The Rocky Allure-Ista Hotel

Life

oi-Staff

By Super

Friday, February 5, 2016, 17:49

Nestled in 16 acres of natural rock formation, Ista is the newest addition to the hotels in the city. A "resotel" it effortlessly draws a parallel between the swanky hotel and the ethereal resort. Sited next to the International School of Business and Microsoft in Gachibowli, it is 10 kms from the Shamshabad Airport. Apart from the natural rock formations and the stark beauty of the landscape it boasts of a panoramic view of the International Golf Course. Also seen from the hotel is the legendary Golconda Fort. The context thus is both contemporary and history orchestrated.

The drive up to the porch acclimatizes one to the atmosphere of the hotel. The pristine rock formations are stepped and landscaped to beauty. With the beauty all encompassing joy is not far behind. The traditional "Istam" greeting is what then begins your discovery of the world of Ista. Designed by Delhi-based architect Chandu Chadha, the hotel is an expression of the modern art movement. Definitely a rock-lovers paradise, the ambience is supplemented with smaller rock formations for art. The background of the hotel plays a part in its drama. It is owned by the IHHR Group(Indian Hotels and Health Resort Hospitality Pvt Ltd) who pioneered the destination spa concept resorts with the Ananda Spa in 2000. The hotel is intended for luxury and business with a spa as its usp. It is an attempt to create a mood of serenity amidst the chaos of a city. In conjunction the chain has hotels coming up in Pune, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Mauritius apart from the one in Bangalore.

Ista in Hyderabad has 166 rooms and 9 garden suites all done up keeping in view sensuality, comfort and taste. The architectural form of the structure is clear and simple. The cuboidal forms are stepped to maximize the views of the fort and the upcoming golf course. The landscaping around the structure creates introverted sensibility of space. Lit meticulously, the nocturnal delight of the landscape is aplenty. Fox-ferns and cacti are used to highlight the allure of aridity. The presence of rock sculptures bring the garden into the inside spaces. Also blended in are water-bodies that will surprise you at every turn. The elements of the perfect Chinese garden are manipulated to fit the bill. Overlooking terraces add another verse to the poetry.

The proportions of the spaces complement the post-modern ideology of construction wherein the dimension of height is largely greater than the other two dimensions. Forms are boxed and lit. The popular cement flooring adorns the hotel in great volume. The colors used aid to the transfer of mood from one area to another. A reception and a lobby in chic decor flank the entrance. Deep Blue is the predominant color in the lobby with hues of gray and black. A wall in the lobby is perforated and lit with candles in every puncture. The hotel has two restaurants called Collage and Deori. Collage is the multicuisine restaurant with an interactive Teppanyaki and Tempura station. The "Roma" style pizzas and the small bakes are delightful. Brightly lit the restaurant uses travertine granite for the counter tops in a brown to complement the wooden furniture. Deori on the other hand spells opulence. Screaming bling are the golden beads adorning walls in the restaurant. The cream and gold decor is definitely both elegant and grand. Deori caters Mughlai and Indian food. Both the restaurants open into terraces with exquisite view and are equipped with Private Dining Rooms.

The hotel is one of those whose decor totally transforms at night. Daytime shows the hotel in literally a very different light. The attraction to the hotel is the still awaited spa. Under construction now Ista is to have 6 treatment rooms. Of the 6, 2 are for ayurveda, 1 for oriental therapies and 3 are multipurpose rooms. The tranquility achieved in the space of the spa is actually surprising. The serene atmosphere does instill the balance in the human frame of mind. For the business inclined the banquet facility, also doubles as a conference room accommodates 180 persons it is preceded by a pre-function area. The austerity of the space is compelling. The shop at Ista is minimalist in appeal like the hotel in its entirety. The attire of the hotel does little to tire you and its freshness and character may be one of the many things that bring you back.