Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai
Covelong Beach, Dist, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603112
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Travel Month March, 2024
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Season Shoulder
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Stay Duration 3N
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Room PREMIUM COTTAGE GARDEN VIEW
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Package Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Price / N 19,617.50 INR
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Final Bill 69,129.50 INR
Room Upgraded from Deluxe Room Garden View to Premium Cottage Garden View
83.258 INR = 1 USDÂ
* All prices are inclusive of taxes. The final bill includes any additional charges for incidentals such as food and activities.
Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa is a luxurious beachfront getaway located on the scenic Coromandel Coast, just a short drive from the historic town of Mahabalipuram. Known for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, this resort is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site while enjoying a serene retreat. The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is most pleasant. However, we chose to travel in March, during the shoulder season, hoping for a quieter experience.
Our journey began with a drive from Bangalore, and we had already spent a couple of days at the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort before arriving at Fisherman’s Cove. Initially, we had booked a Deluxe Room with a Garden View and a King bed, but we were pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to a Premium Cottage with a Garden View, also with a King bed. Our stay lasted for three nights, and while the experience was generally positive, there were minor issues that could have enhanced our overall experience.
Booking & Pre-Arrival Experience
Our booking experience with Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai through the Taj Hotels website was unfortunately less smooth than expected. While we initially booked for two adults and one child, the confirmation email listed only two adults, leaving our child off the reservation entirely. This required follow-ups with IHCL/Taj Hotels customer support to resolve. Although they assured us that the update had been made, no revised confirmation arrived until we reached out a second time, which added unnecessary steps to the process.
Additionally, during the booking, a recurring issue with payment options proved frustrating. The “Pay at Hotel” option frequently disappeared, showing only the “Pay Now” option. It took several attempts for the preferred payment option to appear, seemingly due to a glitch on the site.
Post-booking, a link for card tokenization was supposed to be sent to us but never arrived, necessitating yet another call to customer support. It seemed that the system wasn’t configured to send this automatically, and the support staff lacked a manual way to issue it. After contacting the resort’s reservation desk directly, they kindly offered a workaround: they allowed us to hold the reservation on an American Express voucher guarantee by simply sharing a copy of the voucher details with them.
Overall, booking through tajhotels.com proved more frustrating than anticipated. The need for repeated follow-ups and manual interventions detracted from what we’d hoped would be a seamless start to our stay.
Arrival & Check-In Experience
Our arrival at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa was smooth and efficient after a short drive from the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort. We arrived around 4 PM, having enjoyed a late checkout from our previous hotel. Although the property is expansive, we noticed that covered parking for guest vehicles is quite limited. Valet parking is available and convenient, though it’s best to follow up with the team to ensure the car is parked under shade to avoid the sun’s impact, especially during warmer months.
The check-in process itself was quick, allowing us to settle into our room without hassle. The staff greeted us warmly and provided a refreshing welcome drink, setting a relaxing tone for our stay. The attentive service and welcoming atmosphere made us feel at ease from the moment we stepped in, creating an ideal start to our stay.
Main Entrance & Lobby
Accommodations
The Premium Cottage we were upgraded to, though compact at 34 square meters, offered a cozy and intimate setting. While the Deluxe Rooms we initially booked are more spacious at 43 square meters, the cottage provided a charming ambiance with its quaint design. For guests who prefer more space, the Grand Villa Sea View, with direct beach access and a generous area of 115 square meters, or the Luxury Sea View Suite, at 54 square meters, would be excellent choices.
Upon arrival, we requested a crib for our 6-month-old baby, which was provided promptly despite being overlooked during booking. However, the wooden crib was not in the best condition, and given the compact nature of the cottage, we chose to co-sleep with our little one in the comfortable king-sized bed. This arrangement turned out to be quite pleasant, allowing us to enjoy the intimacy and comfort of the space. The bedding, pillows, and linens were clean and comfortable, further enhancing our stay.
The cottage was a perfect blend of contemporary design and traditional Indian elements, featuring plush furnishings and a decent bathroom with a bathtub and modern amenities. The highlight was the outdoor shower, which allowed us to enjoy a unique bathing experience surrounded by lush greenery. Unfortunately, the outdoor shower was rendered unusable early in the mornings due to honey bees swarming in the shower area, but luckily, the bathtub was indoors.
The outdoor sitting area was thoughtfully furnished with a table, two chairs, and a plank swing, which added a touch of charm. However, as our room was just opposite the entrance of the Bay View restaurant, there were too many people walking around, and it didn’t feel as private to sit here and enjoy, though at certain times it was quieter.
One of the highlights of all Taj properties is their exclusive bathroom amenities provided by Forest Essentials, a luxurious Indian brand known for its Ayurvedic formulations and natural ingredients. These amenities added a touch of indulgence to our daily routines, enhancing the overall experience with their soothing scents and premium quality.
