Janhvi Kapoor is a water baby and fell in love with the Maldives on her first visit.

FOR OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL COVER SHOOT THIS YEAR, WE TAKE OFF WITH BOLLYWOOD STAR JANHVI KAPOOR AND SET A COURSE FOR THE WESTIN MALDIVES MIRIANDHOO RESORT, WHERE LAID-BACK ISLAND LIFE MEETS INSPIRED ARCHITECTURE, HOLISTIC WELLNESS, AND GASTRONOMIC JOURNE

Before she makes the ocean her runway, Janhvi Kapoor is excited for a game of Jenga as we wait to board our seaplane at The Westin lounge in Malé.

Meanwhile Zambe, the proactive representative from The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, initiates our check-in procedure, all the while making sure we’re hydrated. Soon, we’re buckled up in a 15-seater seaplane and flying over tiny isles that dot the bright blue Indian Ocean. Most people in our motley group of 11 have never been on a seaplane; while some shriek at the slightest turbulence and others feel dizzy, I feel like I’m gradually being cast far away from civilisation. Thirty minutes and a splashy landing later, we set foot on The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

Located in the south of Baa Atoll, Miriandhoo is a nearly two-kilometre-long coral island. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll is home to over 250 species of corals and around 1,200 kinds of fish. Its pièce de résistance, however, is Hanifaru Bay, a popular feeding and breeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. While snorkelling with manta rays is seasonal—between June and October—The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort tells me of an on-call seafarer who keeps them posted about sightings. The resort keeps diving gear ready at all times, just in case. It helps that Hanifaru Bay is only 18 kilometres from the island resort. Additionally, the island of Miriandhoo itself is a sanctuary for turtles.

The resort’s understated demeanour dominated by wooden accents is evident at first glance. Its architectural inspirations are pointed out to me by Sonali Khadka, Assistant Market Director, Marketing - Maldives, Marriott International, who hails from

Kapoor basks in the sun on the deck of the Heavenly Overwater Villa. ON HER: Swimwear, `9,805, ACK Swim Rina Duo; jacket, `24,800, Bloni; vintage Dior necklace, price on request, Viange Vintage.

The actor will soon be seen in the black comedy Good Luck Jerry. ON HER: Swimwear, `21,558, SS21 Shine Colorè High Waisted by Oseree; gathered front skirt, `44,401, Prabal Gurung; pearl necklace, `1,350, Myrha By Rhea Bothra.