GHM to Open The Aayu Mumbai

Mumbai (India) – December 11, 2012 – Add India to the select roster of countries that are home to a GHM property. The exclusive management group last week unveiled plans for The Aayu Mumbai, a 42-suite luxury hotel and setting for India’s first restaurants by the world’s most decorated chef Joël Robuchon, and culinary star Hide Yamamoto. The property is scheduled to open in December 2013.

The Aayu Mumbai will claim the top five floors of Kohinoor Square’s Central Tower, the tallest commercial building in the city. The all-suite hotel overlooks historic Shivaji Park and offers views of the Arabian Sea to the west, and the island mainland to the east.

Spread over a 5-acre parcel of land and towering 203 metres above the Dadar area of Mumbai, Sandeep Shikre & Associates (SSA Architects) in Mumbai and US-based GKK Works collaborated to design the 50-storey Kohinoor Square complex of office, commercial, retail and residential space that is poised to dramatically redefine the skyline of India’s most populous city.

Interior designer Jaya Ibrahim, who previously partnered with GHM on The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat and The Nam Hai, will lend his award-winning aesthetic to The Aayu’s spaces, including its 42 suites ranging in size from 65 to 155 square metres.

Joël Robuchon, named ‘Chef of the Century’ by the Gault Millau guide and the only chef to be awarded 28 Michelin stars, will open his 8th L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at The Aayu. Serving contemporary French cuisine with artistic flair, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon will also feature a tea lounge, pastry shop and collection of fine wines handpicked by Robuchon.

Japanese culinary genius and 2010 Global Chef Award recipient Hide Yamamoto will mastermind a second restaurant showcasing new generation Japanese cuisine from its charcoal Robata grill, homemade ramen noodle bar and sushi and sake counter.

“With the involvement of Joël Robuchon and Hide Yamamoto, GHM is redefining the culinary landscape and luxury offering of Mumbai in the same way the Kohinoor Square tower is transforming the city skyline,” said GHM President Hans R. Jenni. “Each of these chefs is an exceptional, world-renown talent. Through their collaboration with GHM, The Aayu will emerge as a new style icon in Mumbai.”

A library lounge and bar, cigar and cognac lounge, exclusive malt bar and capacious boardroom will occupy the 49th floor. The hotel’s spa will be unmoored from a fixed location, with all treatments conducted in the haven of a guest’s room. The Aayu’s 50th-floor rooftop terrace will be home to Mumbai’s highest bar, complemented by a swimming pool and deck with ocean views, as well as 1,400 square metres of landscaped courtyard.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for ‘life’, GHM aims to make a bold new statement in India with the launch of The Aayu. Aside from The Aayu Mumbai, the group is on target to debut two other properties by the end of 2013; The Chedi Club Suzhou in China and The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland.

About GHM
Established in 1992, GHM (General Hotel Management Ltd.) is known for conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts. With an expansive portfolio and more projects in the pipeline, GHM prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled lifestyle experience.

Each GHM property is an original. A symbiotic relationship between the hotel and the local culture enables GHM to provide guests with a genuine, close-up experience of the best each destination has to offer. The signature GHM style melds contemporary interpretations of Asian designs and distinctive local touches to create inspired, memorable spaces.

Media Contact:
Jim Sullivan – North America
T (1) 207.318.2236
jsullivan@balconymediagroup.com