This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Such is Mumbai’s geography, stretching for greater than 25 miles down India’s west coast, that it’s essential to decide on your space fastidiously. Colaba, on the southern tip, is a well-liked spot, with considerable sightseeing and eating places. Further north, Bandra is full of cool bars, whereas Juhu’s promoting level is its three-mile stretch of golden sand. Hotels on the seaside usually include rooftop swimming pools, preferrred for watching the solar set over the Arabian Sea. Here are 10 of the most effective.

Best for: boho brilliance 
One of the town’s few boutique accommodations, Abode Bombay has oodles of bohemian allure. Every nook of this heritage property in downtown Colaba has been curated with aptitude, from artwork deco ground tiles and restored classic furnishings to evocative pictures capturing native life. Abode takes its social tasks significantly, too. The lodge has shut ties with Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, and all therapists on the small spa are visually impaired, whereas automobile companies are offered solely by weak girls — usually single moms — for whom driving gives monetary freedom. Such has been Abode Bombay’s success that brother-and-sister homeowners Abedin Sham and Jumana Lokhandwala not too long ago purchased one other ground of the constructing, opening 4 brand-new suites this spring — all with simply as a lot soul as the remainder of the property. Rooms: From INR 8,500 (£82), B&B.

Best for: all-out luxurious 
Step into The Oberoi’s marble-clad foyer and put together to be momentarily shocked. The atrium rises for 21 flooring, the ceiling seemingly stretching into infinity, whereas the gentle odor of lilies fills the air and the graceful tones of a jazz pianist appear to information you straight to one of many two bars. For a number of the finest views within the metropolis, go for Eau Bar’s terrace, overlooking the Arabian Sea, and order the signature cocktail, marine drive. Made with turmeric gin and orange bitters, it’s the deep-red hue of an Indian sundown. After drinks, you could wish to discover extra of Nariman Point — however in a spot as lovely as The Oberoi, you additionally might not. In the lodge’s 287 rooms, floor-to-ceiling home windows, huge bathtubs and plump pillows mix to make the best evening in. Rooms: From INR 13,950 (£135), B&B.

Best for: opulence 
No record of Mumbai’s finest accommodations can be full with out The Taj Mahal Palace. Opened in 1903, this resplendent constructing has misplaced none of its cachet, combining baroque structure with regal interiors and views over the century-old Gateway of India monument. The foyer welcomes a glittering parade of well-to-do travellers, as do the 4 eating places. The excessive tea, served within the Sea Lounge, is classy; the pool is sun-drenched and surrounded by tropical foliage; and the rooms are decked out in darkish wooden, heavy drapes and four-poster beds. Don’t miss the heritage excursions for friends, throughout which workers will inform tales of the lodge’s historical past and clarify the poignant memorial marking the 2008 terrorist assault. Rooms: From INR 28,000 (£272), B&B. 

Best for: lakeside serenity 
Set on the serene shores of Powai Lake, this Marriott Bonvoy lodge, opened in 2022, feels worlds away from the town’s hectic coronary heart, 14 miles to the south. Sit right down to an elaborate breakfast buffet beside its nonetheless waters and watch spot-billed geese paddle previous, earlier than shifting poolside to absorb a little bit of solar. Inside, the pared-back decor consists of sandy-coloured partitions and Scandinavian-style furnishings. Make certain to go to the adjoining Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located throughout the boundaries of Mumbai. The Kanheri caves right here, carved by Buddhist monks greater than 2,000 years in the past, are mesmerising, as is the wildlife: the realm has the very best documented density of leopards on this planet, in addition to monkeys galore, from macaques to langurs. Rooms: INR 12,980 (£126), B&B.

Best for: a inexperienced oasis
Surrounded by 11 acres of gardens, but inside simple attain of the worldwide airport, this glamorous lodge is nice for these making a fast cease in Mumbai and who wish to keep away from the assured visitors into the town centre. The lodge’s eating choices are wonderful: alongside the six eating places, friends can e-book a bespoke tasting menu with wine pairings, or a standard Indian cookery class with the top chef. The spa is a standout characteristic, full with a small hammam and a hair salon for a post-soak blow dry. Rooms: INR 22,000 (£213), B&B. 

6. Ferreira House

Best for: particular person allure
More museum than lodge, this homestay provides a captivating glimpse into native historical past. Curios fill each nook: assume crystalware, household images, historic maps and mysterious teak chests. Owner James Ferreira is simply as incredible as his furnishings. A dressmaker and lover of all issues Mumbai, he grew up right here and is a fountain of data in terms of sightseeing. Pick his brains over a G&T earlier than heading out onto the cobbled streets of Khotachiwadi, one of many oldest components of the town. Rooms: From £130, B&B. T: 00 91 98200 46273

Best for: socialites 
The bar is in full swing each night at Mumbai’s Soho House. Here in Juhu, a Bollywood stronghold, the crowds are typically lovely, well-known and up for enjoyable. Join them for dinner at Cecconi’s, overlooking Juhu Beach, earlier than going upstairs and to the roof terrace for dwell music, potent cocktails and people-watching. Rooms characteristic darkish wood flooring, classic decor and eclectic paintings. The rooftop pool, in the meantime, is tastefully tiled in Rajasthani florals. Rooms: INR 26,500 (£257), room solely. If you’re not a Soho House member, a 12-month membership will probably be added to your reserving for INR 10,000 (£97). 

Best for: bargain-hunters 
Lemon-yellow, moderately priced and ultra-modern — these are the logos of the Bloom model. For a primary central location, the Bloom Hotel Worli is a discount. Its compact rooms are outfitted with crisp linens, rain showers and high-speed wi-fi (nonetheless a rarity in a lot of Mumbai). There’s additionally restaurant with worldwide dishes. The Worli district is dwelling to a number of the metropolis’s high points of interest, together with Haji Ali Dargah Mosque and the Nehru Science Centre.Rooms: From INR 6,664 (£65), room solely. 

Best for: art-lovers  
In 2009, greater than 150 native artists teamed as much as create India’s first artwork lodge. Every one in all Le Sutra’s 16 rooms has been curated based on Indian mythology. The first ground symbolises Sattva, a way of peace and concord. Tones are muted, all cool whites and earthen browns, with superbly carved sculptures and minimalist paintings. The second ground, in the meantime, depicts Rajas, the standard of ambition and motion, with deep reds and golds. The terraced restaurant, Out of the Blue, is relaxed and fairly priced. Head there at completely satisfied hour for its two-for-one beers, with Indo-Chinese sides of sesame hen, honeyed prawns and lemongrass hen skewers — nice in the event you’re craving a break from conventional Indian delicacies. Rooms: INR 9,939 (£96), B&B. 

Best for: poolside views
This slick new Hyatt department opened in 2022 with a bachelor-pad aesthetic that features purple partitions, black marble and dim lighting. Close to Juhu Beach in northwest Mumbai, rooms are nicely appointed and trendy, whereas workers reduce the proper line between attentive and discreet. The lodge’s Sesame restaurant covers all bases from tandoor hen to sushi. The star of the present is undoubtedly the roof terrace: look a technique from the pool and its canopied day beds, and the cityscape sprawls so far as the attention can see; within the different path, views stretch throughout Juhu Beach. Head up early within the morning to witness a blinding show of dragon flies, as lots of flap lazily above the palm bushes. Rooms: From INR 30,000 (£290), room solely.