Chennai, India, May 25: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio – continues to redefine Chennai’s beachfront experience, unveiling the final chapter of its transformation. Continuing the brand’s legacy as a pioneer of luxury hospitality for over 80 years, the reimagined InterContinental resort is now open with ocean-facing ballroom along with expansive beach lawns, new restaurants and bars, new luxury suites with plunge pools, with newly introduced sports pavilion along with scenic walking trails and 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 ability to expand the mind and connect cultures. From intentional, restorative design to Concierge-led moments and spaces to celebrate, the experience has been crafted to satisfy guests’ lifelong pursuit for knowledge and deliver rich cultural insight.
The 110 modern and contemporary guestrooms and suites are reimagined to offer an elevated beach front living experience, with views of lush gardens, the pool and the Bay of Bengal, featuring spacious layouts, premium in-room amenities, standalone bathtubs and rain showers. The Grand Presidential suite with beautiful ocean view offers large living space, a jacuzzi and a steam room; The Presidential suite has a private pool and exclusive spa room overlooking the infinite views of Bay of Bengal, while The Rathi Suite, offers a plunge pool, a steam room and scenic greenery views.
“The reopening of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort marks an important milestone for our luxury portfolio in India. This multi-million-dollar transformation reflects our commitment to delivering destination-led, experience-rich stays that combine world-class hospitality with a strong sense of place. We are excited to welcome guests back to a reimagined resort that sets a new benchmark for mindful luxury on the Coromandel Coast,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
A Resort Reimagined for a New Era
Entering a defining new chapter, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort emerges as a coastal icon, thoughtfully reimagined. Rooted in local heritage yet expressed through contemporary elegance, the resort introduces a more refined, immersive interpretation of luxury—where every detail is designed to inspire and elevate. Set across 15 acres of landscaped beachfront along the scenic East Coast Road, and inspired by the iconic Shore Temple, the resort blends contemporary design with the cultural richness of Mahabalipuram, offering guests a distinctive coastal retreat.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Anand Nair, General Manager, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, commented: “This relaunch marks a proud milestone for us, unveiling a truly transformed resort. Envisioned as a coastal icon reimagined, it brings together the richness of South Indian culture with modern luxury. Every space tells a story and each experience is thoughtfully curated to offer guests a more personal and elevated stay. Our ambition is to position the resort not merely as a place to stay, but as a destination in its own right.”
Moments of Celebration, Set by the Sea
Set against the serene backdrop of the Coromandel Coast, the resort continues to offer over one lakh square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor venues – crafted for moments of distinction and meaningful celebration. The Vaibhava Ballroom, an extraordinary sea-facing venue spanning over 12,000 sq. ft., brings together scale, sophistication and coastal vistas to create an exceptional setting for modern Indian celebrations. This is complemented by the expansive 70,000 sq. ft. Vaibhava & Beach Lawns, where landscaped grounds, tranquil courtyards and elegant pre-function spaces are seamlessly brought to life by a dedicated events team delivering intuitive, personalised service. The ocean facing ballroom and expansive beach lawns can accommodate more than 5,000 guests comfortably.
A Culinary Journey Shaped by Global Perspective and Local Sensibility
A renewed collection of dining experiences reflects the brand’s global outlook while remaining deeply connected to its coastal setting. The Melting Pot offers a vibrant interplay of Indian, Western and Pan-Asian cuisines across three interactive open kitchens, set within elegant indoor and alfresco spaces overlooking the pool. Along the shoreline, KoKoMMo Tiki Shack presents a relaxed yet refined beachfront escape, where artisanal cocktails, coastal flavours and golden sunsets evoke effortless indulgence. Tao of Peng delivers a sophisticated exploration of Hunan and Cantonese traditions, defined by authenticity and craftsmanship. Viora Sky Lounge, set across two rooftop levels, offers panoramic 360-degree views alongside crafted cocktails that transition seamlessly from sunset aperitifs to elevated evening experiences, while The Gatsby Lounge is a relaxed sports lounge designed for effortless evenings, where handcrafted drinks, live match screenings, and a leisurely game of pool come together. An adjoining alfresco seating area can also be reserved for private gatherings, offering a relaxed open-air setting for intimate celebrations and social occasions.
Wellbeing, Woven into Every Stay
Wellbeing is thoughtfully integrated into the guest journey. Amrtam Spa offers restorative, sensorial therapies alongside a fully equipped fitness centre, while landscaped gardens – including the Secret Garden, Meditation Garden and nature trails on foot – invite moments of stillness and reflection. For more active pursuits, the resort features a sports pavilion, pickleball court, multipurpose play areas and an ATV trail, ensuring a balanced and enriching stay. For younger guests, the Secret Garden also offers a safe and engaging outdoor environment for play and exploration, allowing families to share simple, nature-led experiences together. The Herbal Garden & Juice Bar introduces fresh, wellness-inspired blends, while Planet Trekkers provides a vibrant, supervised space for younger guests. Beachside yoga and sunrise meditation further deepens the connection to 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, enabling deeper exploration of the destination’s heritage, artistry and coastal character. This connection extends to the resort’s approach to sustainability, expressed through considered design, mindful materiality and responsible operations – ensuring the resort exists in harmony with its coastal surroundings while encouraging guests to reconnect with nature in meaningful ways.
With renewed spaces and immersive experiences, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort emerges as a destination of quiet distinction – where holidays, celebrations, business gatherings 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, responding to the growing desire for destination-led experiences that seamlessly blend leisure, celebration and business travel.
Located just 60 minutes from Chennai International Airport and moments 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 over 240 InterContinental hotels and resorts in far-flung destinations across the world. The portfolio continues to expand in the region with the announcement of InterContinental Pokhara Resort in Nepal, InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lanka set to open in the coming year.