CGH Earth has announced the launch of Sanctuary Amaidiyana, a serene resort and spa, on the tranquil fringes of Auroville
This 23-key hotel is dedicated to holistic well-being by bringing together wellness, art, conscious cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences, inviting guests to slow down with intention and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Named after the Tamil word for peace and tranquility, Amaidiyana reflects CGH Earth’s enduring ethos of authenticity, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Thoughtfully embedded in one of India’s most creative and contemplative landscapes, the retreat offers a space where stillness is not curated, but naturally unfolds.
“At CGH Earth, we believe every space can tell a story when shaped with care,” said Michael Dominic, CEO & Managing Director, CGH Earth. “Sanctuary Amaidiyana is that story brought to life, a quiet refuge that restores balance while gently inspiring creative expression. In harmony with the spirit of Auroville, we have created a space where architecture is intertwined with the land, cuisine honours seasonality and craft, and wellness is a lived experience. Amaidiyana represents eco-luxury with purpose—rooted in awareness, connection, and the joy of meaningful living.”
Designed by Auroville-based architect Mona Doctor-Pingel, Sanctuary Amaidiyana’s architecture is contemporary yet deeply grounded. Every element, doors, metalwork, ceramics, and bas reliefs, has been shaped by local artisans, while hand-painted artworks by Auroville artists lend each room its own meditative identity.
Heiwa and Watsu: signature sanctums of stillness
Among Amaidiyana’s most distinctive offerings are Heiwa and a dedicated Watsu pool, one of India’s few purpose-built warm-water therapy sanctums.
Heiwa, envisioned by Poppo Pingel, is an architectural haiku. Anchored by a prayer-like roof, a rock garden composed according to the golden ratio, and a seamless transition from raked marble chips to
a tranquil plunge pool, the space celebrates restraint and reverence. Natural stone, teak, and whitewashed surfaces invite barefoot quietude and a discipline of grace.
The Watsu pool, maintained at 32–34°C, sits beneath a 10-metre pendentive dome inspired by ancient building traditions. Constructed using thin fired bricks and mud mortar, the structure offers soft acoustics and natural ventilation. Designed by Mona Doctor-Pingel, the circular pool creates a space for deep surrender, where buoyancy, breath, and gentle movement enable profound physical and emotional release.
A lived philosophy of calm, cuisine, and connection
“Amaidiyana brings together the many dimensions of well-being into one harmonious, integrated space. It is not just a place for wellness, but a philosophy that unifies healing practices, conscious tourism and quiet restoration under one roof,” said George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth. “From dual sit-outs and garden-facing rooms to an intimate restaurant, Ayurveda suites, and our Watsu sanctum, every touchpoint is engineered for calm, comfort, and care. Working closely with local artisans, growers, and practitioners, we curate experiences, from e-bike trails and sustainable workshops in Auroville to heritage walks in Pondicherry, that feel personal, responsible, and deeply rooted in place. One can truly experience the best of Auroville, while staying in its immediate periphery..”
He further added, “The retreat’s culinary programme is guided by CGH Earth’s Conscious Cuisine philosophy and the vibrant food cultures of Tamil Nadu and Auroville. Fresh herbs and vegetables are harvested from the on-site organic kitchen garden, complemented by artisanal Auroville cheeses, breads, chocolates, grains, and condiments.”
Menus flow seamlessly across comfort classics reimagined with finesse, traditional Tamil specialities that celebrate regional flavours, gourmet wellness cuisine designed to nourish both body and soul, and refined coastal seafood inspired by the nearby shores. The result is a dining experience that is indulgent yet mindful, where sustainability, seasonality, and sensory pleasure coexist effortlessly at the table.
Discover a world of mindful experiences at Sanctuary Amaidiyana. Awaken creativity through bamboo and coconut shell crafting, drumming, and block printing, or explore the region through chocolate factory tours, temple trails, and rural livelihood visits. Find inner balance with yoga, meditation, Ayurveda therapies, and the deeply soothing Watsu aqua therapy. Venture further to experience Pondicherry’s colonial charm and Auroville’s sustainable way of life, each moment inspiring calm and connection
With Sanctuary Amaidiyana, CGH Earth deepens its commitment to hospitality that heals, inspires, and connects, offering not just a place to stay, but a state of being rooted in calm and creativity
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