Room For Everyone

Your bags are packed and you’re ready to go! The beautiful sunshine of Goa awaits, you know what you’re going to do and diet be damned you know what you’re going to eat. There’s only one hitch, you haven’t found the right place to park your bags. The options are endless and a decision has to be made – starred hotels, BnBs, guesthouses, hostels, boutique hotels, nature retreats… so much to choose from and so little time. Add to that there’s the issue of your budget, what fits and what doesn’t? What about the location, you don’t want to spend all your holiday money in expensive cab rides across the State. So let’s take a tour across Goa and see what’s on the menu.

South Goa’s stunning beaches are achingly picture perfect. The white sand, the gracious palms, and the quiet little by lanes make for a charming vacation. Here you can truly relax and unwind far away from the din and frenzy of late night parties and crowded streets. Scenic strolls in the village, a bit of cycling along the coast, maybe even a bit of crab fishing in the Sal, a trip to the local fish market and there you have it, the laid back Goa holiday that leaves you refreshed and ready to take on the world. As you land into Dabolim airport you could check in to one of Goa’s oldest five star hotels, Bogmalo Beach Resort which is barely ten minutes away from the airport. Time literally stands still as you walk in here and feel the gentle spray of the sea as you wait for your keys in the lobby. Further down south in Betalbatim lies the charming Coconut Grove, one of Goa’s best 4 star hotels. Beautifully appointed rooms in bungalow style clusters await you here as you sip your coconut water by the pool. A great place for the creative souls, this resort has a warm friendly vibe. A few kilometers down the road past Majorda and you’ll come across La Ben Resort on Colva road.

South Goa’s idyllic solitude Colva Kinara is a good bet if you are looking for a comfortable hotel with good dining options run enterprise La Ben is an informal hotel and great value for money. Well appointed, clean rooms right in the heart of South Goa’s most active beaches – Colva. On the same road a few meters ahead lies Hotel Colva Kinara that offers facilities such as parking and free breakfast. The staff is friendly and the location is perfect if you’re looking for some watersports action on the busy Colva beachfront. Further down south is a beach that one rarely hears about, Sernabatim. Why this glorious beach hasn’t got its rightful place among the most scenic places in Goa is a mystery. Baywatch Resort at Sernabatim is probably South Goa’s best kept secrets. Known for its efficient service, generous

hospitality, and spacious rooms, this resort is often booked to capacity with regulars. The resort often plays host to some of South Goa’s most talented musicians, so do catch a gig if you’re in this part of town. As you travel down south to the mesmerizing beaches in Cavelossim, make a stopover at The Byke Old Anchor. You can’t miss it because of its unique structure. The hotel is built around the main building which is in the form of a ship. Serving some of the best vegetarian food in the country, this resort which lies between the river and the sea is an excellent choice if you are looking for something light on the pocket but big on facilities.

The capital city of Goa, Panaji or Panjim is a sight for sore eyes. Lying on the banks of the river Mandovi that gently flows into the Arabian Sea, this city has the look and feel of charming European town. A city with a very happy vibe, Panjim is a vibrant confluence of art, culture and history. The newly renovated Panjim Residency situated literally on the banks of the river Mandovi is an excellent choice if you are looking for comfort and easy access to Panjim’s markets and restaurants. Here you can sip your cuppa watching the

barges gently move down the river. The Latin Quarter of Panjim, Fontainhas, has some unique places where one can enjoy great art, architecture and food. Welcomheritage Panjim Inn leads the pack there with its elegant antiques and easy conversations. Across the road from Gallery Gitanjali, this boutique hotel is the art lover’s dream come true kind of place. Moving into the heart of Panjim city you find Hotel La Capitol which is a good choice especially if you are looking to add shopping to your holiday plans. Comfortable rooms, great ambience and walking distance to the shopping district of Panjim, this hotel checks all the boxes for a nice city stay. And speaking of city hotels, Doctor Gama Pinto Road is where you will find Palacio De Goa. A pocket friendly hotel with standard facilities and easy access to town attractions,

Palacio De Goa is good place to start a budget holiday. Close to this on 18th June Road lies Hotel Fidalgo, a chic business hotel that offers some amazing dining experiences in the heart of Panjim. More cosmopolitan in vibe, Hotel Fidalgo is a busy property that regularly hosts businessmen and conferences. Grande Delmon is also a great business hotel in Panjim city if you are looking at putting in some work hours remotely. Tasteful and functional rooms along with free breakfast and wifi make it an excellent choice for a working holiday. If the very thought of work and city life is making you think twice about Panjim then just take a ride couple of kilometers to the outskirts of the city to Bambolim. The Bambolim Beach Resort sits pretty here between the Sirdao hills and the little known Nunes beach. A quaint little property offering a competent range of services, this one will not break the bank but definitely give you bragging rights for having discovered one of the most stunning sunset points in Goa.

