Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
‘I’m a water baby. So, I feel at home in the Maldives.’
Bollywood’s hottest poster girl, Janhvi Kapoor, escapes to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort for this stunning shoot. The actor opens up about her memories of summer holidays, upcoming films, and more with Aindrila Mitra.
What does travel mean to you?
Rediscovering myself, [and] discovering new places, food, and cultures. I have always associated travel with a fresh start. I wasn’t even a year old when mom (late Sridevi) and dad (Boney Kapoor) took me to the shoot of Pukar in Alaska, and then Mexico. They were keen that I see the world with them. So, a lot of my education in life has come from the places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit.
What are the things you put on your checklist before going on a holiday?
I need to know all the best places to eat! I like to visit museums and local spots. On my notepad, I always have a list of 10 things that I’d like to see and eat.
What are your fondest memories of summer holidays?
When we went to Italy as a family. I was 15 or 16, and it was a road trip. We had [hired] this huge SUV, and my parents would blast South Indian music so loud that everyone in the street would be able to hear it! We drove around the Amalfi Coast and went to small towns. My dad wanted me to see every place in the world, so [that] I could tell my husband that my father had taken me all around the world. (laughs)
Maldives is becoming popular among Indian travellers. How has your experience been at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort?
Maldives is beautiful. It’s a gem of a place, and I was blown away when I came here for the first time. I’m a water baby, so I feel at home here. At The Westin Maldives, everyone is so hospitable. The food is amazing and to die for! I’ve had a great time.
What are your favourite Indian destinations?
Varanasi, Tirupati, and Udaipur. I feel an inexplicable connection to Varanasi every time
I go there. I love taking a boat ride on the River Ganga and visiting the different ghats. It’s the most ancient city in our country, and I am in awe of its historical significance and interesting architecture. At Tirupati, I feel at peace and at home. [I like] Udaipur because I shot my first film (Dhadak) there; it’s familiar.
Any particular places or experiences that you recommend at these destinations?
There’s Terracota Café (terracotta cafe. business. site) in Varanasi, and their mango milkshake is amazing. You should visit Café Boho (facebook.com/ cafe bohoudai pur) and Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur. In Tirupati, I recommend climbing the 3,700 steps to the [Tirumala] temple (tirumala.org). It’s a wonderful experience.
Any hidden gems you have discovered while travelling for work?
I’ve been to places like Roorkee [in Uttarakhand] and Bateshwar [in Uttar Pradesh]. And flying a helicopter in Georgia!
Destinations on your bucket list?
Morocco, Auschwitz-Birkenau [Memorial and Museum in Poland], Germany, and Ladakh.
On the work front, what are you looking forward to this year?
I just finished shooting Good Luck Jerry. This film is a test for me and my choices as an actor. It was the first solo decision I made.
SET ON THE SECLUDED Vagaru island in Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a 55-minute seaplane flight from Malé. Each of its 60 villas comes with a private pool, beautiful wooden deck, and many other luxuries that ensure an indulgent experience. The resort features a library, two pools, a spa, and a kids club. Its culinary destinations are diverse, with five restaurants, three full-service bars, and a wine room featuring 1,620 bottles and 320 labels of new and old-world wines from across the globe.
Begin your gastronomic adventure with a hearty breakfast at Aailaa, the all-day dining restaurant. Open exclusively for lunch, the al fresco Fiamma, located on the poolside, is where you’ll find the best of Italian fare. Kaashi is the resort’s treetop Thai restaurant that serves soulful food with panoramic views; next door, Rum Baan adds to the experience with its range of 98 signature rums from around the globe. Situated over water, Wabi Sabi presents a choice of Japanese-inspired smoked cocktails, sake, teas, and whiskies that make for great aperitifs while you savour a surreal sunset. For dinner, grab a seat at Hashi for traditional Japanese fare, or at Shio, which serves signature meat and seafood grills in a fine-dining setting. Better still, let the chef craft a personalised menu anywhere you like on the island.
For adventurers, the resort offers daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and fishing. Jet-skis, kayaks, banana boats, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment can be hired. The branded FAMiLY by JW – Little Griffins Kids Club features a 43-foot-long pirate ship and offers 100 activities for the kids, for e.g. Scavenger Hunt & Treasure Opening, Family Balloon Twisting, Family Cupcake Decorating, and Pizza Making activities that keep the little ones entertained for hours. A holiday here is incomplete without a spa therapy. The state-of-the-art Spa by JW features six couple’s treatment rooms and a deluxe treatment suite, with a wide range of personalised therapies. jwmarriottmaldives.com