London has always had a special place in our hearts. More than ten years ago, we showcased our collection there for the very first time at London Fashion Week, sparking a deep connection with the city. That unforgettable debut marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, filled with countless visits and a decade of close ties to a city that continues to inspire and fuel our creativity.
This time, our visit to London held an extra layer of significance. We were honoured to receive a personal invitation from Divia Thani, the Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, to attend the magazine’s prestigious annual Diwali celebration. This exclusive event, known for blending India’s cultural elegance with high fashion, was held in collaboration with the iconic jeweller Cartier. The invitation was a thrilling opportunity to experience a Diwali celebration in London where heritage and luxury converged, and we felt incredibly great to be part of such a refined gathering amidst London’s vibrant, festive atmosphere.
We had just wrapped up a memorable third edition of the “All That Glitters Diwali Ball” in New York City, an event filled with joy and camaraderie. Hosted alongside our dear friend Anjula Acharia and other esteemed South Asian co-hosts, the celebration was a glamorous evening that brought a vibrant, cultural essence to the heart of New York. (You can read more about it in one of the articles in this issue!) But the festivities didn’t end there; in fact, they only expanded. Right after NYC, we jetted off to London to continue the celebrations, joining the city’s finest and most influential personalities for more Diwali merriment. London’s social circuit was alive with festive energy, and we were looking forward to revelling in the season’s spirit with the who’s who, sharing our love for tradition, glamour, and togetherness across two iconic cities.
After wrapping up the Diwali festivities in New York, we made our way to London and checked in at the chic Jumeirah Carlton Tower. From the moment we stepped into the hotel, we were enveloped in a world of pure luxury. Over the years, we’ve stayed at some of the most exclusive properties around the globe, but Jumeirah Carlton Tower stands in a league of its own. The impeccable design, the refined elegance, and the attention to detail at every corner elevated our stay, reminding us that luxury here isn’t just a label—it’s an experience.
A symbol of British elegance, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a distinguished five-star hotel in central London, embodying the sophistication of Knightsbridge. Guests are treated to stunning London skyline views, access to private gardens and tennis courts, and exclusive entry to The Peak Fitness Club & Spa—one of London’s finest health clubs. Located on Sloane Street, this luxurious hotel features 186 beautifully appointed rooms, including 88 suites. Highlights include the Royal Suite, with sweeping views across the city, and spacious Executive Suites ideal for business travellers. The Peak Fitness Club & Spa offers a 20-metre indoor pool, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a fully equipped gym for an invigorating experience. Paired with exceptional dining and refined bars, Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers the perfect escape for your next London getaway.
Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any more impressive, stepping into our suite took our breath away. Awaiting us was an array of personalised items, each bearing our initials—FP and SP, in a beautifully thoughtful touch. From the pillows on the bed to the plush slip-ons and every amenity kit nestled throughout the suite, each piece was meticulously embroidered with our initials. This level of detail and care instantly overwhelmed us, turning a luxurious stay into something deeply personal and meaningful. It was as if the hotel had anticipated our every need, welcoming us in a way that made us feel entirely at home, yet nestled in opulence. This gesture redefined our expectations of hospitality.
We decided to fully immerse ourselves in the luxurious ambience of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and take in everything the property had to offer before heading out for the evening. Every corner of the hotel offered a new detail to admire–from the chic decor to the thoughtful amenities–making it the perfect way to unwind and prepare. By the time we were ready to head out to London’s most coveted Diwali party, we felt rested and ready.
Alongside a select group of invitees, we attended the Condé Nast Traveller’s annual Diwali celebration, hosted in collaboration with Cartier at The Dorchester—one of London’s most iconic hotels. The guest list was as glittering as the occasion, bringing together Bollywood stars, British Asian artists, and leading entrepreneurs to honour Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In the spirit of the theme, we guests were encouraged to “bring their sparkle”—and we did, in style. Among the distinguished VIPs were actors Bhumi Pednekar and a dashing Fardeen Khan, along with actresses Jameela Jamil, Ayesha Hussain, Amita Suman, and Banita Sandhu, model Cat Roberts, Rahi Chadha, Anita Chhiba, Tania Shroff, and Supriya Lele—amongst others.
Welcomed with Cartier Champagne, we were greeted by Cartier UK’s MD Laurent Feniou and Condé Nast Traveller’s global editorial director, Divia Thani. A stunning floral rangoli formed the centrepiece of the Gold Room, where fragrant rose and jasmine petals enhanced the ambience, while chrysanthemums, roses, and other blooms overflowed from gilded vases, creating perfect backdrops for the countless photos captured throughout the evening.
Divia took a moment to address the crowd, expressing gratitude to the influential figures who made the event possible. The evening was filled with lavish cuisine, featuring an exquisite selection of canapés like malai kofta kebabs, salmon jhal muri tarts, oyster and pear jal jeera, hake bhalla chaat, and a spread of divine desserts including mini laddoos, kaju katli, and jalebis with gold foil. Entertainers Nihal Singh and Jeffrey Iqbal, along with DJ Kabir, kept everyone dancing until dawn. It was a night of laughter, luxury, and unforgettable celebration—and oh, what fun we had!
After a long and exhilarating night filled with dancing, laughter, and celebration, we chose to sleep in, giving ourselves a chance to recover from the unforgettable party. When we finally woke, we were greeted by a beautifully arranged breakfast spread in our suite. From freshly baked croissants to luscious seasonal fruits, and perfectly brewed coffee, every item on the tray was indulgence at its best. The fine selection not only satisfied our appetites but also set the tone for another amazing day ahead with Cartier.
We were treated to an exclusive, personalised tour of Cartier’s exquisite archives, offering us a rare glimpse into the brand’s iconic heritage. We were walked through the storied journey of this legendary jeweller, detailing its history, evolution, and rise to become the crowning jewel in the diadem of the luxury industry. Each piece we encountered was a marvel, a proof of impeccable craftsmanship and artistic vision, with each cut, setting, and gemstone reflecting unparalleled attention to detail. We found ourselves utterly engrossed by these treasures—from tiaras worn by royalty to intricate designs that have defined eras—and we lingered, entranced, admiring each piece’s artistry. Time slipped away, and before we knew it, we had spent an entire day immersed in Cartier’s world, truly enthralled by the legacy and grandeur of this Maison.
We made our way back to the hotel, eager to experience the hotel’s elaborate high-tea set-up, a quintessential London experience. As we entered, the air was filled with the comforting and fragrant aromas of freshly brewed teas, delicate cakes, and buttery biscuits—an indulgent concoction of scents that instantly lifted our spirits. It was a sensory delight, to say the least. We savoured every sip of tea and bite of the gourmet selection of treats, each pairing more delightful than the last. There was no rush, just pure indulgence as we enjoyed the traditional British pastime at our own pace.
Later, we returned to our suite for a few quiet moments after a whirlwind of excitement and before packing for our next adventure. Diwali awaited us in India, where another round of vibrant celebrations was set to unfold. Though the trip was brief, this Diwali celebration in London, along with our stay at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, will forever hold a special place in our hearts—a memory we will cherish for years to come.