With a cultish set of clients across 20 Indian cities, a w ebsite that offers premium hotel rooms for unmarried couples (minus the judgement) has become a curious community for the lovesick.
She took off her clothes within minutes of entering our room in a 4-star hotel, and attacked,” writes a 24-year-old Android developer from Kolkata in an email, describing his most prized sexual encounter.
“She was the alpha, in control. We didn’t touch the bed but headed straight for the table which caused the mirror above to break,” his email continues. “The hotel was nice about the damage. She paid for it, and we were out in a few hours.”
My correspondent, who calls himself “by some standards, a sex addict,” has booked hotels for sex 21 times in the last six months through a website called StayUncle.
It could have been an expensive hobby, except that StayUncle offers 4- and 5-star rooms on a 10-hour basis – 10am to 7pm, or 9pm to 8am – at 40 to 50 per cent of the regular tariff.
“We often mistake moral law for the actual law in India,” says Blaze Arizanov, on a chilly evening in Delhi. We’re sitting in an outdoor café drinking tea and avoiding curious glances from passersby. Arizanov, who’s from Macedonia, and whose Instagram profile picture is of him wearing a T-shirt with the words “I’ve just helped my 100th customer have sex”, is eccentric looking. He has long, dirty blond hair pulled into a ponytail, and gangly limbs that betray his morning job of teaching yoga “to aunties and children” in parks across South Delhi.
“There is absolutely no law which prevents unmarried couples from booking rooms in a hotel. Yet couples are subjected to humiliating questions by hotel staff or even outright refusals. And, in some of the shadier ones, raids by the police.” He shakes his head angrily.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.