One of the things that makes traveling in India so enriching is the layers of meaning embedded in everything. The bright saris worn by women aren’t just beautiful, they’re symbolic. Red symbolizes love and fertility. Yellow reflects optimism and positivity. Orange, it is said, signifies courage and creativity. A wise Rajput friend believes that part of the extreme beauty and hospitality of Rajasthan comes from its harsh past. “We have a history of adversity and in the past, visitors to such a harsh region were rare, so we welcomed them with all that we had.” On my most recent visit, I was thrilled to see that ancient tradition continues—accompanied by a flurry of innovation.
India Insights
Jaipur Shopping Treasures
The Pink City is one of the world’s best craft centers. See my guide to the stores and textile houses not to miss.
Paris is a treasure trove for design and antiques, from the dizzying flea markets to the studios of designers. In November, we joined 1stDibs, the online marketplace for vintage furniture, global design and more, to celebrate their 25th anniversary with an inaugural sourcing trip to Paris. We met with some of the top flea market and 1stDibs dealers, dined in stunning private houses and visited artisan ateliers to see masters at work.
A welcome dinner in the Mirror Gallery at the 17th-century Palazzo Borghese, visiting the Valentino archives that house Julia Robert’s black velvet Oscar dress, exploring the Fendi headquarters filled with Karl Lagerfeld sketches—these are just a few of the highlights on our recent Insider Journey to Rome. See moments that made this trip so special—both for myself and for our travelers.
“The Goring remains my favorite hotel in London. It suits my personal preference for smaller, more intimate, old-school properties, with easy access to staff and a quieter clientele. The concierge service is second to none—every detail ran smoothly. Staff tenure is high, and it’s so nice to see familiar faces each visit. Their name-and-face recognition makes the service feel so personal. While The Goring may not be the most high-tech or cutting-edge, its warmth, consistency and tranquil neighborhood more than make up for it. Five stars for The Goring!” —Lorie Runge, Indagare Member since 2023
Find more raves, rants and travel questions—and post your own—on Indagare’s Member Forum.
New Trip Dates!
Join Me in Saudi Arabia
Our January Insider Journey to Saudi Arabia sold out so quickly that I’ll be hosting a second trip from January 30 to February 6. Join me and embrace the opportunity to witness a society in the midst of evolution and a rich history being unveiled to the wider world. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites that remain unseen by most world travelers as well as Desert X AlUla.
Indagare traveler, Dara Brewster, has delved into global textiles and artisans in a stunning coffee table book, Threads of Time. It comes out December 30, and our community has already celebrated with a party at Maison K in Montecito last week—the result of a friendship forged on an Indagare Journey.
Highlights from Abu Dhabi
Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week and inaugural auction in early December was full of wows, including:
A sneak peak at Sotheby’s Icons exhibition, with Klimt, Richter and Warhol masterpieces; it runs at the Breuer Building in New York from December 13 to 21
The opening of the Zayed National Museum (my favorite building yet by Foster and Partners)
The brand-new Natural History Museum with the largest collection of dinosaurs and fossils in the world (pictured above)
Manar Abu Dhabi, the desert light festival with an evening drone show and more than a dozen light art installations (ends on January 4)
And of course, the record-setting auction itself
My cheat sheet is coming soon.
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Photo Credits: Just Back from Suján Jawai - courtesy Adam Bannister; Just Back From the Eternal City top left - courtesy Bulgari Hotel Roma; Read on My Radar - courtesy Hali Publications
