Aqua

Quite lovely – beautiful décor, great pool; doesn't feel like a five-star, more of a bond-ish film set (and the gorgeous blonde in a bikini should surface NOW). Unlike so many lounges in Delhi (and huh, in much of the world), this has great wines-by-the-glasses (I recommend the Chilean red though I haven't tried the others which sound and very well may be fabulous – anyone who has, please post a comment). I guess one of the benefits of being associated with a five star hotel is that they probably get to mooch off the wine cellar and sommelier of the other restaurants in the hotel.

Anyhow, have had many a laid back evening there – perfect setting for real conversations and impressing out-of-town visitors. Being outside of course means that the heat can be oppressive on a balmy summer night – the misty fans don't cool very well – you have to stand a foot away to feel anything. Luckily for those squirming in fancy outfits that one simply must not perspire in, there is the Mist Café next door where you can escape the heat and finish off the conversation albeit in a far more 5-starry antiseptic setting. Ditto for those cold January nights; this is not quite the place to show off your newest pashmina, which may not be adequate for the coldest evenings anyhow. I'm pretty sure they have outdoor heaters, but again, huddle up close for any effect. And considering that I've devoted so much space to the effect of weather on this place, perhaps Delhi isn't quite the right place for an outdoor spot (hint hint to all those organizing weddings in muddy lawns that my stilettos are sinking right into). It is really too bad – four walls, no matter what you do to them, do take away so much from the aura of a place, no?