This cozy abode in Dona Paula channels the picture perfect aesthetic of a Greek home.
Haven’t you ever dreamed of going on a vacation on the whitewashed Isles of Greece? Where you wake up every morning to a view of the turquoise blue waters right from your own vacation apartment. Where your morning alarm gets replaced by the rhythmic pounding of the waves and the aroma of your breakfast is rivalled by a mixture of crisp, earthy scents. If you’re on the look-out for a beautiful, pocket-friendly and an easily accessible, Greek-holiday; SaffronStays Cabo de Goa is your answer.
Sitting on the crest of the Dona Paula headland and offering magnificent views of the sea below, SaffronStays Cabo de Goa gives you the feeling of being among the cliff-dotted houses in Greece.
This stunning 3-bedroom Mediterranean-style apartment in Goa could have been airlifted off the Aegean coast and transplanted in the waterfront corniche of Dona Paula.
Through the interiors of this Mediterranean-style apartment
On entry, the floor-to-ceiling glass window teases you with a glimpse of the bright ocean beyond. As you make your way through the rest of the house, it unfolds before you, leading up to the three master bedrooms – Alveila, Cavado & Alcao – each with its own unique view of the sea.
The views play perfect accomplice to the pastel-colour palette of the home. The wooden elements strewn across the space add to its cosy ambience. This is a home for all reasons and seasons, and it welcomes the outdoors in, all year round. The sun-kissed colours make the four walls and the sun appear seamless. The virescent hues of potted plants finish off the colour scheme perfectly. Gracious amounts of light streams in unfettered through the large glass doors and windows.
Sit back, pour a glass of rosé and watch the gentle waves scatter the evening sun like tiny sequins. The true highlight of the place, however, remains the infinity pool, barely 150 meters from the apartment. Just make sure to bring a pair of binoculars – if you’re lucky you’ll spot dolphins riding along the waves below. Also, don’t forget to check out the Mario Miranda wall decal in the living room depicting ‘A Goan wedding banquet’. It truly reflects the identity of Goa and artistically tells the story of the land.
The opulent beauty of the apartment and the constant music of the waves crashing against the rocks make SaffronStays Cabo de Goa ideal for a Santorini-inspired Goan vacation.
450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa has resulted in a lip-smacking assortment of flavours, styles and culinary techniques.
The Goan food scene is heavily influenced by an exotic blend of sea, spices and foreign invaders. Even though the Portuguese culinary styles and cuisine were often ‘Indianised’ by Goans to suit their tastes. There is no doubt that the Portuguese contributed to the emergence of Goan cuisine, both by holding onto their old culinary techniques as well as enabling a fusion of recipes that originated in their other colonies. Don’t miss out on some great culinary favourites during your next trip to this wining and dining place.
Sorpotel
The word ‘sarapatel’ literally means confusion. This probably refers to the mish-mash of ingredients including pork heart, liver and even pork blood! This stewy dish originated from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It travelled with the Portuguese to Goa, where it evolved into the sorpotel. Unlike the Portuguese version, the Goan dish includes a tempero paste comprising chillies, garlic and turmeric ground with vinegar. Mop it up with Goa’s most popular and loved accompaniment, sannas, which are prepared with toddy! Although you can find close-to-original sorpotel (minus the blood) at Bhatti’s Village in Nerul, or at Hotel Venite in Panaji.
Sanna-Sorpotel is a ubiquitous meal at any Catholic celebration in Goa.
Vindalho
The Portuguese brought with them chilli peppers, potatoes, vinegar and a dish ‘Carne de Vinha d’Alhos’ made with pork, wine and garlic. The locals evolved the meat curry into vindalho (or vindaloo) by substituting vinegar for the red wine and adding red Kashmiri chillies with spices. Small, hole-in-the-wall eateries serving home-cooked food are the best places to try a vindalho. The brick-and-mortar Andron, in Moira, also serves a great one.
Try the chicken vindaloo to experience an explosive burst of flavours.
