Places to Stay in Goa Nilaya Hermitage
This hotel promises you the sun, moon and the stars; or at least that’s how the airy, gorgeously decorated rooms are themed anyway. Enjoy views of the tropical gardens and sleep tight under muslin mosquito nets. The beach is a short walk away, but on lazy days, you can lounge around the swimming pool or pamper yourself at the luxurious Ayurvedic spa.
www.nilayahermitage.com
Casa Baga
Just a seashell’s throw from the Baga Beach, this is one of the most ambient little boutique hotels in the state. The décor as the owners would have you know, has been inspired by Bali, which translates into rattan blinds, cool stone floors, appliquéd curtains, antique Indonesian furniture and tons of unusual objects of d’art. The rooftop lounge offers some great views and you can party the night at the hip Congo.
www.casaboutiquehotelsgoa.com
Pousada Tauma
For the perfect cleansing of mind, body and soul, head to Pousada Tauma, a colonial –style boutique hotel with a dash of ayurveda thrown in. All 12 suites- beautifully decorated with antique furniture, starched linens and striking artwork- are clustered around a lovely little swimming pool. And absolute essential is a visit to the Ayurveda Centre and avail of the irresistible treatments on offer.
www.pousada-tauma.com
Bhakti Kutir
Located in a wooded area, Bhakti Kutir comprises of a tiny village of 22 charming thatched cabanas, all built with palm leaves, bamboo and clay. Meditate and practice yoga in the amphitheatre and reward yourself with mud baths and massages. After all this exertion, fortify yourself with organic vegetables and freshly caught fish. By way of activity, you can befriend dolphins.
www.bhaktikutir.com
Yogamagic Canvas Ecotel
Run by a British couple, Yogamagic is almost militantly ecofriendly, right from the fantastic all vegetarian cuisine to facilities built from organic resources such has cow dung, rammed earth and bamboo.While there are lodges and suites on the premises, opt for the tents, all decorated with locally made furniture, silk cushions and colorful furnishings. It also has private open-air showers and eco toilets (contribute to compost proactively). Live the simple life in style.
www.yogamagic.net
Tiracol Fort Heritage Hotel
Located at the mouth of an estuary where the Tiracol river and the sea meet, this wonderful hotel occupies part of the 16th Century Tiracol Fort. The views of the undulating blue waters are majestic; just step into your own personal balcony to soak in the salt- fresh air. The hotel is run by the same couple who run the Nilaya Hermitage- German fashion stylist Claudia Ajwani and her husband, Hari. The rooms are suites are elegant, quaint besides being spacious also. Mass is still held in the fort’s old chapel,so you can head out there to hobnob with the locals.
Tiracol, Perney
Tel (02366) 227 631
Casa Palacio Siolim House
Set in a dignified 18th Century villa in the quiet village of Siolim, this is a wonderful retreat from the bustle of the more touristy beaches of Anjuna and Calangute (10 Kms away). It has been lovingly restored by its owner into the beautiful establishment it is today- mother of pearl windows, terracotta-tile floors and gorgeous rooms that are redolent of the time when it served as the grand residence of the Governor of Macau.
www.siolimhouse.com
Elsewhere Even as you tread the creaky bamboo bridge over the saltwater creek that connects Mandrem Beach to Elsewhere, you will know that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The feeling only becomes stronger once you come face to face with the terracotta red 19th century beach villa, with its charming blue shutters and tiled roof. The three rooms feature old four poster beds,delightfully eccentric curios and period furniture. Each room has a balcony running around it ,so enjoy. If you want to be closer to the elements, then opt for the Otter Creek Tents, run by the same management. Surrounded by greenery, the luxurious tents, sit right on the banks of a tiny rivulet which runs parallel to the beach.
www.aseaescape.com
Restaurants to Eat At
Britto’s
Set in a modest Old Portuguese style bungalow, Britto’s has seating on the verandah and the ridge sloping down to the Baga Beach. It affords great views, especially at night, with the Lighthouse at Fort Aguada on the left and the Baga Hill jutting out on the right. However you would be spending more time gazing at your seafood platter which comes complete with prawns, calamari, pomfret, king fish ,oysters and whichever edible fish was caught in the day’s catch. Sink your teeth into the sweet crab meat, slurp on the delicious juice inside a mussel and top it all off with a glass of wine. Try a slice of the dark choclate cake to end your meal on a mellow note.
