asiaSpa India January-February 2015 79H
HIDEAWAY
A Portuguese manor restored with all the trinkets of a
boutique hotel, La Villa in Pondicherry is the place to be in
case you want to play hide and seek with the material worldLA VILLA
11 RUE SURCOUF
PONDICHERRY, 605001
PHONE: (91) 413 2338555
WWW.LAVILLAPONDICHERRY.COMT
he very word ‘hideaway’ is perhaps
the most motivating word in travel
nomenclature. Not only, it sends
ripples of exhilaration in every travel
junkie’s heart, it also sets the tone for a
quest. So if you are looking for an urban
cave to turn away from the chaotic world,
there is a place to go, that too in dreamlike
state like Pondicherry. While being at La
Villa, may not show all the signal barsaway from the
down on your mobile, it is the retreat to
be, if you are seeking solace with a hint of
luxury. A restored property in the former
French colony, La Villa, is located at 160 km
from Chennai international airport and
fl aunts a charm of its own.
Respecting the heritage of its
colonial architecture, this 19th century
manor provides all the facilities of a
boutique hotel, featuring six suites,
a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Inspired by its Pondicherien past, the original
walls of the manor blend with the pristine
white walls, while the teak wood, glass
and metal add novelty to the visual
vocabulary. The use of natural materials
like precious wood, fabrics, silver cutlery,
fine porcelain along with a unique sense
of colour and detail, draws you into the
atmosphere of poetic bliss. A refi ned mix
between local artefacts, antiques and
contemporary sensibility bring to the place
an inimitable tone that is quite inspiring
but not pretentious.The restaurant, located in the
garden and beneath the arches of La
Villa plate up the best of fresh and
local products. The menu, though rich
in flavours, colours and textures is
limited and alters with the seasons.
During the stay, one can indulge in
the products provided by the famous
French perfumer Fragonard. At the
villa, a private yoga class can also be
arranged on request.
To scout around, the hotel also
provides bicycles to guests. One can go
about exploring the sights and sounds,
unravelling the many stories that
the locals are more than happy to
share. Overall, it is an enjoyable blend of
subtlety and luxury and you can make
the best of both.soot and soil
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