Feijoado
The word ‘feijão’ means beans in Portuguese. A symphony of black beans boiled with piggy bits and comforting spices, the feijoada is said to have been transported to Goa via the thousands of Brazilian slaves who accompanied the Portuguese to India. It pairs well with rice, greens and an ice-cold beer. The Horse Shoe Bar and Restaurant along the Panjim waterfront boasts of the best Feijoada in town.
Every mouthful of this dark, glossy sauce is pure bliss.
Bacalhau
As the Portuguese would say: “there are more than 365 ways to cook bacalhau, one for every day of the year!”. In the words of Bubba from Forrest Gump, “You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it”. The bacalhau (dried and salted cod) which forms the primary ingredient of this dish is not easily available in Goa and hence has to be imported. Nostalgia in Raia, South Goa serves up a number of authentic Portuguese dishes, including different versions of bacalhau.
Made using potato slices, sauteed onions and garnished with hard-boiled eggs, olives and parsley, the Bacalhau à Brás is one popular variation.
Feni
Other ingredients that the Portuguese ferried to India included cashews, tomatoes, guavas, potatoes and pineapples. Over time, the cashew became the key ingredient for one of Goa’s most celebrated beverages – feni. Although loyalists swear by the raw potency of the homemade kind, there are a few homegrown brands attempting to give the drink a premium feel.
Wash down all that spicy Indo-Portuguese food with a chilled glass of cashew feni
Recommended Places To Stay
With a range of heritage homes and classy apartments spread across the entire coastline of Goa, SaffronStays offers the ideal dwellings to partake on this gastronomical journey.
Situated right against a breathtaking seascape, this stunning, 3-bedroom Mediterranean-style duplex apartment with a shared infinity pool is a dream home in a high-end community of Dona Paula.
Tucked away peacefully in a quaint nook of Arpora, this serene 3-bedroom home is a pretty little hamlet for the romantics and a rural sort of a getaway for the exhausted city dwellers.
Only a couple of days to go until the most awaited festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and the entire state of Goa seems to have descended into a frenetic whirl.
Chaturthi or Chovoth (as it is commonly known in Goa) commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The beloved elephant-headed God is instantly recognisable by his generous belly, curved trunk and the sweet in his palm. Celebrations commence on the fourth day of the Bhadrapada month, corresponding to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
This festival is always a place of unrestrained joy. Most people visit their ancestral homes to come together as a family and take part in the festivities. Celebrations go on for anywhere between two to 21 days. Local artisans spend months painstakingly adding intricate details to the ‘murti’ A priest then offers prayers and invokes ‘life’ into the clay idol before placing it under a matov. This colourful pandal covered in branches of mango, betel-nut, coconut, and bananas is enough to rival any gardener’s paradise. Traditional puja and aarti are performed twice a day and gifts in the form of betel nuts, coconut, mango leaves and varieties of seasonal fruits are offered up to the idol. The women observe a fast as a mark of sacrifice.
Music fills the air and festive beats from the ghumat, cymbals, and traditional drum lift the spirits. They sing hymns, chant mantras and conduct aartis every day. This is a way of showing the Lord Ganesha a respectful time during his visit to each home.
Food and Frolic
But the real star is the food. These delicacies are capable of making one’s mouth water. There’s the ‘pachpalyachi bhaji’ which is a mouthwatering amalgamation of five different leafy vegetables found in abundance during this period. Sweet dishes, particularly modak, known to be Ganesha’s favourite, laddoos and neuvryo are also a major part of the celebration.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special significance in Mapusa, famous for its Temples at Ganeshpuri and Khandola. The temple town of Marcela in Ponda also witnesses a huge rush of visitors during Chaturthi season. The reason – the unique and creative Ganesha idols made by local artists.
On the last day, a parade ringing with the sound of drums and chants of ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ makes its way down the streets to the nearest water body. The celebration goes on late into the night with everyone dancing like they’ve forgotten how to stand still. The idol is then immersed into the water from where it is believed Ganesha returns back to his parents – Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailasha.
As families spread far and wide on account of work, Ganesh Chaturthi becomes an important way to bring them back to their roots. It is a time to celebrate being alive, celebrate the wonders of creation and be one with the community. Since people from other communities also take the opportunity to get away together, SaffronStays offers vacation rental homes so that travelers can be a part of these festivities and spend some quality time with one another.
