Puducherry, South India, India

This cosy boutique hotel in the old Tamil quarter of Puducherry (Pondicherry), France’s former French colony on the Coromandel coast, oozes charm and character. It took nearly two years for the CGG Earth chain to resurrect the property, which holds ten rooms opening on to a pair of inner courtyards with interior balconies shaded by gorgeous stained glass windows. The staff couldn’t be more helpful – in the morning the chef personally asks what you’d like for supper then shops for ingredients in the local market.

Our opinion

A small boutique hotel full of local charm and atmospheric en suite rooms.