This issue celebrates the quiet power of modern elegance across people, places, art, and things. Alia Bhatt radiates timeless sophistication in Ti any & Co., pairing a classic white silk slip dress with jewellery that re ects love, craftsmanship, and enduring style — the perfect embodiment of e ortless grace.
Our curated destinations o er re ned escapes and thoughtful design. From juSTa Hollow Oak in Mussoorie, where hill-station luxury meets serene charm, to Mumbai’s Oberoi Sky City, where co_LAB Design Studio merges two apartments into one harmonious, light- lled home — each space speaks of balance, connection, and contemporary comfort. In Indore, e Earthy House captures the nostalgic elegance of colonial design, while Mississauga’s Ravine House transforms a 1960s bungalow into a luminous, family-centred retreat. Nagpur’s Light House, meanwhile, reinvents the traditional haveli, merging heritage with sustainable, multi-generational living.
In art, the in nite meets the intimate. Arvind Sundar’s Cosmos II: Chasing In nity fuses mathematics, mythology, and mysticism, while Meenakshi Nihalani’s Seven Yards of Blue re ects on resistance, justice, and collective memory, honouring Gandhi’s legacy through a contemporary lens.
Finally, our selection of things embraces modern heritage: Haruma’s furniture transforms spaces into immersive works of art, where natural materials and bold design converge in sophisticated harmony. Across every story, the thread is clear — modern elegance is not just aesthetic; it is thoughtful, intentional, and timeless.
RINI
MUKKATH rini@luxecode.in
Insta handle: @luxecodemagazine
Printed and Published by YOGITA RAKESH AGRAWAL on behalf of WARE INNOVATIONS LLP, RAGHUVANSHI MILL COMPOUND, NEXT TO ADDRESS HOME, SENAPATI BAPAT MARG, LOWER PAREL, MUMBAI 400 013
20 ALIA BHATT RADIATES TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN TIFFANY & CO.
Alia embodies effortless sophistication in a white silk slip dress paired with Tiffany’s iconic jewels.
24 CELEBRATING THE COLLECTIVE
Studio Lotus grounds modern Indian architecture in context, craft, and community.
78-85
ART
80 CHASING INFINITY
Arvind Sundar’s Cosmos II explores the in nite through geometry and mythology.
84 SEVEN YARDS OF BLUE
Meenakshi Nihalani’s debut re ects on resistance, memory, and collective spirit.
30- 77
PLACES
32 SEAMLESS SANCTUARY
At Oberoi Sky City, co_LAB Design Studio unites two apartments into one luminous home.
38 LIGHT, LATTICE, LIFE
SJK Architects reimagines the traditional haveli through light, shadow, and sustainability.
46 RAVINE HOUSE
Orangeink Design transforms a 1960s Mississauga bungalow into a nature- lled retreat.
54 COLONIAL REVERIE
In Indore, The Earthy House by Poonam and Akash Mehta evokes colonial charm and modern ease.
66 WHERE TIME SLOWS
Villa Amrao by Lindsay Manor in Goa invites you to unwind in tranquil luxury.
72 SCENIC SERENITY
Hill-station luxury meets modern comfort at juSTa Hollow Oak, Mussoorie.
86-93
THINGS
88 SOUND OF CELEBRATION
HollyBelly’s conch-inspired hampers rede ne the art of festive gifting.
90 MODERN HERITAGE
Haruma fuses natural materials with bold design for timeless, crafted elegance.
PEOPLE
ALIA BHATT RADIATES TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN TIFFANY & CO.
Embodying effortless sophistication, Alia pairs a classic white silk slip dress with timeless Tiffany jewellery — celebrating the brand’s enduring legacy of love, craftsmanship, and modern elegance.
Alia Bhatt never fails to make an impression with her e ortless elegance, and her appearance at the premiere of Aryan Khan’s much-anticipated directorial debut, Ba**ds of Bollywood, was no exception. Exuding understated glamour, she chose an archival Gucci slip dress from the Tom Ford era (Fall/Winter 1996/97), paying homage to fashion history with a silhouette marked by sleek lines and bold simplicity.
Cinched at the waist with the original oversized “G” buckle belt, the ivory-jersey gown featured daring side cut-outs—an unmistakable nod to the ’90s power-glam aesthetic Ford helped
de ne—while simultaneously re ecting Alia’s signature blend of minimalism and modern sophistication. e ensemble showcased her instinct for simplicity done right, balancing vintage boldness with contemporary elegance.
