Rooms with an Artful View
Ten artisans toiled inside a gigantic white space to create 70 sculptures and 50 art installations, each archetypal of what the state of Andhra Pradesh stands for. In their hands lay the identity of a region that has been patronised for its prodigious promotion of art and craft. So when after labouring for one year, their efforts stood out as tangible proofs of artistic brilliance, as part of the world’s first handicraft hotel, the Andhra Art and Craft Hotel, in Visakhapatnam, for everybody to see, feel, and experience, their creative pursuit got a promising pat of validation.
The artisans were national award winners, especially chosen on the basis of their specialisation. They were given different areas within the hotel to show their artistry. For instance, the rooms that bring to fore various themes based on local craft forms. The property includes the Tholu Bommalata or leather shadow puppetry rooms (inspired by the jatara festival which showcases all celebrations related to the Tholu Bommalata or the puppet dance); Budithi brass work rooms (the headboard is a unique aspect which takes inspiration from the temple sculptures of women adorned with jewellery.
The base of the back wall is reminiscent of the rawness of temple stones); Kalamkari pen art rooms (the bathrooms are a special feature with traditional original silk fabrics sandwiched between glasses to add pizzazz to our grey spaces), and Etikoppaka rooms (the wardrobe/study table being the highlight with arch designs and cane weave putting a narrative together).
Room numbers and alphabet have been created by an amalgamation of English numerical and the alphabet with graphics inspired from temple architecture. What welcomes visitors at the entrance is a colossal mural of Telugu Thalli, a symbol of prosperity for Telugu people. The outdoors too don’t miss a chance to incorporate murals in various mediums. Designed on the three qualities enumerated in ancient Indian philosophy namely, Tamas, Rajas and Satva—all rooms are symbolic of this unique thought.
The natural extension of a quiet private beach that can be visited 24x7 is oneof the novel aspects of the property, as it allows a chance for quiet contemplation. The nights are particularly peaceful with the soft breeze touching the shores before receding into darkness. The hotel allows visitors to make indelible memories, not just those with the camera but those that the mind can appreciate. At the end of the stay, a souvenir emblematic of everything the hotel stands for is given to visitors before they depart.