Located near Mahabalipuram, WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach is close to UNESCO’s World Heritage-listed monuments including the Shore Temple. The hotel’s rooms, cottages, bungalows and villas are set in peppered gardens with swaying palms; book the beach villas or sea suites for ocean views. Dine indoors or by the garden on Indian and global cuisines at WelcomCafe Riva, sip on your favorite spirits at Swirl Bar, and take in views of the infinity pool and sea from the deck at Blaze – The Pool Grill, that is opening soon, and will serve up Indian, Lebanese and European grilled delicacies. If you want more than relaxing on a lounger, take languorous beach walks, hit up the fitness center, pamper yourself at the WelcomWellness Spa and ask the concierge to book you on a city tour. Doubles from Rs7,400. site.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
Set between casuarina groves with a private beach, the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort lies on the coastal highway about 45km from Chennai International Airport. Book the Ocean View Suites for the best views, and engage the kids at the exclusive kids’ facility while you get some much-needed R&R at the Amrtam Spa and Wellness Studio. The ocean-view setting is matched with spa therapies that draw inspiration from traditional Eastern medicine and naturopathy. Hit the beachside KoKoMMo shack, enjoy a live band and Prohibition-era-styled cocktails at The Gatsby Lounge, dine on Indian, Asian and European cuisines at The Melting Pot, and celebrate at Chinese specialty restaurant Tao of Peng. Doubles from Rs9,773. site.
The Bungalow on the Beach, Tranquebar
The Bungalow on the Beach, Tranquebar
