In The Lap Of Luxury

Goa is home to some of the most luxurious five star hotels in the country that attract the crème de la crème of high society. Amina Azad gets a sneak peek into the fabulous holidays of the richest of the rich

WHEN you have everything you could ever want, when luxury is a way of life, what can you expect from a holiday in Goa? Champagne on arrival, gourmet meals curated by experts, wine and cheese by your own plunge pool… and more! In our quest to unravel the mysterious A-lister’s holiday in Goa we discovered that nothing is too much, and over-the-top is the norm when it comes to indulging those who have it all. Goa’s legendary five stars go out of their way to please, pleasure and pamper their HNIs (High net worth individuals) with custom made extravagances fit for kings. So if you are fantasizing about what life would be if you had a few hundred crores in the bank, then here’s a glimpse of what Goa’s premium properties have on offer…

Vivanta By Taj – Fort Aguada

Perched at the edge of the Arabian Sea, this hotel is an iconic property with a rich history and a surreal romantic feel. Offering the legendary Taj service, the hotel has hosted many a VIP starting as early as 1983 when Goa hosted the Common Wealth Heads of State meeting here. Ever since then the Taj at Fort Aguada has been the proverbial play pen for the rich and sexy. The Aguada Hermitage, a verdant hill side cluster of exquisite Portuguese style villas spread over many acres plays host to their premium clientele. Inspired by the colours of Azulejo (Portuguese blue and white pottery) each of these 1 and 2 bedroom villas is a complete home unit comprising of a living room, a porch, a private garden and a dining space in some. The Presidential Villa however takes luxury a notch higher with three palatial bedrooms and stunning bathrooms added to the mix. The hotel has several restaurants catering to gourmands but if you’re looking for something special then their Celebration Table is dining experience that you can’t afford to miss. Curated menus, exquisite set up in the villa or outdoors, an enviable wine selection, and the company of your loved one – this is what heaven feels like in Goa. Dining Under the Stars is dining experience that is perfect for when you are entertaining. A gorgeous canopy set up with ambient lighting, sizzling live grills, and delectable preparations – this is a dining experience that is best shared with a hearty laugh in the company of family and friends.

Taj Exotica Goa

The Taj group of hotels really know how to pamper their guests. The hotel chain has a service legacy that few can match up to with properties all over the world. It is no wonder then that they have a very niche and fiercely loyal clientele who swear by the service and hospitality of the Taj. Taj Exotica upholds this well earned reputation and raises the bar higher when it comes to providing its guests experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Benaulim in South Goa, Taj Exotica is a welcome escape from busy boardrooms. The Presidential Villa at Taj Exotica is an exquisite two bedroom standalone suite that comes with its own private plunge pool and garden. Away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi, the Presidential Villa offers a much needed break from life and work amidst plush and stately interiors. As a guest at the Presidential Villa you can book a romantic dinner at the Sunset Pavilion and enjoy a delectable dinner for two specially crafted for the evening. Miguel Arcanjo, the fine dining restaurant has a gorgeous balcony set up overlooking the Arabian Sea and makes for a perfect evening out with a special someone. Relax and rejuvenate at Jiva Spa or the Ayurveda Spa and have a private yoga session with the in-house yoga instructor.

Grand Hyatt Goa

Lush, lavish, and luxurious – Grand Hyatt Goa is a spectacular testament to all that a deliciously decadent holiday is meant to be. This majestic property is fairly new to Goa and in a short time has established itself as a one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the State. As you are driven in from the airport in your own private Audi to the Presidential Suite, you can be rest assured that nothing is too much, and no stone is left unturned to make you feel like the king of the world. With 300 sq ft of lavishness at Grand Hyatt Goa’s Presidential Suite at your disposal there is little room for modesty here. This elegantly designed space opens into a grand entertainment area with a large open living space, indoor and alfresco dining areas in the balcony, a separate office space, and a lounge area. Indulge in unparalleled luxury with stunning views of the bay from two wellappointed bedrooms with plush king beds and a walk-in wardrobe. You can choose to workout in the balcony gym set with your personal trainer, have a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, or have a yoga instructor perfect your asanas and then relax with a glass of bubbly in the opulent marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the calm waters of the bay. You also have at your disposal a private kitchen, an in-room bar, a personal suite manager, personal chef, personal butler, guest bathroom, access to the exclusive Grand Club Lounge serving limited breakfast, all-day coffee, tea and snacks including evening drinks and canapés. What’s exciting about Grand Hyatt is that there’s never really a dull moment here. With over 101 experiences to choose from, you can cook with the chefs, learn to make Indian inspired cocktails, rejuvenate and detox at Shamana Spa or hit the adventure zone for an adrenaline rush. Savour modern Australian cuisine at The Verandah or indulge in fondue at Capiz Bar. With a selection of seven restaurants and bars, and extensive spa and versatile recreational menu, the resort has a grand plan for you every day.