What truly elevated her look, however, was the choice of jewellery — classic pieces from Ti any & Co., the legendary American jeweller synonymous with grace, craftsmanship, and a legacy of over 185 years. Founded in 1837, Ti any has long stood as the ultimate expression of re ned luxury, adored for its unparalleled artistry and enduring commitment to innovation in high jewellery. From its iconic blue boxes to its storied creations worn by
Hollywood’s elite, Ti any represents timeless beauty reimagined for every generation.
Alia accessorised her look with pieces that spoke volumes in quiet sophistication.
THE
TIFFANY LOCK – SMALL EARRINGS IN 18K YELLOW GOLD.
Inspired by a padlock from e Ti any Archives dating back to 1883, the Ti any Lock collection is a modern ode to enduring love and protection. Each piece carries the spirit of connection — of cherishing what matters most. Crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, the small earrings feature a sleek hinged closure that maintains a seamless, uninterrupted line. Elegant yet deeply symbolic, they perfectly complement Alia’s contemporary yet
sentimental style.
ELSA PERETTI SMALL BONE CUFF IN YELLOW GOLD
Completing her look, Alia chose one of Ti any’s most iconic designs — the Elsa Peretti Bone Cu . With its sublime asymmetry and uid form, the cu re ects Peretti’s signature aesthetic: sculptural, sensual, and profoundly human. Designed to follow the natural curves of the wrist, it becomes one with the body — a piece that embodies both strength and subtlety.
Together, these jewels highlight Alia Bhatt’s re ned approach to fashion — one that favours quiet con dence over excess. Much like Ti any’s legacy itself, her style celebrates timeless craftsmanship, emotional depth, and a grace that never goes out of style.
CELEBRATING THE COLLECTIVE
Over the past two decades, Studio Lotus has rede ned the vocabulary of contemporary Indian architecture by grounding modern design in context, craft, and community.
Founded in 2002 by Ambrish Arora, Ankur Choksi, Asha Sairam, and Harsh Vardhan, the Delhi-based multidisciplinary practice has grown into one of India’s most progressive and in uential design studios. With over a hundred designers, architects, and thinkers, Studio Lotus is driven by the philosophy of Conscious Design—a deeply rooted belief that architecture must celebrate local resources, cultural narratives, and the collective spirit of making.
For Studio Lotus, each project begins with a question: What gives this place meaning? eir answers lie not in imposing new forms, but in revealing the identity already embedded in the
land, the people, and the craft. Whether it is a museum, a hotel, a government complex, or a restaurant, the studio’s work demonstrates that design can be both forward-looking and anchored in heritage.
CRAFTING A DIALOGUE BETWEEN ERAS
Few projects capture this ethos better than Baradari at the City Palace in Jaipur—a dining destination that reinterprets the idea of eating “within history.” e 14,000-square-foot space, located within an 18th-century palace complex, had long been a modest café. e royal family of Jaipur invited Studio Lotus to transform
Photo courtesy: Studio Lotus
it into a ne dining venue that honoured the past while feeling distinctly contemporary.
e team’s approach was archeological yet inventive. Layers of plaster and paint were stripped away to reveal the raw rubble masonry of the original structure, which was then restored using traditional lime mortar. At the centre of the courtyard, a modern Baradari—literally “a pavilion with twelve columns”—was inserted in handcrafted marble and brass, a striking counterpoint to the aged textures around it. is new structure bridges time, symbolically and physically dividing the courtyard while connecting spaces and eras.
Traditional crafts of Jaipur— ikri mirror work, brass casting, stone inlay, and bespoke foundry pieces—were revived with fresh interpretation. Salvaged palace furniture found new life with hybrid upholstery patterns inspired by local weaving traditions. e result is not a nostalgic reconstruction but a living dialogue between the past and the present, proving that heritage is best preserved when it evolves.
REIMAGINING GOVERNANCE THROUGH DESIGN
In Krushi Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Studio Lotus rede nes what a government building can be. Commissioned by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, this 130,000-squarefoot administrative complex houses more than 600 o cials—it welcomes the public as participants.
Drawing from Otto Königsberger’s original vision for Bhubaneswar as a “lively point of public life,” the architects transformed the ground oor into a civic hub. It opens onto a plaza
with a garden, amphitheatre, and pond—spaces where workshops, exhibitions, and markets take place. Above, the o ces remain secure but visually connected, a gesture of transparency.
Materially, Krushi Bhawan is a tapestry of Odisha’s craft traditions. Over 100 artisans contributed to its making: metalworkers adapted dokra casting for lighting xtures, while stone carvers depicted agricultural folklore in laterite and khondalite. Even the building’s façade, a brick screen inspired by Ikat handlooms, celebrates local textile traditions in architectural form.
