From luxury suites to a new garden restaurant, at the French colonial hotel on Suffren Street
When I first featured Villa Shanti on Suffren Street, I was charmed by the delightful mix of colonial trappings and South Indian feel. Now the four-month-old 19th century house turned hotel, is in the spotlight again for they have just launched three luxury rooms, and a garden restaurant.
General Manager Joy Mallya Gupta tells me that the rooms have been designed by Tina Trigala, a French architect. French windows and doors with decorative motifs depict traditional South Indian scenes, a treat to the senses. How would it look if a typical colonial French house had graffiti on the wall, saying “Vannkkam” (welcome, in Tamil) Well, this is exactly what the heritage hotel offers in the rooms which are simple, yet elegant. Some of the furniture, like starting from the bed to the armchair and study table are colonial French pieces which have been restored. 
But the building also reflects a Karaikudi architecture, which manages to blend in with the rooms. Joy Gupta has added handmade tiles to the walls, but the unique windows and architectural detail give each suite individuality. The rooms come with complimenatary WiFi and DVD.
As for the garden restaurant, it’s an ideal setting for an afternoon rendezvous and serves Continental and Indian dishes along with a selection of wine. My pick? The tuna tartare or the grilled barracuda. The wine list features New World offerings from New Zealand and Lebanon and French wines like Best Bordeaux and Loir Valley
Rooms starting at `7,000. Average meal for two at the garden restaurant is `800 without beverages. Details: frontoffice@lavillashanti.com
Slice of Life 