Padmaa, Jaipur’s 18th-Century Haveli, Reopens as a Boutique Luxury Hotel

Padmaa, Jaipur’s 18th-Century Haveli, Reopens as a Boutique Luxury Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 20, 2025

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.

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