The Resort Madh Marve is a wonderful family getaway that lets you take a break without leaving the confines of Mumbai city. With the beach right beyond your doorstep, a stay here is the perfect way to refresh your spirits.
The last three months have been a bit of a travel drought. Trips just didn’t materialise for some reason or the other and then the hot weather played spoilsport. So it seems like a good time to revisit my gorgeous weekend break at The Resort in late February.
The Resort
The Resort on Madh-Marve Road is located right next to the beautiful Aksa Beach on Madh Island and is one of the few recreational resorts within the city limits of Mumbai. This luxury five-star resort is crafted for romantic escapades, family getaways and corporate outings. Given that you only need a weekend to experience the serenity of The Resort, it makes for an ideal mini trip to recharge your batteries. The only other staycation I’ve had within city limits is at Sofitel Mumbai and it was very gratifying to have another one by the sea.
The swimming pool
The one thing that really sets The Resort apart is its ample space of five acres and green lawns amidst which is the large adults swimming pool and the smaller children’s pool. The swimming pool leads to a courtyard with private duplex villas that come with their own lawn and terrace overlooking the sea. I really enjoyed playing in the pool in the leisurely evening hours – perfect for working up an appetite for dinner.
Rooms with a view
The rooms are of five-star standard and although the basic ones are not overwhelming in terms of decor, they come with a nice verandah overlooking the pool and the beach beyond. The only snag is that there is a grill, probably to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay. In the mornings, you might see several eagles circling overhead. Sipping coffee with my feet up on the verandah and watching the shadows of the eagles swooping by – that was my favourite part of a weekend at The Resort.
Gaming facilities
People who enjoy playing games and sports would really enjoy The Resort. We played basketball in the dusty open field adjoining the private entry point to the beach. Many senior citizens were enjoying a game of badminton at the badminton court in the lawns. We also tried our hand at indoor games such as Foosball and table tennis, laid out in a slightly unkempt area near the gates. However, some renovation is expected to happen later this year. There is also a volleyball court and kids’ play area.
Dining
Dining at High Tide, their elegant lobby buffet restaurant was a pleasure, given that there was an array of Indian and continental dishes, most of which lived up to our expectations. Get a table by the transparent glass wall and you’ll enjoy a calming view of the pool. The bar Upper Deck lies on an elevated platform within the restaurant though we didn’t try anything there. There is also a coffee shop called Bay Watch near the reception area for those in-between meal hunger pangs. I absolutely loved their variety of creamy and delicious ice-creams and salads served in innovative wooden spoons.
The beach
You can go cycling around Madh Village and explore the fishing settlements and smaller beaches but the most obvious thing to do while at The Resort is catch the spellbinding sunset at Aksa Beach. We saw the swampy areas bathed in an unearthly glow as the February sun snaked along the horizon. Children built sand castles on the damp beach (you can purchase plastic buckets and shovels at the shops on the lane leading up to the beach) and couples found spots farther away for some privacy.
Special offers
You can enquire for special honeymoon and wedding packages (there is an ongoing offer for Rs 5,99,999) and combo packages which include a visit to Esselworld or Water Kingdom (just a short ferry ride across the sea). The Resort can also be booked for conferences and corporate getaways.
Whether you’re a native looking for a luxury break or a tourist visiting the city, do book a night at The Resort to get up, close and personal with Mumbai’s glorious seaside (average room rate – Rs 7500).
Some photos courtesy: The Resort