Skyview by Empyrean, a tourist property nestled in the hill station of Patnitop in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to host the second edition of its art retreat, Sama-Vaya (which means union), from August 22 to 25.
This annual event, which was inaugurated last year, aims to bridge the gap between culture, hospitality, and art in the Jammu region, bringing together artists from across India for a unique exchange.
Owais Altaf Syed, director of Skyview by Empyrean, believes that while Kashmir has historically been a hub for art and cultural festivals, Jammu has seen far fewer such events, particularly in its hill stations.
“We realised a few years back that there is a huge gap in terms of the exchange of ideas between cultural, hospitality, and the art space within Jammu. We wanted to plug that gap and, as a result, the idea for Sama-Vaya was conceived over a period of three years,” Syed said while speaking to TTG Asia.
This year’s Sama-Vaya will feature eight artists, including two local talents from Jammu. The artists include Sohan Singh Billawaria, known for traditional miniature painting and Lado Bai, an exponent of Bhil art. The artists will explore Jammu and nearby areas before dedicating time at the resort to create artworks inspired by their travel experiences.
“We recognise that while Jammu’s artistic and cultural history is strong, it hasn’t been effectively marketed or fully captured by existing tourism circuits. Our goal is to change that by promoting these aspects and offering our guests a holistic experience that blends art, hospitality, and wellness,” shared Syed.
In addition, Skyview by Empyrean offers a wide range of wellness programmes, including yoga, to enhance the overall experience for its visitors.
“It is not just about staying with us; it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the region’s attractions. We offer various services to nearby tourist spots, allowing our guests to enjoy day trips or overnight stays at different locations before returning to us. That’s why we refer to our property as a ‘mountain harbour’ – a central hub from which visitors can explore the surrounding areas and return to for a comprehensive experience,” added Syed.
This year, the tourist property expects up to 225 guests for the art exhibition on August 25. With an inventory of 15 rooms at the property, Skyview by Empyrean will accommodate 30 to 35 overnight guests, while the remaining guests will be day visitors.
Looking ahead, Skyview by Empyrean is set to expand its property from 15 to 50 rooms over the next two years, further enhancing its ability to accommodate more guests.
