Gautam Gambhir

OT: Which is your favourite hotel in the world?

Gautam Gambhir: My favourite hotel is most definitely the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa (from $900; tajhotels.com) in the Maldives. It is located on a small island (you can actually walk around it in ten minutes) and is incredibly beautiful, exclusive and serene. What makes it totally irresistible is that the whole island is lush with tropical plants and is encircled by one of the largest lagoons of the Maldives. The setting is the closest to paradise I have seen!

OT: When did you last visit?

Gautam Gambhir: I was there for my honeymoon in October 2011.

OT: What was your room like?

Gautam Gambhir: We stayed at the premium beach villa, which had an over-sized plunge pool. These new villas are especially wonderful as they have their own stretch of beach and direct access to the lagoon. And yes, the room was absolutely breathtaking.

OT: What else were you impressed by?

Gautam Gambhir: The food was amazing. The chef served everything from Chinese to Italian to Indian. The Maldives is the most inspired dining setting imaginable. The glistening waters of the Indian Ocean and mesmerizing sunsets provide the backdrop for the two restaurants. They also arranged private dining on the beach and in the privacy of the villa. I must also add that the service was exemplary — nothing was too much trouble. 

OT: What would you say is the hotel’s USP?

Gautam Gambhir: Its fabulous location and the excellent Jiva Grande Spa. It is only fifteen minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport.

OT: Would you visit again?

Gautam Gambhir: Absolutely!