La Villa is a luxury boutique hotel located in the town of Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu, India and is a beautifully restored historic 19th century French Manor House. With just six fantastic suites, La Villa is a triumph of design and thoughtful restoration.
Highlights
Superb restoration retaining the old world charm yet modernising for the 21st century
Most rooms have a balcony, patio, terrace or veranda
Lovely outdoor swimming pool
Delightful outdoor restaurant serving European fare
La Villa is an old French Manor House and is over 100 years old and sits in the old quarter of Pondicherry. Pondicherry was once the base for the French East India Company, as opposed to Madras (now Chennai) which was the base of the English East India Company.
Pondy as it is lovingly known by locals, fuses French style and bohemian-chic with Indian architecture and bluster and is a delightful place to amble around by day; guests can get about on one of the hotel's bicycles. A few of the locals still speak French, and you will find quaint cobbled streets, colonial era pastel painted townhouses and you can expect to tuck into amazing Franco-Indian fusion cuisine at every meal. Delve into the many cafes, restaurants and shops before picking up a freshly baked baguette. This is France in India, and La Villa is simply the best place to stay in this fascinating town.
La Villa has just six suites and as such retains an exquisite and exclusive feel about it. French designers Tina Trigala and Yves Lespirit set to work styling the hotel, retaining the old-world charm yet creating a luxurious and modern space within it, packed with little touches of designer brilliance. Blending mosaic hand-made tiles, lime plaster, local granite and teak, they have perfectly retained the old, yet brought in the new. La Villa comes across as understated, yet refined and utterly inviting in every way.
The six suites are located on either the first, second or third floor. There are four slightly smaller suites, and all except 'India Song' have an outdoor area, be it an in-room patio, balcony, terrace or veranda. The first floor rooms (North Side Story, South Side Story and Timeless) overlook the delightful hotel 40m2 pool. The rooms are wonderfully furnished with seating areas, rain-forest showers (sorry no bathtubs we're afraid) and wonderfully comfortable beds. La Villa have imported French linens and toiletries from Fragonard, yet kept little touches and design elements from the local area.
The Restaurant is located outside on the ground floor and the breakfasts are superb (French continental of course). In the evening it also serves delicious European fare.
La Villa is perfect for those wanting a peaceful, upmarket and refined boutique hotel and is ideal for honeymooners or couples. Please note that the hotel doesn't permit children under twelve.
We suggest at least three nights in Pondicherry to fully let this magical corner of India soak in. Blend it with a journey into the historic heartlands of Tamil Nadu such as Tanjore or Madurai, or some of its rural charms like Chettinad or Rajakkad.
When to visit
We suggest opting for our favorite room 'Timeless' - it has a superb balcony.
Plan your trip
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure
Inquire NowLa Villa is located in the old French quarter of Pondicherry within easy walking distance of most of the main sights and sounds of the town.
Rajakkad Estate
Rajakkad Estate is a beautiful and cozy retreat hidden in the hills of Tamil Nadu, offering a traveler their own secret hideout and surrounding area to explore. Enjoy yoga, walking trails or simply relax in the gardens.
Gateway Madurai
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Madurai is set in 62 acres and gives you an opportunity to relax in peaceful gardens away from city life.
Heritage Madurai
Formerly the British Madurai Club, the Heritage Madurai offers a soothing oasis in this busy city. Recently beautifully restored, modernised and extended, the property now offers 72 gorgeous rooms including 35 villas in 17 acres of lush green gardens.
Visalam
Located between Trichy and Madurai in the heart of the Chettinad community, Visalam is a lovingly restored mansion and an ideal stop over during an off the beaten track tour of Tamil Nadu. The 15 heritage rooms are elegant ensuring a peaceful stay.
Svatma
Svatma is a luxury heritage hotel in a quiet lane in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu and raises the bar for hotels in this area. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, Svatma has been lovingly designed and restored as a testament to Tamilan art and culture.
Mantra Koodam
Mantra Koodam offers a refined yet authentic retreat in Tamil Nadu’s temple town of Kumbakonam, with heritage-inspired cottages, curated cultural experiences, and tranquil surroundings steeped in spirituality.
Palais de Mahe
The Palais de Mahe is located in the old French quarter of Pondicherry in India, just 50 meters the from seafront. It is a colonial style boutique hotel with just 18 rooms and is an elegant and charming option for those on a tour through Tamil Nadu.
Trident, Chennai
The Trident Chennai is conveniently located close to the airport, and 10 minutes from Chennai. Set amongst five acres of lush, tropical gardens, the elegant hotel caters offers 167 rooms, business facilities, bar, restaurants, gymnasium and spa.
The Leela Palace Chennai
With its sea-facing location, The Leela Palace Chennai brings opulence and modern comforts to Chennai. Close to the business district in the heart of the city, here relax at the spa by ESPA, the exclusive Club Lounge or one of the six dining options.
City Tour Of Madurai
After an early breakfast head out to enjoy a tour of Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu.
Guided tour of the French Quarter
Walk around the French Quarter with your guide and learn about this unique part of Pondicherry and how the French legacy is still preserved.