Passive cooling, night-purging systems, and solar panels integrate sustainability at a fundamental level, reducing HVAC use to just 20% of the built space. But Krushi Bhawan’s true sustainability lies in its social dimension—its ability to bring government, craft, and community together. It stands as a rare example of inclusive, culturally responsive public architecture in India.
LUXURY ROOTED IN AUTHENTICITY
At RAAS Jodhpur, a World Architecture Festival winner and Aga Khan Award nominee, Studio Lotus demonstrates how luxury can emerge from restraint. Located within the walled city at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, the boutique hotel is designed in collaboration with Praxis Inc. and unfolds as a dialogue between the old and the new.
ree heritage structures were painstakingly restored in lime mortar and Jodhpur sandstone, housing shared spaces like the pool, spa, and dining areas. e 36 new rooms occupy contemporary stone buildings that frame views of the fort. ese new interventions borrow from the jharokha—the traditional stone-
latticed window—reimagined as folding sandstone screens that o er both shade and openness.
Every element celebrates craftsmanship. Over 100 local artisans contributed hand-cut stone, terrazzo, and sheesham wood furniture. Nearly 70% of materials were sourced within a 30-kilometre radius, making RAAS both ecologically sensitive and regionally grounded. Here, luxury is not opulence—it is the quiet beauty of honest materials, contextual intelligence, and human touch.
BRIDGING TRADITION AND MODERNITY
Studio Lotus’s versatility shines across scales—from adaptive reuse and hospitality to civic infrastructure and retail. eir upcoming projects, including the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s museum complex in Hyderabad, the Visitor Centre at Mehrangarh Fort, and high-rise developments in Mumbai and Chennai, continue to explore how architecture can shape experiences that are meaningful, local, and sustainable.
Even in projects like Taj Taal Kutir in Kolkata, the studio weaves narratives of place into re ned contemporary design. e hotel’s neoclassical elements recall the grandeur of Bengal’s colonial-era clubs, while its interiors draw from the region’s craft and ecology—Jamdani-inspired patterns, Kantha-stitched headboards, and murals of the Sunderbans’ ora and fauna. In bridging Calcutta’s past with modern Kolkata’s identity, Studio Lotus reminds us that place-making is both memory and imagination.
Amid the deodar and oak forests of Kumaon, e Villa in the Woods is Studio Lotus’s ode to building lightly and living in harmony with nature. Part of a 90-acre masterplan for conscious
community living, the villa responds to the fragile Himalayan ecology through a design that respects the land’s contours and natural systems. Constructed using a modular light-gauge steel framing system clad in locally sourced materials, it minimises on-site work and waste while blending seamlessly into the terrain. Raised on stilts to allow water to ow naturally beneath, the villa evokes the experience of treehouse living—its decks, skylit bedrooms, and sunlit courtyards dissolving the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. A palette of timber, slate, and local stone references the region’s koti-banal vernacular architecture, reinterpreted through re ned craftsmanship and contemporary detailing. Sustainability is embedded throughout, from passive solar design and radiant heating to phytorid wastewater recycling, creating a near self-su cient home that coexists gently with its environment. In its quiet presence, the villa exempli es Studio Lotus’s enduring commitment to context, craft, and the poetry of place.
At the heart of Studio Lotus’s work is collaboration—between architects and artisans, between tradition and technology, between purpose and poetry. eir projects ask important questions about how India builds, preserves, and innovates. ey invite us to imagine architecture not as a solitary pursuit of form, but as a shared act of cultural stewardship.
As the rm continues to garner global recognition—from Archello’s list of the World’s Top 100 Architectural Firms to the World Architecture Festival, the PLAN Awards, and AD100 for twelve consecutive years—its practice remains deeply grounded in local realities. Studio Lotus builds not monuments, but meanings. Its architecture, in essence, is a celebration of context— and a call to design with conscience.
PLACES
SEAMLESS SANCTUARY
At Oberoi Sky City in Mumbai, co_LAB Design Studio merges two distinct apartments into one uid, light- lled home — a harmonious balance of individuality and togetherness, where every corner tells a story of grace and connection.
