An island paradise at The Isle in Bengaluru

Mindless horns colliding in the air, conversations spilling without a pause, cars moving yet going nowhere…Bengaluru is famous for its hustle and traffic. And yet, on the outskirts of the city, I did find a sweet escape where the noise of the city seemed to melt away.

Located just off Mysuru Road and adjacent to the famous amusement park, The Isle by Wonderla is a boutique retreat that offers a quieter side of the brand. For many, Wonderla is synonymous with rides, slides, and family outings. The Isle, on the other hand, is all about slowing down, trading the thrill of roller coasters for the stillness of water and open skies. In short, it’s perfect for a weekend escape for the city’s burned-out urbanites.

Spread across 4.5 acres, the resort has 39 themed stays ranging from private pool cottages, hammock suites, dome-shaped starlight rooms, and glamping tents. My cottage was one of the Premium Pool Cottages, tucked into a quiet corner of the property. While I checked in to get a breather, the soft cream walls carried a sense of calm. Gauzy curtains framed a four-poster bed, while glass doors opened into a plunge pool and adjacent villas. A small table and chairs stood by the poolside, the perfect spot where mornings stretch over coffee. 

The rain during my stay helped soften the outlines of the resort, turning it into an island of its own. It reminded me of Galle in Sri Lanka, the way the sky and sea blur together when rain takes over.

Growing up in coastal Karnataka, the place didn’t disappoint. Not only because of the pools, but also because The Isle paints a serene picture in a city that is always on the go. 

While it can’t be called luxury, the resort is designed to accommodate different kinds of getaways. For solo travellers like me, it’s the perfect place to curl up with a book and let hours slip by. For couples, it’s an intimate retreat where time slows—whether in the pool or simply walking through the landscaped grounds. Families, too, will find space here, with villas large enough to hold shared moments, along with a pet-friendly park that makes the getaway inclusive in every sense.

After unwinding in my room, I head out. Arun K. Chittilappilly, the executive chairman and managing director of Wonderla Holidays Ltd, welcomes us to a tour of the resort.

We head towards the treehouse, which also sways gently with the wind, offering panoramic views of the entire property. Dome-shaped rooms open into wide night skies scattered with stars, while tents add a touch of camping for groups of friends. Evenings are best spent around the campfire courtyard. During my stay, it continued to burn steadily even as rain fell, creating the perfect setting for conversations and memories.

One of the highlights of The Isle is Oasis, the poolside bar. Its stools are built into the water, so you can sit half-immersed in the pool, feet dipped, drink in hand. For now, the menu is modest, offering wine and wine cocktails, but the atmosphere makes up for it. 

“The feeling of being on an island is unique to us. No other resort in Bangalore has this many water bodies. It’s close to nature, but also close to the city, making it a quick getaway,” says Chittilappilly. 

“Most resorts take a cookie-cutter approach. If you go to a Marriott or any branded one, they all look the same. We wanted something different. Like the boutique resorts you find in Bali or the Maldives— that was the inspiration,” he adds. 

Meals were a quieter affair. Spice Cove, a 62-seater open multi-cuisine restaurant with a focus on pan-Asian specialities, offered Indian and Asian fare—generous in spread if not always memorable, though the desserts stood out.

It felt, in its own way, like the coastal nights of my childhood. Evenings where nothing was expected except to sit and linger around. 

For wellness seekers, the Therapy Tree Spa offers a calming space with treatments inspired by local ingredients and traditions. A lotus pond sits at its centre, teaching us to learn how to be still and unbothered, anchoring the space quietly. 

Sustainability is woven into the property too—mature trees from the site have been transplanted around a man-made beach, while water conservation systems reduce usage across pools and lagoons.

“Everything we’ve done here is to reduce our footprint — LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, recycling water, and natural vegetation. We wanted to cut per capita consumption of electricity and water as much as possible,” Chittilappilly explains. 

Developed with an investment of about Rs 39 crore, The Isle is positioned as a premium experiential resort, built for urban families, long-stay guests, weddings, and corporate retreats. But mainly, what it offers is an atmosphere where stillness feels natural and not forced. 

The silence may startle you at first. I had taken quiet for granted—with the sea carrying its own music and the streets emptying after dusk. In the city, silence tends to become elusive. Here, it returns to you, all unhurried.

Perhaps that is why I left feeling lighter. As I checked out and was on my way back home, the car horns and the rush resumed. But for a while, The Isle is something that stays, like a quiet souvenir. It simply offers you the permission to be. 

The Isle by Wonderla is located off Mysuru Road, Bidadi, adjacent to Wonderla Amusement Park.

Cost: All-inclusive packages start from Rs 10,000 for two guests per room.