Svatma is a heritage boutique hotel, set in a quiet lane in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu. Unable to find a reasonable luxury hotel in Tanjore, Krithika, with her architect husband, Sumanth decided to create a hotel of their own. They found a 150-year-old colonnaded colonial-style home of a British trader and meticulously restored the derelict which now houses seven heritage suites. A further 27 rooms, with a slightly more contemporary style, were added in the adjoining new wing.
Owner Krithika designed and created Svatma with the intention of re-defining luxury in Tanjore and has succeeded by creating a retreat that effortlessly blends Tamil art, spirituality and culture with uncompromised contemporary comforts. But at its heart is her passion for traditional classic, Bharatanatyam dance in which she excels. They have created a succession of galleries celebrating different aspects of Tamil art and culture and displaying old music instruments.
The Svatma incorporates all the usual attributes of a first-rate boutique hotel, including a swimming pool, a luxury spa and three great restaurants serving vegetarian Tamil cuisine. The bar, is sited under a traditional porch salvaged from a 220-year-old house in the neighbouring region of Chettinad. There is also a marble platform for yoga and meditation. Perfectly located to explore the surrounding Unesco-inscribed heritage sites, it remains at its heart ‘part home, part museum’.
Amenities
Bar/PubBusiness CentreCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFitness CentreGardenLibraryMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Svatma features just 38 spacious rooms. Of which, 7 rooms are in the heritage building and the rest in the contemporary part of the hotel. All are spacious in size with high ceilings lined and dark wooden beams, polished wooden floors and furnished with period style furniture. The décor is traditional in style with a blend of antique four-poster beds and contemporary artefacts. All rooms are like private rooms within a large elegant family home, some with sitting areas or verandas.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Svatma but there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged, upon request.
Dine Three dining options at Svatma serve high quality tapas-style vegetarian Tamil cuisine from an open kitchen with views over the pool. Aharam restaurant is an all-day fine food restaurant with a unique menu exploring Tamil cuisine. Palaharam is a Tamil coffee house and offers spicy tea and 'filter-coffee' with Tamil tiffin snacks such as delicious dosas, served on the lovely veranda. The terrace bar, Nila, is great for drinks under the stars.
Relax Facilities at Svatma include a lovely swimming pool with Arogyam; gym and Yoga centre to enliven your mind and body or practice Asanas and meditate in the traditional way. Soukyam is a luxury Ayurvedic Spa featuring four private treatment rooms, a jacuzzi and an open relaxation area. Within the retreat are secluded corners, verandas, hallways and lounges aplenty to relax in.
Experience Tanjory, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas and now known for its handicrafts, paintings and arts. Svatma can organise private city tour to the Royal Palace Museum, Thanjavur Maratha Palace and the Unesco-inscribed the Great Living Chola Temples including Brihadisvara Temple. Not-to-be-missed are lecture demonstrations of Tanjavur and Bharatanatyam dances by proficient dancers.
Location Svatma is located down a peaceful lane in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu.
Getting there 10-hour international flight to Chennai International Airport. Svatma is a 5-hour drive from Chennai. Fits well as part of a wider Tamil Nadu itinerary.
When to go The best time to visit Thanjavur is between October and March when the weather is cool and conducive for sightseeing and other activities. The summer months of April and May are hot and dry and the heat becomes unbearable during the day. The month of June marks the starting of monsoon that continues till September. Though the temperatures fall slightly, the humidity remains.
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