Photo courtesy: Yadnyesh Joshi
PLACES
In the heart of Borivali East, Mumbai, a rare sense of calm unfolds within Oberoi Sky City — a 2,200 sq. ft. residence designed by co_LAB Design Studio that transforms two adjacent apartments into one uid, emotionally resonant home. Led by principal architects Ar. Gaurang Tajne and Ar. Rutuja Desai, the project is a study in how space can connect, breathe, and evolve without losing its individuality. Here, urban vibrance meets quiet retreat. Expansive oorto-ceiling windows frame the lush stretch of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, allowing nature to become an everyday companion. Rather than demolishing the existing framework, the architects
worked within it — crafting transitions that feel organic and effortless. Subtle architectural gestures, drywalls, and concealed passageways ensure functionality without visual interruption.
e foyer sets the tone: wooden panelling, textured wallpaper, and Italian marble ooring merge into a symphony of understated luxury. A oating onyx console and an asymmetrical walnut mirror complete the re ned welcome.
e living and dining areas ow together in soft, muted hues, anchored by bespoke furniture and tactile materials. A gently swinging jhula introduces a nostalgic touch, while smart lighting and temperature controls quietly weave technology
PLACES
into comfort. e dining area, with its marble-topped teak table and misty green chairs, becomes a natural extension of the living space — a place of warmth and gathering.
Each bedroom carries its own identity while maintaining a cohesive narrative. e master suites — his in deep maroon and neutrals, hers in soft pinks and golds — echo distinct personalities united by design harmony. e children’s rooms are playful yet poised, balancing function and imagination. Meanwhile, the parents’ suite nds its grounding in warm veneers and marble, where symmetry
and tradition meet modern sensibility.
e home’s spiritual heart, a serene activity and mandir room, celebrates stillness through rich crimson tones, herringbone oors, and tropical motifs — a place where the rhythm of life slows down.
Every detail at Oberoi Sky City speaks of balance: between past and present, intimacy and openness, subtlety and splendour. With co_LAB Design Studio’s thoughtful touch, this home becomes more than architecture — it’s an evolving story of coexistence, connection, and timeless grace.
LIGHT, LATTICE, LIFE
In Nagpur’s bustling urban landscape, SJK Architects reimagines the traditional haveli for contemporary living. The Light House fuses sunlight, shadow, and sustainability to create a multi-generational sanctuary where heritage meets modernity.
Photo courtesy: Niveditaa Gupta
Rising gracefully amidst Nagpur’s dense urban grid, e Light House by SJK Architects is a masterclass in contemporary residential design that honours tradition while embracing modernity. Designed for a multi-generational family, the six-storey home transforms vernacular inspirations into a vertical sanctuary, where sunlight, shadow, and timber converge to craft a living experience that is both private and connected.
e residence draws from the rich legacy of North and Western Indian havelis and Maharashtrian wadas, translating their climate-responsive strategies into a contemporary idiom.
e operable timber lattice façade, a reinterpretation of the traditional jaali, moderates Nagpur’s intense summer heat, allows di used light to animate interiors, and provides privacy in a dense neighbourhood. It’s a design feature that is as functional as it is poetic — casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow that shift throughout the day.
At the heart of the home, an eight-foot-wide central atrium topped with a skylight channels sunlight into the informal living area on the ground oor. is vertical courtyard reimagines the communal chowk of traditional homes, creating a visual and auditory thread that links all six levels. e atrium be-
comes the social core, fostering intergenerational connection while allowing private zones to ourish along the tree-lined periphery.
e spatial programme is carefully tiered: the grandmother’s suite and kitchen anchor the ground oor, connecting with outdoor dining, lounging, and garden spaces. e intermediate oors host the sons’ families, each with private master bedrooms, terraces, and formal living areas. Balconies, jharokhas, and semi-private corridors wrap each level, simultaneously enlarging interior spaces, bu ering heat, and o ering exibility for air-conditioning or open-air use. e topmost oor is a wellness retreat, complete with a spa, jacuzzi, gym, and a verdant deck o ering panoramic city views.
Materiality and craftsmanship remain central to the
design ethos. Accoya pine lattices, sustainably sourced and pretreated for durability, combine with recycled Burma teak, white Esil marble, and brass accents to create a tactile, timeless palette. CNC-carved stone motifs echo traditional saree patterns, while curated artworks, statement rugs, and bespoke furniture in soft tones of beige, grey, and black complete the interiors with understated luxury.
e Light House demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respect culture, climate, and community while addressing the needs of modern multi-generational living. It is a home where tradition and innovation coexist, privacy and connection harmonise, and sunlight becomes a living canvas, embodying a re ned, context-aware architectural vision for India’s evolving urban families.
RAVINE HOUSE
On the edge of a Mississauga ravine, Orangeink Design transforms a 1960s bungalow into a light- lled, luxurious retreat. Where preservation meets innovation, every corner celebrates nature, family, and re ned living.
Photography - Scott Norsworthy
Perched above the forested banks of Lornewood Creek in Mississauga, Ravine House is a masterclass in architectural reinvention. What was once a modest 1960s bungalow has been transformed by Orangeink Design into a 4,620 sq ft light- lled sanctuary that balances heritage, modernity, and the serene beauty of its natural surroundings. Winner of the 2025 Architizer A+ Award, the home is a testament to how careful design can make old structures feel timelessly new.
