Suitcase Exotique
The epic scale and grandeur of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar - the ambitious Netflix series story of pre-independence Lahore's most powerful tawa’ifs, dwarfed even his most opulent big-screen Bollywood blockbusters. Premiered on Netflix in 2024, the series has been renewed for a second season - but no official release date has been set yet. This lavish period drama filmed on a Mumbai set was built to resemble the real location - once known as Heera Mandi, a well-known and historically significant area found within the walled city of Lahore in Pakistan. The extensive set took seven months to create the illusion of 1900s Lahore complete with vintage furniture, hand-painted set decoration and 700 craftsmen working tirelessly at Mumbai’s Film City. Heeramandi’s set designers successfully struck a balance between portraying the opulent lifestyle of the courtesans and ensuring the sets felt grounded in a specific historical and social context. “When it comes to the balance between opulence and realism..., there’s a phrase I heard during narration from Sanjay that sticks with me: ‘Those who haven’t seen Lahore haven’t truly lived." stated Heeramandi’s set and art designer - Subrata Chakravarty.
Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar
RAAHI PARFUMS
Raahi Parfums is an Indian luxury perfume house based in Kannauj, known for its traditional attars and modern fragrances made using the ancient deg-bhapka distillation method. The brand emphasizes high-quality, natural ingredients and sustainable practices, offering a range of floral, woody and spicy scents. They are associated with the Makhulal Ayodhya Prasad Group - a perfumery group with a history dating back to 1818.
Go to website RAAHI Parfums
photo courtesy Palacio Aguada
Goa, India
PALACIO AGUADA
"Tucked along Goa’s storied shores, where the Arabian Sea whispers tales to ancient cliffs, Palacio Aguada emerges as a dream brought to life. Born of passion and artistry, this coastal sanctuary invites you to step into a realm where time dances between history and modernity. Here, five acres of cascading beauty hold secrets of grandeur, from cliffside suites kissed by ocean breezes to intimate alcoves brimming with curated indulgences. Crafted by Pinky & Sanjay Reddy, every detail tells a story - of legacy, imagination and the quiet luxury of unforgettable moments with 10 suites of intimate sanctuaries, rich with stories and layered with charm, each whispering the estate’s legacy as a cherished family home. Surrender to the rhythm of personal service, savour sunset soirees with views that blur the lines between ocean and sky, lose yourself in the quiet intimacy of hidden nooks where nature and luxury entwine, or dive into pools that reflect skies as endless as your possibilities. Picture private balcony dinners where the romance of the lavender skies mingles with culinary artistry, or grand banquets of local Goan delicacies laid out on an opulent 20-foot-long dining table, evoking the splendour of regal dining. Savour fresh herbs from a private garden in a lunchtime masterpiece, or indulge in teppanyaki creations prepared under the starlit sky during midnight cravings."
More information about PALACIOAGUADA
PAPER BOAT COLLECTIVE
Housed in a 100-year-old Portuguese villa, their homegrown concept store in Goa, India - Greets you with a soothing chime announcing your arrival. Wander through the works of small-scale artists, designers and craftspeople that tell the tale of Indian fabrics and art forms. Together with their in-house cafe and organic food store - it sets the pace for an unhurried exploration of the senses.
Go to website Paper Boat Collective
Designers from India
Kolkata, India
GLENBURN PENTHOUSE
The Glenburn Penthouse stands as a discreet, elegant residence in the heart of historic Kolkata, showcasing spectacular views of all her iconic landmarks. As one of the distinguished hotels near Park Street - this penthouse offers an unparalleled blend of luxury & history. Known for its exquisite collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture and artworks -the Drawing and Dining Rooms are adorned with bespoke 'Hindoostan' wallpaper designed in Paris and balconies with a tea verandah overlooking Victoria Memorial. The Glenburn Penthouse not only offers luxury accommodations but also serves as a gateway to the historical and cultural wealth of Kolkata - offering its guests bespoke historical and cultural tours designed to connect Kolkata's vibrant culture and rich tapestry. Culinary delights blend Colonial, Bengali, Anglo-Indian and Kolkata street food-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist, using fresh local ingredients as well as easy access to the best local restaurants in West Bengal down Maidan and Park Street.
More information Glenburn Penthouse
photo courtesy Glenburn Penthouse
Travel Treasure
India is home to a vast treasure of unique and exclusive products to delight your fancy - from traditional Pashmina shawls, sarees and Kashmiri carpets to handcrafted Rajasthani puppets, Madhubani paintings and Budithi brassware as well as unique regional products of silks, spices, tea and culinary specialties.
BLUE POTTERY from Jodhpur - The Blue City, named after the walls coated over with indigo paint to keep away mosquitoes so that the city appears like one of the landscapes on the famous Blue Pottery made in this region of Rajasthan, especially when viewed from the heights of the Mehrangarh Fort. PEARLS from Hyderabad - in the 16th century under the Qutb Shahi dynasty Hyderabad became a global center for pearl trade and craftsmanship by attracting pearls from the Persian Gulf and skilled artisans to create intricate jewelry. The Nizams' patronage solidified Hyderabad's reputation as the "City of Pearls," with pearls becoming a symbol of wealth and royalty, leading to exquisite jewelry designs like the Satlada and establishing a lasting legacy of pearl artistry and commerce. BANARASI SAREE from Varanasi - a Banarasi saree is not just a piece of clothing; it is a legacy wrapped in silk, woven with threads of history, culture and timeless craftsmanship. From the holy ghats of Varanasi, where ancient rituals meet divine artistry, comes one of India's most celebrated textiles. BANKURA CLAY HORSE from Panchmura - is the terracotta horse produced in Panchmura village in the Indian state of West Bengal praised for its elegant stance and unique abstraction of basic values. Originally used for village rituals, it now adorns drawing rooms around the world as symbols of Indian folk-art. KUTCH EMBROIDERY from Gujarat - a vibrant and traditional needlecraft from the Kutch region of Gujarat, India, characterized by colourful threads, mirror work and intricate geometric patterns. Practiced primarily by women, this ancient art form involves distinct stitch techniques, with some variations like Aribharat (also known as Mochibharat) using a hooked needle for chain stitches and Soof & Neran embroidery relying on counting threads to create designs without any prior drawing on the fabric. JEWELLERY from Jaipur - began when the ruling Sawai Jai Singh II invited skilled artisans from Gujarat and Rajasthan to establish a thriving metalworking and gem-cutting industry. Supported by the royal family, this led to a strong tradition of gold and gem craftsmanship that attracted artisans and established Jaipur as a major center with historical houses like Gem Palace serving as court jewellers. The city is now known globally for its rich collection and blend of ancient techniques with modern processes.
Blue Pottery
Jodhpur
Bankura Clay Horse
Panchmura
Pearls
Hyderabad
Kutch Embroidery
Gujarat
Banarasi Saree
Varanasi
