This monsoon, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy a refreshing staycation that combines comfortable accommodation, wellness experiences and signature dining under one roof.

Recognised as Asia's First Certified Ecotel Hotel, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai continues to offer sustainable hospitality while creating seasonal experiences that let guests unwind without leaving the city.

The staycation begins with elegantly designed rooms and suites that offer spacious interiors and modern comforts, making them ideal for relaxing as the city enjoys the monsoon rains. Guests can spend the day enjoying room service, reading a book or simply taking a break from their daily routine.

For those looking to relax further, the hotel's spa offers signature therapies along with steam and sauna facilities. Guests can also make use of the rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre for a complete wellness experience.

One of the highlights of the stay is breakfast at South of Vindhyas, the hotel's renowned South Indian restaurant. Inspired by the cuisines of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the breakfast menu features regional favourites including dosas, idlis, appams, paniyarams, traditional accompaniments and freshly brewed filter coffee.

As the rain sets in during the afternoon, The Gourmet Shop offers a classic monsoon combination of freshly brewed masala chai served with crispy pakoras and seasonal fritters, creating the perfect setting for relaxed conversations.

Evenings are best spent at Mostly Grills, the hotel's covered rooftop restaurant overlooking Mumbai's skyline and airport runway. Guests can enjoy live grills featuring premium meats, seafood and seasonal vegetables while taking in the rain-soaked city views.

The weekend experience continues at Boulevard, where the Sunday Social Brunch combines live music with an extensive buffet, while Merlin's 99 adds to the celebrations with Martini Month specials and lively karaoke evenings.

Designed around the charm of the season, the monsoon staycation brings together comforting food, wellness experiences and warm hospitality, offering guests a relaxing escape without travelling outside Mumbai.

Whether it's starting the day with an authentic South Indian breakfast, unwinding with a spa session, enjoying chai and pakoras during the rain or ending the evening with rooftop grills, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai offers a memorable monsoon retreat right in the heart of the city.

Nepal's popular restaurant brand Jimbu Thakali has made its India debut with the opening of its first outlet in Gurugram, introducing authentic Thakali cuisine from Nepal's Himalayan Mustang region to Indian diners.

Following the success of four outlets across Kathmandu, the restaurant has opened at M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, offering a dining experience centred around the culinary traditions of the Thakali community.

The highlight of the menu is the Thakali Thali, a traditional platter featuring lentils infused with the Himalayan herb Jimbu, fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes, fermented gundruk, tangy radish pickle, tomato chutney, and a choice of chicken or mutton. The dishes are prepared using traditional family recipes that celebrate the balance of flavours and ingredients characteristic of Thakali cuisine.

Beyond the signature thali, guests can explore a selection of Himalayan specialities, including Buckwheat Fries, Mutton Momos, Chicken Choila Wings, Sukuti Sandheko, Timur Chicken, and Baked Buckwheat Nachos, showcasing the bold and comforting flavours of Nepal.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on authentic Himalayan ingredients, including Timur, Nepal's distinctive pepper known for its citrus aroma and tingling finish, and Jimbu, a rare high-altitude herb valued for both its flavour and traditional medicinal properties.

Inspired by the historic salt trade routes connecting Nepal, Tibet, and India, Thakali cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange while preserving its Himalayan roots. This heritage is also reflected in the restaurant's interiors, which feature handcrafted Newari-style wooden windows inspired by the traditional homes of Mustang.

Alongside its signature Nepalese offerings, Jimbu Thakali also serves a curated selection of continental dishes, catering to a wider range of dining preferences.

Spread across 2,500 square feet with an 80-cover dining space, the restaurant aims to offer guests an immersive Himalayan dining experience complemented by warm Nepalese hospitality.

Restaurant Details

• Venue: Jimbu Thakali, M3M 65th Avenue, Sector 65, Gurugram
• Price for Two: ₹1,500 + GST

Friendship Day is the perfect occasion to catch up with your favourite people over great food and freshly brewed craft beer, and Tropika Brewing Co. is making the celebration even more memorable with its newly launched Tropikal Treats menu.

Located in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, the brewery offers a lively setting where friends can come together for long conversations, shared plates and refreshing brews.

The limited-edition menu features a variety of dishes that cater to every palate. Guests can begin with appetisers such as Peri Peri Corn Cob Ribs and Shawarma in Pita Pockets, before moving on to hearty specialities including Andhra Naatu Kodi Vepudu, Smoked Tandoori Chicken, Telangana Lamb Chops, and Ghee Roast Pomfret.

Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy dishes like Hot & Spicy Prawns, Crab Cakes & Crackers, and the Kerala-inspired Meen Pollichathu Fillet, all paired with Tropika's freshly brewed craft beers.

Designed to bring people together over flavourful food and refreshing drinks, the Tropikal Treats menu offers the perfect setting for reunions, weekend catch-ups or spontaneous Friendship Day celebrations.

This Friendship Day, gather your gang, enjoy seasonal flavours and raise a toast to friendships that deserve to be celebrated.

• Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru.