The Real Marigold Hotel

In the first episode the group arrives at their new home in Jaipur - a private mansion known as a haveli in the heart of the old city - and are initially unsettled by the realities of living in India: hectic roads, animals in the street, chickens killed to order and poor toilet facilities. The heat and hard work makes them consider whether they can do this alone or need to take advantage of the cheap staff costs to settle here. Jaipur is full of hundreds of years of history, best seen in its impressive buildings, so the group head out to visit the jewel in Jaipur’s crown, the 500 year old Amer Fort. Their guide also offers to show them his local home where they begin to understand the gulf between rich and poor and the impact of the caste system. They are also invited to take tea with Jaipur’s royal family at the opulent Rambagh Palace, where they mix with high society in the finest surroundings. Chef Rosemary is finding it hard to unwind from her normal hectic life, so tries meditation for the first time and is surprised by the results. Meanwhile, dancer Wayne makes the most of his wish to explore his spiritual side by attending the daily morning prayers and visiting the beautiful Galti Ji temple, which is home to a troop of mischievous monkeys. To end their first week the cast throw a party to meet their new neighbours, with special performances, as they begin to feel more at home on the other side of the world.

The group is in colourful Jaipur, capital of the state of Rajasthan in Northern India, to test whether they can set up a better, more rewarding retirement here than four thousand miles from their home in the UK.

The group is in colourful Jaipur, capital of the state of Rajasthan in Northern India, to test whether they can set up a better, more rewarding retirement here than four thousand miles from their home in the UK.