The modern day Odysseus need not go looking for the land of lotus-eaters. To strip off the daily stress, to stretch their legs and r-e-l-a-x, all they have to do is go to the nearest Lounge Bar. Check out the leading ones in the capital and its suburbs

F Bar & Lounge
It’s 4,000 square feet of ‘luscious decadence’ overlooking a golf course. The second Asian ‘F Bar &Lounge’ launched recently by Fashion TV India, it is designed in such a way that everything adds up to a ‘hedonistic sensory experience.’ It boasts of an eclectic palate of visual imagery, colour, lighting, sound and a blend of textures.

The F Bar &Lounge has three zones — the chic noveau Baroque dining area, the stylish retro bar and the lounge bar where the sitting invites you to sink - and what else — lounge around. Retractable multiple sheer gauze screens suspended in the double height space adds to the sensuous let-me-indulge-myself ambience. For those seeking occasionally to touch base with the open skies there are the spacious terraces.

Opus Lounge
Opus Lounge claims to have launched a new Lounge culture—a food Lounge during the day and a regular Lounge in the evening. ‘More relaxed, laid-back and classy’ is how it defines itself. ‘Customisation’ is its USP and one can have a drink custom made or food made to order.

The split-level Lounge has two distinct moods and sound zones. The lower floor with the bar has comfortable dining area for the Indian, oriental and Mediterranean platters. It is also done up in lighter shades as compared to the upper floor, which has touches of bright red. This area, which is ‘more loungy’, is for finger foods with drinks. And for fair weather afternoons and evenings, there is also open seating.

The Fox
If you are looking for a place to unwind after a hectic day in Gurgaon, The Fox could be it. In fact, this hotspot strikes a perfect balance between being hip and happening on one hand and sophisticated and sedate on the other. The theme running through the restaurant is one world — global elegance coupled with good living.

Warm wooden tones complement white leather in the executive lounge and bar area that seats 20. Separated from the restaurant area by sheer curtains, the plush interiors of the lounge area have comfortable white sofas and rich wood furniture that makes the place chic and contemporary. The same tones are followed in the restaurant with its onyx and steel bar and a beautifully landscaped amphitheatre, often an ideal setting for exclusive performances.

To complement the theme, the food served is world cuisine, from Thai to Mexican. The Fox also has a neat show gallery built into its four walls, where timeless designer products are on display. The music is an eclectic mix played by a live band. It moves from being mellow and soft to a more rhythmic, pulsating beat.

Senso Ristorante And Bar
Senso, the fine dining Italian restaurant and bar at the bustling Priya Complex in Vasant Vihar has quite a few ‘celeb’ names behind it but that’s not why it created waves when it opened. In Senso, the décor is as much talked about as the food. The ruling colour is white, which manages to lend subtle chic to the area without looking washed out and boring. The ambience here is exquisite, refined and exclusive.

Straight lined, sleek furniture and a décor that uses natural sunlight to its advantage to create a bright, light and airy look during the day and a cosy and soothing lounge area at night. The theme is minimal, the look contemporary and classy. The restaurant is spread over 6,000 sq ft and has three floors.

The ‘Senso Lounge’ on the ground floor caters to a seating capacity of 60 and a mezzanine extension of the Lounge on the ground level serves as a private area with a seating capacity of eight. Silver-flecked white drapes around the area give it a warm and inviting touch. The dining area moves up to the first floor with a seating capacity for 54.