For bookings contact: book@saffronstays.com | (+91) 8424 040 040
SaffronStays wishes all its patrons a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Goa is much more than the overcrowded clubs, the generic tourist spots and the cheap booze: Goa is about great homes, midnight dips in a pool villas near the beach and fun times with friends and family. Your #GoaTrip does not have to be in a cheap motel, in a deserted alley: It can be a gorgeous ancestral home in Goa, extremely close to the beach, yet hidden from the cacophonous crowd that throngs the city. Here are Pool Villas in Goa’s Candolim, Calangute, Assagao, Nerul and Dona Paula – All popular tourist spots – that you can call YOUR HOME!
Nestled in the heart of Calungute, SaffronStays Terra Bonita is the perfect amalgamation of charming Goan architecture and modern comforts. Situated at a stone’s throw from the hustle of one of Goa’s most famous beaches, yet tucked away peacefully in a nook, the home provides comfort within the chaos. The natural canopy is a perfect respite from the concrete jungle of the metros.
Come away with us to villa SaffronStays Saanuki, a quirky holiday villa, just 5 minutes from the beach. The 3 bedroom villa is equipped with all the amenities that will make your Goan holiday just perfect: a spacious living room and a society swimming pool. The home is located on Fort Aguada Road, a 5 minute walk from the Candolim beach, near some of the best restaurants, nightclubs, confectioneries and beach shacks in North Goa.
Situated near the mighty Mandovi river, SaffronStays La Patio, Nerul – a 2-bedroom art-deco apartment with its shared swimming pool, vibrant interiors and excellent views is a steal. Housed in a condominium of 25 apartments, located in Reis Magos in North Goa, the home is based in one of the focal points of a tourist’s itinerary of Goa. The home is a hop-skip-jump distance away from major Goan attractions including Fort Aguada, Candolim and Coco Beaches, Cafe Chocolatti and SINQ.
SaffronStays Villa Amelia is a typical Goan home, renovated to its glorious past and is an excellent merger of traditional architecture and new-age amenities. From the high ceilings to the pop furnishings, from the quaint architecture to the funky artifacts and from the restored antique furniture to the plunge pool.
Lounge by the sundeck of this gorgeous, community infinity pool or savor the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from the luxurious comfort of SaffronStays Cabo de Goa – a plush, Portuguese-styled duplex apartment in upmarket Dona Paula. With a shared infinity pool & unbeatable sea views, you’ll never want to leave this Mediterranean paradise.
Are you a nature lover? Wish to contribute to environment protection? Well, there is an exciting way to do that – make your holiday eco-friendly. How? On World Environment Day we show you how to contribute to the environment while enjoying the abundance of nature.
Plant Saplings: One Seed Bears Many Fruits
Whether by a beach or in the mountains, everyone loves to rest and relax amidst abundant flora. For those escaping the crowded metros of our country, a dash of green is always more soothing than the dull greys that surround us. So, while armchair activism about fewer trees in the vicinity may provide temporary respite to the weary mind, planting saplings, especially of indigenous plants, would be a perfect long-term answer for the greater good. Take Kurinji Estate, Kodaikanal for example: This lovely heritage property sits nestled in the midst of an award-winning garden, a percentage of which is the fruit of all its guests. How, you ask? Every guest SaffronStays hosts is gifted a sapling before check-out and can place it anywhere they like on the 9-acre property. Inclusion at its best, innit?
Harvest Water: Each Drop Counts
The fact that our country has to face water scarcity every summer is no news. Interior Maharashtra, the Himalayan region and Central India are some of the worst hit. But you can do your bit by saving your usage of water, and recycling what you can. While lush lawns may look visually appealing, sometimes less is more, and in case of water scarcity, absence can be sweet. The charming owner of L’attitude, Kamshet forfeit the traditional water-guzzling, ecologically disruptive short-grass lawn and planted 108 drought-tolerant trees around the home. Practicality and presentation can always go hand-in-hand. After all, 8th Grade Environmental Studies was taught for a reason, right?
