The beach house effect: the best places to stay and party during your dream weekend getaway

A beach house party never gets old. Besides the sun, surf and sand, all you need is creature comforts like a cosy stay with good food and fun activities thrown into the mix. The last time Indulge went beach house hunting, we found interesting options such as a sea-facing pool at Beach Bubbles and 19th century architecture on Dupuy Street. This time, we explore other options on the checklists of travellers, including a few unexplored and unusual ones.
 

B’s Hive Kadal

A sprawling property in Vadanemmeli, it was launched this January. Less than a stone’s throw away from the Bay of Bengal, it has dorm-type bedrooms that make it the perfect choice for house parties for about 15 people. Activities include surfing, paragliding, ATV rides, paintball and karting, besides sports like basketball, volleyball, skating, etc. Besides barbeque set-ups there are also five restaurants in the vicinity. From Rs. 650 per head. Details: bhive.in

Nature Loft Beach Resort

Thatched roof and bamboo walls give the two-year-old Nature Loft Beach Resort a definite rustic vibe. Lit up with beautiful sepia lanterns, Aurovillian architects pitched in to design the place. Rafique, the owner, tells us that he is going to add 15 more rooms in the next coming months, to the existing 14. This popular spot on Serenity Beach prepares sea-food dishes bringing fresh catch to your table, and prefers to host family gatherings. Rs. 1,000 per room. Details: 9500900998

The Hermit Crab Pondicherry

Launched last November, The Hermit Crab stays true to the French architectural design sense prevalent in Pondicherry. Arnab, the owner, who hails from Kolkata and is the former classmate and a close friend of Aritra Bose, the man behind Place to Bee (the popular Italian restaurant in Pondicherry set inside a bee museum), reveals that he is planning to open a cafe on top and also set up rooftop barbeque facilities in this alluring brick red house. Rs. 1,500 per day. Details: airbnb.co.in

Gulkhand House

Another spot on Serenity Beach, Gulkhand House has an impressive balcony view and is located near restaurants like Theevu Plage — aspects that guests approve of during their stays in this one-bedroom apartment. If you want some furry company, you can play with the host Ruben’s dogs, while co-host Mikael has information about nearby food digs at his fingertips. Approx Rs. 5,400 per night. Details: airbnb.co.in

Parijatham Beach House

Owned by Mala Rajendran, Parijatham Beach House is a four-bedroom pet-friendly destination with a four foot-deep pool that has had visits by celebrity actors such as R Sarath-kumar and Sonia Agarwal, both of whom have movies releasing this year. Owner Mala Rajender says, “For house parties, we request guests to arrange for their own food or caterers.” For quick visits, there are places like MGM Dizee World and Muttukadu Boating Lake. Rs. 19,000 on weekdays and Rs. 22,000 on weekends. Details: 9176013110

Surf Turf

The Surf Turf in Kovalam offers a stellar view of the sea along with some fine Italian food (think ricotta panzerotti and basil pesto lasagna). The place can arrange for house parties for around 50-60 people (minus alcohol), besides conducting beach sport sessions and ocean sports like surfing, kayaking, paddling and wind surfing at their surf school. There are also yoga and bachata classes to sign up for, plus bonfire nights. As for barbeque dinners, what better place than the terrace, available at Rs. 20,000. Stay from Rs. 2,500 onwards. Details: surfturf.in

La Villa

Recognised as Asia’s Most Inspired Design Hotel at the best Boutique Hotel Awards last year, La Villa in Pondicherry, with five rooms, allows pets and offers massage sessions and yoga classes. The quaint exteriors wonderfully complement the century-old mansion inside, which has been restored by French architects Tina Triglala and Yves Lesprit, and Seqiyane Sylvain Paquiry, a Frenchman of Indian origin. At the restaurant, ask for the slow-cooked sand lobster or calamari fettuccine. Rs. 9,400 per head onwards. Details: lavillapondicherry.com 

Grande Bay Resort

With 43 rooms, this five-acre property owned by the Mamalla Group of Hotels is located in Mahabalipuram. Its restaurant, L’attitude49 is helmed by Chindi Varadarajulu, owner and chef of Chutney Villa in Vancouver. With bike rides, cycling tours and history walks to indulge in, a day at Grande Bay is well spent. Charges from around Rs. 8,000 onwards per head. Details: 27443060

Bungalow on the Beach

This might be a little far away from Chennai, but The Bungalow on the Beach in Tranquebar, located between a 14th century Pandya temple and a 17th century Danish fort, is worth the effort taken to reach there. With eight rooms, the property is maintained by the Neemrana Hotels group, has a fascinating view, and quaint rooms named after Danish ships. From Rs. 6,500 onwards. Details: bungalow-on-the-beach.neemranahotels.com

Chariot Beach Resort

Chariot Beach Resort seems to be the complete package, with suites and cottages, four restaurants and a pool party area facing the beach, plus Ayurvedic and thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) centres. With the Madras Crocodile Bank and Muttukadu Lake nearby, your trip itinerary is set, and if you are the religious kind, you can visit the Shore Temple nearby. Around Rs. 6,600 per head. Details: trivago.com

Villa Majorelle

Located on the popular Serenity Beach stretch, Villa Majorelle is a reliable choice going by the reviews of popular travel portals. At the two-bedroom place, you will find a fine courtyard view overlooking the beach and will have host Alex for company. “This place has been operational as a beach house for the past three and half years, and can accommodate five guests,” he says. The Frenchman who moved to Pondicherry in 2014 is more than ready to help you in the kitchen or rent a scooter for a quick ride around the place. From `800 per day. Details: 9626029336