With a travel diary filled with vibrant tales of adventure, cultural immersion and personal growth, Malvika shares her wanderlust journey with The Pioneer in an exclusive chat
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
With a heart that beats for adventure and a soul that craves cultural immersion, Malvika Sitlani’s travels are a testament to her insatiable wanderlust. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, her journeys are a vibrant tapestry of unforgettable experiences, warm encounters and personal growth. Sitlani has been fortunate enough to explore some of the world’s most incredible destinations.
“Travelling is an essential part of who I am,” begins Malvika with great zest in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer. Travelling is something that she’s always looked forward to because, in many ways, it represents her ideal life. “I love being on the go, exploring new places and experiencing the joy of nature. Whether it’s a simple walk in the park or something more adventurous, travel gives me the chance to make core memories—especially now, seeing Abby (my daughter) discover the world with fresh eyes.”
Her most recent trip was to Seoul, South Korea, a destination that left her with unforgettable memories and oh, a special one of course. “I went with my best friend Veronica, who’s also my manager. Even though it was a quick five-day trip, we packed so much into it! We explored everything from fashion and beauty to work commitments and of course, indulged in the fun side of Korea—spas, shopping and crazy amazing food!”
One of the highlights in this trip—an eight-hour shopping and massage marathon. Hahaha! She says with a laugh, “We explored some of Korea’s best shopping districts, like Insa-dong and Myeong-dong, and treated ourselves to a massage halfway through because, honestly, shopping that long can be exhausting! The day was wrapped up perfectly with a cozy dinner at a great restaurant, making it my idea of the perfect travel experience—good food, shopping and a little self-care in between.”
Travelling for her, is not just about exploring new destinations – it’s about weaving together life’s most meaningful moments. “Travel is my way of weaving together life’s most meaningful moments and some of my happiest, most treasured days have been spent on these adventures. It’s a big part of what inspires me and keeps me grounded.”
This trip to Korea was a treasure trove of cultural experiences that left her with lasting impressions. From the moment she arrived, she was struck by the country’s unique culture, which values silence and discipline.
“One thing that immediately stood out to me in Korea is how much the culture values silence and discipline. It’s fascinating because, coming from a city like Bombay, where everything is bustling and noisy, this was such a stark contrast. Even in the busiest places, you barely hear a sound.”
Well, she was also impressed by the safety and security she felt while travelling in Korea. “Another thing that struck me was how safe Korea feels, especially as a woman traveling. Whether it’s taking a cab at 2 a.m. or navigating the city solo in the middle of the day, there’s an innate sense of security that you don’t even question.”
In addition to the cultural nuances and safety aspects, Malvika was touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Korean people. “What I also loved is how warm and welcoming people are,” she remarks. “There are parts of Korea whereknowing the language might be appreciated, but overall, they’re incredibly kind and accommodating to tourists.”
Her interactions with the locals were particularly memorable, especially during a snack taste test. “One of my favorite moments was when we did a snack taste test. We asked locals to recommend their favorite snacks and they were so sweet and enthusiastic about helping us. It’s such a core memory from the trip—just chatting with them and trying out their suggestions.” When reflecting on Indian destinations that stand out from the rest of the world, Malvika’s thoughts turned to Rajasthan. “Indian destinations, especially places in Rajasthan, are truly one of a kind,” she says. “The state is home to breathtaking palaces and rich traditions that you don’t often find elsewhere in the world.”
She is particularly fond of the hospitality in Rajasthan, which she believes is unmatched. “One of the standout aspects for me is the hospitality,” she notes. “Rajasthan offers some of the best hospitality services in the world, almost leaving you feeling like royalty! There’s a warmth and care in the way guests are treated that is very unique.” Her trip to Korea was a memorable experience, thanks in part to her exceptional stay at The Shilla Seoul. “For this trip to Korea, we didn’t personally choose the hotel—the brand we were working with selected it for us, and they picked The Shilla Seoul,” she explains. “Let me just say, it was an absolutely incredible experience! The hotel truly felt like a vacation in itself.”
Malvika was particularly impressed by the hotel’s hospitality, panoramic views of the city, and exceptional room service. “For Indian travellers especially, it offers exceptional value because you get seven-star service at prices that feel very reasonable,” she notes. “From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was unmatched. The breakfast spread was one of the best I’ve experienced in all my travels, and trust me, that’s saying a lot given how much I travel!”
When it comes to rejuvenation, Malvika prefers escaping to a beach destination. “For me, it’s always somewhere near a beach that’s just a quick flight away,” she says. “Thailand is usually the first place that comes to mind, but really, any island destination works. When I think of a vacation, I imagine myself lying on the sand, with the ocean right in front of me.”
Malvika’s idea of a perfect getaway is all about relaxation and freedom. “I love the simplicity of spending the entire day by the water—relaxing, soaking up the sun and letting the sound of the waves clear my mind,” she remarks. “I’m not someone who likes planning a packed itinerary. For me, the perfect getaway is all about being mindless and letting go of all the structure and stress.”
As for her future travel plans, Malvika has her sights set on Japan. “Japan is definitely at the top of my list!” she exclaims. “I’ve always wanted to experience the culture, the food and the beauty of the country together.”
Malvika prefers travelling with a group, particularly with her best friend Veronica, who handles the planning details. “I’m definitely a group traveller through and through!” she says. “I love having someone else take the lead when it comes to planning the trip. My ideal travel experience is also with a local guide as it adds a special layer to the journey and helps me connect with the place in a deeper way.”
As Malvika Sitlani’s travel stories come to a close, one thing is clear – her journeys are a reflection of her boundless curiosity, her love for cultural immersion, and her passion for living life to the fullest. With a heart full of wonder and a soul that is forever wanderlust, Malvika’s adventures are a reminder that travel has the power to transform, to inspire, and to connect us with the world around us. As we bid adieu to Malvika’s travel tales, we can’t help but feel inspired to embark on our own journeys of discovery, to explore the unknown and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
