Konkona Sen Sharma

OT: Favourite hotel in the world?
Konkana Sen Sharma: The Gangtey Palace in Paro in Bhutan. It is actually a palace or a castle, which was converted into a boutique hotel.

OT: Last visited?
Konkana Sen Sharma: I stayed there a couple of years ago when we were shooting 15 Park Avenue. I was there for three weeks or so.

OT: The experience?
Konkana Sen Sharma: Everything was quaint and different. This is not your standard hotel with five-star rooms, each looking exactly like the other. Each room was different. The walls were all hand-painted, the doors were all unique. It takes your breath away. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like an individual — it makes you want to check out which room you’ve got. First of all, Paro is magnificent and then to have a hotel so unique in a place like that. Staying there was a marvellous experience. There is absolutely no sense of sameyness to it. It’s a beautiful place. I loved it.

OT: The ambience? 
Konkana Sen Sharma: It was very, very cosy. The hotel was built over 100 years ago by a member of Bhutan’s royal family, and was used by the King when he visited Paro. Sometime in the nineties, the present owner converted it into a heritage hotel, but it retains a sense of a warm family home. It’s set in 20 acres of gardens with stunning Himalayan views. The staff is very friendly, and they even arrange traditional hot stone baths or head massages in the gardens!

OT: Repeat visit?
Konkona Sen Sharma: I’ve such fond memories of it; I’d love to visit again. I’ve nothing planned, but this is one place I’d love to revisit.