Create Indoor Gardens: True Beauty Is On The Inside
Remember when your mother said ‘Looks don’t matter till you are actually beautiful from the inside’? While an acne-ridden face could not digest this statement, there is no truer line for a home. Imagine waking up to a stunning garden inside your home, rather than just around it? Fresh air, cool ambiance, branching shade and gorgeous flowers, literally at your doorstep is a perfect setting to grab your morning cuppa. While Master’s Coutryard, Gholvad has a central aangan with bed of trees, the various indoor plants sprouting within Cabo de Goa make both these holiday destinations
Source Locally: Nobody Likes A Foreign Body
Being different and trying to push an exotic concept, be it through architecture, materials or plants may not be the best approach to creating a home. Villa 270°, Dapoli is the epitome of inclusive creation: terracotta tiled roofs, structures made of local laterite stone, vernacular architecture that make the cottages charming, yet conserve the environment.
Ventilate Organically: Natural Is Normal
Summers in India are nothing short of harsh. Imagine planning a getaway and then facing the horrid heat, where even an Air-Conditioner is a mere tool against the forces of nature? But, there is a way to beat the blues organically: Create using the natural pattern of wind to maximise the breeze through windows, and curate using natural plant-based materials like Vetiver (Khas) that can provide a day’s cooling on a few drops of water. Simple and easy, right? The owner and the architect at Maya, Khadakvasla got this formula absolutely bang-on.
The best thing about travel is the feeling you get just before you take a holiday. And if you are a serious traveler, we are sure you’re fed up of trying to motivate & explain the non vacationers about the joys of travel. And in such, a travel quote best verbalizes your interest in exploring new places. We have handpicked few such inspiring quotes that answer the most common questions: ‘Why do you travel?’ Or ‘Why travel makes you happy?’
01. “I want to hang a map of the world in my house, and then I’m gonna put pins into all the locations that I’ve traveled to. But first I’m gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map, so it won’t fall down.” –Mitch Hedberg
What could be a better place to pin your map the first than the Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.
02. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.” –Oscar Wilde
Imagine sitting by this window at Inner Temple in North Goa and reading your favorite book for hours!
03. “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Experience a home away from home at Parsi Manor in Matheran
04. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
Nothing could be better for sky gazing than Saltrim, a private beach villa in Alibaug
05. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” –Anatole France
At Little Paradise in Murud you’d want to be in sync with the nature!
06. “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” – Jack Kerouac
A beautiful bungalow literally on the edge of a valley in Panchgani
07. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain
Trust us, you will be disappointed if you do not visit Bordi-Gholvad, a destination that is rich in Parsi culture & heritage.
08. “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton
If you believe that sometimes simple is the new beautiful, then you must visit Mango Huts at Pali, Khopoli near Imagica
09. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Experience another level of luxury at Glasshouse, a gorgeous pool villa near Mulshi in Pune
10. “Half the fun of travel is the aesthetic of lostness.” – Ray Bradbury
Nirvana in Dapoli is the optimism of the endless horizon and blue skies ahead!
All the above quotes prove that we’re all somewhere connected by a love for travel, no? If you still haven’t found a quote that best justifies why travel makes you happy, please share the quote in comments below.
Are you having post March ending blues? With April 2016 occuring over two long weekends, this month is a wonderful time to travel, relax & VACATION! The month enables you to destress from the financial year end burden & beat the heat because summers is all about lazing around and we have a perfect blend of varied moods & stays at one destination that could be your favorite place to be today onward!
Goa has a bit of everything that you’d want to relax a mind-body-soul. Whether you want to be a part of a full moon party or leave your footprints on the white sand beach; Lay back and admire the nature or breathe in the positive village vibes; Spend quality time with family or simply soak up in the breathtaking views; Goa is THE soul remedy for every mood. Which vacation mood from the below suits you the best?
How often is it that you book a vacation space but get treated like a royal? Rare, no? This is one such gem of a place that treats you like a royal! Located amid a sleepy village in North Goa, it is hard to resist the beauty of this place. Inner Temple is a charming & luxurious four bedroom Villa with a private pool and a personal garden. You merely step off the verandah and you are straight into the emrald blue pool water! Keeping its architectural integrity and Portugal charm, this luxurious villa blends in well with the Goan way of life.
