On her maiden trip to Nashik, Sonakshi Sinha spends a weekend relaxing at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik. Between takes of a stunning cover shoot, we indulge in quick conversations on slow travel, scuba diving, and the beauty of sleepy towns. By Priyanka Chakrabarti
Produced by Priyanka Chakrabarti
Photographed by Tejas Nerurkar
Styled by Who Wore What When (Pranay Jaitly & Shounak Amonkar)
Assisted by Shubham Jawanjal
Hair by Madhuri Nakhale
Make-up by Savleen Kaur Manchanda
Location Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik
T+L India: What’s your first impression of Nashik?
Sonakshi Sinha: Nashik is so stunning! I spotted many beautiful hilltops while coming from the airport to the hotel. My driver engaged me in quick trivia on Nashik’s hidden gems; he spoke about lesser-known caves and trekking trails. And I duly made mental notes.
T+L India: Define an ideal weekend getaway from Mumbai.
Sonakshi Sinha: I’m a water baby; I love to dive and snorkel. That’s why, whenever I plan a quick getaway from Mumbai, I always seek the ocean, sun, and sand.
T+L India: So, are you a Goa fan?
Sonakshi Sinha: Goa is not a bad choice, but I don’t spend a lot of time on its beaches. I usually visit new restaurants in Goa and hang out with my friends. I always find reasons to visit the Maldives—it feels like home to me. I go there every year, and it just keeps calling me back.
T+L India: The most immersive travel experience you’ve ever had?
Sonakshi Sinha: I’ve had many immersive experiences in the Maldives, literally. I’m a certified diver, and most of my underwater expeditions have been incredibly soul-satisfying. The sub-aquatic life there never ceases to blow my mind and reset all my senses.
T+L India: Any other diving spots that you love?
Sonakshi Sinha: Seychelles, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
T+L India: What do you always bring back from a vacation?
Sonakshi Sinha: I usually bring back small souvenirs. A keychain with the name of the destination imprinted on it is my favourite.
T+L India: What’s more alluring: buzzing cities or sleepy towns?
Sonakshi Sinha: I like sleepy towns. I like to visit places where I can actually breathe, where the open spaces allow me to unwind in the lap of nature and take a long, peaceful walk. I don’t get to do such things easily in Mumbai.
T+L India: Your favourite sleepy town?
Sonakshi Sinha: Panchgani! I’ve spent a lot of time shooting there. I love the peace and quiet of this hamlet.
T+L India: Describe Mumbai for us.
Sonakshi Sinha: Mumbai is a vibe, you can’t quite describe it. It’s an emotion that lingers in the hearts of Mumbaikars.
T+L India: Your favourite spots in Mumbai?
Sonakshi Sinha: I love going to Town [South Mumbai] and Marine Drive.
T+L India: Another city in the world that resembles Mumbai’s vibe?
Sonakshi Sinha: I think it’s New York to some extent.
T+L India: A city you visited for a holiday and wished to settle there?
Sonakshi Sinha: I wanted to settle in the Maldives for its sleepy lifestyle. Apart from that, I love the energies of Sydney and Los Angeles. Both have a beautiful melange of beaches and city life.
T+L India: Tell us about your first post-lockdown trip.
Sonakshi Sinha: Post lockdown, I took off to Jaipur to shoot a web series. And then, I went to Gujarat. I also went for short trips to Dubai and the Maldives.
T+L India: Two places in India that are on your bucket list?
Sonakshi Sinha: Dharamshala and Srinagar. Also, I need to mention Bengaluru here—I keep going back to this beautiful city as I have many friends there.
T+L India: The most luxurious Indian holiday you’ve experienced?
Sonakshi Sinha: I was in Kerala last year to celebrate New Year. I stayed at a beautiful spa resort, and it reinvigorated me. Away from the city’s hustle-bustle, I immersed myself in a sea of calm. That was the most luxurious and indulgent Indian holiday for me.
T+L India: A hidden gem in India that you discovered while travelling for shoots?
Sonakshi Sinha: Hampi and Hubli. I got to see so many different facets of our rich Indian culture and heritage. Even Rajasthan has so many undiscovered spots, which house priceless architecture and remnants of yesteryear.
T+L India: Describe Sonakshi Sinha on a holiday.
Sonakshi Sinha: Very relaxed. I prefer not to be on my phone, and I try to cut off from the world.
T+L India: What’s your take on conscious travelling?
Sonakshi Sinha: People should be mindful of everything they do. I always carry my own water bottle. I use a bamboo toothbrush, and I try to save water and electricity whenever possible. I’ve also shifted to menstrual cups, and I encourage everyone to do so. Small changes can go a long way.
Quick Questions
Brewery or winery?
Winery.
Weekend getaways or staycations?
Getaways.
Impromptu or planned holidays?
Impromptu holidays are always better!
Travelling solo or with friends?
Travelling with friends.
Street food or fine dining?
Street food.
Favourite international city?
Sydney.
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