A trip to Mamallapuram is incomplete without stopping by the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, for a relaxed brunch at Water’s Edge or a barbecue and cocktail at the Wharf. The last time we went, the event manager popped in to say – “how about a game of chess?”
Mentally brushing up on chess rules, we followed him to what we assumed would be a room. Imagine our surprise when these giant pieces greeted us! Feeling a bit like Harry Potter, we spent a good hour competing.
Intrigued, we asked the manager if there were any more fun activities we could do. “You’re kidding, right? We have tons of activities, there’s no room for boredom here!”
We started with the ATV. “I’ve never done this before” I said, a tiny bit apprehensive. But it soon gave way to thrill as we did rounds around the green lawns. The track is undulated and perfect to experience the ease with which this machine navigates various terrains.
Next was paintball. “Our guests love paintball! There’s something about corporate retreats, people love shooting at each other!” laughed the manager.
A number of companies choose this resort for their company bonding programmes, and cricket is the undefeated favourite game to play! The sprawling resort has a cricket pitch, a basketball court, volleyball nets, and even a small golf course.
While we tried our hand at the course, this little guy was enjoying a bit of sunshine!
We then went for a relaxing bike ride around the resort, stopping to spot birds and say hello to the gardeners tending to the beautiful flowers. The resort also has a rickshaw, popular among brides to make a grand entrance!
For guests with kids, one of the biggest factors influencing holiday choices is enough things for the kids to do. This resort promises to keep them occupied throughout the day, and then some. A green playground, giant chess, archery and a dart board, and an indoor games room with air table tennis, foosball and a lot more.
But wait, there’s more! The kids absolutely love the leisure centre, which is equipped with play stations and whole bunch of games, apart from board games, craft activities, carom board, and an inviting ball pen. Am I allowed in there? I asked cheekily. “No ma’am, that’s only for little kids!”
For those drawn to water sports and the calm blue of swimming pools, the resort has access to the Bay of Bengal, houses one of the longest meandering pools in South East Asia, and also has a stunning infinity pool looking out into the sea.
Take surfing lessons from the trainers, or go out on a catamaran 2 kilometres into the sea to see the famous sunken temple up close. You can walk along the coast and build moats around your sandcastles. And when you’re done with sea and sand, head to the pool for water zorbing and rolling to get your heart pumping!