Alila Diwa Goa

Surrounded by rice fields and soothing greens all around Alila Diwa Goa is an escape extraordinaire when it comes to holidaying in Goa. Drawing inspiration from the Far East, Alila Diwa exudes a calm extravagance with its large courtyards, beautiful gardens, and an almost surreal serenity. While most other hotels in Goa are heavy on Portuguese influences and essentially Goan experiences, Alila takes a different route and literally transports you to a different destination. The vibe here is classy, with chic interiors and minimalistic clean lines that make you wonder if you are really in Goa or perhaps in Bali Indonesia. For their well travelled, well informed, and demanding premium clientele, Alila Diwa has a special treat, the Diwa by Design package. Instead of offering you the standard premium services, Alila Diwa throws open the experience to your heart’s desire, you call the shots. The Diwa Club, their luxury suites, turn into your own private retreat as they indulge your every whim and fancy for the duration of your holiday here. Your personal host is at your beckon call to make sure that all you desire is brought to you right where you want it. What we love about this arrangement is the absolute unabashed amount of excesses that are at your disposal. So if it means you would like massages to go on forever then it’s done, if you would like the chefs to keep serving their best all day then it’s done, or if you’d like cocktails with breakfast then thats no problem either. Diwa by Design is unique as it turns your holiday into a very hedonistic personal experience.

The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa

At the very tip of South Goa at Raj Baga Canacona, lies The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa. While it takes about an hour and half from the airport to the resort by car, The LaLit often welcomes its exclusive guests who land in their private helicopters in its spectacular grounds, lapped by the Arabian Sea on the west, with a unique confluence of the Talpone River on the south and its tributary on the north, cradled by the majestic Sahyadri Range. The only hotel in Goa to boast of an international standard, double-tee 9-hole links golf course, The Goa Golf Greens attracts a niche clientele of passionate golfers from all over the world. Spread over a sprawling 6,303 yard, the golf course is laid along the pristine sands of Raj Baga beach. Designed by Col K D Bagga, a disciple of master golf designer Alister Mackenie, The Goa Golf Greens offers 18 Gents and 9 Ladies Tees, playing to Par 36, from each set. Moving from the golf course to the living spaces, The LaLit Legacy Suite which is spread over an area of 2428 sq ft is an oasis of refinement and luxury. It includes a two bedroom suite with separate dining area, a powder room, a kitchenette with personalized butler services, both rooms with separate shower cubicle, pulsating showers and Jacuzzi in each bathroom and much more. All this accompanied by an attached verandah overlooking the lively swimming pool or the endless Arabian Sea. The hotel also offers 10 three / four bedroom luxurious villas spread over 5000 sq.ft. After a hard day’s golfing what could be better than a visit to Rejuve – The Spa, which offers a complete holistic experience encompassing aroma, ayurvedic, herbal and natural therapies and yoga. Besides eastern and western therapies, Rejuve also has a salon, state of the art gymnasium and an outdoor swimming pool. The Villas come with a host of ostentatious accompaniments that include a dedicated butler to provide you with elegant and discreet service, a personal chef who ensures you get the breakfast of your choice at the villa daily, a private bar trolley stocked with your personal favorites, massage by the pool, bath preparation by the butler, valet laundry service, shoe shine and packing services. So with literally everything taken care of for you while you are there, all you need to is simply relax and enjoy the days golfing in one of Goa’s most beautiful properties.

The Leela Goa

Palatial, picturesque and stately, The Leela Goa is one of those hotels that leave you spellbound from the minute you step into the lobby. The interiors are rich and luxuriant, the spaces are majestically furnished and overall there is a feeling of refined elegance all around. The Leela Goa’s rich landscaping and its stunning manmade water bodies that meander throughout are features that add to the grandeur of the property. Everything here is big, better and nothing less than the best. The Presidential Villa at The Leela Goa is at par with some of the most exclusive hotel villas in the world. Spread over 4800 sq feet with handpicked designer furniture, rare antiques, custom pieces, and specially designed lighting with crystal chandeliers, its grandeur can match up to any royal abode. The tastefully decorated posh villa comprises of a master bedroom, two adjoining bedrooms, a living room, a dining room with a kitchenette. Super-sized marbled bathrooms sport double vanity counters, sunken baths, and separate showers. A private spacious sun terrace with a pool and Jacuzzi are perfect for private moments best enjoyed in the company of loved ones. We especially love the ultra luxe BVLGARI toiletries and special amenities available for your consumption throughout the villa. A 24 hrs on call personal butler makes life easy and indulgent. The villa also maintains a dedicated chef to help design and cater customized menus featuring international extravagances in the form of caviar, Wagyu, and an enviable selection of wines such as the Chateau Petrus and Chateau Margaux.

Planet Goa Team

For us at Planet-Goa, our team is driven by that feeling of exhilaration that one gets when discovering that something ‘unique’ and ‘new’ about Goa for our ever-so-discerning readers.