The Saratha Vilas

Saratha Vilas is a stunning renovated mansion house. It is a beautiful place to stay. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Delicious breakfasts and dinners served in a lovely courtyard. A great location to visit other sites in Chettinad.

If you like quiet places in the middle of a very unusual countryside you will adore this boutique hotel. The renovation was done with taste and you feel immediately at home in this old mansion. For us it was also fantastic to discover all the objects the owners have been collecting from their trips through India. Don't miss the massages which are great experiences and very professional.

Walking into Saratha Villas is like entering a film set or having a wonderful dream! But it manages also to be warm and welcoming so you immediately feel at home. Our room was huge and off the first covered entrance hall with a door about 10 feet tall opened by a heavy old key probably 6 inches long. Our bed frame was made of beautifully carved Burmese teak and all the furniture fitted perfectly the ambiance of the house. The bathrooms are ultra modern and sleek but not out of place against the antiques and quirky items all around you. As you move towards the back of the house you pass through courtyards that each have their own character and your eyes find new things every time you walk by. Meals are taken in a covered, raised area surrounding yet another courtyard and are beautifully served. The lighting at night is romantic and exquisite. The garden and swimming pool are pretty and lovely for relaxing after being out and about in the heat. The three dogs are the "cherry on the cake" for dog lovers. The village is friendly and we enjoyed walking locally and visiting the market. All staff were wonderful and the owners available for advice and information. We admire Bernard and Michel so much for what they have achieved and look forward to a return visit.

This is a fabulous building painstakingly restored by French architects who remain onsite and patiently answer questions about the building, the area, the country. The rooms are large and well appointed The staff are friendly, helpful but unobtrusive, and are clearly well looked after by Management, who I observed going around wishing each staff member good morning. There are great spots to sit in the courtyards. The swimming pool is set in lush lawn and gardens and has sunlounges and hammocks. The breakfasts and dinners are simple, tasty and varied.

We had a wonderful comfortable stay at Saratha Villas. The owners, two French architects, have done an amazing job renovating the place and their personal touch and good taste are evident throughout. They are also very knowledgeable about the area and gave us very good advice on where to go and what to see. The food was very good, and we liked that the owners had dinner with the guests. We felt like we were guests in their house, in a good way! The pool was also very welcome after a day in the South Indian heat. Excellent staff as well.

Aesthetically renovated Chettinad mansion in Kothamangalam which provided us with a memorable experience. The owners have dedicated much time and care into recreating the famous Chettinad home plus it famous hospitality (Thank you Michael and Raja). In short - a must-visit comfortable home while you explore the fascinating and unique Chettiar/ Nagarathar history across 75 surrounding villages.

We had a very nicely refurbished room in a palace. The shower was well designed, the furniture was simple but elegant. The pool is nice. Food is great, fruit in the morning with yoghurt etc. You can also enjoy massages. The entrance hall of Saratha Vilas is just prefect.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this Chettiar mansion, thoughtfully and tastefully converted by two French architects. The owners were around and were discreet but chatty and informative when approached. We felt very welcomed also by all staff and especially the charming and helpful Sampat who originates from Rajasthan but speaks good English and French. It was great to chat with him and also to learn a little about his life and the 3 nice pet dogs; Inji, Keropi and Bindu. Inji must have had her puppies by now? Sampat arranged everything we needed efficiently and promptly. We explored the local villages and some of the fascinating deserted palaces/mansions by foot, car and bikes (which were freely available at Saratha Vilas). The room and bathroom were beautiful and clean. The well maintained swimming pool was also lovely to come back to for a nice relax after a hot outing. We wish we could have stayed longer but we’ll be back one day!

Saratha Vilas is a beautiful, peaceful and comfortable guest house created within a former Chettiar mansion with great care and style by the architect hosts. The rooms are spacious, beautiful and have every comfort. Mine opened on to the courtyard which was a peaceful sitting or gathering area. The small village of Kothamangalam was such a treat to walk around, enjoying the days activities and seeing the amazing architecture of the Chettiar's mansions. The food and dining was delicious - enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard. So fresh with delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. All of the staff was amazing - not just the great service, but the loveliness of each person. There is much to see and do in the local area, visiting the markets, temples, antique stores, other mansions, and just enjoying the villages. Bernard and Michele have created a lovely slice of paradise, offered with genuine and generous hospitality.

We spent 4 nights in this quiet heritage haven . The brochure in the room gave us all the information needed to explore the magnificent splendour of Chettiar mansions in Chettinad region. The staff were most helpful particularly Mr Sampat, the manager on site who made sure that my husband had a memorble birthday dinner. The pool was great to laze in when you had had enough of mansion-gazing.

