There are few properties which are hotels, and then there are some that are a destination. Gateway Resort Damdama is a destination. If you are a corporate honcho, you would have either already been to the property or will go soon on an offsite at this beautiful property by Taj Hotel. The property has been designed to attract and cash in on that crowd that is now a big booming segment
Taj Gateway Damdama is spread over 20 acres, in a luscious green setting. It is difficult to imagine that at a mere 20 minutes drive away from the hustle and bustle of Gurgaon’s city life, there is such a calm and serene place inside. From the moment you step in, you are surrounded by art. Metal scrap portraying the flora and fauna found in the village life captures attention with various figurative in the shape of cattle, birds etc.
One of the interesting elements at the hotel is their adventure zone, which also has a separate entrance for easy access for those not staying at the hotel. The adventure zone has wall climbing, high ropes course, paint ball, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) ride etc. It has pretty much everything that a team building exercise might require or for a fun family outing. The space can easily accommodate large groups and has plan to set-up a food court at the adventure zone itself for quick bite. The swimming pool, spacious accommodation with private balcony, spa and the golf carts to transport guests from one end of the property to the other are amongst its various highlights.
Gateway Resort Damdama has two restaurants and a bar at the hotel, Buzz, the customary and essential “all day diner”, Sian for the lovers of Chinese food and Swirl, which is the bar. We tried a specially curated menu by Chef Sumalya Sarkar, who has worked at various Taj properties like Varanasi etc. before moving to Gurgaon for the launch of this property last year. The menu comprised of their best selling and signature dishes from the world cuisine.
The meal began with an interesting Amuse Bouche (literal translation from French means mouth amuser), the chef’s selection of bite sized appetizers, designed to prepare palate for the meal. It was a selection of sukha golgappa with a twist, Short crust pastry with a carrot pate and Caesar salad on wired cage. Well executed and the mild flavours ensured tingling of the palate for the flavours to come. This was followed by a tasty assortment of kebabs, dim-sum and sushi. The kebabs were succulent and well flavoured, dim-sum were well stuffed, and the sushi was rolled well though the rice was a lot more than desired.
A palate cleanser in the menu was the Afghani Anar and Chilly Shot, quite up to the mark with the flavour of anar and the spice of well-balanced chilly. For those who cannot take spices, avoid this, but if you love your spice, go for it and trust me, you would want more. The wild mushroom cappuccino was a frothy selection of soup served just at the right temperature.
The main course was again a mixed affair in terms of flavours and cuisines. Kosha Mangsho had well done meat, not under or over done but done just right, and tasty thick gravy. This was my first time to have tried paneer in chettinad flavours and it went well. Dal makhni was executed well, it’s always an under rated dish but here it seemed to stand its own ground in terms of taste and flavor. Definitely recommended! Dum Biryani on the other hand had muted flavours, well cooked lamb and rice in mild spices.
The one thing, besides the dal, that stood out was the delicious mirch ka achar. Spicy, flavourful and very very tasty. Apparently the achar is brought in from Varanasi and the flavours will blow your mind
The desserts for me were also a hit. I had a nice crisp layer of caramel on top of my custard and the Chilli-chocolate mousse had excellent contrasting flavours of chilli and chocolate and a well done mousse
Overall, I would say that the food is good for a place that is a great family/office outing but may not appeal to those who may come here only for food. As a package, TAJ Damdama has all the ingredients of being a super successful property. Well located, well spread, well made, with some outstanding facilities that no one else offers…as yet.
Do go out there and spend a weekend at this beautiful property. I am sure you would like it, and so would everyone in your family.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Category: Family Getaway / Off-site Destination
Facilities: 4.0 | Food: 3.5 | Service: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.5 | Overall: 4.0
Address: Gurgaon Sohna Road, Damdama, Gurgaon | Tel: 0124-3983000
Wheel Chair Friendly: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Alcohol: Yes
Disclosure: This review was done at the invitation of the restaurant. Due diligence has been taken for the review to be as objective as possible. Reader discretion however, is recommended
