The Isle by Wonderla amusement park is a new water-themed resort on the edges of Bengaluru

An hour's drive from Bengaluru, the Wonderla amusement park has been a summer holiday staple since it opened its doors in 2005. Located on Mysore Road, this one was the brand's second offering, after the first park in Kochi in 2000. While amusement parks are not typically my scene — I have not visited Wonderla since my teens, an invitation to their new water-themed resort, The Isle, immediately piqued my interest. For someone who gravitates towards beaches and water-centric holidays, Bengaluru offers limited options within driving distance. So, I set out for a first look.
I get in the car around midafternoon and reach Mysore Road in an hour, surprising given Bengaluru traffic's propensity to ruin plans. The amusement park's iconic clock tower (part of a ride called the sky tilt) looms on the horizon. I am not an adrenaline junkie by any means and stay far away from such rides, but there is a thrill in the air. The Isle is a few steps away from the amusement park. Spread over 4.5 acres, it has 39 rooms on offer. As I enter, an ocean of blue greets me. A happy sight for beach lovers in Bengaluru.
The stay
My cottage is cute. A small room but boasting a four-poster bed and deep bathtub. The real attraction reveals itself when I open the curtains. Right outside my French window is the lagoon with a sit out area, and a hammock. It is raining so I make a cup of tea and enjoy the patter of the rain on the stream.
Apart from the water hammock cottages, the Isle has cottages with a private jacuzzies and dome shaped cottages with a skylight. If you have a more adventurous vibe, go for the tent style rooms. Although made like tents, they come equipped with bathrooms and air conditioners.
The property
After unwinding in my room, I head out. Arun K. Chittilappilly, the executive chairman and managing director of Wonderla Holidays Ltd welcomes us. We take part in a coffee mixology session by Maverick and Farmer. Over cups of coffee, we mingle with the Wonderla team.
Arun takes us on a tour. We climb up the tree house that gives a 360-degree view of the area and is a great sunset point. You can catch a glimpse of the hillocks in the area from here. Next to the lobby is a sandy area with gazebos, for an added beach-like feel. If you want to take a dip, they have a temperature-controlled pool. With so many water bodies, the question of sustainability is on my mind. But I am informed that they are committed to using sustainable practices, and use closed-loop water reuse systems that reduce water requirements.
The resort is pet-friendly, and there is a pet park for your furry friend. The Therapy Tree Spa is not yet operational when I visit but claims to have signature treatments that are inspired by local ingredients and traditions.
The food
I head to dinner at the Spice Cove restaurant. The restaurant has an open kitchen dishing out baos, dim sum and bowls of ramen. There is also a buffet spread with Indian, European and Asian food. The dishes are average and nothing to write home about.
I am more impressed with the Oasis poolside bar. The bar stools are in the water, so you dip your feet in while sipping on your cocktails. As of now they only have wine and wine-cocktails, but will have a full bar license soon.
I head back to my cottage after dinner and unwind by the lagoon. The serene and quiet atmosphere with the sounds of running water can lull anyone to sleep.
As I leave the next morning, I feel fully relaxed because of the short escape from the city.
Cottages are priced at ₹10,000 upwards. At Mysore Road. For more details call 7026500011. The writer was at The Isle by Wonderla by invitation from the resort

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