We stayed here for 4 nights as a family and were made to feel incredibly welcome from our arrival through to our departure. The staff were so kind and attentive, and were brilliant with our two young children. Our room was spacious and stylish and the added bonus was that the children had a bed each, meaning we didn't have to share (as we have in many other hotels in India) and everyone had a comfortable and restful sleep. The rooms are surrounded by courtyards with plenty of comfy and (again) stylish furniture so evenings could be spent enjoying some adult conversation whilst the children slept without the worry of leaving children unattended. We used hotel bikes to explore nearby villages and took advice from the staff about trips further afield - Thanjavur is about 90mins away. The salt water pool and surrounding garden are beautiful and big enough to accommodate all the guests. My children fell in love with the friendly hotel dogs roaming around too. Food was so tasty and breakfast was fresh and healthy. The lack of an alcohol licence didn't distract from the dining experience. We were fortunate enough to be staying when the hotel were offering singing bowl energy meditation sessions. This added to my enjoyment immensely and my husband really benefitted from the Ayurveda massage. We are living in India for a year and can't wait to go back to Saratha Vilas.

A chateau/villa beautifully converted by Bernard and Michel. Room was splendid, staff were splendid and food was absolutely delicious. Cannot find fault. The whole place was quite Devine and sumptuous. Thank you for having us.xx

Pulled up in front of this place and thought it was a mistake. Turns out to be really good. Food excellent, staff attentive and helpful. We had a great time in the nearby villages looking at some of the old mansions. Definitely recommended.

This guest house is a labour of love by 2 French architects/designers who have renovated and reconstructed an old Chettinad Vila in authentic style. Using updated period furniture and adding some contemporary elements such as an infinity pool they have created a luxury haven for travellers. Largely through efforts such as those of our hosts, Chettinad, with its many decaying, but absolutely stunning villas is poised to become a world heritage site. Breakfasts at the Saratha Vilas were memorable, with many International as well as Indian choices. A visit to this area, if you have an interest in architecture should be a must if you are travelling in southern India.

And I was one of them! Took a two-day trip from Pondicherry, and ended up staying for six!!!! Chettinad is an area where wealthy Tamil merchants built mansions, and some of them have been turned into totally unique charming heritage hotels. For us, besides for being authentically gorgeous, Saratha Vilas in Kothamangalam was the best of the best for several reasons. Owners Bernard and Michel, both architects, are authorities on the area and a goldmine of information. At their suggestion, we took walks/easy hikes to see sites I will remember all of my life. The shrines overflowing with terracotta figures must be seen for yourself. The staff (if I mention one I'd have to mention them all) could not have been more helpful or kind, and Kothamangalam itself is small and peaceful, yet perfectly situated to visit other areas. Ask outside for Mani, the safest most patient tuk tuk driver you will ever find. Just be sure to give yourself enough time here. I loved just reading at the pool with the owners dogs napping besides me.

We spent 2 nights here right at the start of the year. I've stayed in lots of heritage hotels in India and they're rarely this comfortable and if even if the rooms are nice, the beds are often hard and the bathrooms basic. Not so, here: It's perfect. The design and attention to detail are incredible with gorgeous use of colour. And the bathrooms are really nicely finished. Our bed was very comfy. I peeked in about 4 of the 8 rooms and they're all slightly different but all large and beautifully thought through. There are really thick walls too, so you don't hear anything from other rooms. The owners were present but kept their distance, leaving the running of the place to the two excellent, efficient reception and restaurant managers. The food was delicious and plentiful! Loved the fruit at breakfast. There's a small but very lush garden and they have 3 well-behaved domestic dogs roaming around who are trained to keep the monkeys away, so we were never bothered by them when sitting by the pool. You can bring your own booze but need to be very discreet about drinking it in your room (NB there's nowhere to buy it in town so bring it with you). I would prefer it if it the hotel was non-smoking. It was like stepping back in time... there was a group of French visitors smoking on chairs right outside our room. It was wasn't very pleasant to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to dinner. It's an interesting town to wander around and you begin to realise quite how many of these wonderful Chettinad mansions are lying half-ruined in this area - such potential! It was an expensive stay but totally worth it. I've already recommended it to others who are visiting next month.

This beautiful old mansion has been restored to its former glory by 2 architects, and the whole place reflects their skill and taste, as well as the beauty of the building. We were lucky enough to be there for the Pongle celebrations, in the area and in the hotel itself, and it felt a real privilege to be part of that. Our rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. There is a good sized swimming pool, although not the easiest to get in and out of as it didn’t have easy steps. There is a boutique shop with some very appealing goodies. There is a lot to do in the area and each room had a very useful book on local history and the various attractions as well as information on the restoration of the villa. It was a charming place to stay and we were glad we stayed 4 nights.

Bernard and Michel - the owners of Saratha Vilas - have painstakingly worked to preserve this Chettinad palace and the history of the region. The Vilas are lovely right down to the custom made tiles in the rooms. The food is delightful and the staff wonderful. Loved the little boutique store in the back and dining area in courtyard and all the TLC from the staff. There’s even a pool. The village retains its original charm but feels like it may be on the cusp of transformation. The weaving coop, markets, antique stalls and other Chettinad palaces are worth seeing in the neighboring villages. Worth spending a couple of days.

The two French architects who rehabilitated this extraordinary old mansion knew what they were doing. The place is drop dead gorgeous. The rooms are beautiful and have a real sense of history. Dining is covered but outdoors and the food was fabulous. Perhaps the best part is that the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I can't imagine there is a better place in this area.

