Design Anthology Retreat
Chandigarh, India
8–14 March 2026
This Design Anthology Retreat will take place from 8–14 March 2026 in Chandigarh, India, in partnership with Amaya Resorts a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is India’s first planned city and remains a living testament to the modernist vision of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, with an extraordinary architectural and design heritage.
Over six days and six nights, the retreat will offer Design Anthology guests an immersive experience of architecture, design, culture and cuisine. All accommodation, meals and curated activities are included, ensuring a seamless and inspiring journey through one of India’s most significant design destinations.
About the Retreat
The retreat begins with three nights in Chandigarh, India’s first planned city and a modernist masterpiece by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. While staying at the Hyatt Centric, participants will explore the city’s remarkable architectural landmarks, museums and cultural institutions, gaining insight into its enduring design legacy. The programme also includes meeting local creatives and exclusive access to spaces and places rarely open to the public or solo travellers, offering a perspective on Chandigarh that is both intimate and privileged.
Following Chandigarh, guests will travel by private transfer to Amaya, a secluded sanctuary set within a ten-hectare private forest in the Himalayan foothills, where they will spend three nights. Conceived by acclaimed architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai and later expanded by Voon Wong of Viewport Studio, London, Amaya embodies a philosophy of restraint and reverence for nature. Built entirely by hand, its villas and cottages feature slate and copper roofs, lime plaster walls, and interiors defined by Nordic-inspired minimalism. Each structure merges seamlessly with the terraced land, creating a retreat that feels both enduring and ephemeral — an unobtrusive outgrowth of the surrounding pine forest.
Amaya, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers farmlands, forest paths, water-harvesting systems, a serene stone-and-lime swimming pool, and a dining programme rooted in local produce and a ‘mountain food sensibility’. During the retreat, participants will enjoy a seasonal farm-to-table menu at Naar, the celebrated restaurant by chef Prateek Sadhu, alongside opportunities to experience other regional cuisines. Days will include a morning hike, a guided horticulture tour of Amaya’s grounds, and moments of stillness in the surrounding landscape.
Adding to the experience, a guide closely involved in both Chandigarh’s architectural legacy and the Amaya project will lead us through the city, while Amaya’s founder shares exclusive access to design drawings and the inspiring story behind its creation.
Highlights
Architectural guided tour of Chandigarh’s famous architectural landmarks and cultural heritage sites
Exclusive access to homes, studios and spaces of the creative community of Chandigarh
Stay at the Bijoy Jain-designed Amaya resort in the foothills of the Himalayas
A guided tour of Amaya by the owner developer, including a viewing of Studio Mumbai’s original drawings and design documentation
Final dinner at the seasonal farm-to-table restaurant Naar, by the celebrated chef Prateek Sadhu
Inclusions
3 nights accommodation at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh
3 nights accommodation at Amaya resort
Private transfers between hotel and airport or city
Land transportation between destinations and locations
Guided tours through Chandigarh city landmarks
All meals
All activities
Exclusions
Flights
Visas
Vaccinations
Travel insurance
Food and beverage outside of specified inclusions
Itinerary
Expand all daysDay One
8 March 2026: Chandigarh
Day Two
9 March 2026: Chandigarh
Day Three
10 March 2026: Chandigarh
Day Four
11 March 2026: Chandigarh → Amaya
Day Five
12 March 2026: Amaya
Day Six
13 March 2026: Amaya
Day Seven
14 March 2026: Departure
Application
Offer includes hotels, F&B, local activities and experiences and local transfers; costs exclude flights and visas. To reserve your place, a 50% deposit is required, with the remaining balance to be charged 60 days before the start of the trip. If you book within 60 days of the start of the trip, the full amount is due.
USD $3,995
Early bird pricing per person for double occupancy based on a standard room (less 10% discount for members).
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Our trips are curated by editors and creatives with a deep understanding of design, architecture, and culture. Each itinerary is built around exclusive studio visits, private collection tours, and encounters with designers and tastemakers you won’t find in a typical guidebook.
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Our experiences are ideal for design professionals, collectors, and culturally curious travellers who value thoughtful curation, access, and intimacy over mass tourism.
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We keep our groups intentionally small—usually no more than 12 participants—to allow for deeper conversations, access to private spaces, and a more personal experience throughout.
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Pricing typically includes accommodation, all scheduled activities, most meals, and on-the-ground transportation. Airfare and personal expenses are not included. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided before you book.
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Yes. While the days are thoughtfully planned, we always include downtime so you can explore at your own pace or simply unwind.
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Absolutely. Many of our travellers come alone and leave with new friends. We welcome solo travellers and offer single room options (subject to availability).
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We understand plans can change. Our cancellation terms vary depending on the destination and trip. Full details are outlined during the booking process, and we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
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Not at all. While many of our guests are from the design or creative industries, we welcome anyone with an interest in culture, aesthetics, and thoughtful travel.
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You can subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on Instagram for early access and announcements.
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The Sensory Retreat Series, including all experiences, visits and meals, will be hosted and conducted in English.