Outdoor view of the Ānamiva Hotel

Ānamiva – an eclectic mix between art and hospitality.

It takes one to know one, so in order to create a hotel in Goa that centres around art, who better than artist Anita Lamba? Located in Anjuna, in the heart of Northern Goa and officially opened since November 2019, Ānamiva is a cross between a designer boutique hotel and an art gallery, combining the best of both worlds.

Courtesy of AM Hotel Collection

Not only is art at the centre of the hotel decoration, but it also focuses on young and upcoming artists, as per Anita’s wishes. Nineteen designer suits and four penthouses welcome guests into the colourful and vibrant energy of Goa. Built to be on different levels, the hotel contains multiples terraces to invite its visitors to spend as much time outdoors as possible, but it also hosts a café and an art gallery

١. Ānamiva’s History with Art

Courtesy of AM Hotel Collection

In Sanskrit, the word Ānamiva means a “happy state”. It is no wonder, then, why the hotel’s decoration is eclectic, colourful, and vibrant. Goa itself is full of magical scenery, but at Ānamiva, this is complemented by intricate design pieces meticulously chosen from around the world, jaali screens and patterns incorporated in the architecture.

The showcase of artwork is spearheaded by the spectacle of the show: colourful murals painted by none other than the soul behind the hotel, artist Anita Lamba. In this hotel, simple pieces like lampshades become works of art, designed from copper, and thalis are turned into coffee tables, to remind their guests that traditions, mixed with art, can create a dazzling product.

The hotel also periodically hosts events to cater to the artistic community of Goa. These bring together artists from India and beyond to share and indulge in the joys of art and artistic flair.

٢. A Culinary Experience for the Senses

Courtesy of AM Hotel Collection

At Ānamiva, the food is part of the experience. Guests can alternate between the bakery and café, or visit Analogue, the bar and kitchen. At Analogue, a mix of Mediterranean and European cuisine welcomes the guest, accompanied by a strictly vinyl music selection. On the other hand, ‘Booked’ — the bakery — is filled with books, wholesome baked goods, and freshly brewed coffee.  

٣. When to visit?

Image courtesy Aradhita Wadhva

The best time to visit Goa is towards the months of November through February. During this season, perfect to celebrate Christmas and New Years by the beach, the weather in Goa is prone to moderate temperatures during the day, and cooler evenings. From March to May, temperatures rise considerably, but hotels offer a friendlier rate to visitors.  During the monsoon, from mid-June to October, Goa is perfect for visitors seeking tranquillity, although high humidity and rain can be quite persistent.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Tamara Saade is a journalist and photographer currently based in Beirut. Using a documentary approach in her long term projects, she covers fashion, arts & culture and the intersectionality between home and identity, especially in the Middle East.
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