Vidya Balan

OT: Which is your favourite hotel in the world?

Vidya Balan: I was blown away by the Huka Lodge (from NZ$1,205; hukalodge.co.nz) in New Zealand. It is on the banks of the Waikato river — but the location is not its only charm. The hospitality is superb and the attentiveness to comfort amazing.

OT: What is the one thing that sets this place apart?

Vidya Balan: The best thing is that the Huka Lodge is a peaceful world by itself. I could hear the birds chirping from my cottage. The river was a deep turquoise colour — I have never, ever seen a river so fresh-looking.

OT: Tell us about your rooms.

Vidya Balan: The space and ambience were close to my idea of heaven. Rooms are spacious, with translucent white drapes over the headboard — wispy and romantic as they sway in the breeze from the French doors leading to the terrace. A large outdoor deck extends in a seemingly continuous line from the living room until it meets the amazing cantilevered infinity pool. The water line blends seamlessly back into the Waikato river beyond and the effect is breathtaking.

OT: What about the food?

Vidya Balan: The fact that this place is nestled in the lap of nature means the chefs use the freshest possible ingredients. We had breakfast once on the manicured lawns, and strawberries and melon had never tasted better. A trout we had for dinner had the freshest herb garnish ever. I am totally a dessert person and had their chocolate fondant with espresso ice cream several times.