Star burst

Forgive yourself for thinking you’re in one of Dubai’s new grandiose architectural projects. For the Sahara Star – in fact, one of Mumbai’s newest grandiose architectural projects — spells over-the-top luxury. The hotel, situated next to the city’s domestic airport in Vile Parle, and the flagship hotel of the Sahara India Pariwar, is finally open. Featuring 223 rooms and suites, India’s largest marine aquarium, the world’s largest ‘pillar-less clear-to-sky dome’ and two 12,000 sq ft banquet halls, Sahara Star marks a notable event in the life of Mumbai’s hotels. There’s a huge spa and fitness centre, of course, and a nightclub and preview theatre will come up shortly. At the ‘Spirit-de-Musica’, a stage emerges from the water every evening with live music acts. Tariff: from Rs 9,000 plus 10% tax. Contact: 022-39895000, www.saharastar.com