With its mix of history, culture, beaches, colonial structures and charming French quarters, Pondicherry is a popular destination for weekend getaways. But it can get quite confusing when faced with the dilemma of where to stay. Over a few of my recent trips to Pondi, I decided to check out a few stays and pick out ones that are worth heading to again. And, having sifted through the ones I’ve visited so far, I already have a handful of favourite places. An artist residency to a charming villa, here’s my pick of the best stays {according to me} in Pondicherry:
a) Villa a La Mode - Perfect for families or a group of travellers {I went with my friends}, the quaint Villa a la Mode is quite accessible from the main town and a short walk away from the scenic Auroville Beach. While cobblestone pathways welcome you in, the interiors are bound to bowl you over with its charming décor and vibrant shades. Offering two kinds of villas – deluxe and standard, the well-furnished living rooms and spacious bedrooms add to your comfortable stay. While here, you can tuck into the delicious local cuisine, featuring great seafood dishes. When you're done sightseeing and exploring Pondicherry, go for a relaxing massage which can be availed at the villa.
b) A la Villa Creole - Want a taste of the old world charm that the French quarters in Pondicherry is known for? Pick A la Villa Creole for your stay. With old-fashioned architecture and laidback vibes, the guest house offers different accommodation options to truly make you feel at home. The Standard Thatched Room is perfect if you want a rustic experience. Or, you could pick from the non-ac deluxe double room or a ac deluxe double room for a more comfortable stay. The dining area with a covered rooftop is where you can sample lip-smacking dishes of French, Indian or Continental cuisines. The caretaker who stays within the property will happily help you out with anything you might require in terms of food or travel. Owing to its great location, popular spots like Seaside Promenade, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Promenade Beach, LB2 Lounge Pondy and New Banana Café are in close proximity for you to explore.
c) Olive de Villa - Located right in the heart of Auroville, Olive de Villa offers a picture-perfect space where you can unwind in peace. Done up in a sunny shade that reflects the breezy vibes of Pondicherry, the boutique resort has verdant lawns, cute sit-outs in the garden and cosy nooks that promise you some quiet time. Ideal for couples, friends as well as families, the place offers accommodations across seven categories – deluxe room, super deluxe room, superior room, classic suite, deluxe suite, premium room and family room. Spacious and equipped with necessary amenities, space complements the relaxing ambience with simple yet elegant décor. The resort’s swimming pool is where you can start your day with a dip before you dig into the sumptuous buffet breakfast. Going the extra mile to make sure you have a luxurious stay, they also have a hot tub, a fitness centre, a steam room and massage services. Nearby attractions include Auroville Matri Mandir, Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville Beach which are within 5 km.
d) Tranquil Guest House - Situated near Auroville, Tranquil Guest House is an artist residency that offers a unique experience to people who visit Pondicherry. Done up in earthy hues, the place has traditional, rammed earth guest houses for an eco-friendly stay that does not skimp on comforts. Considering it’s a centre of arts and culture, you get to interact with artists from different fields – music, poetry, theatre, dance, academics – and walks of life. You can also watch artists performing or take part in daily fitness regimes, which includes Kalaripayattu. Apart from air-conditioned rooms with necessary amenities, space also boasts of a fully-equipped gym, an Italian-designed saltwater swimming pool, amphitheatre and library. While breakfast is provided to guests, you can opt for their organic homecooked meals for an additional cost. While there are nearby spots for you to learn surfing and horse-riding, other interesting places to visit include Auroville Bamboo Centre and the natural indigo dye house, The Colours of Nature {also in Auroville}.
a) Villa a La Mode - Perfect for families or a group of travellers {I went with my friends}, the quaint Villa a la Mode is quite accessible from the main town and a short walk away from the scenic Auroville Beach. While cobblestone pathways welcome you in, the interiors are bound to bowl you over with its charming décor and vibrant shades. Offering two kinds of villas – deluxe and standard, the well-furnished living rooms and spacious bedrooms add to your comfortable stay. While here, you can tuck into the delicious local cuisine, featuring great seafood dishes. When you're done sightseeing and exploring Pondicherry, go for a relaxing massage which can be availed at the villa.
b) A la Villa Creole - Want a taste of the old world charm that the French quarters in Pondicherry is known for? Pick A la Villa Creole for your stay. With old-fashioned architecture and laidback vibes, the guest house offers different accommodation options to truly make you feel at home. The Standard Thatched Room is perfect if you want a rustic experience. Or, you could pick from the non-ac deluxe double room or a ac deluxe double room for a more comfortable stay. The dining area with a covered rooftop is where you can sample lip-smacking dishes of French, Indian or Continental cuisines. The caretaker who stays within the property will happily help you out with anything you might require in terms of food or travel. Owing to its great location, popular spots like Seaside Promenade, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Promenade Beach, LB2 Lounge Pondy and New Banana Café are in close proximity for you to explore.
c) Olive de Villa - Located right in the heart of Auroville, Olive de Villa offers a picture-perfect space where you can unwind in peace. Done up in a sunny shade that reflects the breezy vibes of Pondicherry, the boutique resort has verdant lawns, cute sit-outs in the garden and cosy nooks that promise you some quiet time. Ideal for couples, friends as well as families, the place offers accommodations across seven categories – deluxe room, super deluxe room, superior room, classic suite, deluxe suite, premium room and family room. Spacious and equipped with necessary amenities, space complements the relaxing ambience with simple yet elegant décor. The resort’s swimming pool is where you can start your day with a dip before you dig into the sumptuous buffet breakfast. Going the extra mile to make sure you have a luxurious stay, they also have a hot tub, a fitness centre, a steam room and massage services. Nearby attractions include Auroville Matri Mandir, Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville Beach which are within 5 km.
d) Tranquil Guest House - Situated near Auroville, Tranquil Guest House is an artist residency that offers a unique experience to people who visit Pondicherry. Done up in earthy hues, the place has traditional, rammed earth guest houses for an eco-friendly stay that does not skimp on comforts. Considering it’s a centre of arts and culture, you get to interact with artists from different fields – music, poetry, theatre, dance, academics – and walks of life. You can also watch artists performing or take part in daily fitness regimes, which includes Kalaripayattu. Apart from air-conditioned rooms with necessary amenities, space also boasts of a fully-equipped gym, an Italian-designed saltwater swimming pool, amphitheatre and library. While breakfast is provided to guests, you can opt for their organic homecooked meals for an additional cost. While there are nearby spots for you to learn surfing and horse-riding, other interesting places to visit include Auroville Bamboo Centre and the natural indigo dye house, The Colours of Nature {also in Auroville}.