Stepping inside, the house immediately unfolds as a story of space and light. Original walls were removed to create an open-
plan main level, where living, dining, and kitchen areas ow seamlessly. Varied ceiling heights and abundant daylight amplify the sense of volume, while a 140 sq ft living green wall and a freshwater pond breathe life into the interiors, forging a quiet dialogue between inside and out. e replace, now a sculptural anchor, and the new staircase aligned with the entry introduce rhythm and focus, guiding residents through the home’s layered spaces.
Outside, the home’s connection to its ravine setting is equally poetic. Conservation restrictions prohibited traditional extensions, but clever design created intimate outdoor pockets:
a cantilevered four-season patio oats above the forest oor; a treetop rooftop deck crowns the primary suite, o ering sweeping views and a secluded retreat; and an elevated front boardwalk with reclaimed brick walls de nes a welcoming courtyard. Each intervention celebrates light, shadow, and the changing textures of the landscape, bringing a sense of wonder to everyday living.
e interiors blend warmth, tactility, and luxury. Blackwood siding, Bulthaup kitchen cabinetry, and a STUV replace are juxtaposed with generous glazing that frames the ravine beyond. Recycled Burma teak and brass accents weave continuity and texture throughout the home, while curated artworks,
statement rugs, and bespoke furniture in muted tones of beige, grey, and black add layers of re nement. Every surface, every detail, feels intentionally considered — a subtle nod to the home’s mid-century origins without compromising modern comfort.
Ravine House is more than a renovation; it is a reimagined lifestyle. It is a home where sunlight streams through living green walls, laughter echoes across open-plan spaces, and private moments are framed by treetop vistas. It shows how thoughtful architecture can transform a familiar structure into a sanctuary that feels at once luxurious, natural, and profoundly alive.
COLONIAL REVERIE
In the heart of Indore, architects Poonam and Akash Mehta of Poonam Akash craft The Earthy House—an 8,000 sq. ft. penthouse that evokes the charm of an old colonial hotel while staying rooted in modern-day comfort and ease.
Photography - Kuber Shah
Step inside e Earthy House in Indore, and you’re instantly transported—its warm timber rafters, stone replace, and wrought-iron staircase conjure the nostalgia of a colonial hotel, yet every inch speaks of a contemporary home designed for lived-in comfort. Conceptualised by Poonam and Akash Mehta of Poonam Akash (formerly AMPM Designs), this 8,000 sq. ft. penthouse balances the spirit of rustic travel with re ned restraint. e brief, given by a young couple, was an emotional one. “ e husband, an outdoorsman who loves trekking and old country clubs, wanted a space that felt earthy and raw,” shares Poonam. “His wife, on the other hand, wanted it to remain easy to maintain and light- lled.” e design became a quiet dialogue between texture and tactility, nostalgia and practicality.
From the outset, natural materials became the protagonists. e architects used wood, exposed brick, and stone to craft an atmosphere reminiscent of a log cabin, while keeping the lines simple and surfaces breathable. e entryway, with its vaulted arches inspired by A History of Architecture, opens into a dramatic double-height drawing room — where
art and architecture meet. A striking collage artwork from ailand, a reinterpretation of the famed Afghan Girl cover from National Geographic, anchors the room beneath ceilings lined with faux brick rafters that echo a safari lodge aesthetic.
e dining area continues the narrative with dark pinewood rafters and a wooden table sourced from China, complete with a concealed Lazy Susan. A collection of porcelain plates from the couple’s travels adorns the wall — a quiet nod to stories gathered over years. In contrast, the kitchen bursts into life with cerulean-hued shutters and a bold copper sink that grounds the palette in warmth.
Upstairs, the master suite unfolds in tones of raw concrete, natural wood, and wool-textured wall panels by Phillip Je ries — tactile, serene, and meditative. e bathroom channels the quiet grandeur of a mountain resort, where two tones of grey concrete meet the softness of a Persian rug. e children’s rooms speak their own languages: the daughter’s a bohemian dream of macramé, lace, and hand-
made tiles from Keramos; the son’s a timeless ode to classic masculinity with plaid walls, walnut furniture, and vintage details reminiscent of a British boarding school.
But perhaps the most evocative space lies in the English cigar lounge — a nod to colonial clubs and their hushed allure. With nubuck leather Chester elds, brass-inlaid wooden ooring, and a stone mantel replace, the room invites stillness and storytelling. e enveloping Rhino hue by Asian Paints adds to its moody glow, illuminated by a chandelier from Ralph Lauren Home.
