After a long wait, finally we managed to visit Esthel Village Resort. I have never been a fan of resorts without beach access. But this one promised to be a lot of fun for kids with its long list of activities and adventure sports. So we decided to give it a try. Inspite of Diwali eve, it was almost a full house and equally costly as well. We had to pay around 7.1k (without breakfast) for a night. This I guess was costlier than their regular prices.
Firstly, as mentioned above, this is not a beach resort. Esthel Village resort is located between Thirukazhkundram/ Kalpakkam and Mahabalipuram, not on East Coast Road (ECR). If you are traveling from Chennai, you will have to take a right at Kalpakkam junction. The shorter route is to take a right before that, which goes through the Kalpakkam atomic energy township and connects to Thirukazhkundram road. If you are traveling from Pondy, then take a left at Kalpakkam junction. The approach to the resort is easy as its located on the highway.
The reception and the parking lot are close to the entrance gate. First disappointment - There was no tender coconut offered as a welcome drink (as shown in the promos). Instead, regular watermelon juice was placed outside the reception. No one even asked or guided us to that. The check-in process was smooth and the front desk explained the package and also gave some discounts for room service. The rooms are far away but there are enough electric buggies around to move you anywhere inside the resort. We had booked executive rooms and it was a separate block near the swimming pool. The rooms are large enough to accommodate 4 pax comfortably (of course with extra beds). However, cleanliness and aesthetics were average and not worth the price we paid.
We took some rest and decided to take a stroll outside to check out the activities on offer. The resort is filled with trees around, mostly mango trees (probably this was a mango farm earlier). This gives good shade anywhere you walk around. The roads and other areas in the resort are designed and maintained well. There is a huge cricket ground with floodlights and a small gallery too. Several lawns and banquet halls were there around the property. We also noticed there were some container rooms built over a water passage - a great photo point with a colorful backdrop.
Second disappointment - all adventure activities were at additional cost. They charge Rs 50 even for a cycle ride (hourly basis). We enquired about the obstacle course and ATV rides (around Rs 400 and Rs 500 each). To our disappointment, both were not on offer. The obstacle course is for adults only and they did not allow kids. ATV rides were not operational as the tracks were spoiled due to the rains. I hope they know what ATV stands for, I can't believe they refused these rides as the tracks were bad. ATVs are used for bad tracks and different terrains. Paintball was also not available for kids. They were already disappointed. We borrowed a couple of cycles and went around the property for some time.
Later, we headed back to the swimming pool which seemed to be the only option to spend the evening. The kids' pool is one of the best I have seen in any resort here in Chennai. It had so many types of showers, fountains, and play areas (even a swing) inside the pool. Am sure the kids will never want to leave the place. But, unfortunately, the pool is not maintained well. Blame it on the guests. In spite of guidelines kept around the pool, no one seemed to be bothered about it - No dress code, No pre-shower, and even toddlers were allowed (and most of them without any dress). Several men jumped in with their vests on and a few with Veshti as well. The pool also had garbage like used shower caps, leaves, stones, and some insects too. I hope the management looks into this and maintain some strict guidelines. Tea and coffee with some cookies were provided near the swimming pool free of cost.
We went back to our rooms and freshened up. Later decided to visit the video games area which also had a home theatre room and billiards. There was no one to guide us and the place was locked. There were no lights as well. We called for it and waited some time, later left the place. The cricket ground was lit in the night and they allowed the guests to play. With nothing much to do, we went back to the rooms and ordered dinner. The menu was limited and the food was very average. The rates are on par with any 3-star resort and the quantity is ideal for 1 person. There are no restaurants nearby and you will have to drive to Mahabalipuram if you prefer to have food outside.
Inspite of being hot during the day, the early morning was cold and pleasant. There was mist around the cricket ground which was a sight in itself. We took a stroll around the property and had some freshly made coffee, served free of cost near the swimming pool. We did not opt for the breakfast package and ordered from the restaurant directly. The reason being it was around Rs 400 per head extra (MakeMyTrip) and the reviews were not great. A la carte seemed to be a better option (the restaurant did offer us some discount to opt for the buffet at the time of order, which was a good gesture).
We later played near the cricket ground and again enquired about the obstacle course. The staff was very adamant and did not allow anyone below 18 years. Luckily, the bullock cart ride was getting ready. We climbed onto the customized cart which can seat almost a dozen people (It was hard on the bulls to pull this load I suppose). Thankfully, this ride was free. We then headed back to the swimming pool for some time and later checked out of the hotel.
Pros
Large property with beautiful landscapes and trees around
Cricket ground with flood lights is an added plus
Several activities to explore like ATV, obstacle courses, Paintball, etc (for those above 18+ and should be available when you visit)
One of the biggest and most fun-filled swimming pools in Chennai (but not maintained well)
Perfect for a business conference (large banquet halls and lawns are available for the same) or outings by a group of friends.
Ideal for those families (especially kids) who are staying in an individual house or smaller flats without a swimming pool, indoor games, clubhouse, etc
Cons
It's called a village resort, however, except for the bullock cart ride, I didn't find anything which even remotely resembled a village. It's high time the owners work on the premise and give more village experience to the guests (Visit Dakshinchitra instead?)
Rude and lethargic staff managing the in-house activities. Most of the activities are not ready or closed. We have to make a call and wait for someone to come and open it.
Additional charges for all adventure sports including cycling. Kids are not allowed into the adventure game area which is a big shortfall.
There were no night events like games, bonfires, DJ activities, etc.
Have you visited Esthel Vilage Resort ? Share your comments below !
