Zone by The Park Digha Now Open in West Bengal

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 16, 2024

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels proudly unveils its latest gem, Zone by The Park, nestled in the heart of Digha, a charming coastal resort town in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal. Situated just 2.5 km from Digha railway station and 210 km from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Zone by The Park Digha invites travelers to experience coastal luxury at its finest, marking the tenth property of this socially-conscious brand.

Boasting 65 well-appointed rooms across four categories, including Zone Room, Zone Deluxe Room, Zone Luxe, and Zone Suite, the hotel offers a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Indulge in culinary delights at Bazaar, the signature restaurant offering local and international cuisines, or take a refreshing dip in Playa - the pool. Guests can rejuvenate at Vitalia Spa or maintain their fitness routine at the state-of-the-art gym. With two bars - Liquiteria and an exclusive pool bar - guests can soak in breathtaking views while savoring refreshing cocktails.

Zone by The Park Digha is not just a hotel; it's a versatile venue for gatherings, weddings, and corporate events. Featuring three banquet venues with a capacity of up to 1,000 guests, alongside the adjacent Dighashree International Convention Centre (Bengal Business Conclave), the hotel offers an ideal setting for grand celebrations and conferences.

Vikas Ahluwalia, General Manager and National Head of Zone by The Park Hotels, said “We are extremely happy to launch Zone by The Park in Digha. This being the fourth hotel in West Bengal from the ASPHL group, it gives me immense pride to deliver our innate ‘social by design’ experience to price-conscious and design-conscious travellers. We look forward to meeting the growing demands of the beautiful coastal city, where Zone by The Park Digha the hotel will be one stop for guests who are seeking leisure amidst the sandy beaches of Digha as well as for corporates who are there for business. From the serene beaches of Udaypur, Talasari, and Mandarmani to the bliss and divinity of the Jagannath temple, the hotel promises to cater to every traveller's quest for adventure or tranquillity.”

Zone by The Park Digha invites guests to explore their Zone Social Avatars, whether they're Adventurers, Foodies, Shutterbugs, Networkers, or Party Animals. The expert team stands ready to curate personalized experiences based on each guest's preferences, promising a memorable coastal retreat.

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.

“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.

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Evoke Experiences Expands Footprint with New Experiential Hotels and Strategic Partnerships

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 20, 2025

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.