Connecting the levels is a curved wooden staircase paired with a caged elevator — an homage to Mumbai’s art deco and gothic architecture. Together, they anchor the home with old-world grace and architectural drama. e Earthy House doesn’t mimic the past — it reinterprets it. rough material honesty, crafted restraint, and a profound sense of place, Poonam Akash has created a home that feels both timeless and intimate. It’s a residence that celebrates life’s quiet luxuries — where every detail is deliberate, every texture tells a story, and every corner feels like a return to somewhere familiar.
WHERE TIME SLOWS
Discover Villa Amrao by Lindsay Manor in Goa —a destination that nudges you toward a sublime holiday experience.
Photo courtesy: Lindsay Manor
In the heart of Anjuna’s leafy embrace, Villa Amrao by Lindsay Manor feels less like a destination and more like a gentle pause — a moment suspended between nature and quiet indulgence. Here, mornings unfold to birdsong, sunlight glides across soft-hued walls, and every corner hums with the rhythm of Goa at its most serene.
Set within the Mayberry complex, Villa Amrao is Lindsay Manor’s newest retreat — a three-bedroom sanctuary that rede nes what it means to escape. Designed with a reverence for simplicity and a deep understanding of space, Amrao is a home that invites you to exhale.
Step inside, and the world outside begins to fade. e interiors are contemporary yet warm — bathed in natural light, layered with earthy textures, and thoughtfully accented with handcrafted details. ere’s a quiet dialogue between elegance and ease; soft linen drapes catch the breeze, while subtle art and sculptural furniture lend the rooms an e ortless sophistication.
Yet the magic of Amrao lies beyond its doors. e villa opens into a lushly landscaped patio, where mornings are best spent lingering over co ee and evenings transform into candlelit dinners under a canopy of stars. e sun-drenched
terrace is both a meditation spot and a conversation nook — perfect for sunrise yoga, lazy afternoon reading, or simply letting time dissolve into stillness.
And then there’s the private pool — a glimmering blue secret fringed with tropical greens. It’s where the day begins with an unhurried dip and ends with a glass of wine, the scent of frangipani drifting through the air.
What sets Villa Amrao apart is its sense of balance. Secluded enough to feel like your own world, yet just moments from the energy of Anjuna, Vagator, and Candolim, it o ers the rare luxury of connection without compromise. You can lose yourself in Goa’s vibrant beaches and lively cafés, then return to the villa’s calm embrace — where every detail feels personal, every space intentional.
For Lindsay Manor, luxury has never been about opulence — it’s about feeling at home in beauty. And at Villa Amrao, that philosophy nds its purest form: a home that doesn’t demand attention, but quietly earns it.
SCENIC SERENITY
Experience hill-station luxury in Mussoorie at juSTa Hollow Oak — a sophisticated escape where modern comforts meet the timeless charm of Uttarakhand’s hills.
Photography - juSTa Hollow Oak
Just minutes from Mussoorie’s lively Mall Road and a short drive from the panoramic viewpoints of Gun Hill, juSTa Hollow Oak o ers an inspired blend of re ned hospitality and mountain ambience. Set within the scenic Uttarakhand landscape, the resort becomes a graceful base from which to explore the region known as the “Queen of the Hills”.
Each of the resort’s beautifully appointed rooms features air-conditioning, a private balcony with sweeping views of the valley or townscape, and modern amenities including a at-screen TV, safety deposit box and comprehensive WiFi. Guests may begin their day with a choice of bu et, à la carte or continental breakfast before stepping outside — the resort’s garden and terrace provide tranquil places to unwind as the morning light lters through the trees.
Dining at Hollow Oak re ects thoughtful design and hos-
pitality: the resort’s on-site restaurant and bar provide elegant settings for relaxed meals or evening cocktails, while 24-hour room service and front-desk assistance ensure every stay feels seamless. Free private parking and airport transfers further enhance the convenience of the experience.
Beyond the resort, Mussoorie o ers an exceptional holiday backdrop. Horse riding along Camel’s Back Road, early-morning hikes up to Lal Tibba for crisp mountain air and postcard vistas, and scenic strolls amidst colonial-era architecture in Landour all await within easy reach. For nature lovers and families alike, the region’s waterfalls, wooded trails and crisp altitude provide a welcome contrast to city heat.
At juSTa Hollow Oak, one nds a home away from home — where every detail whispers comfort, every view invites pause, and the landscape becomes a part of the stay. Whether you are seeking a romantic weekend, a family retreat, or simply a moment of quiet luxury in the hills, this resort o ers a destination that is both elevated and inviting.
