On my recent visit, Nelson Sumit Gomes, Assistant DoM, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, had taken me around and it’s a resort to fall in love with—its layout and design reflect a contemporary interpretation of the stone-hewn temples of Mahabalipuram, its F&B outlets like the beachside KoKoMMo Tiki Shack, its 15,000-square-foot spa, etc. With over 29 years of experience in hospitality, Anand Nair, GM, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, highlighted the positives of the resort.

With so many resorts in Mahabalipuram, what’s so unique about your resort that it stands out?

What distinguishes our resort is our architectural homage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple in Tamil Nadu. The resort creates a culturally rich atmosphere where modern luxury seamlessly integrates with the ancient stone-hewn temples of Mahabalipuram, providing guests with a distinctive and immersive experience.

Furthermore, our dining options cater to a diverse range of tastes, ensuring that every guest discovers something to tantalize their palate. Whether enjoying the contemporary Chinese cuisine at Tao of Peng, indulging in the sea-inspired delights at The Melting Pot: Market Café, or unwinding at the beachside KoKoMMo Tiki Shack with its Polynesian flair, each culinary experience guarantees a unique and memorable journey.

In addition, our resort serves as a haven for relaxation and revitalization with our exceptional Amrtam Spa. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, our spa offers a variety of local and international treatments.

Any particular design elements that you would like to highlight?

One of the most notable features is the Kalpavruksham, or ‘The Sacred Tree,’ which symbolizes the eternal connection of life to heaven and the underworld. Inspired by Hindu lore, this design element adds a touch of mystique and tradition to our resort, as it is believed to grant wishes.

The architectural style of our resort pays tribute to the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, utilizing granite blocks sourced from Kancheepuram. This design reflects a contemporary interpretation of the stone-hewn temples of Mahabalipuram, offering guests a serene and culturally immersive experience.

As guests enter, they are greeted by an entrance porch inspired by Ardh Mandapam, leading to the high-roofed vestibule (Antarala) and the central courtyard where guest rooms are located. The courtyard features a circular path adorned with Athangudi tiles, showcasing the local craft of Athangudi village and adding a traditional touch to the resort’s design.

The landscaped courtyard includes a temple tank-style swimming pool, a dancing platform for evening performances above a large pond, an alfresco terrace, and a sunken lounge. These elements, designed in orthogonal shapes, create a harmonious connection between public spaces, providing guests with a tranquil and inviting environment.

Rooms on the southern side overlook the temple-style swimming pool, while rooms on the northern side overlook the performance pavilion situated in the middle of the lotus pond. The lotus pond, crafted in the central courtyard, has a cooling effect on the warm breeze, enhancing the overall ambiance of the resort.

Other architectural highlights include the Nanday-varta Stone Art in the Samasthi Lobby, inspired by Indian city settlements, and the Ramayana Bridge, modeled after the Great Corridor of the Meenakshi Temple, symbolizing the axial connection of east to west.

Additionally, the resort features the Pranna Bio-Pond, a self-sustainable water body with a natural bio-filtration system, and the Sun Temple, inspired by the Konark Temple of Odisha, known for its healing properties and historical significance.

What about sustainable practices in your resort?

Our resort is deeply committed to sustainable practices across its operations, including thoughtful design and construction that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape and architectural style. The resort ensures that more than 65% of the total area is open space, aiming to minimize disturbance to the natural site conditions, reduce heat islands, and minimize stormwater runoff.

In terms of culinary responsibility, the resort’s team is dedicated to reducing food wastage by 33% monthly through data-driven methods and staff training. This not only benefits the environment but also leads to cost savings and improved resource efficiency.

To manage energy more sustainably, the resort utilizes renewable energy solutions and closely monitors energy consumption to optimize resource allocation. Smart tech systems and data analytics play a crucial role in ensuring efficient operations and reducing the environmental impact.

Moreover, the resort’s commitment to carbon reduction extends to creating an eco-friendly environment for travelers and advocating for sustainability on a global scale. The resort’s vegetable and herb garden not only provides fresh, organic produce for its culinary offerings but also promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

How do you look at international guests?

The InterContinental brand is committed to enhancing the allure of international travel, drawing on over seven decades of experience, confidence, and expertise to deliver luxury travel experiences. We warmly welcome international guests, recognizing Mahabalipuram’s appeal as a destination that captivates visitors worldwide. Understanding the diverse needs and expectations of international travelers, the resort is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that showcase the best of Indian hospitality and culture.

Mahabalipuram itself is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments, rich history, and stunning coastal views, making it a captivating destination for international tourists. The resort leverages this appeal by offering experiences that highlight Mahabalipuram’s unique charm, such as guided tours of ancient temples and monuments, cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance, and curated culinary experiences showcasing local flavors and ingredients.

To ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for international guests, the resort provides a range of amenities and services. These include multilingual staff, currency exchange services, transportation assistance, and personalized experiences tailored to their interests. Additionally, the resort’s luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, and wellness offerings provide international guests with a taste of luxury and relaxation amidst the beauty of Mahabalipuram.

On a personal front, what drove you to pursue a career in hospitality?

My initial drive to pursue a career in hospitality stemmed from my passion for food and beverage. I’ve always believed that creating memorable dining experiences is a powerful way to connect with people and leave a lasting impact on their lives. As I’ve advanced in my career, I’ve come to realize that qualities like resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to think outside the box are crucial in this industry.

With over 29 years of experience in hospitality, I’ve learned that the industry is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges. It’s essential to be able to adapt to these changes and find innovative solutions. I’ve also learned the importance of standing out rather than fitting in, and I strive to bring a unique perspective to everything I do in hospitality. These qualities have helped me navigate the dynamic and competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, shaping me into the hotelier I am today.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, which believes in ‘True Hospitality for Good,’ has an amazing global presence with 6,363 hotels (2,016 in pipeline) and 946,203 rooms (296,954 in pipeline). These figures include IHG’s 128 unbranded, PAL, and InterContinental Alliance hotels (40,592 rooms), as well as 10 hotels in the pipeline. In India, the group is rapidly growing, and we had the opportunity to cover all three IHG hotels based in Chennai—each from a different category: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR, and Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR.