Padmaa, Jaipur, an 18th-century haveli tucked away in the city’s walled quarters, has officially opened its doors as an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Located on Chaura Rasta, one of Jaipur’s oldest and most vibrant streets, Padmaa stands along a historic route once used for royal processions and elephant marches. Today, it offers travellers a peaceful retreat and a unique glimpse into the forgotten slice of old Jaipur.

Originally a four-room family home, Padmaa evolved over seven generations of the Shah family, who have now lovingly restored the haveli into a heritage haven, rich in nostalgia and elegance. The property is named after Shrimati Padmaa Devi Shah, the family’s matriarch whose strength and grace continue to inspire the space. The Shah family, also the custodians of Umrao Jewels, led the transformation with deep respect for their roots.

“At Padmaa, we want every guest to feel the comfort of staying at a loved one’s home rather than a hotel,” said Jaiveer Singh Rathore, Head of Operations. “From flexible dining to personalised service, our team is empowered to respond instantly to guest needs, creating a warm, seamless experience.”

The architectural revival was spearheaded by Gagan Sharma, a celebrated name in heritage conservation, while the interiors were curated by Vaishnavi Bazaz of Studio Navee. Together, they have blended traditional craftsmanship with modern luxury, using soft palettes, heirloom accents, and delicate detailing that preserve the soul of the haveli. Some parts of the original structure were intentionally left untouched — such as the grand wooden entrance door and carved jharokhas — to honour the passage of time.

Padmaa offers 15 thoughtfully designed suites, each telling its own story while ensuring modern comfort. Guests can enjoy a host of immersive experiences, from artisan-led craft sessions to curated heritage walks, designed to connect them with Jaipur’s rich cultural landscape.

The haveli features an in-house restaurant serving global cuisine alongside treasured Rajasthani recipes, and two distinctive bars — one set within the courtyard, and another atop the open terrace offering panoramic views of Jaipur’s skyline. A rooftop plunge pool, tranquil in-house spa, sun-drenched terraces, and quiet corners invite guests to slow down and unwind.

More than just a stay, Padmaa is a celebration of legacy, culture, and heartfelt hospitality — a home transformed into a heritage retreat, where luxury feels like belonging.

Evoke Experiences, a pioneer in India's experiential hospitality space, is entering a bold new phase of expansion, unveiling plans to broaden its destination portfolio and invite long-term collaborations with property owners across the country.

Renowned for flagship retreats like Rann Utsav – The Tent City, Statue of Unity Tent City-1, Gandhisagar Forest Retreat, and the newly launched Evoke Dholavira, the brand is now preparing to open Evoke Ram Bagh, Ayodhya, with 156 keys. With a current inventory of 750 keys, Evoke aims to cross 1,000 keys by the end of 2025.

This strategic growth reflects a shift from seasonal glamping to year-round, permanent experiential resorts, beginning with a new project in Gir, one of India’s most ecologically significant destinations. The move marks a significant milestone as Evoke deepens its commitment to immersive tourism rooted in culture, sustainability, and regional identity.

In a major development, the brand is now actively inviting asset owners and landholders to partner via long-term lease or management agreements. With strong branding, operations, and a unique storytelling-driven design approach, Evoke aims to turn underutilised spaces into world-class, culturally rich destinations.

“Evoke is not just creating places to stay, we're building narratives, environments, and economies rooted in local culture,” said Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences. “We are now actively looking to collaborate with like-minded owners who see the potential of experiential tourism.”

Backed by the 150-year legacy of Lallooji & Sons, Evoke Experiences has evolved from pioneering glamping in India to establishing a diverse portfolio of eco-conscious luxury retreats. Each property reflects the brand’s core vision—to promote offbeat tourism, safeguard delicate ecosystems, and empower local communities.

While seasonal projects like Rann Utsav and Dholavira Tent Cities continue to draw crowds, year-round destinations like Gandhisagar, Statue of Unity Tent City-1, and the upcoming Evoke Ayodhya represent the future of experiential hospitality in India.

With this new trajectory, Evoke Experiences is poised to become India’s leading experiential destination company, where every stay offers a story—and every destination, a deeper connection.

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is inviting food lovers on a delectable journey down South with its special food festival, Dakshin Dwar – A Southern Indian Culinary Trail, hosted at Café On 3 from May 16 to June 1, 2025.

The festival promises an immersive dining experience that celebrates the vibrant diversity of South Indian cuisine. Specially curated by Chef Vishnu from Crowne Plaza Kochi, the dinner-only event brings together authentic flavors from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana — all plated with flair and tradition.

Guests can look forward to an enticing spread of regional delicacies, including Vazhaipoo Cutlet, Kanthari Chicken, Thalapakatti Mutton Biryani, Bendakaya Beeja Vepudu, Malliyila Manga Choru, Mangalorean Mutton Ghee Roast, Appam, Kozhukattai, Ela Ada, and many more traditional favorites.

Speaking on the occasion, Shashi Shankar, Food & Beverage Manager, shared, “At Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, we believe in creating memorable dining experiences that go beyond just food. Dakshin Dwar is an embodiment of that philosophy — a culinary trail that brings the soul of Southern India to our guests' plates.”

Chef Ashutosh Bisht, Executive Sous Chef, added, “Southern Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity, culture, and age-old culinary traditions. With Dakshin Dwar, my aim is to take our guests on a flavorful journey across the Southern states, highlighting the unique ingredients, techniques, and stories that define this vibrant region.”

To enhance the dining experience, Café On 3 will be decked in traditional South Indian décor, cultural motifs, and artistic installations, setting the stage for a truly immersive experience.

Whether you're a curious foodie or someone craving the comfort of home-style Southern flavors, Dakshin Dwar is your ticket to a soulful celebration of India’s southern coast — right in the heart of Delhi NCR.

Event Details:
Festival Name: Dakshin Dwar – A Southern Indian Culinary Trail
Dates: May 16 – June 1, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Venue: Café On 3, Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida
For Reservations: