Arun Chittilappilly Unveils The Isle by Wonderla, A Boutique Premium Aqua-Retreat

From thrill rides to tranquil retreats, Wonderla’s journey takes an experiential turn with the launch of its newest luxury hospitality offering. In this exclusive conversation for the launch, Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Wonderla Holidays Ltd, shares the story behind Isle by Wonderla and how it redefines the concept of slow travel and glamping in India.

A Venture from Thrills to Tranquillity

Arun K. Chittilappilly has long been associated with high-octane joyrides and large-scale amusement parks that have delighted families across South India. But the story of Wonderla began much more humbly in 2000, with the opening of its first amusement park in Kochi. “The amusement park scene in India was severely underdeveloped at the time,” Arun recalls. “Apart from a few players like Essel World, there wasn’t much. We started small, but the response was overwhelming, and that gave us the confidence to grow.”

Today, Wonderla operates four parks with plans for a ₹600 crore expansion in Chennai. But the company’s ambitions have now expanded into the world of experiential hospitality, with the launch of Isle by Wonderla, a boutique resort that marks a thoughtful departure from its core identity.

The Birth of Isle by Wonderla

While Wonderla first forayed into hospitality in 2012 with a resort near its Bengaluru park, Arun says the pandemic reshaped the landscape. “Post-COVID, people weren’t just looking for convenience. They were looking for immersion for stays that feel like experiences in themselves.”

Isle by Wonderla, located on 4.5 lush acres adjacent to their existing Bengaluru resort, is Wonderla’s bold response to that shift. Inspired by the glamping resorts of Bali and Vietnam, the property blends contemporary luxury with earthy, nature-integrated design. “It’s not about grandeur. It’s about space, calm, and an organic connection with your surroundings,” he shares.

With just 39 thoughtfully designed units, including tents, skylight rooms, and suites with private plunge pools, Isle offers quiet luxury in an unhurried setting. “We’ve intentionally stayed away from high-rises. This is about horizontal sprawl, greenery, and water.”

A Distinctive Luxury Offering

Described as a five-star glamping concept, the resort encourages guests to step outside their rooms and interact with the natural elements. “We’re not competing on room size,” Arun explains. “Our focus is on evoking emotion, feeling grounded, serene, and immersed in nature.”

Water plays a starring role. With one of the largest integrated water bodies for a resort in the region, Isle features hammocks above the water, a large plunge pool, and a full-sized swimming pool. “This isn’t a space for swimming lanes, it’s for interaction. You’ll feel water and wilderness all around you.”

Despite its upscale amenities, Isle remains accessible, with rooms priced between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 per night. Meals and spa services are available as add-ons, allowing guests to tailor their retreat to their preferences.

Pet-Friendly, Nature-Loving, and People-Centric

A key differentiator for Isle is its pet-friendliness. “Today, pets are family,” says Arun. “Our vertically designed older resort couldn’t cater to that, but Isle, with its open layout, was perfect for it.” Dedicated spaces allow pets to roam freely, ensuring comfort and safety for all guests.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design. Eco-friendly construction materials and low-carbon development practices were employed to preserve the integrity of the land. “It’s not just about luxury, but responsible luxury,” Arun states.

A Boutique Strategy with Big Vision

With only 39 rooms, Wonderla’s strategy for Isle is deliberate: stay boutique, stay curated. “We’re not aiming for mass footfall,” Arun notes. “This is a word-of-mouth product. And early signs are promising, weekends are selling out even before the official launch.”

The property will host small, soulful events such as yoga retreats, birthday celebrations, wellness group stays, and even intimate weddings capped at 100–150 guests. “This space isn’t for loud, high-decibel functions,” he clarifies. “It’s for moments of quiet celebration.”

Culinary offerings will follow suit: think Asian and Western-influenced dishes, Indian staples, live counters, and curated buffets. A wellness-oriented spa and slow-living ethos complete the picture.

Location, Accessibility & the Micro-Vacation Mindset

Strategically located about an hour from Bengaluru’s city centre and two hours from Kempegowda International Airport, Isle is easily accessible yet feels like a true escape. “It’s the sweet spot,” says Arun. “You don’t have to plan a long, logistically complex trip to unwind.”

The climate on the Bangalore plateau stays pleasant year-round, making Isle a strong contender for spontaneous getaways and repeat visits. “Micro-vacations are growing shorter, more frequent escapes. Isle fits perfectly into that trend.”

Initially targeting travellers from Bangalore, the brand aims to expand its footprint to neighbouring states and beyond as road connectivity improves. “Eventually, we expect guests from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and even Maharashtra,” he adds.

Creating a Signature Brand

For Arun, the launch of Isle is about more than just diversification; it’s about storytelling through experience. “The amusement park space is still developing in India, and we’ve made our mark there. But hospitality can often feel repetitive. Our challenge was to offer something instantly recognisable.”

His ambition is for Isle to become a brand in itself, something that evokes a specific feeling. “It’s a boutique property now, but if we can recreate this across our other parks and maintain that emotional pull, we’ve succeeded.”

When asked about personal inspiration for the design, Arun shares, “I love being surrounded by nature. My office is designed that way, and so is this resort. Even walking from the reception to the rooms is a mindful journey, active, immersive, and calming.”

And the phrase that best captures the essence of the Isle?

“The Isle is Calling.”

“It’s not just a tagline, it’s an emotion,” Arun concludes. “A place you experience once, and feel the urge to return to. That’s what we’ve built, a resort that lingers in your memory and gently calls you back.”

With Isle by Wonderla, Arun K Chittilappilly isn’t just adding a luxury resort to his portfolio; he’s rewriting what a hospitality experience from an entertainment brand can look like. Rooted in design, nature, and intentionality, Isle is not a pivot but an evolution, an extension of Wonderla’s DNA that brings together adrenaline and stillness, excitement and retreat, in one unforgettable getaway.