Recently I was invited to Novotel Imagica Khopoli, a resort which is very close to where I live in Pune. India’s first theme park property by AccorHotels, this resort is surrounded by the lush greenery of Sahyadri Hills and is located within close proximity to India’s premier theme parks of Imagica, Water park, and Snowmagica, making it ideal for family holidays and for those seeking to relax and rejuvenate away from the bustling city life.
The resort is easily accessible via the Mumbai Pune Expressway. It took us about an hour and a half to reach this beautiful place, it was a pleasant surprise to see that the car which came to pick us up was well stocked with snacks and fruit juices, water bottles, tissue papers, etc.
This is a fantastic place for everyone to re-live their childhood memories and treat their children to numerous marquee characters around the resort. In fact while spending time in the lobby I noticed marquee characters always around obliging children with photos and entertaining them.
The resort has its very own signature magical Irolic Parade that creates unique iconography with an enchanting blend of characters from traditional fairy tales like Tubbby, Mogambo, Cinderella and Snow White who march along with hip hop and freestyle dancers every day during the breakfast service at 10 in the morning. This parade is very popular and enjoyed by both children and adults equally, it creates a fun environment where guests can unwind and relax.
The resort features the largest inventory in the vicinity with 287 well-appointed rooms which overlooks the park, pool and the lush Sahyadri hills. As many as 20 interconnected rooms are available on each floor of the resort, catering to larger family groups. The guest rooms are adorned with modern lithograph artworks and large balconies overlooking the scenic hills. To ensure a good night’s sleep, the resort’s custom made quality bedding and complimentary pillow menu give guests an option to choose their preferred pillow type. A choice selection can be made from poly-fill, soft, hard, feather to contour.
Novotel Imagica Khopoli features one of the largest meeting spaces in the Lonavla area with a pillar-less ballroom that can accommodate around 460 guests. Its 1600 square meter landscaped trellised garden area and air-conditioned marquee is perfect for couples seeking to tie the knot in an open and romantic setting. The entire property comes alive with chirpy and vivacious music that plays through the resort’s corridors. In house guests can make their loved one’s morning more exciting by using the Character Wakeup Call service.
The sprawling resort has four restaurants inclusive of a bar that offers a tempting selection of cuisines. Led by Executive Chef Gaurav Chakraborty, the efficient kitchen team ensures that there is something for everyone’s palate.
The Square is the resort’s signature all day dining restaurant, featuring a buffet selection of Indian and international favourites and freshly prepared dishes at its live cooking stations as well as exciting a-la-carte options including North Indian, South Indian and local specialities.
Tubbby’s Bistro, a bistro-style pastry shop inspired by the character Tubbby from the theme park, features a wide array of fresh pastries, cakes and local delicacies.
Nitro Bar gets its name from the Nitro ride at the Imagica Park, serving a selection of signature dishes like the Bhutjolokia chicken screamers, chicken with Tzatziki and Pita, Kokum Murgh tikka, Loppywoopy Prawns, Humpty’s chicken parcel and Thai Kuthu Parathas. One can enjoy a selection of refreshing cocktails like Tangy Tranquilo, The Curried Treasure, or Bouquet Kaffir made with quirky ingredients.
Flotz, the resort’s poolside bar with a selection of snacks and drinks is a great venue for a relaxed evening. Novotel Imagica Khopoli offers a range of dining and recreational facilities for families looking for a fun filled holiday. This includes daily activity programs for kids such as pottery sessions, arts and craft to swimming lessons for adults.
Being the first resort with an exclusive activities and animations department, Novotel Imagica conducts various activities for guests belonging to all age groups to participate in and keep themselves engaged and entertained. Children can participate in interactive sessions of storytelling, swimming classes, art classes, craft, colouring, painting and clay art, adults can opt for Zumba, Rifle shooting, Paint ball, Archery, and Aerobics by the pool.
The resort also conducts corporate team building activities which include: Cobweb (here people help one another cross through a web constructed out of ropes), Knotmaze (here people help each other unknot the knot maze), Key punch (A powerful exercise for learning how to work together, communicate and seek to improve performance in medium sized groups), and many more. Novotel Imagica Khopoli is also one of the participating resorts for Le Club Accorhotels, the Group’s multi-brand loyalty program which offers perks to loyalty members such as welcome drinks, room upgrades priority check-ins and late check-outs.
While at the resort, we were given passes to the theme park which is an interesting place to spend a day as there are various rides for both kids and adults in all the three entertainment zones- Imagica theme park, Snowmagica and Waterpark. In the evening, it is a great idea to witness the Imagica parade which transports one to fairyland what with characters like Cinderalla in her carriage, Snow White, etc. There are various kiosks for food and beverage in the theme parks as well as gift shops for those who would like to purchase souvenirs for loved ones. A day well spent here can ensure an adrenaline rush as well as a fun filled time with family and friends. Novotel Imagica Khopoli is definitely worth several visits!
Address: 30/31, Sangdewadi, Off Mumbai Pune Express Way, Khopoli Pali Road, Khalapur, Khopoli, Maharashtra 410203, India
Phone: +91 2192 301 888
