Why Goa and Gokarna are the perfect Indian reset

India’s south-west coast, specifically Goa and Gokarna. It has an energy that I find completely magnetic: beautiful beaches, incredible food, a rich cultural history and a pace that truly invites you to slow down. It feels both vibrant and restorative. We are very fortunate to spend a lot of time at Kahani Paradise, a boutique hotel my husband runs, which brings us to the region once or twice a year.

I was last there in April with my family and some of my oldest school friends.

Naturally, we spend most of our time at Kahani Paradise. It sits between the jungle and the Arabian Sea, with only six suites and an almost-private beach. It is wonderfully secluded, the sort of place where you arrive and immediately exhale.

Hermione Olivia Hermione Olivia What has been your favourite meal there? Goan fish curry. My mouth waters thinking about it! It is fresh, fragrant and full of flavour, with coconut, spices and just the right amount of heat. I prefer it served simply with paratha and rice.

I would begin slowly, with sunrise yoga and meditation, followed by a dosa and fresh papaya juice for breakfast, then swim and spend the morning by the sea. Lunch would be a traditional thali, followed by a massage or an afternoon with a book by the pool. I would end the day with a sundowner, dinner under the stars and absolutely nowhere else to be. If I’m feeling active, there is plenty to do, like hiking, kayaking at dawn or dolphin watching on a boat ride in the bay. I sometimes hop in a Jeep to experience the local town and its markets.

Bomras in Anjuna for exceptional Burmese food; Gunpowder in Assagao for its brilliant South Indian cooking and lively garden setting; and Hosa in Siolim, which serves contemporary South Indian food in the most beautiful old Indo-Portuguese bungalow.

Experiencing the coastline from the water, or going to the local market for fresh produce.

At Kahani, you can kayak through the estuary where the river meets the Arabian Sea, or take a dolphin boat ride at sunset. It is incredibly peaceful and gives you an entirely different perspective on the landscape.

Paradise Beach, beneath Kahani. It is secluded, unspoilt and still feels like a genuine secret. Reaching it through the jungle makes it feel even more magical.

I’m happiest over a long, barefoot dinner that begins with sunset drinks and has no fixed ending. Goa does relaxed celebration particularly well — it never needs to feel too formal or orchestrated. We love a basil smash or a piña colada at Howie’s Hut at sunset, overlooking Paradise Beach.

Paradise beach in Gokarna, India diy13 - stock.adobe.com Who do you call to have a good time there? You’d never guess, but my favourite person is our Swami-ji (Hindu guru) who lives nearby in her ashram. She’s originally Australian and has an incredibly dry sense of humour. We love spending time with her and hearing her life stories while eating dessert first!

Paper Boat Collective in Sangolda, housed in a century-old Portuguese villa, is beautifully curated with independent Indian fashion, jewellery, ceramics and homeware.