Follow the road from Calangute to Baga , as you approach the seafront the road will turn right, look left and you will see Britto’s.
Tel (0832) 227 7331
Martin’s Corner
Run by Mrs. Carafina Pereira, an impressive matron, with even more impressive culinary skills, Martin’s Corner near Betalbatim Beach offers fantastic Goan fare with some Chinese and Continental thrown in. However while in Goa, do as the Goans do; the sausage pulao is excellent, as is the fish caldin, pomfret cooked in spicy coconut gravy. For the sturdy hearted, there is the delicately flavoured ox tongue and the jumping chicken ( that in more ways than one, croaked). Sit out in the courtyard and wash the seafood down with some chilled beer.
Betalbatlim is in South Goa, 18 Kms from the airport. Drive to Colva/Vasco Road and ask anyone for directions.
Tel (0832) 288 0061
Souza Lobo’s
Something of an institution, Souza Lobo’s is set in a charming Goan home right on Calangute Beach, where tables are set out in the evening. It’s been around since 1932 and is run by Judd Lobo, the founder’s great grandson, and the keeper of an enviable cache of secret recipes. The eatery has a casual shack like atmosphere and serves some of the greatest Goan cuisine in the region. The fried mackerel is crispy and flavorsome, while the tiger prawns are succulent and juicy. Try the fish fillet stuffed with prawns or the steamed rice with fish in a green gravy.
On Calangute Beach.
Tel (0832) 228 1234/ 227 6463
Things to Do in Goa Watersports at Arambol
Goa’s northern most beach, Arambol is famous for its water sports. On offer are windsurfing, sand sailing(coasting across the beach on a wind powered vehicle) and more. The Surf Club will teach you how to ride the waves and even paragliding from the top of the Waghclomb hill over Arambol’s glistening lake.
http://arambol.info
Fort Aguada
Standing tall at the mouth of the mandovi river and overlooking the grand Aguada bay, Fort Aguada has been Goa’s pride since 1612, when it was built as the first line of defence for the then trading post of Goa. The fort draws its name “Aguada” meaning water, from the three water springs within it. Near the arched entrance are the citadel and the first ever lighthouse built in Asia. It commands a stunning panoramic view of the meandering coastline.
18 Kms from Panjim. Part of the Fort is now The Taj Fort Aguada Resort.
Mandrem,Ashwem and Morjim Beaches
If you like to bury your feet in the sand and gaze at the sea for hours, then you will love these beaches. Set in the far north, these three beaches are divided by little creeks, and feature stretches of undisturbed sand, often with no one around for miles. Stroll around the unspoiled fishing village of Mandrem near the beach, and go for a croc-spotting trip down the creek. With its stilted bamboo huts and scattering of cheerful shacks. Ashwem is a backpacker’s paradise, while if you want to spot turtles, head to Morjim between March and October , when a dozen or so of the rare Olive Ridley turtles nest on the beach.
All the beaches are about two hours from Panjim
Deep Sea Diving, Miramar Beach
Goa’s underwater life is just as interesting as its lively beaches. So get in touch with the Barracuda Diving, based in the Goa Marriott Resort, the only PADI certified institute in India. Descend to the depths to consort with barracudas, snappers, sea cucumbers and turtles; there are plenty of hard coral sections, where you can spot reef sharks. You can also dive to see old shipwrecks, which lie in ghostly silence amid the vibrant marine life. Ask to see Suzy’s Wreck, a WW II casualty that lies in shallow waters, or head to the Uma Guma Reef, an excellent dive site off rocky Grand Island.
www.barracudadiving.com
