Splurge and splash

Dedicated to hedonism and languid afternoons, the work encapsulates everything that an urban soul trapped in the circle of life craves for.

Lying on one8217;s back, looking up at the sky and floating in a mercifully cool pool of aqua is the best way to forget the anthill that is Mumbai, its denizens and the infernal traffic. As you reach for a beer and snack on some plump buffalo fries, you can feel like a million bucks, without actually spending that amount. Welcome to Sunday brunches by the poolside, pampering at a spa and a quick invigorating dip in the pool.

You don8217;t have to be a millionaire or a member to take a dive and splash around. Many of Mumbai8217;s suburban hotels offer Sunday brunch at the poolside and a dip8212;provided you8217;re willing to risk the warning of 8216;no lifeguard on duty8217; at some of the venues like The Orchid. Although Sea Princess in Juhu offers not only a lifeguard but swimming lessons: The brunch and pool package is at an affordable Rs 800, while the swimming lessons are Rs 4,000 for a three-week course.

The Shanti Spa package of Trident, Nariman Point, is a bit higher up in price range and style statement. It offers a weekend spa package for Rs 9,000 single and Rs 12,000 couple where everything from breakfast, the pool, the gym and the spa is at your fingertips. 8220;Frequent flyers, business travellers and well-heeled Mumbaikars like to avail of the facilities that we have to offer on the weekend. It8217;s a good way to unwind, with a sauna, a dip in the pool or just order in and chill in our luxury rooms that come with the package,8221; says Devendra Bharma, executive vice president, Oberoi Hotels.

8220;I8217;ve done Sunday brunch and gone swimming, but usually these are separate activities,8221; says model Nina Manuel with a laugh. Privacy is naturally on top of the list for this diva and she prefers to take a dip with friends around in a more exclusive space like the JW Marriott, the Sun 8216;n8217; Sand and the uber elite Breach Candy Club. Jesse Randhawa is another model who frequents the pool at the Marriott. 8220;I like the poolside there because it faces the beach and it8217;s really peaceful, besides I have a membership there,8221; she says.

Biggies like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have their own pools. So chances of spotting them in their Vilebrequin trunks are few. But you may see a few demigods like Upen Patel and Dino Morea sporting their Adonis bodies at similar venues.

If not too keen to wet your toes, there8217;s always a sumptuous buffet on offer.