GRT Temple Bay

GRT Temple Bay Occupying 46 acres close to the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, the GRT Temple Bay is a very attractive resort of chalets, groups of rooms, villas, individual houses and rooms, some with sea views. They boast a quarter of an acre of swimming pools, one giving an uninterrupted view of the beach, the other large pool surrounded by new rooms at the back of the property. The best way to get around is by golf buggy, and if you start to walk anywhere a cheerful driver will pull up and offer you a ride. Our room faced the beach and the noise of the surf during the night's high wind reminded us that we were within feet of the bay of Bengal, and we woke to a dramatic view from our huge picture window. The room was large and luxurious with a terrace equipped with chairs and a rack to dry swimming costumes. Unusually for India, there was a kettle for tea and coffee along with snacks and a mini bar. There are two restaurants, a grill and the main restaurant which serves a buffet as well as a la carte options. Food was speedily delivered and the breakfast buffet one of the best we have encountered anywhere. The staff are efficient and helpful, and it is difficult to fault this resort, at least at the end of the season when it was admittedly quiet. The new rooms towards the back of the resort provide more intensive hotel accommodation, and it will be interesting to see if the greater number of visitors impact on the high quality of what is at present on offer.