It is always a joyous moment when you get extended time with your family. Especially when you are away from your day-to-day routines! Coco palms allows you ample privacy with your family on a holiday & gives you a greater opportunity to share enjoyable outings and experiences together. You will be embraced by the comfort of this professionally decorated home, room balconies overlooking the pool on the second floor and more.
Sometimes one needs to get away on a vacation all alone. If you are planning to give your work, friends & family a break & plan a solo trip, this place is a just the place to be for a loner’s mind! This home situatued in a dreamy village of North Goa allows you to sit in the pillared verandah making it is easy for you to get lost in your favorite paperback, while you hear the Hornbills, Koels and other chirping birds across the agrarian landscape in front of you.
If your itinerary focuses on the food, drinks & music aspect of a holiday destination, you’re definitely in a party mood! WIth huge walls painted while & yellow and adding a dash of blue’s and greens’ in the background, with pink flowers overlooking the sea, The Cliff Haven definitely reminds you of one of those dreamy villa you wished to stay at in Santorini!
Feeling burnt out at work? Need to take a break to recover energies and refresh your mind? Casa Susegado is a place to have a rejuvenating holiday that can help you in clearing the mind and recharging oneself with its warm interiors and Goan-Portuguese vibes which is stronglty felt in every corner of the house.
Goa is a unison of everything positive, the Sun, the Beach, the Vibrant lifestyle, the Goan food & its people. And so summer vacation does not get more heavenly than this. Sit on the balcony and enjoy the most gorgeous sunsets while listening to the ocean waves gently folding onto the beach or diving deep into the pool to feel nothing but your own breathe!
About the Author: Keenjal Patel, a reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!
After a week full of mulled wine & beer post work, junk food, weekday stress and sleep deprived nights, it is now time to cleanse your mind-body-soul. For some it may be strict food diet, exercise and timely sleep which sounds even more depressing! But what if we told you that the best way to regain yourself is to detox? And more so travel to off beat detox locations; Places that could release you from the weekday stress, where you can eat healthy home-cooked food, do yoga, listen to music or peacefully read books!? We bring you 7 such best places for weekend detox!
Located amidst forest that is green all year round, Stein Haus is a bungalow that ensures you rekindle and re-bond with friends/families. Feel part of the natural harmony that makes up this exceptional corner of Khandala. It’s an extremely spacious property with three bed rooms and one suite room available; A large living room and a large common area on the first floor. The terrace and the surroundings are such that you wouldn’t want to return to your routine life!
#02. Dapoli
If you love the sights of deep valleys, dense evergreen forest with diversified flora and fauna, misty mountains and milky white waterfalls, then this four bedroom Bungalow situated amid mesmerizing environment is the only place you’d want to visit over a long weekend for natural retreat. While overlooking the dam, windmills from the wind energy project and the crimson sky changing its color, one can easily lose the track of time.
Looking Out Over the Choppy Seas
Snuggling into Cosy Blankets
Tranquil Sea Views
Verandah for Cloud Spotting
Click here to know more about the property
#03. Uttan
Not many people know of this secluded place because it is located within Mumbai! But trust us this place will take you by surprise especially by its evening sights. Set amid the quiet locales and sparsely populated area, is this bungalow that allows you to effortlessly hike to the highest point of Mumbai. While the sun sets, you will see a trail of fish boats parked at the dockyard against a crimson sky in the background and lanterns lit in the boats; the sight will only take you by surprise, for you never imagined this could be so mesmerising.
#04. Moira A garden lined with trees and a beautiful pool outlining the property offers an ideal setting for a tranquil stay. It’s well done interiors add to the comfort and ensure a perfect location to indulge in soulful activities like meditation and yoga. This luxurious villa is a perfect place to get a revitalizing rest. All room types offer state-of-art views; From tastily appointed private balconies and terraces, this place sets the standards for unadulterated pampering and downtime.
