BARE LUXURY BY THE SEA
HEAD TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN MAHABALIPURAM TO REDISCOVER THE FINER NUANCES OF MODERN LUXURY
There are lofty images in my head as I create a stunning landscape with rich, textured walls and fittings in my head. I am in for a rude shock as the recently opened InterContinental resort in Mahabalipuram challenges all notions of what qualifies as luxury. The lobby itself is like a loft, with a high ceiling, a modernist structure and caramel leather sofas that are big on design. As you go past the corridor, the space opens up to reveal a low-level grey structure that is the heart of the hotel, housing its main restaurants, pool, rooms and suites. The walls are scrubbed free of artifice, the cement look creating a bare, naked, urban yet rustic. At this hotel, luxury lies in the detail rather than the regular trappings, but if you are the kind of person who likes to look around you and feel like you are in a palace (read velvet, brocade, chandeliers), this is not the right destination for you.
DESIGN MANTRA
The hotel has been built on principles of vastu and the design draws on south Indian temple architecture for inspiration but is modern in its interpretation, its feet firmly rooted in their idea of tomorrow rather than yesterday. While you may not be awed by the exterior which looks almost hostel-like in its layout, once inside your room, there is luxury at every turn. The hotel has 12 fabulous, well-appointed, sea facing suites that should be on your splurge list if good food, design and restorative care are what you are looking for. Australian design duo Isabelle Vergnaud and Patrick Collins have attempted to create a design dynamic that is representative of temple architecture meeting luxury at this resort by the beach. What is provocative about the design of the resort is its irreverence for all things that fit in a box.
NUANCED CARE
The East Coast suites are reminiscent of villas in Thailand and Bali, the tall, sturdy teak-like doors opening into a square space which houses a fish pond, has a living room, balcony, bedroom and luxurious bathroom kitted out with a sunken black tub, rain shower and his and her sinks. The mark of a true luxury hotel lies in the finer details, like the brand of toiletries being used. Here at the InterContinental, French luxury brand L’Occitane rules supreme and the bottles lining your sink or shower closet are a dream. From a butler attached to your suite, to thoughtful footnotes that involves discreet drying of your swim things at the laundry without your asking (not to mention the delicately plated night dessert left in your room), the pleasure of being here lies in this nuanced care.
FOOD ART
At the InterContinental, they have gone that extra mile to ensure the food experience is optimised. Ask for a south Indian high tea platter and you will be amazed at the traditional elements that find their way into your metal tray. From a tumbler of divine filter coffee to snacks like mini fried idlis, fluffy vadas, an assortment of savoury snacks and even healthy oat cookies, this is one treat you don’t want to miss.
Similarly, the non vegetarian thali that is on offer at the all-day dining space, The Melting Pot, knocks back some serious flavour as you feast on local fish, prawn, meat, chicken and a range of pachadis, pickles and sambar-type curries.
The newly launched Oriental restaurant, Tao by Peng, promises to up the food game in the region and I can see people coming over from Chennai for a special meal. The ingredients are top notch, the chef enthusiastic and the fare stellar. From the service to the plating and the play on flavours that sing in your mouth, this exemplifies the resort’s commitment to creating valuable experiences on every front. One of the finest features at the InterContinental resort is the dine (and wine) by design programme that brings the whole experience of dining by the waves, sand beneath your feet, closer home. Here, you have foams, gels, exciting inventive dishes and an admirable wine list. The food philosophy of the resort is reflected in all its restaurants and its beach dining programme which is casual yet intimate, each course showcasing the gorgeous produce available locally. The food offers a classic mix of traditional cuisine and international favourites, making it easy for families with diverse tastes to dine here.
In addition to the food and flair, the resort also has a spa where you can get a masseuse to erase the city ennui that accompanies most urban dwellers to their vacation spots, a pool that is reminiscent of a temple tank and is deliciously warm almost through the year.
The InterContinental checks most boxes with its first Indian resort and has done well to choose Mahabalipuram as its debut location where dark-grained sand, sparse architecture, fine food and intimate luxury make for a happy combination.
Accommodation is upwards of `12,000 plus taxes for a deluxe room. For reservations, log onto intercontinental.com/chennai or call +91 44 71720101