Gabriele Reichert,

his partner, is German and was working in Munich as a meditation guide and yoga teacher. Her experience with spirituality and the knowledge of awareness of body and mind have given Nalin’s dream of creating a place of peace and meditation a significant impetus and have enhanced the idea of creating the Temple Tree Retreat.

The couple is known for the distinctive, individual and warm hospitality and a great mixture of Eastern and Western culture. They have managed to position the Temple Tree Retreat as one of the best Design Boutique Hotels in India.

Nalin Patel

is the owner of Temple Tree Retreat in Pondicherry (Auroville), India.

Indian by origin, he was born in Kenya and, as an orphan at the age of 13, he came with his siblings to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and under the Mother’s care.  After completing his education at the Ashram school, he moved to Germany where he spent nearly 30 years working in International Trade.  He then shifted for 5 years to Hangzhou, China, to set up a factory and company for a German multinational company.

During these many years away from India, he traveled extensively in the different parts of Asia and Europe.  He never forgot Pondicherry and Auroville – and visited the place every year, even if it was at times only for a long weekend.

He always dreamt of one day coming back and starting a small boutique hotel, fine in architecture and interior design to offer maximum comfort, while providing an oasis of peace from the hustling, bustling Indian surroundings.  Someone visiting the Matrimandir or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram should be able to come back to the Retreat and enjoy an Inner Peace for longer periods.

Nalin himself believes in balancing his life on 4 pillars: Mind, Body, Soul and Heart.

The Inspiration

The Temple Tree Retreat combines the best of East and West.  The modern architecture and luxurious interiors are reflected through German conscientiousness and excellence in engineering.  The surrounding natural beauty and the spiritual atmosphere from Auroville and the Matrimandir, from Pondicherry and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, together with the spirit of hospitality of the owners, give this Designer Boutique Hotel peace and warmth.

The Passion

The passion for people and India was a major reason for creating the Temple Tree Retreat.“We wanted to have a place for the exchange of thoughts and experiences in a multi-cultural environment.  India with its plenitude of unfiltered impressions and its immense diversity and cultural impact was the place.”

The Temple Tree Retreat is the perfect first stop when arriving in India. Here the guests are introduced step by step to Indian culture and are prepared to continue their journey through India.

The Purpose

“I always wanted to return to India where I grew up in the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. It was my dream to create a place where people can enjoy the silence and the beauty of nature without cutting back on the comforts of luxury.  Their stay should feel like home away from home, but with service benefits of a hotel.”

The Retreat enables guests to enjoy life at its fullest and is therefore targeting people who are looking for a peaceful oasis and who appreciate the luxury of quietness, relaxation and meditation.

The Temple Tree Retreat takes you to a higher level of luxury!!

The Concept

An oasis of peace in the middle of a boisterous, fascinating and colourful South Indian landscape!

After a visit to the Matrimandir in Auroville or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, the guest can experience peace, relaxation, rejuvenation and delight in the beauty of a designer boutique hotel.

The Temple Tree Retreat offers a harmonious atmosphere: soothing sounds and surroundings, sweet fragrances and bright light.  A perfect place to balance your body, mind, soul and heart – a place to draw harmony back into your life!

The Temple Tree Retreat is an “insider tip” for those seeking design and beauty, comfort, luxury and tranquillity away from the bustling streets of India.

Contact us now!

Contact +91 82205 15655 to book directly or for advice