Wellness-led hospitality is increasingly moving towards slower, more immersive formats, where design, culture, and community converge. CGH Earth’s latest opening in Auroville reflects this shift, positioning itself around intentional travel and holistic wellbeing.
CGH Earth has announced the launch of Sanctuary Amaidiyana, a 23-key resort and spa located on the fringes of Auroville. The property is designed as a wellness-focused retreat, integrating art, conscious cuisine, and cultural experiences within a nature-led setting.
Named after the Tamil word for peace and tranquillity, Amaidiyana reflects the group’s focus on authenticity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The retreat has been developed within Auroville’s creative landscape, offering guests a space centred on stillness and mindful living.
Design rooted in place and craft
The property has been designed by Auroville-based architect Mona Doctor-Pingel, blending contemporary architecture with local influences. Materials and design elements — including doors, ceramics, metalwork, and bas-reliefs — have been crafted by local artisans, while hand-painted artworks by Auroville artists define each room.
Michael Dominic, CEO and Managing Director, CGH Earth, said, “Sanctuary Amaidiyana is 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 wellness is a lived experience.”
Focus on wellness and therapeutic experiences
Among the retreat’s key features are Heiwa and a dedicated Watsu pool — one of the few purpose-built warm-water therapy spaces in India.
Heiwa, designed by Poppo Pingel, is conceived as a minimalist wellness space inspired by natural balance, incorporating elements such as a rock garden, plunge pool, and open transitions that encourage quiet reflection.
The Watsu pool, maintained at 32–34°C, is housed under a dome structure built using traditional materials, designed to support relaxation through buoyancy, breath, and movement-based therapy.
Integrated approach to cuisine and experiences
The retreat’s culinary programme follows CGH Earth’s Conscious Cuisine philosophy, drawing from Tamil Nadu’s regional food traditions and Auroville’s artisanal ecosystem. Ingredients are sourced from an on-site organic garden and local producers, with menus spanning wellness cuisine, traditional dishes, and coastal influences.
George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth, said the property integrates multiple dimensions of wellbeing. “From Ayurveda suites and garden-facing rooms to curated local experiences, every touchpoint is designed for calm, comfort, and connection,” he said.
Guests can also engage in a range of experiences, including craft workshops, yoga and meditation sessions, heritage walks, and visits to local communities, as well as explore nearby destinations such as Pondicherry.
With Sanctuary Amaidiyana, CGH Earth continues to expand its portfolio of experiential hospitality, focusing on spaces that combine wellness, sustainability, and cultural immersion in emerging destinations.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.