Set in a former soap factory, India’s history and modernity coexist at the latest addition from the Taj Hotels brand.
2 min read
Photography: Vikas Munipalle and Jaideep Oberoi
Next to a vast mangrove forest in Mumbai lies the new Taj the Trees hotel, situated within Godrej Properties’ flagship project, The Trees in Vikhroli. For the interior design, Conran and Partners looked to the surrounding nature and the historical significance of the building – formerly a soap factory – nodding to developer Godrej’s significant role in India’s industrial journey. The result is a celebration of local craftsmanship and the beauty of intricate details, bridging heritage and contemporary design.
The hotel is an integral part of a larger residential and commercial master plan within the Godrej mixed use development, welcoming the community with a ground-floor tea lounge. Upstairs, a relocated first-floor lobby exudes the grandeur of a classic Taj hotel, with lofty ceilings and bespoke artwork from UK artists Based Upon. An integrated wine bar sits within the lobby, keeping the space lively throughout the day, with adjacent meeting and event spaces adopting a coworking approach complete with sophisticated industrial detailing.
For day-to-night dining options a functional and light-filled all-day restaurant features colourful nature-inspired murals and panoramic views of the campus sculpture garden, next door to the moodier atmosphere of the Indian restaurant, which draws inspiration from 1920s Bombay Deco style and features dark veneered walls and gold detailing.
“Designing Taj the Trees was a true labour of love, blending the rich heritage of Mumbai’s Vikhroli campus with Godrej’s vision for its future,” Tina Norden, Principal and Partner at Conran and Partners. “We wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship, precision, and intricate details that define this area, going beyond a mere ‘industrial aesthetic.’ Our goal was to create a truly contemporary interpretation of a Taj Hotel, a space that embodies the essence of India’s craftsmanship and heritage whilst creating a modern and serene oasis in the midst of Mumbai’s bustling urban landscape.”
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