ART
CHASING INFINITY
Cosmos II: Chasing In nity by Arvind Sundar — a contemplative journey where mathematics, mythology, and mysticism converge on the chessboard to reveal the in nite within the nite.
Photo courtesy: Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art
Following the critical success of Cosmos (2024), artist Arvind Sundar returns with the second chapter in his evolving exploration of art, mathematics, and mysticism — Cosmos II: Chasing In nity. Opening on October 31, 2025, at Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art, Mumbai, the exhibition transforms the structure of the chessboard into a cosmic eld of contemplation.
If Cosmos emerged from the sacred landscapes of Hampi, Chasing In nity unfolds within a seemingly smaller yet equally boundless universe — the 64 squares of the chessboard. For Arvind, this geometric grid becomes more than a eld of strategy; it is a metaphor for the human condition, a nite plane teeming with in nite possibilities. rough sculptures, drawings, and installations, Arvind visualises the delicate interplay between order and chaos, logic and intuition, tangibility and abstraction. Each move across the board — each permutation of play — mirrors the vastness of mathematical immensities, evoking the very mystery of the cosmos itself.
In his hands, the chessboard transforms from a site of competition to one of contemplation. It becomes a meditative space where the measurable meets the immeasurable, where every gesture echoes the silent rhythm of creation and chance.
One of the exhibition’s key works reimagines the rice and chessboard parable — a metaphor for exponential growth and the unity of dualities. Crafted as a wooden chessboard with 64 ascending squares, the piece begins with a single grain of rice and culminates in a hybrid king-queen gure, or Ardhanareeshwara. e rising gradient of squares visualises the vastness of numbers, while the dual gure symbolises the harmony that underlies opposites — masculine and feminine, logic and emotion, matter and spirit.
Chasing In nity continues Arvind Sundar’s pursuit of a visual language that dissolves boundaries — between art and mathematics, play and philosophy, form and formlessness. Within the limits of 64 squares, he uncovers limitless worlds, inviting viewers into a quiet dialogue with in nity itself.
SEVEN YARDS OF BLUE
Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art presents Seven Yards of Blue, the debut solo exhibition by TEAS award recipient Meenakshi Nihalani, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha correspondence — a moving re ection on resistance, justice, and collective memory.
Photo courtesy: Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art
To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary, Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art (AMCA) unveils Seven Yards of Blue, the rst solo exhibition by contemporary artist Meenakshi Nihalani, recipient of AMCA’s premier e Emerging Artist Solo (TEAS) award. Curated by Anupa Mehta and supported by Hampi Art Labs, the exhibition runs at the gallery’s Colaba space until October 25, 2025.
Drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s correspondence around the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917—India’s rst civil disobedience movement that sought to end the exploitation of indigo farmers—Meenakshi’s immersive installation reinterprets a pivotal moment in the nation’s history through the lens of contemporary art. Combining textiles, sculpture, and spatial storytelling, the works chronicle the indigo farmers’ endurance under colonial oppression, o ering a layered meditation on the ideas of self-reliance, justice, and resistance.
“ e TEAS award is about amplifying voices that engage
deeply with the social and political realities of our time,” said Anupa Mehta, gallerist and curator. “We are honoured to present Meenakshi’s powerful debut during Gandhi Jayanti month — it allows us to re ect on how the spirit of resistance continues to shape our collective consciousness. With TEAS, we hope to nurture many such artists who bring new perspectives to the discourse of contemporary art.”
As the inaugural recipient of the TEAS award, Meenakshi Nihalani’s work marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment by AMCA to support and mentor emerging artists whose practices intersect with critical socio-political and economic narratives.
e exhibition is expected to draw art collectors, critics, and cultural enthusiasts, eager to witness the con uence of art, activism, and historical re ection — where threads of indigo become metaphors for resilience, and seven yards of fabric unfold into an enduring story of freedom and faith.
THINGS
SOUND OF CELEBRATION
HollyBelly’s conch-inspired hampers rede ne festive gifting
In a city that hums with the promise of Diwali lights and winter gatherings, HollyBelly Food Boutique is bringing a new kind of melody to the season — one that begins with the soft, sacred echo of the shankh (conch).
For its Signature Gifting Collection 2025, the New Delhi-based artisanal food brand turns to one of India’s most timeless symbols of auspicious beginnings — the conch, associated with Vishnu and Lakshmi, deities of harmony and abundance. But in the hands of founder Janeya Mehta, this ancient emblem transforms into a contemporary gesture of joy.
