It’s 8:30 a.m. and I’m barefoot on a yoga mat in the gardens of my hotel in Goa, surrounded by the towering red Heliconia plants native to the region. My instructor gently guides me into another pose beneath the cloudless sky. There’s no noise, no rush, just the sound of my breath and the hum of nature. I end the session with a homemade beetroot shot and sit quietly, basking in the stillness. It feels like my very own version of Eat, Pray, Love, minus the heartbreak. My journey took me through the beachy calm of Goa and the urban buzz of Bengaluru, before ending in the tranquil Maldives, with stays at JW Marriott hotels along the way.
Goa: My Gateway to India
Often called the ‘Ibiza of India,’ Goa is known for its golden beaches, music festivals, and lively backpacker scene. For my first visit, however, I was after something different. A mix of relaxation and wellness, with a touch of indulgence. Think sunrise yoga, soothing massages, vibrant thalis bursting with flavour, and immersive cultural experiences.
I started my culture-focused itinerary in Candolim at Fort Aguada’s cliffside jail. Once home to political prisoners during colonial rule, it is now a restored museum. Its laterite stone walls barred windows, and echoing corridors remain, with the Arabian Sea crashing below. For lunch, I stopped at Cellar 1612, formerly the women’s prison, now a cosy eatery with exposed brick and warm lighting. After lunch, I headed to Fontainhas Latin Quarter, a historic neighbourhood in Panjim, where colourful heritage homes, red-tiled roofs and azulejo tiles felt like stepping into a bygone era. At Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro, a 1930s café, I lingered over iced coffee and pastries, imagining life here centuries ago. Goa’s Indian-Portuguese blend gives it a layered charm unlike anywhere else in India.
After a full day of sightseeing, I was pleased to return to my hotel in Vagator, secluded amidst swaying palms and lush greenery. Indo-Portuguese heritage inspired the design with arched doorways, tiled roofs, and courtyards blurring the lines between indoors and out. Guests pass through airport-style security upon arrival, but once inside, the hotel unfolds like a beautifully curated private home, complete with antique furniture, bookshelves, and locally inspired art. My room was both elegant and supremely cosy, complete with a sea-facing balcony offering front-row seats to golden sunsets each evening.
When it came to all things food, Água Pool Bar & Café was my go-to for Italian-inspired bites, refreshing mocktails, and unbeatable poolside and sea views. Breakfasts at JW Kitchen offered local and international dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients. The real culinary highlight was Heliconia, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant inspired by Goa's native flower. The menu blended Peruvian flair and Japanese foods with ceviche, spicy crab rolls, shrimp tacos slow-cooked lamb chops and buttery miso yaki black cod.
For something more restorative, I made my way to the Mediterranean-inspired spa by L’Occitane. The path to the treatment rooms winds through an open-air corridor and alongside tranquil water features, easing me into a state of calm before the treatment even began. I chose the relaxing massage aimed at balancing my body and restoring energy, with Swedish, Balinese and acupressure techniques.
Bengaluru
After Goa, I flew inland to Bangaluru, India’s tech hub, known for its chaotic traffic and booming start-up scene. An hour’s drive from the city's centre, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru offered calm, serenity, and breathtaking views. Surrounded by the Nandi Hills, the 22-acre property is easy to navigate, with buggies always on call. I checked into an Executive Room with sweeping views of the golf course that felt more like a chic city apartment. A spacious living area, a private library nook, and plenty of storage made it easy to settle in.
On my first night, I dined at Aaleeshan, which was a delight. Here, Indian cuisine gets the royal treatment with kebabs, biryani, rich, flavourful curries and slow-cooked meats. For something more casual, Aviary served up a global menu with Indian and Asian cuisine. Guests are invited to join a guided walk through the JW Garden, a beautifully maintained space where the hotel cultivates its own herbs and vegetables. They can take part in harvesting ingredients while learning about the regional plants that shape the menu.
When I needed a pick-me-up, I made a beeline for the spa which was a showstopper at 20,000 square feet. Waiting areas aren’t usually worth writing home about, but this one raised the bar with sunken lounge seating, sweeping views of the lake, and the scenic hills in the background. After my treatment, I stepped straight into the private steam room built into the suite, providing an uninterrupted calm.
After soaking up the hotel’s comforts, I ventured into the city, starting with Bangalore Palace, which was modelled after Windsor Castle and is still in use today. Its Tudor architecture, stained-glass windows, and lavish interiors made it a must-see landmark. A visit to India would not be complete without experiencing Karnataka’s famous silk emporiums, packed with handwoven sarees in jewel tones and intricate zari work. The salespeople? Fast and focused, unfurling fabric at speed, urging you to touch and try. It was intense but part of the charm. And yes, I left with a silk shawl.
The Maldives
After the vibrant energy of India, I hopped on a short flight followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride to my final destination, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. The Maldives is the embodiment of barefoot luxury with overwater villas, impossibly blue waters, and the feeling of having a whole island to yourself. I stayed in an overwater villa with a private infinity pool, marble bathroom, deep soaking tub and a king-sized bed positioned for full ocean views. My favourite feature? The outdoor shower, where I fully embraced the tropical setting (where else but the Maldives?).
The food across the island’s restaurants was next-level, driven by seasonal, organic ingredients mostly picked from the JW Garden on-site. At the Nikkei Bar, I sipped cocktails and nibbled on small plates before heading to Athiri, where Peruvian flavours shone in dishes like ceviche, spicy tacos, and lobster. One of my favourite meals was at Riva, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant blending Indian and Sri Lankan flavours. At Pure, the resort’s seasonal concept space, herbs, fruits and vegetables grown on the island shaped each dish, while Veyo, the main dining hub, offered a wide spread of Maldivian and international cuisine.
When I wasn’t lounging in my overwater villa, I was out exploring, Maldives style. I kicked things off with a dolphin-watching tour, where pods of them danced beside the boat in a surreal display. Then came a big one, my first-ever dive. Was I nervous? Absolutely. But the thrill of ticking it off my bucket list made every shaky breath worth it. The next day, it was off to nurse shark snorkelling, gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stingrays and schools of tropical fish in every colour imaginable. Naturally, I carved out time for the spa located on an overwater hut. After my treatment, I lingered in the open-air lounge, herbal tea in hand, looking at the sea whilst listening to the sound of the crashing waves.
