Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay in the coastal fishing village of Arikamedu in Pondicherry. Uniquely situated between a lagoon and the Bay of Bengal, the hotel looks to welcome business, leisure, and MICE travelers to enjoy safe and memorable stays. This opening makes Radisson the first international hotel brand to operate in the union territory of Pondicherry – which is increasingly becoming a staple on the list of Indian travelers.
Spread over 20,000 sqm, the serene resort amalgamates modern design and comfort with rustic surroundings for delivering an immersive experience to its guests. Pondicherry’s beautiful colonial architecture is reflected through the resort’s design, with interiors inspired by the rich French and Tamil architecture and the use of locally sourced materials like the classic Athangudi floor tiles from Chettinad. It also houses a 260 sqm hydro-therapy saltwater Moroccan pool with a jacuzzi, called Salt Splash.
“2021 was a milestone year for us at Radisson Hotel Group as we successfully opened our 100th hotel in India. With the onset of 2022, we continue our ambitious five-year expansion plan as we add Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay to our portfolio. This hotel is part of our vision to make premium hospitality accessible in every part of our vibrant country, especially in the tier-II and III markets. We look forward to strengthening our footprint in India by introducing hotels and resorts that offer an elevated guest experience with a significant focus on design and architecture,” said Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is conveniently located within a 20-minute drive from Pondicherry’s train and bus stations. Pondicherry’s domestic airport is 11 kilometers away and is a 30-minute drive from the hotel while the Chennai International Airport is located at 150 kilometers. Located close to the city center, guests have a myriad of attractions at arm’s length such as the famous Arikamedu archaeological site – which dates back over two thousand years, Promenade Beach and the French War Memorial. The resort also offers breathtaking views of Eden Beach, one of only 10 Indian beaches to get the coveted Blue Flag status for its pristine environment.
The resort features chalets and private villas across five categories, including chalet with balcony – garden view, chalet with balcony – lagoon view, chalet with verandah – garden view, chalet with verandah – lagoon view and villa with private pool. Boasting of Franco-Tamil architecture, the spacious rooms reflect the classic style of Pondicherry, with wide balconies and verandas decorated in rich, earthy colors. The luxurious chalets and private villas either overlook gardens filled with local verdant flowers or the mesmerizing lagoon.
“It gives us great pleasure to partner with Radisson Hotel Group. We are certain that the Group’s international repute will help us draw and cater to domestic and international travelers alike. Nestled in the quaint coastal fishing village of Arikamedu, the resort creates the perfect symphony by fusing old-world European charm with local flavors. We anticipate this being even more relevant now as travelers are actively scouting for offbeat locations to rewind and rejuvenate, with a focus on wellness. We look forward to working together with the Group and setting new hospitality benchmarks in the union territory of Pondicherry,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.
With over 6,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor event space, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is the city’s most sophisticated setting for banquet functions, offsite business meetings and conferences, premier launches, executive retreats, grand weddings, and celebratory events. The resort offers two indoor venues – Bay View banquet hall and Boulevard that can host up to 350 pax and two outdoor venues – La Boulevard Lawn and Sands, which can host up to 650 pax. Wedding guests can benefit from the expertise of a dedicated wedding planner to make for a memorable day, while business guests can choose from a variety of meeting packages to host conferences and meetings in picturesque settings.
The resort includes two on-site restaurants that offer a variety of local and international F&B offerings. The Bay Bistro offers stylish décor and an array of dishes that bring together the French and Indian cuisines. The Great Kebab Factory specializes in North-West Indian dishes, including kebabs and special types of Indian breads. Additionally, Arikamedu Lounge serves freshly baked pizzas made in a wood-fired oven designed by an Italian artisan from Auroville.
The resort is also well equipped with modern amenities like a 24-hour fitness centre and a 92 sqm outdoor pool for kids. Another distinctive feature of the resort is its full-service Bodhi spa. This environment-friendly spa offers luxury product lines, especially formulated essential oils, organic apparel treated with herbs during the yarn stage and an exquisite selection of treatments.
Alexander Vajaravel, General Manager, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay said, “We are excited to welcome guests to Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay. With Franco-Tamil influenced architecture, modern amenities and infrastructure, as well as a taste of local culture, the resort makes the perfect destination for leisure and business travelers looking for rejuvenating experiences and unmatched hospitality services.”
With the health and safety of guests and team members as its top priority, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program. The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.
