A 32-acre “micronation” on Chennai’s East Coast Road introduces a new era of nature-led design, hospitality partnerships, and lifestyle innovation
East Coast Road, Chennai’s beloved coastal stretch, has long been a quiet favourite among residents seeking open skies and calmer rhythms. Now, it is home to one of India’s most ambitious residential experiments. GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd. (GTB) has unveiled Republic of Nature, a 32-acre community that positions itself as India’s first residential development to feature a man-made beach—a bold step that blends ecological thinking with contemporary luxury.
At its heart, Republic of Nature is not a typical real estate project. It is envisioned as a low-density, car-free environment where the land itself shapes how people live. GTB is reviving four natural ponds, restoring native vegetation across more than six acres, and designing a bioswale that brings back natural hydrological systems. These ecological foundations serve as the backbone for residential, wellness, and hospitality experiences.
The centrepiece, however, is the 3.5-acre man-made beach and lagoon—a concept that has defined some of the world’s most high-end holiday destinations. For Chennai, this marks the arrival of a new residential typology, one that combines coastal leisure with structured community living. The lagoon isn’t just a visual anchor; it is meant to shift the city’s imagination of what everyday luxury can feel like.
Adding depth to the development, GTB has partnered with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), bringing a 120-key SeleQtions hotel into the micronation. The hotel is designed as a sanctuary for wellness-oriented travellers while offering Chennai residents an elevated weekend retreat. Together, the residences, hospitality, and nature-driven masterplan create a layered ecosystem rather than an isolated housing project.
“Republic of Nature brings together ideas that have never been attempted in Chennai,” says Bharat Doshi, Chairman of GTB. “A man-made beach, an IHCL SeleQtions hotel and an upcoming internationally renowned branded residence are all part of our long-term plan. Every decision is guided by our belief that luxury should be low density, meaningful and linked to the landscape.”
For Arun Bharathi, Managing Director of GTB, the project is about slowing down the pace of modern life. “We wanted to combine the energy of the sea with the calm of green cover and the privacy of a gated luxury environment,” he says. “The result is a micronation that offers fully managed residences—from rental and resale to housekeeping and food and beverage—making living here effortless.”
The project will unfold in phases over five years, with a total development value estimated at Rs 2,500 crores. The offerings include premium apartments, villaments, and villas designed to create a long-term community where private living coexists with curated shared experiences.
For Chennai, Republic of Nature signals more than a new luxury address. It reflects a shift in aspirations—towards global-quality living, hospitality-integrated neighbourhoods, and developments that restore, rather than replace, the landscape. It also cements ECR’s status as one of India’s most promising lifestyle corridors.
With its bold concept and nature-first blueprint, Republic of Nature marks a defining moment in the next chapter of Chennai’s urban evolution.
