A new chapter by the sea unfolds at the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort | News
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio – continues to redefine the Chennai beach experience and unveils the latest chapter of its transformation. Continuing the brand’s legacy as a pioneer in luxury hospitality for more than 80 years, the reimagined InterContinental resort is now open with an ocean-view ballroom, expansive beach lawns, new restaurants and bars, new luxury suites with plunge pools, a newly introduced sports pavilion, scenic walking paths and a meditation garden for mindful experiences.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort emerges as a defining expression of the brand’s global evolution, now rolling out across the world – built on the belief that travel has the power to expand minds and connect cultures. From intentional, restorative design to concierge-led moments and spaces for celebration, the experience is designed to satisfy guests’ lifelong pursuit of knowledge and provide rich cultural insight.
The 110 modern and contemporary rooms and suites have been redesigned to offer an elevated beachfront living experience, overlooking lush gardens, the pool and the Bay of Bengal, with spacious layouts, premium in-room amenities, freestanding bathtubs and rain showers. The Grand Presidential suite with stunning ocean views offers large living space, a Jacuzzi and a steam room; The Presidential Suite has a private pool and an exclusive spa area overlooking the infinite views of the Bay of Bengal, while the Rathi Suite offers a plunge pool, steam bath and picturesque greenery views.
“The reopening of the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort marks a significant milestone for our luxury portfolio in India. This multi-million dollar transformation reflects our commitment to delivering destination-focused, experiential stays that combine world-class hospitality with a strong sense of place. We are thrilled to welcome guests back to a redesigned resort that sets a new benchmark for conscious luxury on the Coromandel Coast,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
A resort redesigned for a new era
The InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort enters a defining new chapter, emerging as a coastal icon that has been thoughtfully redesigned. Rooted in local heritage, yet expressed in contemporary elegance, the resort introduces a more refined, immersive interpretation of luxury, where every detail is designed to inspire and uplift. Spread over 15 hectares of landscaped beach along the scenic East Coast Road, the resort is inspired by the iconic Shore Temple. It combines modern design with the cultural richness of Mahabalipuram, offering guests a distinctive coastal retreat.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Anand Nair, General Manager of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort said: “This relaunch marks a proud milestone for us and unveils a truly transformed resort. Conceived as a coastal icon, it brings together the richness of South Indian culture with modern luxury. Every space tells a story and every experience has been carefully curated to offer guests a more personalized and elevated stay. Our ambition is to position the resort not just as a place to stay, but also as a place to stay. to stay as a destination in itself.”
Moments of celebration, located by the sea
Set against the serene backdrop of the Coromandel Coast, the resort continues to offer over a square meter of versatile indoor and outdoor venues – created for special moments and meaningful celebrations. An extraordinary sea-view venue spanning over 12,000 square metres, the Vaibhava Ballroom brings together scale, sophistication and coastal vistas to create an exceptional setting for modern Indian celebrations. This is complemented by the expansive 70,000 sqm Vaibhava & Beach Lawns, where landscaped gardens, tranquil courtyards and elegant pre-function spaces are seamlessly brought to life by a dedicated events team delivering intuitive, personalized service. The ocean-view ballroom and expansive beach lawns comfortably accommodate more than 5,000 guests.
A culinary journey shaped by global perspective and local sensitivity
An updated collection of dining experiences reflects the brand’s global vision, while remaining deeply connected to the coastal environment. The Melting Pot offers a vibrant interplay of Indian, Western and Pan-Asian dishes in three interactive open kitchens, set in elegant indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking the pool. Along the coastline, KoKoMMo Tiki Shack presents a relaxed yet sophisticated beachside escape, where craft cocktails, coastal flavors and golden sunsets evoke effortless indulgence. Tao of Peng delivers a sophisticated exploration of Hunan and Cantonese traditions, defined by authenticity and craftsmanship. Spread over two roof levels, Viora Sky Lounge offers 360-degree panoramic views alongside craft cocktails that transition seamlessly from sunset aperitifs to elevated evening experiences, while The Gatsby Lounge is a relaxed sports lounge designed for effortless evenings, bringing together handcrafted drinks, live match screenings and a leisurely game of pool. An adjacent open-air seating area can also be reserved for private gatherings, providing a relaxing open-air setting for intimate parties and social occasions.
Well-being, woven into every stay
Wellbeing is carefully integrated into the guest journey. Amrtam Spa offers restorative, sensory therapies alongside a fully equipped fitness centre, while landscaped gardens – including the Secret Garden, Meditation Garden and nature trails on foot – invite moments of silence and reflection. For more active pursuits, the resort features a sports pavilion, a pickleball court, multi-purpose play areas and an ATV trail, ensuring a balanced and enriching stay. For younger guests, the Secret Garden also provides a safe and engaging outdoor environment for play and discovery, allowing families to share simple, nature-led experiences together. The Herbal Garden & Juice Bar introduces fresh, wellness-inspired blends, while Planet Trekkers offers a lively, supervised space for younger guests. Yoga on the beach and meditation at sunrise further deepen the connection with the rhythm of the coast.
A destination defined by experience
Guests are invited to discover Mahabalipuram through a more intimate and culturally rich lens. The Concierge Gallery curates thoughtful recommendations, allowing for a deeper exploration of the destination’s heritage, artistry and coastal character. This connection extends to the resort’s approach to sustainability, expressed through thoughtful design, conscious materiality and responsible operations – ensuring the resort exists in harmony with the coastal environment and encouraging guests to reconnect with nature in meaningful ways.
With reimagined spaces and immersive experiences, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort is emerging as a destination with a tranquil character – where vacations, celebrations, business meetings and personal retreats unfold effortlessly, shaped by a strong sense of place and elevated by intuitive service. This transformation reflects IHG Hotels & Resorts’ continued commitment to expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio in India, in response to growing demand for destination-focused experiences that seamlessly combine leisure, celebration and business travel.
Located just 60 minutes from Chennai International Airport and a stone’s throw from Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the resort offers privileged access to one of India’s most culturally significant and visually captivating coastal destinations.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort joins a growing collection of more than 240 InterContinental hotels and resorts in remote destinations around the world. The portfolio continues to expand in the region with the announcement of the InterContinental Pokhara Resort in Nepal and the InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lanka, due to open in the coming year.
