Much More Than Conferencing

Nestled in picturesque environs, amidst acres of lush greens, swaying palms and abutting a beautiful beach, The Resort is the perfect venue for residential conferences, says Raadia Mukadam

My schedule went for a toss as I was informed that there was a conference that I needed to attend and, what was worse, it would eat into my weekend. The stress levels were already at an all time high and another ‘boring’ conference was the last thing I needed. And in this frame of mind, I reluctantly approached the venue -- The Resort, a five-star deluxe hotel situated at Madh-Marve at Malad in Mumbai. But it was not so bad after all. In fact, it turned out to be an exhilarating experience.

At The Resort, the concept of conferencing has been turned on its head. Though business continues in its vein, not a moment of free time is wasted.

Sprawling over 1.75 acres, amidst pristine tropical setting, this classy beachfront resort combines a laidback atmosphere with refined elegance. You can take your pick from the 88 elegantly furnished rooms, three luxurious suites and two unique duplex cottages each coming with a panoramic ocean view.

I checked into my room which had just about every amenity required for corpoarte needs. A three-day stay full of surprises followed. While presentations related to business dominated the mornings, lunch was followed by innovative team bonding exercises, games and anti-stress activities including mind enrichment programmes, meditation and yoga. The property even organised some rock climbing for us.

Exhausted, when I was about to retreat to my room I was informed that an appointment was already fixed for me at Bodyscape, the in-house premiere health spa programmed and designed by Canyon Ranch, USA. Bodyscape offers a revitalising experience to relax your body and renew your mind. Soothing scents of aromatic oils entice you as you enter the opulent surroundings.

One can indulge in a full menu of restorative treatments and salon services. Body wraps, ayurvedic massages, aromatherapy and treatments with organic skin care products are just a few options available there. My decision to totally surrender myself to the hands of the therapists was richly rewarded.

While I chose to drift away in sheer bliss, other delegates took their pick from activities ranging from aerobics, yoga, squash, jogging, walking, or training in the gym. Some even opted for tennis, squash, cycling, football, beach volleyball, basketball, swimming, skating, croquet, golf putting, jogging and hiking to suit their individual moods. I opted for the unique underwater massage followed by a bubbling jacuzzi.

But if the day was good, the evening was great as we dug into the sumptuous meals concocted by Chef Haroon, the executive chef. Though we ate the multicuisine buffet that showcased the best the property had to offer, there is also the choice of any of the three restaurants which includes the Hightide overlooking the swimming pool and ocean, Baywatch, the coffee shop and Upperdeck, where one can sip exotic cocktails whilst watching the breathtaking sunset.

Forget all you have heard about unappetizing, low calorie diets, the meals at Bodyscape will surprise you with their low calorie content allowing you to go the whole hog on indulgence, every weight watchers dream come true.

As day two of my conference drew to a close, I wondered in anticipation what lay in store for me that evening.

“Looking good is as vital as feeling great,” informed Shiela David, the spa manager introducing me to her team of beauty experts who could transform any ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.

There are a variety of beauty treatments offered by the salon so you can customise your own treatment to suit your needs. On day three as we checked out, though I felt as good as new, an odd pang plagued me, one of bidding adiue to an old friend. That was when I realised that I had found my ideal refuge right here in the heart of city Mumbai, right here at The Resort.