Premium Cottage – Room Tour
Resort Experience
Taj Fisherman’s Cove is a well-maintained property with lush greenery and easy access to a massive beach, which is an extended part of the public Kovalam Beach (not to be confused with Kovalam Beach in Kerala). Although the beach feels private and offers a serene setting for relaxation, the section close to the upper deck restaurant was not maintained as well and appeared unclear. The resort seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities, featuring a mix of newly constructed accommodations and older buildings that add character to the landscape. However, the mosquito presence was noticeable, especially in the evenings, and despite taking precautions, our little one still got several bites, which was disappointing.
While the property offers a variety of accommodations, there is no option with a private pool, which is a feature many resorts of this scale now provide. The absence of this amenity was felt, particularly since a private pool would have added an extra layer of luxury and convenience to the stay. The resort does, however, provide electric buggies to transport guests around the expansive property, making it convenient to navigate between accommodations, the beach, and dining areas.
The sprawling beach offers ample space for leisurely walks, and the landscaped gardens create a tranquil environment that contributes to the resort’s relaxing ambiance. Despite the age of some of the property’s features, the overall experience was enhanced by the resort’s serene atmosphere and attentive staff, who went out of their way to ensure a memorable stay.
Dining Experience
The resort boasts three distinctive restaurants: Bay View, Seagull, and Upper Deck. Â
Seagull a multi-cuisine restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and our experience there was particularly enjoyable. The Sous Chef Tapan Sahoo here even went the extra mile to prepare special meals for our baby, as well as some snacks for our drive back to Bangalore.
Bay View specializes in coastal delicacies and is open for lunch and dinner, offering stunning views of the ocean.
Upper Deck with its European-inspired menu, offers late afternoon drinks and dinner, while also serving complimentary evening tea with snacks to all guests.Â
Unfortunately, the in-room dining menu was limited, especially for seafood options, which was disappointing for a beachfront resort. As we were traveling with a baby and the mosquito issue in the evenings was a concern, we preferred dining in our room. The limited in-room dining options, coupled with the resort’s reluctance to serve food from the restaurants to our room, made our dining experience less than ideal.
Amenities & Activities
The resort offers a range of activities, including various evening events at the beach, although we participated in few due to our infant. The swimming pool, while not an infinity pool, provided a great spot for relaxation. Despite being an older facility, the pool area was well-maintained and offered a pleasant environment for unwinding.
One of the standout amenities at Taj Fisherman’s Cove is the J Wellness Circle, a luxurious spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments. The spa specializes in traditional Indian therapies and modern wellness practices, providing a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being. While we, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to experience the spa treatments during our stay, the J Wellness Circle is renowned for its serene atmosphere and expert therapists, making it a must-visit for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Swimming Pool
Areas for Improvement
While our stay at Taj Fisherman’s Cove had many positive moments, there were some areas where improvements could elevate the guest experience. Our booking experience through the Taj website was notably frustrating. The confirmation email inaccurately listed “2 Adults, 0 Child,” despite our reservation being for “2 Adults, 1 Child.” It required multiple follow-ups with customer support to rectify this, and even then, an updated reservation confirmation was only received after repeated requests. Additionally, a technical glitch caused the “Pay at Hotel” option to disappear intermittently, creating a stressful booking process. Furthermore, the link for card tokenization, which was essential to secure the reservation, was not sent automatically, requiring further intervention from the resort’s reservation team.
During our stay, we encountered issues with mosquitoes, and despite our precautions, our young child was affected by several bites. Enhanced pest control, particularly in the evenings, could make a significant difference for guests wishing to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces. The in-room dining options were also limited, which was surprising given the resort’s scale and location. Expanding the menu and offering more dining flexibility would add convenience, especially for families and guests who prefer privacy.
Parking was another area with room for improvement. While valet parking was available, ensuring guest cars are parked under shade required additional follow-up. Additionally, despite the large property size, covered parking spaces were limited. Finally, though the resort boasts direct access to a vast stretch of Kovalam Beach, the section closer to the upper deck restaurant appeared less maintained and detracted from the overall experience.
Overall Experience
Our stay at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa was a memorable beachfront escape, beautifully balancing relaxation and opportunities for cultural exploration. Located just a short drive from the historic sites of Mahabalipuram, the resort’s proximity to this ancient port city added a delightful historical element to our trip. Surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sounds of the sea, the resort’s tranquil environment provided a perfect retreat from city life.
Despite minor issues with booking, dining flexibility, and a few operational hiccups, our three-night stay was both enjoyable and rejuvenating. The spacious property and helpful staff contributed to a sense of relaxation, while the expansive beach access, vibrant gardens, and buggy service made exploring the grounds convenient. With its blend of coastal charm, attentive service, and serene ambiance, Taj Fisherman’s Cove remains a solid choice for those seeking a luxurious getaway on India’s east coast near Chennai. For guests who value natural beauty and thoughtful hospitality, this resort delivers a unique and enriching experience
