WelcomArt at ITC Hotels in India and Refreshing Tea

This hotel intrigued me so much, I wanted to share their art as well as the delicious drink. WelcomArt at ITC Hotels Dedicated to nurturing India’s cultural heritage, ITC Hotels has a vast art collection at each property. Through its WelcomArt forum, the hotels’ Srishti Art Galleries feature the best of Indian contemporary art.Most notably, Krishen Khanna’s stunning mural, “The Great Procession of Life,” coats the entire domed ceiling in the foyer of ITC Maurya, enhancing the grand entranceway.  The painting, which took three years to complete, illustrates the melding of the Mauryan era and modern Delhi. Other famous artists who have contributed to ITC’s expanding collection include Sanjay Battacharjee, Subrata Kundoo, M.F. Hussain, Tyeb Mehta and Anjolie Ela Menon.

Featured Indulgence: The Kakatiya Spice Route

In much the same way the architecture of the Kakatiya Dynasty heralded an inspired new style that was a blend of South Indian and North Indian features, so too does this signature cocktail of ITC Kakatiya which boldly blends cinnamon, clove and cardamom in vanilla vodka and ties it together with honey. RecipeIngredients Vanilla vodka Runny honey Apple chunks Cinnamon, clove & cardamom Apple juice Lime & lemongrass infusion Directions Muddle apple chunks, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom at the base of the shaker.  Add all remaining ingredients and ice. Shake.  Fine strain into double rocks glass filled with crushed ice.  Garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise.

ITC Hotels is one of India’s largest hotel chains with four brands in over 90 locations throughout the country. Integrating India’s hospitality traditions with globally benchmarked services, the properties reflect the culture and ethos of each destination with opulent accommodations, state-of-the-art business facilities, renowned signature cuisine and award-winning wellness experiences.  Under the credo of “Responsible Luxury,” ITC’s Luxury Collection leads the way in sustainable hospitality initiatives while also pioneering corporate environmental and social stewardship programs. Every property in the Greenest Luxury Hotel Chain in the World is LEED® Platinum certified.

The ten Luxury Collection properties are: ITC Maurya in New Delhi, ITC Mughal in Agra, ITC Windsor and ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru, ITC Grand Central and ITC Maratha in Mumbai, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad and ITC Sonar in Kolkata. Two new hotels, ITC Green Bharat, a Golf Resort and Spa in Gurgaon, and ITC Vilasa, a Luxury Resort and Spa in Mahabalipuram are opening summer 2014. 

Other brands in the ITC portfolio are: WelcomHotel, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage offering a wide range of options for leisure and business travelers from mid-range properties to elegant palaces. For more information visit www.itchotels.in.

Maralyn D. Hill

Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.