Located in Pondicherry, The Dune Eco Beach Hotel's pristine beach lets one soak up the old-world glamour in tranquil surrounds, while its contemporary design provides a stimulus for an exciting, unpredictable experience. Scattered across the 12.1-hectare- (35-acre-) property are 35 villas and 15 rooms and suites.

Artistic expression reigns free at The Dune, and accommodation is individually designed and decorated. From the kaleidoscope of colours created by the traditional glass bangles adorning the Bangle House to the exquisitely carved ceilings of the 150-year-old Kerala House, each abode provides varied insights to Indian culture. All rooms offer sumptuous bedding and alluring garden or sea views, with rooftop gardens and private pools found in selected bungalows.

Each unit houses a piece of the past, with reclaimed building material from former South Indian palaces and colonial bungalows used as part of its construction. Solar hot water systems, energy saving bulbs and wastewater treatment plants have also been installed to keep environmental impact low.

A green, healthy lifestyle begins from within, and The Dune promotes this with two restaurants serving health-conscious fusion cuisine prepared from organic produce. F.U.N (Food U Need) restaurant promotes a hypotoxic diet, with an emphasis on organic vegetables and fruits produced from the retreat's two certified farms. The Seafood Bar is also a must-visit, with its extensive array of seafood to be savoured straight from the tandoor or barbecue.

Taking the eco-hotel's approach to holistic wellbeing a step further is the Veda Spa. Swamis have traditionally regarded the beachside locale as a place of pilgrimage and meditation, and its picturesque setting is ideal for a rejuvenating spa session. With a comprehensive menu of over 50 therapies, the spa also offers an ayurvedic pharmacy, acupuncture, acupressure, NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Techniques), steam house, yoga, multigym and beauty treatment centre.

Giving back to the community is an ethos the management firmly believes in, and the establishment regularly conducts a rehabilitation plan for tsunami affected youngsters. The Dune also acts as a base for Artists in Residence, an artists' programme aimed at raising the prominence of the International art scene.

The Dune's historic surrounds make daytrips an activity not to be missed. Pondicherry, a former French colony, will charm visitors with its neo-classical architecture and lively nightlife, while the experimental township of Auroville—where 44 different nationalities have been invited to work and live together—will provide refreshing perspectives on community living.

35 spacious villas, 15 rooms and suites offering garden or sea views with rooftop gardens and private pools in selected bungalows.

F.U.N (Food U Need) restaurant promotes a hypotoxic diet with an emphasis on organic vegetables and fruits. Sea food bar offering fish and non vegetarian specialty food.

Swimming pool, Spa, Activities including boating, indoor and outdoor sports including kite flying, excursions to highlights of Pondicherry and the historical town of Mamallapuram.