Restaurant India News: Sanjay Dutt and Anant Hospitality Launch Luxury Hotel The Evren in Goa

Anant Hospitality has announced the launch of Hotel The Evren in Vagator, Goa, marking its entry into the luxury hospitality segment with a lifestyle-focused property that has already been inducted into the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection ahead of its official opening.

The project has been developed by entrepreneurs Harkaran Chawla, Angad Singh, Kunal Patel, Suved Lohia, and actor-entrepreneur Sanjay Dutt. Located in North Goa, the property has been positioned as a hospitality destination that combines accommodation, food and beverage experiences, nightlife, and community-focused programming under one roof.

The Evren features suites, personalised guest services, a specialty café, a speakeasy-style bar, and a culinary programme anchored by Nines by The Evren, the property's flagship dining and social venue.

A key component of the launch is the appointment of culinary consultant Chef Prachi Mehta, who brings 13 years of experience across international and Indian hospitality brands, including London's The Wolseley, Copenhagen's Michelin-starred 108, a pop-up at New York's Eleven Madison Park, The Bombay Canteen, and Hunger Inc. Her menu at Nines combines European culinary techniques with Indian flavours.

"Food should be an adventure, but it should always feel like coming home. With this menu, we’ve taken world-class, rigorous techniques and used them to celebrate the comforting, nostalgic flavours we all love," said Chef Prachi Mehta.

The property's food and beverage strategy is being led by hospitality entrepreneur Suved Lohia, whose portfolio includes brands such as One8 Commune, Neuma, Milagro, Game, and Palacio. Industry observers view the launch as part of a growing trend where hospitality businesses are increasingly integrating dining, nightlife, and cultural experiences to create multi-format destinations.

"I’ve built a lot of brands over twenty years, but Nines is the one that feels most like me: playful, a little cheeky, but precise about every single detail. Goa doesn’t need another pretty room. It needs somewhere that breathes, a space that moves with its own rhythm where you start in one mood and end up somewhere completely unexpected," said Suved Lohia.

Harkaran Chawla said, “The Evren began as an idea of creating something complete — a destination where every detail feels intentional and connected. We wanted to build a space where hospitality, design, food, music and culture coexist effortlessly, creating experiences that are both timeless and memorable.”

The food programme at Nines includes dishes such as Balchão Charred Broccoli, Kismur Grilled King Prawns, Chettinad Fried Chicken with Goan Poee, Sichuan Pepper Soft Shell Crab, Blue Cheese Cappelletti, and Bread-Crusted Salmon in Moilee sauce. The beverage menu features cocktails including Ampana, Imli Drop, Cheeky Mosambi, IX Lives, and Nines Espresso.

The Evren has also introduced Suenos de Cafe, a café concept featuring a coffee programme curated by Geetu Mohnani, who became the first woman to win India's National Barista Championship in 2018 and later represented the country at the World Barista Championship in Amsterdam. The café has been designed to cater to remote workers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals seeking workspace-oriented hospitality experiences.

At the centre of the property's hospitality strategy is Nines, which transitions from an all-day dining venue into a nightlife destination during the evening. The concept combines dining, entertainment, music programming, and live performances, reflecting the increasing convergence of hospitality, food service, and experiential nightlife within Goa's tourism ecosystem.

The Evren's launch highlights the growing demand for integrated lifestyle destinations that extend beyond traditional accommodation offerings and place greater emphasis on food, beverage, design, and entertainment-led experiences.