»Club Cabana: Devanahalli. Newest on the block, the Club Med clone has plush interiors, slick facilities, uniformed staff with soft accents. The club's water world is an experience: simulated waves, slides and what not. Sit on the pebbled beach and enjoy cocktails. Also offers basketball -- an infotechie and expat favourite -- four-lane bowling, squash and a nine-hole putting green. Plus, sauna, jacuzzi, masseurs, a 300-seater open-air theatre. Yuppie heaven.

»Nirvana: Devanahalli Road. The billing is holistic living, but the pressure of competition means those who seek enlightenment with meat and beer -- nothing stiffer -- are welcome too. This rustic, 35-acre spread has undeniable charms for the new-ager. A meditation hall, gravelled paths, greenery, pranic healing, yoga and ayurveda classes. There's even an acupressure waterfall, no meat zones and no garlic-onion zones. Not pricey, but the nature of the place ensures placid patrons. Should get a karma kick with plans: residential cottages, mud baths and aroma therapy. Stress-buster.

»Dominion: Bellary Road. Generally, the same snazzy-splashy pitch as Club Cabana, but with a USP that always helps: it's the closest to Bangalore, about a half-hour drive from the city. Its use is defined by distance. Most members drop in at all hours, instead of a manic weekend rush. What used to be a coconut grove is now a 54-room place, so it's hot for overnight conventions. The 12-acre spread will soon have a state-of-the-art disco: The Rocks. Go to it.

»Manipal County: Hosur Road. Known in its earlier avatar as The Country Club, started by the late actor Shankar Nag. Now with a new name and new management, the 12 acres have the same far-from-it-all feel. Rustic touch -- open air eatouts, coffee shop with wooden benches. The place scores on tranquillity, not modern attractions -- no gym or swimming pool. A day place. Slow.

»The Club: Mysore Road. The one that really started the trend five years ago. Despite its ordinary looks, the definitive family place. All structures are built around a huge pool, where parents relax while kids watch cartoons on a giant screen. Patrons swear by the food and service and call the place a "habit". Tiny compared to other places, with everything crammed into three acres. Houses Bangalore's hottest disco, Inferno. That's probably all that will set you on fire.