“ e conch is more than a motif,” says Mehta. “It carries a resonance of blessings, culture, and continuity. is year, we wanted to translate that spirit into food — into something tangible and beautiful.”
e result is e Conch Box — a sculptural, cream-toned hamper that feels like a keepsake. It’s the kind of gift you might linger over before opening, the anticipation as delicious as what lies inside. True to HollyBelly’s philosophy — Wrapped in Joy. Rooted in Flavour. — the box brings together the comfort of homegrown ingredients and the sophistication of global craftsmanship.
Inside, there’s a quiet opulence in every bite. ink Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pistachio & Sesame Maharaja Cookies, Rye Flour Butter Shortbread, and Sundried Tomato & Garlic Sourdough — each piece small-batch and hand- nished. en come the Besan & Tru e Ladoos (a playful fusion of mithai and modern indulgence), the Palang Tod Bars, and
Peri Namak Paras, which feel both familiar and daringly new.
HollyBelly’s chocolate tru es— avoured with pistachio, coconut, whiskey, and dark chocolate — are decadent enough to pass as edible jewellery. e nishing touch: jars of Tangerine Marmalade, Cocoa & Hazelnut Spread, and a ery Artisanal Chilli Oil, each promising a spoonful of indulgence.
Every detail of the collection feels intentional — from the design of the box to the pairing of textures and avours. It’s gifting, yes, but elevated to the realm of art — where tradition meets the quiet luxury of restraint.
Founded in New Delhi, HollyBelly Food Boutique has earned its place among India’s most loved gourmet destinations. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and storytelling through avour, the brand has built a loyal community that prizes quality, authenticity, and design in equal measure.
In a season when abundance can sometimes feel loud, HollyBelly o ers something more intimate — a whisper of nostalgia, a note of gratitude, and a taste of something timeless.
The Conch Box is available at HollyBelly Food Boutique, 312-C Sultanpur, New Delhi.
To order, visit hollybellyfoodboutique.com or DM @hollybelly_foodboutique on Instagram.
Peri
MODERN HERITAGE
Where craftsmanship meets contemporary elegance. Haruma’s furniture transforms residential and commercial spaces into immersive works of art, blending natural materials with bold design.
Photo courtesy: Haruma
Founded by Mahesh Patel and Parth Patel, Haruma is rede ning the boundaries of luxury furniture, creating pieces that are as functional as they are striking. With a state-of-the-art experience centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Haruma o ers a seamless journey from concept to completion, ensuring each client’s vision is realised with precision and style.
Signature designs like the Sand Wave Lounge Sofa draw inspiration from the owing contours of desert dunes, merging organic forms with architectural metal accents and brass detailing.
e sofa’s rhythmic lines balance movement and perma-
nence, making it an arresting centrepiece in contemporary interiors. Complementing this, the Sand Dune Chair elevates dining spaces with plush upholstery and a masterfully engineered frame that fuses wood, metal, and composite materials. It is a study in comfort, durability, and visual harmony.
Lighting takes centre stage with the Dark Horse Light, a sculptural installation that evokes ight and mechanical sophistication. Inspired by the ornithopter from Frank Herbert’s Dune, it combines dark and light materials with brass details, marrying organic texture with a precise, engineered aesthetic. Its uid ball joints and brutalist palette make it a captivating statement piece for modern or industrial interiors.
Haruma’s Water of Life Unit transforms vertical space into a functional display of elegance. Slender proportions, illuminated interiors, and meticulously arranged cabinets create a striking balance between utility and design sophistication, o ering a sculptural yet practical solution for contemporary living. Similarly, the Sietch Table de es conventional geometry with angular forms, intentional voids, and asymmetry, injecting visual dynamism into any setting.
e Blade Console, with its linear repetition interrupted by asymmetric lengths, exempli es Haruma’s philosophy of blending art and function. Anchored by a sculptural brass base, it balances bold modernism with timeless elegance,
transforming a functional object into a centrepiece of artistic expression.
With over two decades of experience, Mahesh Patel brings technical mastery to every piece, while Parth Patel’s visionary approach ensures that each creation embodies contemporary design trends without sacri cing enduring sophistication. Together, they have built Haruma into a brand synonymous with luxury, innovation, and thoughtful craftsmanship, where each piece is more than furniture—it is a statement.
Haruma’s collection demonstrates how design can transcend utility, turning everyday objects into sculptural experiences that elevate the spaces they inhabit.
Airtport Showroom Plot No. 2099 Western Express Highway, Vileparle (E) Mumbai- 400099. T : +912226150120
WORKS : E-7, RIICO Industrial Area, Abu Road - 307026, Rajasthan- India. T: +91 2974 294792
What if you could stack your dinnerware to make a sculpture?
Pivot transforms your table into a canvas. Stack vertically for drama or arrange horizontally in rhythm. Designed for play and built for versatility, it invites you to reimagine the art of setting the table.