The ultimate party destination for tourists and locals alike, North Goa is known the world over for its groovy nightlife, resplendent beaches, and thrilling watersports. It also has a dizzying amount of options when it comes to hotels and resorts. Sol De Goa is a twenty room boutique hotel situated on the banks of the Sinquerim River in Nerul. With its elegant interiors and glitzy clientele Sol De Goa is the place to be to kick start an exciting holiday in North Goa. As you move north and closer to the happening beach strip you must drop in to check out Aldeia Santa Rita. This colorful award winning 3 star hotel in Candolim is reminiscent of a Goan Portuguese village with quaint rooms and a laid back vibe. Relax all day long sipping cocktails by the pool and step out to party all night. A stone’s throw away from Calangute beach is Sharanam Green Resort. A vegetarian’s delight, this hotel is a delightful mix of healthy wholesome food and great ambience. Resorte Marinha Dourada in

Arpora is a fantastic option if you are looking for a longish stint in the north. Literally a minute’s walk away from the famous Mackie’s Saturday night market, this resort overlooks two lakes, is close to Baga River and is a good deal any time of the year. A little further down the road lies the ultra chic White Pearl Suites. Chic, glamorous, and oh-so pretty, White Pearl Suites is for those looking for a decadent holiday. A favorite among the jet set NRI crowd, this resort offers contemporary services and bespoke luxuries. Sitting pretty on the edge of the Baga River is the grand Resort Rio a five star luxury deluxe spa resort. It’s one of those places where you check in and never want to leave. With plush interiors, a world class spa, and swimming pool to die for, Resort Rio is an oasis of fun and frolic for the whole family. If you truly want to experience the eclectic life of Goa’s original hippy haunt Anjuna then do check out the Goan Alcove Apartment Hotel. A great bet if you are looking at a budget stay in a comfortable and aesthetic hotel.

Offbeat Goa – Explore and discover

Sometimes it is best to chart new territories and discover something new. Goa has so much to offer to the adventurer’s soul. We scoured around for places that offer something other than the cliché sun and sand experience that most people expect here and found that Joseph Baretto’s Junglebook in Kulem is a rare experience that takes you close to nature in the most unexpected

ways. There are elephants rides, elephant wash, elephant splash, spice plantation tour, jeep safari, jungle walk, and kayaking to name a few. The accommodation is basic but well maintained but then you’re in the middle of the jungle and making friends with the elephants, how cool is that! Truly a unique experience, Junglebook is a must do if you enjoy frolicking around with elephants in the forest. From Kulem to Betul where another unique property, Mayfair Hideaway Spa and Resort lies right next to the Arabian Sea. This hotel boasts of a dazzling infinity pool that almost melts into the sea and lush greenery all around. The rooms are fancy and the location is as scenic as it gets. If you are a history buff and enjoy a bit the old world charm then Fort Tiracol is the ideal destination for you. Commanding a striking view of the azure Arabian Sea, this once armed Portuguese fort is now a boutique heritage hotel at the very tip of North Goa. It stands proud overlooking the mighty Tiracol River and as you enter it transports you to a bygone era as you gaze at the pristine 17th century chapel in the courtyard of the hotel. A perfect destination for the curious mind, Fort Tiracol effortlessly combines modern comforts with elegant heritage. So as you can see, Goa’s hospitality industry offers you a mind boggling set of choices. The properties we looked at are just the tip of the ice berg, there are still so many to choose from. If you’re still undecided and need more information on the hotels and pricing here’s an easy way out. Just log into www.goa-tourism.com or download the GTDC app on your mobile and explore hotels by location, category and price range, and find the one that suits you best. With over a 200 licensed properties listed on the website, this is your one stop shop to choose your hotel and plan your Goa holiday. Happy browsing and see you in Goa!