In the book, The Shining, Jack goes insane because ‘all work, no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ Well, if you think you’re going the same way as Jack, I have the perfect panacea for you: a weekend at the Mango Hill Resort. Located a short drive from Pondicherry, at Bommiarpalayam, this four-month-old resort is nestled among mango orchards, on an elevated spot overlooking the ocean (hence the name). From creative, cosy cottages and an Ayurvedic spa, to an impressive swimming pool that has a cashew nut tree in the centre and a restaurant which specialises in French cheeses, there’s something here to suit every vacationer.
“We first started with a swimming pool and gradually grew into the resort. We wanted the resort to cater to everyone, even kids — that’s why we have a special zone for the kids in the swimming pool,” says Arnaud Laderich, who owns the resort in partnership with his uncle, Oliver Laderich. “We take our food seriously. Our restaurant specialises in French cuisine, most importantly
cheese. We make 10 varieties of authentic French cheese at our cheese counter,” continues the Frenchman.
Arnaud settled in Pondy four years ago, on the advice of his uncle who was taken in by the town when on a world tour with his family. Mango Hill is the coming together of his dream project, after toiling away for 25 years in the furniture industry, he tells me. His uncle’s expertise in architecture and restaurants went a long way in realising this dream, he admits.
And well, the resort really is the stuff dreams are made of. Apart from the restaurant, the rooms too bring together several interesting elements — the cottages built in an eco-friendly Thai style, the interiors of the suites are inspired by the French Art Décor Museum in Paris, and the loungers by the swimming pool (as well as some of the restaurant’s furniture) have been acquired from famous ships like Queen Mary. These unique pieces were picked up when the ships were at the dismantling yard in Gujarat.
Above all, it is the serene natural surroundings and the view of the sea, which makes this escape special. Staying true to its natural ambience, the resort does its bit to save the planet, with a water treatment plant that recycles wastewater — then used to water plants — solar heaters and an architectural layout designed to minimise the use of electricity. A great package on the whole.
Cottages are priced at Rs 2,500 per night, suites at Rs 3,500. During the off season (April to July) the rates are 30 per cent less. At present, take advantage of a special summer deal: lunch and pool access at Rs 450 per head. Details: 0413 2655491/92