Villa Shanti is a restored French colonial property, first built over 200 years ago during the influx of French Europeans traveling to Pondicherry. It was owned by Paquiry Segiyane Sylvain, who commissioned Yves Lesprit and Tina Trigala, Parisian architects with intimate knowledge about French colonial styles and design. Aside from restoring the villa, they also made modern additions to the property, creating a beautiful structure that blends the old and the new. It is because of their hard work and genius that Villa Shanti would later open in 2011 as a heritage hotel and become a well-known part of White Town's community and culture.
Design and Architecture
The painstaking restoration and redesign of the European-style Villa Shanti are credited to Yves Lesprit and Tina Trigala. The pair of Parisian architects could be considered masters of blending old and modern styles to create something new. During the restoration of Villa Shanti, they also added a modern wing to complement the property's heritage designs.
The color schemes and decorative themes of the hotel's social spaces and 15 rooms are also their work. Likewise, the quality and the look of each of the hotel's accouterments and fineries had to go through them, with results that show that all the effort was worth it. The resulting aesthetics are a combination of Parisian and Indian street fashion tied together by contemporary artistic touches.
RESTAURANT
BAR
LAUNDRY
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Daily housekeeping
Terrace
Outdoor furniture
General
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Services
Airport shuttle
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Shuttle service
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Activities
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Neck massage
Foot massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Yoga classes
Food & Drink
Snack bar
Wine/champagne
Fruits
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key access
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Food & drink safety
Breakfast takeaway containers
Safety features
First aid kit available
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Popular Amenities
RESTAURANT
BAR
LAUNDRY
Guest services
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Daily housekeeping
Outdoor
Terrace
Outdoor furniture
General
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Services
Airport shuttle
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Shuttle service
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Activities
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Neck massage
Foot massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Yoga classes
Food & Drink
Snack bar
Wine/champagne
Fruits
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key access
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Food & drink safety
Breakfast takeaway containers
Safety features
First aid kit available
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Villa Shanti Restaurant
Villa Shanti's signature restaurant is divided into two spaces: the patio dining area features a vertical garden and alfresco setting, while the indoor area has air-conditioning. The menu consists of French and Indian selections, along with tandoori-cooked items.
Opening hours: 12 pm - 2:45 pm and 7 pm - 10:45 pm (weekdays); 12 pm - 3:30 pm and 7 pm - 10:45 pm (weekends)
Cafe Bar
Situated next to the patio dining area, the Cafe Bar features a relaxing corner with a lounging space. Aside from the selection of light meals and local and international wines and liquors, the expert mixologists will also craft your favorite cocktails and mocktails.
Opening hours: 11 am - 10:45 pm
Cultural Experiences
Since Villa Shanti focuses on gastronomic delights, guests can discover more about the heritage of Pondicherry by partaking in the delicious Indian and French cuisine offered at the hotel's restaurant. First-hand experiences are also a fantastic way to learn, and a good way to do so is by walking the historic streets of the French Quarter where the hotel is located.
The Puducherry Museum and Raj Nivas Palace are two places within walking distance of the hotel where guests can marvel at artifacts and architecture from the city's past. Guests are also encouraged to check out their Feel the Sea package tour, where they can charter a boat and explore the coasts and coves around Pondicherry.
Other Celebrations
Make sure to collaborate with the management and staff if you've got a special day planned during your stay. As a heritage stay with a focus on food, the property may let you make arrangements for special dishes for a birthday or anniversary.
Local museum with exhibits and collections of the city and region's history. (8-minute walk)
Botanical garden and reserve established in 1826. (5-minute motorcycle ride)
Governor's palace founded in 1735 during the French Colonial times and still used today. (8-minute walk)
The nearest airport to Villa Shanti is Puducherry Airport (PNY) and is 18 minutes away by car.
The closest railway to Villa Shanti is Puducherry Railway Station, just a short 13-minute walk from the hotel.