MUMBAI | BOMBAY - Abode Bombay

We’ve decided to chase the sun and go on a 7 week adventure, starting in Mumbai, India. 

Arriving in a brand new city in the middle of the night can be a bit daunting. I’m one who likes to get my bearings, see where I’m driving too and just generally absorb my new surroundings. I was totally shook arriving in pitch black. 

However I knew I was on my way to somewhere special (Mumbai itself of course), but we were also lucky enough to have our first three days hosted by Abode Bombay - Mumbai’s first Luxury Boutique Hotel. 

Nestled neatly in the old colonial quarter to the south of the modern city sits Abode Bombay. This area really has it all - architecture, famous landmarks, museums, docklands, sea and of course the bustling Mumbai streets. It’s also only about an hour from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

In the lead up to this trip I had a lot of back and fourth with Yuvraj at the hotel to confirm our reservations and the service was of an impeccably high level, this only improved for the duration of our stay. 

In the big cities there seems to only be either backpacker hostels or 5-star chain hotels, while each have served a purpose for me through life, these days I’ve come to really do my research in the hope of finding a middle ground - a rustic homely feel with a touch of luxury. Abode Bombay was the absolute perfect place to do just that...if not more. 

With a slightly warehouse feel, wooden beams and exposed white painted brick, it feels like we’ve stumbled across the treasure of Mumbai. An astounding chandelier hangs in the centre of the lobby as you enter. 

“This is what the whole interior design concept was inspired by.” owner, Abedin Sham says. The chandelier originates from Belgium. Luckily Abedin’s dad was an antique dealer, so he has these fascinating pieces just “hanging around the place”.

These guys have got it nailed, everything down to the crockery is perfectly chosen to reflect and inspire a relaxed and homely vibe. Nobert (General Manager) told us over breakfast that keeping the communal space feeling like home is very important, theres no reception desk as such and the staff are quick to come over, introduce themselves, chat some small talk but also take and deliver your breakfast orders.

After breakfast we hung around to get some more history on the stunning property. Abedin explained to us the place was originally owner by David Sassoon and was used for residential purposes. Abdein’s father then got hold of the property and he decided India needed a taste of something different. After an exhaustive 14 month renovation Abode Bombay was then born on January 1st 2014.

For now I’ll let the pictures do the talking and there’ll be more from magical Abode Bombay soon.