooms

The Krishna Room

I really wanted to stay in the Krishna room, but someone had already booked it. I wasn’t even able to catch a glimpse inside.

Lord Krishna, the God of Love is the inspiration for this room. So the art in the room is based on the things he loved – peacocks, buttermilk and of course, his childhood sweetheart, Radha.

The Dyuutya Room

I was lucky enough to see a few of the other rooms on this level though. One of my favourites was the Dyuutya. This is a room based on a gambling game played by the Kings.

 

The greatest war in India, the ‘Mahabharata’ was the outcome of a gambling match and you can see symbols of this throughout the room. I absolutely loved the chess headboard and the chair inspired from the game of Snakes And Ladders.

The Karna Room

A couple of other rooms I got to take a peak inside were the ‘Karna’ room. This is based on the Prince from the Mahabharat, one of the most complex and fascinating characters from the Mahabharata.Karna grew up to be an exceptional warrior, mastering the art of archery and becoming a skilled fighter.

He was known for his generosity and unwavering loyalty. Despite being the eldest brother of the Pandavas, Karna was unaware of his true lineage for most of his life.

The Kathak Room

The ‘Kathak’ room is based on one of the major classical dance forms in India, known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, graceful movements and storytelling through dance. The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘katha,’ which means story.Le Sutra - Table Chair and SitarThis dance form originated in northern India and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Originally performed in temples, Kathak evolved over centuries, drawing influence from various cultures and traditions.

Again, this room had sculptures and headboards to go with the theme. It was so refreshing to see such intricate artwork in the bathrooms.

The Taal Room

The final room I got to see on this floor was the ‘Taal’, based on the music and dance of India. It was breathtaking – from the ‘tabla’ chair to the hanging bells.The cupboard handles are in the shape of a ‘shehnai’, a woodwind instrument. The freestanding lamp was inspired by the ‘bansuri’, which is a flute.

Third Floor of Le Sutra – Sattva

The third and final floor is the ‘Sattva’, which represents purity, balance and goodness. It fosters harmony, clarity of thought, and promotes spiritual growth.

Those with minds influenced by sattva actively seek truth and understanding, inclining themselves toward higher consciousness.

A couple of my favourite rooms on this floor were the ‘Shuddhi’, which means cleansing. I also liked the ‘Prakriti’ room, which describes nature at every level.

The Olive Bar And Kitchen

The hotel owns the famous Olive Bar And Kitchen. Window seating lines one of the hotel’s corridors, offering an overview of the restaurant.

Olive Bar & Kitchen offers a diverse menu that includes Mediterranean and European dishes, often featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients.The restaurant is popular for its outdoor seating arrangements, beautiful decor and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

I’ve visited it on previous trips and it’s such a cool vibe. Celebrities frequent the restaurant not only for its delectable food but also for its status as a hotspot.

People frequent it due to its vibrant nightlife scene and parties. If you want to spot a Bollywood celebrity, try to visit on a Thursday night!

Angdai Spa at Le Sutra

On the first day of my stay, I treated myself to a massage in the hotel’s Angdai Day Spa. The term ‘Angdai’ is a Hindi word that translates to stretch or yawn in English. The spa offers a full range of treatments despite being small.

My therapist was really attentive and did a fantastic job at working the knots in my back and shoulders. It had been a manic nine days of work and this was just what I needed.Whether you’re here for leisure or business, Le Sutra’s wellness facilities provide additional reasons to indulge and unwind.

Out Of The Blue Restaurant at Le Sutra

Breakfast was included in my stay and the Out Of The Blue restaurant has everything you need for a filling meal no matter what your taste.Each morning, I would always start with a bit of fruit. Then I would tuck in to all the masalas – a masala dosa, masala omlette and a masala tea!Breakfast at Out Of The Blue Restaurant at Le SutraIf you fancy something a little less spicy, there’s a continental breakfast too as well as traditional English breakfast items.

One night after a day of shopping, I just wanted to chill in my room. I ordered a penne arabiata from Out Of The Blue. The portion was perfect, the sauce was delicious and it arrived within twenty minutes of ordering.I spent the rest of that evening indulging in a lovely bath before watching a Bollywood film with a cup of tea. Of course, I couldn’t resist helping myself to a couple of snacks from the mini-bar.

I could hear the sounds of the street below my window, which you don’t get when you’re twenty floors up in the Taj. There’s something quite comforting about hearing the hustle and bustle of the city, as people go about their business.Out Of The Blue Restaurant at Le SutraMumbai is manic at the best of times but when you’re inside Le Sutra, you can immerse yourself in the colours, the warmth and the vibrancy of the hotel.

Location of Le Sutra

Le Sutra situates itself near Linking Road, a famous and bustling street in the suburbs of Mumbai. It stretches across Bandra and Khar, two prominent neighbourhoods in the city.

 

Its vibrant atmosphere has earned this road renown, establishing it as a major shopping destination in the city.Wedding Season - Me Shopping At Seasons MumbaiLinking Road in Bandra is well-known for its diverse range of shops, boutiques and street vendors offering a wide variety of products. Visitors can find everything from clothing, accessories, footwear, jewellery and handicrafts to trendy and traditional items.

You can find numerous cafes, restaurants and eateries offering a range of cuisines, from local street food to international delicacies. It’s a great place to experience Mumbai’s diverse food scene.Le Sutra decor in receptionBeyond shopping and dining, Linking Road offers an opportunity to experience Mumbai’s vibrant culture. It’s a bustling street that provides a glimpse into the city’s lifestyle, where locals and visitors intermingle, shop and explore.

Le Sutra is a museum of art

Le Sutra is truly a hidden gem that captures the essence of India’s cultural heritage within its walls. Upon arrival, you encounter an ambiance that actively welcomes you, reminiscent of an art gallery rather than a conventional hotel.The attention to detail in each of the sixteen rooms is remarkable, as they are tastefully adorned with artworks and themed decor that transport guests into different realms of Indian mythology and history. The personalised service adds to the charm, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Overall, Le Sutra Hotel is a haven for those seeking a unique and culturally enriching experience in the bustling city of Mumbai.While you’re here, why not check out things you should know before visiting Mumbai?

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3 Comments

  1. December 13, 2018 / 5:48 am

    nice post

    • Rosie
      Author
      December 16, 2018 / 6:05 pm

      Thank you x

    • Rosie
      Author
      January 9, 2019 / 12:45 pm

      Thanks Raaj x

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