Svatma

Svatma sits in the heart of Thanjavur, with many sights and attractions nearby.

This former family residence now houses 38 individual rooms, which retain the feeling of a large, elegant family home, with traditional features such as stained glass windows, polished marble floors and regal artworks. In the rooms, you’ll find carved wooden headboards and four-poster beds with ornate carved pillars. 

There are three restaurants, serving exquisite cuisine, created by specialist chefs from fresh, organic ingredients. The kitchen of the Aaharam restaurant overlooks the pool, and creates delicious vegetarian food, while tiffin dishes and aromatic coffee can be enjoyed on the veranda at Palaharam. In the evening, head to Nila, on the rooftop, to dine under the stars.

The beautiful floodlit pool is fed by fountains and there are loungers to relax on poolside. For a workout, head to the gym, but if you’d rather relax and recharge, head to the yoga centre or visit the spa to enjoy personalised treatments based on centuries-old techniques, such as a blissful massage.

Svatma’s personalised experiences allow you to immerse yourself in local culture, including visiting beautiful temples with architecture experts, indulging in a culinary class with top chefs, watching arts and crafts demonstrations, such as bronze casting and handloom weaving, and enjoying chamber concerts and Veda chanting.

The stunning temples, palaces and galleries nearby include the Brihadishwara Temple, which is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Svatma also has as boutique store with carefully curated artworks – find a perfect souvenir to take home.