Every place teaches me something, and I come back with ideas that—consciously or unconsciously—seep into my lifestyle and work. It’s amazing how I draw so much from my travels...it could be the fitness trends that I bring back home or the aesthetics that I use during my shoots. And, of course, my sense of fashion has been influenced and shaped by celebrated cities like Paris and Milan, which opened my mind to global style.

I love the freedom that travel offers me. When I travel, it instantly lifts my spirits and reminds me about how vast and beautiful the world is! I also love the people I meet along the way, and their stories stay with me.

 What I hate the most about travel is packing and airports. I love the journey, but I dislike the logistics. The waiting, the queues, the baggage drama… I would happily skip all of that and just arrive at my destination.

As a child, road trips with my family are some of my fondest memories. Growing up, we would often drive from Mumbai to Goa, Lonavala or Panchgani. Those trips were filled with loud Bollywood music, endless snacks packed by my mom [Joyce], silly arguments with my sister Amu [Amrita], and so much laughter. The chaos, the pit stops for vada pav—all of it made those early journeys as memorable as the destinations. 

Later, my solo holidays gave me confidence, independence, and the thrill of exploring places on my own terms. My first solo trip was to Thailand, and I will never forget it. I was so nervous at the airport, worried about my luggage being overweight—but the moment I landed, I felt this incredible sense of freedom. Exploring the streets of Bangkok, trying out the delicious street food on my own, navigating without anyone to fall back on—all this gave me the confidence and independence that has stayed with me.

I would say I am a mix of a spontaneous traveller and a meticulous planner. I do like some structure, but I also enjoy leaving enough room for surprises. Some of my best experiences have been unplanned—for instance, stumbling upon a local market or some hidden café.

I enjoy both, travel for work and for leisure. Work travel keeps me on my toes and takes me to exciting places that I might not have picked myself. Leisure lets me slow down, soak it all in, and truly connect.

Boutique hotels with character are my favourite places to stay. I enjoy living in spaces that feel personal and are not cookie-cutter. Such hotels usually tell a story in the way they are designed, decorated and run—and I think that is what makes the stay memorable for me.
 

My idea of a perfect vacation is to travel with my family, because that’s when I’m happiest and the most relaxed. But I also love quick girls’ trips, where the vibe is more spontaneous and fun.

Travel with Malaika

London is my favourite city in the world, and it has become very much like a second home. It feels familiar, yet exciting—every single time! I love its mix of cultures, food and fashion. Over the years, this buzzing city has become almost like a comfort zone.

Melbourne has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a city that effortlessly blends culture, fashion and food, all wrapped up in a warm, creative energy. I visit this Australian city every year for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which has become a tradition I deeply cherish. My dear friend Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the festival director, invites me each year; and being a part of such a prestigious celebration of cinema is always a joy. Melbourne strikes the perfect balance between urban edge and laidback charm, making every visit unforgettable.
 

A wellness retreat in the Maldives was the most luxurious travel experience I have had so far—pure indulgence for the body and mind. Waking up to the sights and sounds of the ocean, doing yoga by the beach, and ending the day with spa rituals felt like heaven.

The most unforgettable meal I have had while travelling is a truffle pasta in Italy—simple yet unforgettable because of the freshness and atmosphere. Sitting in a tiny family-run trattoria, it felt like love on a plate.

My amazing summer trip to Italy with my son [Arhaan], has been my most recent travel experience. The quaint charm of the Tuscan villages, the hustle and bustle of Florence, the mix of fashion and culture, nature and architecture, food and wine—it was beyond perfect.

Food is very important in shaping my travel experience, and I often choose destinations for their cuisine. What I eat while travelling connects me instantly to the place and its culture, and I love discovering local flavours.

Travel has coloured my decision to start a restaurant of my own. Experiencing global cuisines made me want to create a space that reflects my love for food. It showed me how food is not just about eating… it’s also about creating a community and sharing an experience.

Running Scarlett House has changed the way I perceive food while travelling. Now I look at menus, design and service with a keener eye. I notice the smallest details, and often take inspiration back for my own ventures.

I’m always looking forward to the next travel destination, even while I’m already on a trip. I simply love travel—from planning a trip to boarding a flight… and then exploring a destination. Of course, there’s a sense of comfort I feel in returning to the same place; but I also enjoy discovering new places, trying out new cuisines, and exploring new markets and museums. You can sign me up for all kinds of adventures!

 Still on my bucket list are Japan for its culture, food and discipline that I deeply admire, and South America for its vibrancy, music and energy. Now, that feels like an adventure waiting to happen… 

Australian adventure: When work is pleasure

When I visited Cairns in the Australian state of Queensland for an adventure issue cover shoot of a travel magazine, it was a fabulous opportunity to explore the natural landscapes of the region as part of the assignment. The Cairns Esplanade with its lagoon, the promenade dotted with cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, the bustling local markets, and the mix of immigrants and indigenous Australians are wonderful memories that will stay with me for a long time.

Cairns is close to the Coral Sea, so I was able to sample the freshest seafood… delicious grilled barramundi and prawns at Dundee’s, which is high on the locals’ list of must-visit seafood restaurants. I also visited Port Douglas, a charmingly quaint port town. From here, you can sail to stunning coral cays and islands of the Great Barrier Reef. I enjoyed the magnificent tropical sunset over the Coral Sea while on a two-hour evening cruise.

The ancient Daintree Rainforest at our luxury lodge Silky Oaks in nearby Mossman took my breath away. I didn’t expect this rainforest to be so beautiful and surreal. The scenic drive to the lodge and waking up in the morning to the little brook in front of my room was the most calming and serene experience one could have.

It was all so fantastic—the food, spending an entire day on a boat in Port Douglas, and the drive to Silky Oaks. Being in Queensland was truly beautiful and eye-opening!