Tamil Nadu: DUNE

The DUNE Ecovillage and Spa sits on 35 acres just north of Pondicherry.  A small dirt drive off of the East Coast Road leads you past simple huts to the walled compound.  First impressions of the resort are dramatic. Once within its walls, it's hard to imagine the real world just yards away.  The grounds are lushly landscaped, it is free of wandering cows and trash, and the fantastical structures that dot the resort are imaginative and diverse in building materials and appearance. 

We checked in at a glassed-in front reception area and were greeted with a sweet, cold tea in metal cups.  A car drove us down dirt paths to our bungalows.  We stayed in two of the Baywatch bungalows that, although close to the Bay of Bengal, it was difficult to see the water through the forest separating us. 

Our bungalow at Dune

The thatch was built of all natural materials, with the exception of the modern bathroom attached in the back.  Stone posts raised the structure off the ground (we have seen these same cuts of stone used as fence posts in the area), and the floor is  made of slats that slightly give when you walk on it.

Front "window" of the bungalow

 

 

 

 

 

Interior of bungalow

Although the main room is very traditional in feel, the bathroom was designed with a bit more artistic flourish.  The photos below don't really capture the serene blue walls and the softness the thatched roof brings to the space. 

My favorite shower ever!  

There was a triangular window slat to the right of the shower that could be lowered to allow in more light.  A little frog always made an appearance whenever the shower was turned on!

Room service coffee was delivered by bicycle.

Morning coffee on the front porch

Isabelle relaxing in the hammock in the yard.  Behind her is a forest, then the Bay of Bengal.

Each bungalow comes with bicycles!

Rear tire locks made it easy to secure your bicycle without the need of a chain (and took me a few minutes to figure out).

 

 

 

Bicycles are not just used for guests.  Housekeeping maneuvers through the property via bike with all their supplies in the front basket. 

The Babra/Bullinger family occupied an adjacent bungalow.  Although their room was thatched as well, it had interesting walls made of light-boxes.  At night, when you turned the lights on, the walls illuminated to display photos taken around India.  Most of the large photos were rather depressing (highlighting poverty and disrepair), and I failed to understand the artistic reasoning.  At first they were a bit disturbing, but Henrietta and I agreed that if you don't actually look at the photos, the light-boxes do create a charming ambiance.

Happy Hour on the BB's front porch.

Lakhdeep, Milan, Alexis and Isabelle. Lakhdeep is reminiscing about his time with the Bolshoi.

Kieran through the doorway

Exterior of the bungalow at night.  Cacti are used to provide privacy instead of fences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DUNE will require more than one post, as there is so much about this place that I would like to share and remember.  One of the daunting tasks when traveling far from home is finding comfortable and interesting places to stay.  Our trip was made far more relaxing and less stressful because Henrietta was kind enough to find and book all of our accommodations. She did an amazing job, and our trip was that much richer because of her choices.  Many thanks, Henrietta!