PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

As the calendar flips to 2025, the world of food, art, luxury, and travel brings a fresh wave of innovation and inspiration. From the revival of beloved dining destinations and groundbreaking culinary ventures to luxurious day cruises and captivating art exhibitions, the first week of the new year is packed with experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s your guide to what’s making headlines this January, offering a little something for every taste and interest.

1. Sevilla: A Spanish Haven Reopens at The Claridges New Delhi

The Claridges New Delhi has reopened Sevilla, the city’s beloved Spanish and Mediterranean dining destination. The sprawling restaurant offers intimate indoor and outdoor seating. Chef Alex Rodriguez, Master Chef, Sevilla at The Claridges New Delhi, is the culinary mastermind behind Sevilla’s revitalised menu and brings with him over 20 years of international expertise to the table, including classic dishes like Patatas Bravas, Gambas Al Ajillo, and Huevos Rotos estilo Casa Lucio with new creations. Indulge in dishes such as Seafood Paella, Black Rice with squid ink, Linguine Vongole and Tagliatelle with Truffle Mushroom sauce, and new additions like the signature Lobster Pasta and Rossejat de Pato y Setas. Sevilla has also unveiled its much-anticipated Brunch at Sevilla, an indulgent culinary affair featuring an array of delectable Tapas, signature Sangrias, and flavourful Paellas.

2. Impresario Handmade Restaurants and Chef Garima Arora Announce the Launch of BANNG

BANNG, the latest culinary venture by two-Michelin-starred Chef Garima Arora, is a tribute to Bangkok’s vibrant flavours, dynamic spirit, and cultural duality. Nestled in Gurugram’s Two Horizon Centre, BANNG marks the much-anticipated collaboration between Chef Garima and restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani. The menu journeys through Thailand’s culinary landscape, from its northern hills to its southern shores. Led by Head Chef Manav Khanna, the team ensures every plate exudes authenticity and soulful flavour—fresh pastes are handmade, premium ingredients are sourced weekly, and traditional recipes are honoured without compromise. The bar, curated with Attapon De-Silva from the YOLO group, adds a playful twist with a Muay Thai-inspired cocktail program categorised into flyweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Designed by Studio Renesa, BANNG’s interiors fuse Thai heritage and Indian artistry. With vibrant colours, intricate textures, and cultural motifs, the space features interactive elements like digital art and hand-painted murals.

3. Tudor Opens Its First MonoBrand Boutique in India

TUDOR has partnered with leading luxury watch retailer Simone Ventures to open TUDOR’s first mono-brand boutique in India. This boutique will be located in Zaveri House, Hughes Road, Mumbai. To commemorate the grand opening, the latest race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was screened at the Bombay Club, with TUDOR having made a recent return to the world of motorsport by sponsoring the Visa Cash App RB team. The flagship boutique is a forty-49-m2 space that will reflect the Tudor signature with red, black and grey interiors meshing with a mixture of high-quality finishes. The boutique will offer an exceptional range of men’s and women’s timepieces, along with a range of classics like the Black Bay collection, including exclusive boutique editions such as the Black Bay Chrono Blue, Black Bay 58 Bronze and Black Bay Ceramic. Also available is a selection of sport, diving and heritage-inspired watches, including the new addition to the TUDOR Pelagos collection, the Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’, a watch designed for military pilots and adventurers.

4. Sobé Decor Launches India’s First Blue Clay Porcelain Collection

Sobé Decor has recently unveiled Azul, a collection that is the first of its kind in India. The name Azul, derived from the Renaissance celebration of blue for its calming and harmonious qualities, inspires this collection’s serene aesthetic. Featuring a unique vintage white glaze layered over a rustic matte blue clay finish, Azul pieces exude understated elegance while capturing the essence of oceanic tranquility. Handcrafted in Sri Lanka, each piece, from mugs to bowls and plates, reflects impeccable craftsmanship. The collection features an exquisite range of handcrafted blue porcelain tableware. Highlights include the Azul White & Blue Mug , the Azul White & Blue Espresso Cup & Saucer Set, the Azul White & Blue Coupe Dinner Plate , the Azul White & Blue Asian Bowl , the Azul White & Blue Soup Bowl , and the Azul White & Blue Coupe Salad Plate.

5. Ambassador Cruise Launches Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise in Famed Halong Bay

Ambassador Cruise has introduced the Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise, a luxurious addition to its fleet in Halong Bay. This seven-hour journey explores UNESCO-listed waters and attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titov Island. Guests can kayak or take bamboo boats through Luon Cave, marvel at Sung Sot’s grandeur, and hike Titov Island for panoramic views. The 99-passenger vessel boasts a two-level dining area and a 360-degree sundeck. Culinary highlights include a premium buffet of Asian and European delicacies like US steak, smoked tuna, and caramelised pork shoulder, alongside Vietnamese cooking demos and afternoon tea. The experience begins at 9 am at Halong International Cruise Port and concludes by 4:30 pm.

6. Experience Diversity of Flavours at Terrace, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, Portugal

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente elevates family holidays with its perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and thoughtful details. At its heart is the Terrace Restaurant, Bar, and Café, where culinary delights meet family-friendly experiences. From serene breakfasts and leisurely brunches to elegant dinners, the menu celebrates Oriental and Mediterranean fusion cuisine, complemented by an Indian menu featuring authentic vegetarian favourites like upma and khichdi. Children and babies are treated to specially curated gourmet dishes. The Terrace Bar shines at sunset with creative cocktails, tapas, and a fine selection of Portuguese wines. Meanwhile, the Terrace Café offers artisanal treats, Aroma speciality coffee, and Artisani ice creams. A relaxed dining experience awaits, complete with Martinhal’s Kids Club.

7. Exploring Fluidity and Truth: Darshika Singh’s Solo Show at Method Kala Ghoda

Method Kala Ghoda kicks off 2025 with Lip Service to the Transcendental, a solo exhibition by artist Darshika Singh, running from January 9th to February 9th. This series of paintings explores rhythm and repetition, transforming fixed elements into fluid expressions. Singh’s work resists perfection, embracing intuition and whim, much like an evolving gene interacting with its environment. Layers within the paintings create an atmospheric “truth,” reflecting the artist’s playful and intuitive process. Born in Lucknow, Singh works across video and painting, focusing on rhyme, rhythm, and repetition. With a background in Art, Fashion Design, and Philosophy, she has exhibited globally and is part of the Conditions Online Programme under sculptor James Lewis.

When: January 9th to February 9th, 2025.

Where: Method Kala Ghoda, 86, Nagindas Master Rd., Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai

Cover Credits : Instagram @banng.in