Mumbai has its fair share of weekend getaways in Lonavala, Alibaug, Matheran and others that offer a laid back, relaxed family outing at a resort with some sight seeing options. All of these options have been available for many years.
With Adlabs Imagica, Mumbai has an action packed, fun filled weekend getaway option, which is surely set to please members of all ages. The theme park is situated on a large property 1.5 hours drive from Mumbai. The park is divided into two parts, one called Aqua Imagica (for water based rides) and other called Adlabs Imagica (for roller coasters, 4D rides and dome motion pictures). Each park will require you spend a full day on site with multiple options for various age groups.
To make your weekend complete, Novotel has opened a full service property right next to the Adlabs Imagica entrance and offers a full theme park weekend experience. The facility offers a range of options for guests that include a lavish and full service late evening brunch (Saturday), fun activities with the characters in Adlabs Imagica, a large outdoor swimming pool, game areas for kids, baby sitting services and so much more.
We were invited to participate in the Christmas Cake Mixing Event at the Saturday Sunset Brunch early November. The Sunset Brunch is set up in a way that families can travel to the Aqua Imagica on Saturday morning, and after spending a full day at the park, settle into the hotel and enjoy a fun filled evening – drinking and dining at the outdoor poolside restaurant, then head out to Adlabs Imagica on Sunday morning – thus completing a super fun weekend close to Mumbai.
Checking into the property on Saturday afternoon, we were welcomed at the lobby level by characters that play with the kids and have some fun with the adults. Post a quick shower and change, I walked through the property, soaking in the thoughts and ideas behind the design, flow and activities that establish a strong connect with the theme park. I joined the Cake Mixing Event at the poolside, which housed a large table, well laid out to receive the fruits and alcohol. The stage was also set for the Sunset Brunch, with stall such as Balloon Art, Painting and Artwork, Temporary Tattoos, Bangle Making, Diya Making and an air filled jumping cushion for the kids.
Inviting guests to help with the mixing kicked off the Christmas Cake Mixing. Chef Gaurav started the proceedings with fun music, beer and a lot of cheer. Gloves and caps were swiftly distributed, and guests took their places around the long table.12 large buckets of dry fruits, plums and other cake mix was laid out on the table. Guests worked their hands to mix up the ingredients before the alcohol was poured. Soon, bottles upon bottles of Rum, Wine, Whiskey and Gin were poured into the mix. Guests worked hard to mix everything well, the fragrance was unmistakably that of a Christmas Cake. The mix was packed up in a large container to be sealed till Christmas eve, when the Chef will use the marinated and ripe fruits and nuts to bake a fresh cake for the hotel.
The Sunset Brunch kicked off at the poolside with live music as the sun set over the horizon. Wine and bubbly flowed freely, the guests were served dishes from the live counters, and the party truly began. The poolside counters served grilled dishes, while the indoor restaurant served a variety of continental and Indian fare in the main course and desserts.
The outdoor sunset brunch was wonderfully setup and executed. The peppy and popular numbers from the live band added to the charm of the open-air setup. The grilled items being served were Chicken Breast, Lobster, Crab, Fish and kebabs that were cooked well and quite a good selection for the price. The service was great with waiters ensuring you get served with a smile and everyone was always willing to help. I tried the Chicken Breast, which was very tasty and fresh. I also tried the fish kebab and lobster; both were grilled well and quite popular.
The outdoor dinner was spiced up by a wonderful character walk and entertainment event where dancers, theme park characters and artists parading through the poolside. A Salsa Class followed the parade where about 10 couples got on the dance floor and learnt a few basic steps. The live music kept people dancing till late night making the evening memorable for people and kids alike.
The dinner spread was expansive and offered various cuisines. The Indian fare was well made and flavourful, with good options for Jains, Gujaratis and Punjabis. The continental fare had options in fresh pizzas, pastas and chicken dishes. I did, however, feel that the quality and taste was wanting given that it is a Novotel Hotel, where flavours are expected to be more authentic than other hotels. The soups for example were not up to the mark, with the Thai soup high on coconut milk, and the vegetable soup tasted more like gravy. The main course was made well and I loved the chicken masala and daal with rice. The Pizza and Pasta were disappointing as they were quite bland. The desserts as well were below par. Given the great grilled food poolside; I expected much more but the desserts and continental fare were below expectations, thus moderating my overall experience of the spread.
The sunset brunch offers a very good option to the visitors who can have fun with family in the day and night without traveling a lot, with the combination of Adlabs and Novotel providing a fantastic, fun filled option to the visitors where both the young and the elders can have fun together.
Ratings out of 5
Food: 3 | Ambiance: 4.5 | Service: 4 | Overall: 3.5
Meal for Two without Alcohol: Rs. 4200 Approximately plus taxes | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes|
Timing: 6.30pm-11.30 pm (restaurant) | Wheelchair access : Yes
Address: 30/31, Sangdewadi Off Mumbai Pune Express Way, Khopoli, 410203
Telephone : +91 2192 301 888
Disclaimer : This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review; however readers may exercise their own discretion.
