This Goan Gallery And Hotel Is A One-Stop Art Destination

There was a time that the idea of Goa was synonymous with a lazy beach holiday, and while that is no less true today, there’s a blossoming movement of art and culture that is slowly making it the go-to destination for India’s many creative minds. From writer’s retreats to art collective, projects are springing up across the state that champion the underappreciated and underrepresented artist factions, giving them the voice and space they’ve always needed to showcase their talent.

One of the newest additions to this movement is The Project Cafe in Assagao, a branch of the existing venture that began in Ahmedabad and has since moved in at various locations across the country collaborating with over 350 artists along the way. The backdrop for their Goan experience is the 130-year-old Amalia House, a heritage Portuguese villa that has been carefully designed into a different character by CEO and CCO Drasty Shah and her team into a destination hotel and art space. ““My insatiable desire to explore, learn and constantly evolve was enough to fuel my creative instincts which grew into a something so huge with the aid of a commendable team that we have. TPC Goa is an art space where the visitors will get a lifetime of memory as each corner is thoughtfully designed,” says Drasty.

Since their launch, they’ve played host to a number of leading Indian artists. The Project Café’s launch exhibition featured the works of Ruchi Bakshi Sharma, Jagrut Raval, Nidhi Khurana, and Thomas Louis.

Aside from the art that fills their rooms, the interiors themselves are a thing of beauty. Six renowned interior designers took charge of the 6 individual rooms across 13,000 sq. feet and three separate villas to curate them in their own unique styles that mimic a “soul-soothing art vibe,” says Drasty. Though each has a distinct personality they all tie back to an overall air of minimalist chic that echoes the vintage origins of the house itself. Another iconic space is the common lounge area designed by luxury furniture brand, Gulmohar Lane.

Drasty’s own travelling experiences have been vital in shaping the gourmet cafe, in-house patisserie, and on-site pool, that are all havens for tourists looking for an offbeat experience. Oscillating between quirky individuality and historic glamour, The Project Café sets the tone for the wide array of art that passes through its doors. And keep in mind that most of the pieces that adorn the walls of this little sanctuary are for sale so if something catches your eye, be sure to inquire as you might be able to take a little bit of this holiday back with you.