Beach Resorts That Are Just A Drive Away From Chennai

InterContinental Chennai, on ECR is a great place to do a weekend break with the fam or with even your SO. With its ample spacious and luxurious rooms, large pool and the proximity to the sea, this should be one of the top picks on your list. Not to mention, some of the suites also comes with black super cool bathtubs, where you can unwind and read a book or snooze.Tao Of Peng, the Chinese restaurant at the resort is something you must do. Don’t forget to order the dim sum art platter here. Plus, there’s also multi cuisine restaurant and an old 1920’s inspired bar — food, and drink options here are a plenty. For those who aren’t coming to stay but just to enjoy the view, they have a Sunday brunch at the Melting Pot Cafe, where you get to sample food from all around the world (also tasting menus) and even DIY mocktails! Plus, get yourself a massage at the Amrtam spa.

Price: INR 6,810 upwards per night (do check with the resort for the latest packages).

A luxury seaside resort near Mahabalipuram, Vivanta By Taj Fishermans’s Cove is built on the defensive walls of an old Dutch fort and brings a bit of new to the old. So if it’s out with the fam, with your SO or even with your colleagues, Fisherman’s Cove is a great option. The resort is located right at water’s edge and has a load of dining options, some of which have menus that can be customised to your own taste. Dine in a watch tower near the water, or under the moonlight by the beach – Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove is a romantic getaway too! There are rooms, villas, and cottages for you to stay in, while you enjoy facilities including a gym, business center, and even a bar with pool seating.

Price: INR 8,000 per night

Radisson Blu Temple Bay has a 27,000 square foot meandering pool, which is, let us say, massive. It also has two spas, one for Ayurvedic massages and one for Thai massages and rejuvenation. Now, this sounds like a real vacation. Relax the body, mind, and soul while dining in style, in the hotel’s two restaurants or have a drink in one of their bars, Radisson Blu is apt for a family getaway. There are a load of rooms on offer, ranging from a standard chalet to a bay facing villa. They have business class rooms for the corporate traveller too and the rooms can even have their very own private pool!

Price: INR 9,000 upwards

This resort also has a huge pool and the pool has a superb view of the blue expanse, far into the horizon. Chariot Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram is one resort you must visit. They have villas on the beach, where you can look out at the Bay of Bengal, from the comfort of your private cottage. Apart from these, there are also cottages located in and around near the pool, amidst all the greenery. They have four restaurants where you can sample different cuisines and feast on some delicious seafood, fresh out of the sea. There are even some fun activities you could take part in as part of some packages, including some team building activities and sports as well.

Price: INR 6,583 upwards (weekend and weekday packages, inclusive of 20 per cent discount on food and beverages, welcome drink on arrival and a 20 per cent discount on activities and games including trust fall and swing walk and also access to the breakfast buffet for two adults and two children under 10 years)

The Ideal Beach Resort is located on the Coromandel shoreline, facing the gorgeous Bay of Bengal, is just right, if you’re stressed and want to get away from city life for a weekend. With their Ayurvedic Spa, and let the masseurs and masseuses work their magic on you. Dine in their restaurant serving a blend of Sri Lankan, Chinese and Indian food. The resort has five room types, ranging from garden/swimming pool facing rooms and sea-facing rooms to the Pallava suite, an independent wooden cottage with two queen size beds.

Price: INR 4,000 onwards.

Now 24 years functioning, the MGM Beach Resort has 88 cottages over its sprawling 30 acres where you can come and relax, having a secluded, quiet vacation with the waves as your company. It has its own private beach where you can get that summer tan (just be wary of the sun, it might lead to sunburn!) and a spa where you can rejuvenate all those tired muscles in your body. If you want to keep your fitness in check even while on holiday, you can sweat it out at the gym and then take a cool dip in their pool. Savour the fresh catch at their restaurant, serving a mix of Indian and Continental delicacies. The MGM Beach Resort could even be a wedding destination, along with the warm sands of the beach.

Price: INR 7,000 upwards