For The Love of It

Laalee by Shan and Devyani Bhatnagar is a boutique retreat in Jaipur, where Indian traditions inspire artful, contemporary design

- VARUNI MOHAN

The name Laalee comes from the Hindustani word laal, meaning red-a colour that symbolises love across cultures. At this boutique hotel in Jaipur's Gopal Bari neighbourhood, love takes many forms: love for Indian craftsmanship, for storytelling, for art, and for the traditions of Nathdwara(a temple town in Rajasthan, famed for its devotion to Krishna and Pichwai art).

Created by designer and artist Shan Bhatnagar and his wife, Devyani, Laalee is an exploration of luxury, where the design influences are indigenously Indian, but done in a way that feels fresh and contemporary. "This was a dream we'd nurtured for years," says Shan. "Laalee is about creating an experience where guests feel embraced by warmth and character." The nine-room retreat, spread across 9,400 sq.ft, was completed in just eight months. With a plunge pool, library lounge, terraces, and lush gardens, it's designed to be an oasis of calm in the bustling city of Jaipur.