This hotel is a old magnificent residence converted into a small, intimate hotel. As soon as you step through the door you realise that this is a special place. The decor is fantastic and the rooms large and modern. The staff are very welcoming and they even offer Ayuvedic massage (we tried one and it was wonderful). We happened to stay at the hotel at the same time as one of the owners, a delightful man who has a real feel for the traditions and culture of the Chettinad area. The food was great and the service excellent. We did not go in the pool but it looked very inviting. We would definitely recommend this hotel, you will have a fantastic experience of staying in an old 'palace' with modern facilities.

We experienced peace and quiet in fantastic environments in historic buildings renovated with knowledge and greatest of taste. The total opposite of mainstream hotels. Bicycles were provided to explore the surroundings, we had delicious food and swam in the pool. The staff is very caring and everybody makes you feel welcome.

I love it!!!! I recommand hopefully this guesthouse, housing is very nice and beautiful in Chettiar style with a good taste thanks to two French architects. It's confortable, cozy and a good Feng Shui. The team is very warmful, nice and helpful, some of them they can speak French, English, Tamil or Hindi. The food is gastronomic, delicious and excellent (breakfast, lunch and dinner) => homemade cooking, you must try it!!! There is cooking class by the chief, massage by a professionnel and they propose also excursion with a guid, in the Guest house there is also à shop with a lot of beautiful thing to buy. There is a swimming pool. Just perfect, a paradise!!! Excellent stay!!!!

Now that Michel & Bernard have added the swimming pool in the back garden... it's even more irresistible! I also had my first tamil cuisine workshop in the fiery red breafast lounge cum outdoor kitchen... and this was a great experience! I'm very bad at cooking dosa and now i understand the talent of the professionals!...

Saratha Vilas is a beautiful property. It has been sympathetically restored by Bernard and Michel, two French architects/interior designers. Our room was large with a beautiful bathroom and separate toilet. After our first disappointing meal (VERY bland!) we explained that part of our love of India is the local cuisine. After that, we were treated to some delicious spicy food in more than ample quantity. Bernard and Michel also organised an excellent driver/guide for us, Mr Raja. He was charming and nothing was too much trouble for him in the four days we spent together. Altogether highly recommended.

We stayed at the lovingly restored Saratha Vilas in Sept 2016. The French owners, Architects Michel & Bernard, have created an oasis for their guests to stay in comfort keeping them well fed and provided with all amenities. There is much to do in the area discovering what the local towns and villages offer including many cottage industries. We recommend staying a few nights as it is such a lovely place to stay. Afternoon swims and delicious meals need time to be appreciated along with the characterful rooms and the elaborate public areas of the beautiful Saratha Vilas and the surrounding area. You are very welcome here.

The villa is a Chettinar house that has been lovingly restored by two French architects, it exudes a calming spirit of place. We were not able to stay here (it was unsurprisingly full) but were given a late lunch, the kitchen turned to and rustled us up two delicious (and healthy) thalis. The building has great character as befits what is a cross between a merchant's mansion and stately home. Although our stay was short we were made to feel very welcome, it's a place we have every intention of returning to for longer than just one tasty lunch.

We stayed at Saratha Vilas in November 2016. A beautiful Villa restored to the very highest standard by two passionate discovering the local villages and countryside. We definitely recommend a 3 day stay to appreciate this beautiful Vilas and surrounding area. The food served, was some of the best we experienced in our six week holiday in Southern India. All the staff were very helpful and attentive. Michel and Bernard are great hosts and patiently helped us plan our daily activities. We highly recommend Saratha Vilas as place to stay in Tamil Nadu.

We were a group of 7 and we had the most wonderful experience at the Saratha Vilas. Our hosts and owners Michell and Bernard have transformed this house into a beautiful hotel with the warmth of a home. Each room has been done beautifully making it difficult to choose one over another. The staff are very warm and friendly. The pool area is beautiful too. Michell gave us a map and guided us to all the best sights and sites of Chettinad. Bernard took us around for a fascinating tour of the house. The food is excellent! They serve a wonderful chettinad breakfast (on request) to simple and delicious local food. Can't wait to go back! someday soon!!

Owned by two French architects, who have restored the building sympathetically. It has a nice pool and the rooms are spacious. It is nicer than some of the more expensive hotels in the area. The food is fine and second helpings are always offered.

Fabulous building, really is a palace. Room was gorgeous comfortable and beautifully furnished. Lovely pool and garden areas, good food and days exploring enhanced by the local knowledge and maps provided by the owners. Massage available, staff delightful.

Chettinad is a beautiful region one must visit. We had the chance to stay 2 days at Saratha Vilas Heritage Hotel, one of the most beautiful guest-house ever seen. The owners – 2 French architects – are a passionate team always motivated to give you advice on the region, staff is great, house is splendid and quiet, food is excellent and taken in a convivial atmosphere on big tables, pool is perfect to relax at the end of the day. We only wished the stay could last longer !