One of India’s largest amusement park operators, Wonderla Holidays, has launched a strategic expansion into premium leisure and hospitality with the launch of “The Isle”, a Rs 39-crore boutique retreat situated near its Bengaluru amusement park.
Spread across 4.5 acres, the 39-key aqua-themed property blends tropical-style cottages, water-facing villas, spa facilities, and immersive natural settings, positioning Wonderla in the evolving premium staycation segment.
The development comes as the company marks its 25th anniversary and seeks to diversify offerings amid changing patterns in domestic tourism and lifestyle preferences.
Currently, Wonderla operates amusement parks in Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar. The Isle will function as a standalone brand under the same corporate umbrella but will cater to a different audience segment focused on serenity and luxury.
Integrated Hospitality
Arun K. Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Wonderla Holidays, called the project a “strategic evolution” for the brand. “The Isle by Wonderla is not just another resort, it represents a new direction. Our parks are known for thrill and energy, but we’ve also observed a growing demand for quiet, immersive, and nature-led escapes. This property is our answer to that,” he told Moneycontrol.
Built at Rs 39 crore, The Isle comprises private pool cottages, hammock suites, glamping tents, starlight rooms, and even a treehouse. It is priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 17,000 per night, depending on the category.
The property is targeted towards the mass-premium segment for urban families, destination wedding seekers, long-stay guests, and corporate offsites.
“This is a model that global leisure destinations already follow. Disneyland, Universal, they all have stay options that extend the experience beyond the gates. We’re pioneering that in India,” Chittilappilly further added.
Luxury & Nature
The retreat has been designed by Reshma Karmarkar, CEO and Chief Architect at Design Matters, a firm known for its award-winning hospitality projects. In a deliberate departure from high-density commercial resorts, The Isle has low-footprint structures that preserve natural terrain.
Signature amenities include private lagoon-facing cottages, a temperature-controlled pool, hammock decks and glamping tents, a spa, a pan-Asian restaurant with 62 seats, and a poolside wine cocktail bar.
The property also features pet-friendly zones and a campfire courtyard.
“We didn’t want to build just another hotel,” said COO Dheeran Choudhary. “The intention was to create a sanctuary. Somewhere that feels like an island escape but is just a short drive from Bengaluru.”
Choudhary added that the entire planning philosophy was based on slow living. “It’s experiential, it’s mindful, and yet comfortably modern,” he added.
Strategic Rationale
The hospitality push is in line with Wonderla’s strategy to move beyond single-day park visits and build a stickier experience. According to industry analysts, the Indian leisure and tourism sector is witnessing a shift, from budget-friendly day travel to weekend getaways and experience-led luxury stays.
With over 43 million visitors to its amusement parks since inception, Wonderla now wants a larger share of the wallet per guest. “We’ve already seen the success of the Wonderla Resort in Bengaluru. With The Isle, we’re expanding our play in hospitality,” said Arun.
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