Island Escape? Almost!

A two-night stay at The Isle by Wonderla near Bengaluru affords the luxury seeker everything from hot-tub soaks to starlit ceilings, with indulgent dining, pet-friendly touches, and even a private tour of Wonderla's iconic amusement park.

- RAUL DIAS

I had been warned about the long drive from Kempegowda International Airport, but the nearly two hours on the road slipped by quickly. Anticipation does wonderful things to travel time, and with each kilometre I drew closer to The Isle by Wonderla, a brand-new boutique premium resort next to the much-loved amusement park on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Isle Love

Spread across 4.5 acres, The Isle is Wonderla’slatest foray into immersive luxury hospitality, and it shows in every thoughtful detail. The39-key(including glamping-style luxury tents!) resort sits almost cradled by water, with tropical-style architecture that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in the land. Pathways lined with periwinkle plants, the sound of trickling water from hidden streams, and a calming palette of natural wood and stone made it feel less like a hotel and more like a retreat. From the moment I stepped onto the property, serenity became the guiding theme.

My first night was spent in one of the lagoon-view deck villas. Nestled close to a large central waterbody, the villa featured an open wooden deck that allowed me to sit and simply watch the reflections dance on the lagoon. A private hot tub added the perfect indulgence. I slipped into it that evening, the warm bubbles and cool air creating a contrast that was almost therapeutic. It was the kind of space designed to slow you down, to force you to notice the details, be it the gentle sway of the palms, the distant call of a bird, or perhaps, the way the sky slowly turned indigo after sunset.