Kate Moss

OT: Which is your favourite hotel in the world and why?

Kate Moss: There are several amazing places that I have stayed at, but one place that has always stayed with me is a secret haven in North Goa called Siolim House (¤108 per night for Standard Suite, ¤160 for Macao Suite, taxes included; siolimhouse.com). Not many people know about it and even I, after being here a couple of times, lose all sense of GPS and direction, and always have to request for someone to pick me up from the airport.

The facade of Siolim House

OT: What is so special about it?

Kate Moss: Siolim House is a restored mansion built in a very art deco style. There is a colonial charm in how it is laid out. It is completely unlike a hotel—and more of a heritage house. I was told that the scale was not compromised in the house’s restoration. And I saw this was true because the rooms and their en-suite bathrooms are huge. You could actually host a mini ball in the shower area of the bathroom of Macao—the suite where I stayed. The four-poster beds look stunning against the background of handmade floor tiles. It’s just so exotic. There are several cozy nooks where you can simply lounge. The tropical pool is just out of the Garden of Eden. You can get an idea of how laid back and un-touristy it is by the fact that they have no reception desk or concierge! And I say that as a compliment.

OT: What about the facilities? The food? Why would you like to recommend Siolim House?

Kate Moss: I wouldn’t! (laughs) If it is recommended, the whole novelty of its seclusion will disappear. But then, this place is just so magical that this is bound to happen anyway.