Slumdogs, dubbawallahs and Bollywood icons; Mumbai is an enticing crush of culture, noise, sights, sounds and food, making it the perfect honeymoon escape. It's everything you think it is, and nothing.
Shop the finest couture in Kala Ghoda (home to the likes of Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta and Masaba), sip cocktails at Nariman Point or tuck into the best pani puri on the planet on Chowpatty Beach.
With so much to see and do, where do you start? Not to worry, we're here with an introductory guide to the city of dreams.
EAT HERE: MASALA LIBRARY
Mumbai’s not short on places to grab a good bite. From street food to fine dining, the city has a dining experience to suit every occasion.
Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra in Bandra is for those who want to reimagine everything they think they know about Indian cuisine. The culinary trailblazers take classic dishes and give them an elegant upgrade – think pesto kebab on tandoori tomato foam with Parmesan papad and pistachio-flavoured paan.
Delicious Indian cooking with serious flair, Masala Library is one of the brightest stars on Mumbai’s fine dining scene. We can’t wait to go back!
• www.masalalibrary.co.in
TAKE TEA HERE: THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE HOTEL
Famous for its exclusive afternoon tea, the Sea Lounge at The Taj Mahal Palace exudes old-world colonial charm enhanced by a live piano and spectacular views of Mumbai harbour and the Arabian Sea.
High tea includes quintessential English favourites alongside local street food with teas and coffees on tap. Make it a proper celebration with Champagne and cocktails in this uniquely lavish hotel.
• www.taj.tajhotels.com
SPA HERE: THE ST REGIS MUMBAI
Sprawling across the tenth floor of Mumbai’s St Regis hotel is Iridium Spa, one of the best places to escape the chaos and traffic fumes of India’s Maximum city.
The exclusive spa regularly tops must-visit list and upholds the St. Regis’ world renowned reputation for excellence. There's 9 tranquil therapy rooms including a Couple’s Suite. Expert therapists use custom-blended elixirs for a truly bespoke experience.
• www.stregismumbai.com
SEE THIS: MUMBAI CHECKLIST
Discover the real city with Mumbai Magic tours. The company offers a personalised look at this fascinating city delivered by local people using public transport. You'll navigate the city with a combination of rickshaw, train, bus and private taxi, finding out what makes this super metropolis of 12 million people tick.
Highlights include:
• Gateway of India. The historic monument is the city’s no. 1 attraction
• Dhobi Ghat. Marvel in wonder at the world’s largest open air laundry
• Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi's museum features letters, photos & artifacts.
• Haji Ali Dargah Head to Worli to see this epic mosque on the water.
• www.mumbaimagic.com