Friday, June 29, 2007

A unique heritage hotel- Sterling Swamimalai.

Sterling Swamimalai was our first choice when we decided to make a trip to Tanjore last December and we cherish our stay and memories till date. A villa built in 1896 in a traditional south indian style is the nucleus of this resort. The other cottages are inspired by this main structure. The resort is the brain child of Steve Borgia of Indeco Hotels.

The minute you step into a very discreet entrance, you are transported to the 19th century.
You are welcomed with temple bells ringing and a beautiful 'Kolam'- Rangoli design at the entrance. The setting is very rustic with the ambience like that of an old south indian village.
Amazing terracotta figures of Gods & Goddesses are scattered all around the resort. All courtesy the in-house potter.
Coconut, Banana, Jackfruit, Papaya trees form the perfect setting for the village scene.
Beautiful folk goddess figure!
A traditional village house forms the dining area.Even the trees are treated well, the potter has created lovely terracotta eyes for the trees.
The rooms are basic with traditional furniture. The roll-up blinds are made of natural fibres for good air circulation.


The swimming pool is designed like an old temple tank. On special occasions the side slots are lit with earthern lamps in the evening. What a gorgeous sight would that be!

The main villa has a lovely courtyard with a natural well and a museum of antiques.
Truly traditional, truly spiritual, truly Indian.

9 comments:

Gill said...

I am there. I am bugging my husband as I type to take me there.
Last night, while watching tv, I turned to him and said, "We are retiring to India."
He said, "Okay."
Maybe we will meet one day!
xo

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

:-) Very interesting conversation:-)

Anonymous said...

I am planning a travel to India next fall, 2008, and love to follow your blog.

Anonymous said...

What a villa!! Thank you letting me have the chance to see a slice of India Arch.

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

britt-arnhild- That's great. Thanks and your most welcome to my blogs:-)

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

rochambeau- Thanks :-)

Dilip Muralidaran said...

this place is just too good.

Photo Langage said...

Beautiful pictures of SWAMIMALAI. But now the hotel is so different. All the same your pictures look fresh. Would you care to entertain a few changes.
1. The hotel is now call INDeco Hotels Swamimalai and branded as a heritage chain with the other hotels at Mahabalipuram & Yercaud. (www.indecohotels.com)
2. The email id is swamimalai@indecohotels.com.

Thanks

Steve
steve@indecohotels.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Rachana,

I love your blog and your fabulous photos!Your blog is nudging me towards at photography course.

I wanted to check with you on how you locate the unique hotels and resorts. Is it by word of mouth?