#05. Matheran A heritage villa in Matheran, almost a 100 year old shelters some of the most amazing wall clocks, furniture, flooring, beds, wide windows, huge walls and colorful culinary. Every corner of the house speaks an emotion. If you wish to detox your mind with a good read, you will find this huge sofa with sunlight at its backdrop an apt place to be the couch potato for rest of the day!
#06. Murud Located about 10 kms from Murud, in Agardanda, this beach villa will take your breath away. Here, the only sound that disturbs the peace is that of the sea waves crashing on the shores, barely 50 meters away. The property has no neighbours, so the stretch of 200-300 meters of beach is almost private. It has 2 units, wooden structures, both with a porch from where one can keep staring into the open Ocean. You will find yourself fixed on the porch the whole day long with a book for company.
This old styled beach villa literally kissed by the high tide waters of the Arabian sea has afforested mountains as its backdrop with sea waters in front. The villa sits alongside the gorgeous fort, reminiscent of the Portugese inhabitation here centuries ago. The most stunning aspect of this villa is that it is perched on a virtually private beach. Meaning there is no permanent inhabitation for half a kilometer on either side of this bungalow!
Keenjal Patel, a reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!
Bound by the Arabian Sea, Goa shares a tiny piece of India’s land. Palm trees, never ending stretch of soft beach sand, sparkling water, crazy night life, tasty food and Portuguese-colonial architecture sum up the essentials of Goa. Yes, you cannot miss out on the beautiful Portuguese influences and the heritage remains of their culture, be it architecture or food.
The blazing sun lights up blue houses with pastel doors, and the breeze that cross ventilates through the tall-arched windows. With pastel color walls like mustard, pink, orange, to blue, Goan homes are a sight to see.
Goan food shares a rich cultural heritage (yes, it goes beyond Goan prawn curry and rice), and shares many similarities with Portuguese food. You’ll notice that authentic Goan food is a potpourri of flavours; beef, pork, coconut milk, jaggery, cashew and an endless variety of seafood. From Rechado masala and pork sorpotel to jackfruit and cashew veggie preparation, try it all! Finish it with a generous helping of Bebinca or Dodol. Some of our favourite places to enjoy these are Mum’s Kitchen (Panjim), Martin’s corner (Benaulim), Britto’s and of course Susan Lobo’s. Mum’s Kitchen uses a special ingredient called ‘bimli’; a fruit used to add ‘sourness’ to the curries (often substituted by tamarind or kokum), adding to the authentic flavours. One of the most authentic bebinca and dodol is sold in a small little bakery called Jackris in the sleepy town of Madgaon, but be sure to reach before noon or face a shut door (afternoon siestas is a religion!).
From trance parties, Casino’s and even Sunburn, you must have explored it all and still you crawl back to this place at least once a year! And yet, we are sure you have missed out on one thing, i.e. a typical Goan home. So, kick off your shoes, sit back and relax; live the Susegad life of a true-blue Goan.
Situated in the heart of one of the prettiest North Goa villages, Saligao is believed to be a home to the world famous artist Francis Newton Souza and once you are here, you realize what could have brought out the artist in him. This heritage home is close to the famous Calangute, Candolim and Baga beaches. It is a 15 minute ride to Anjuna & Vagator beaches. Thalassa might be your favorite eat around the corner when at Vagator beach, but for once give the greek food a pass, and enjoy delicious home cooked fish curry & rice, a staple food of Goa. Because when in Goa, you must live like a Goan, right?
Situated in the dreamy village of one of North Goa’s most unadulterated villages, Colvale, this house reflects the Portuguese influence and subtlety of art, on the outside and on the inside. If you are looking for a holiday with both, nature & sand, this is the place to be! A trip to this place can cure your bad mood.
Living in a Portuguese style home is a must experience when in Goa. Enjoy the laid back village life, leisure activities like walking around in the village or fields, swimming in the river, boating, fishing, bird watching or just simply laze around on the hammock, swings or in the pool and lose yourself to the music. They say, Goans are born musicians, and that music streams through their blood from a very young age. May be that’s the reason why Music can be heard here, both day and night! When at Bodiem village, you cannot escape the foot-stomping goan mandolin which was brought to Goa by Portuguese. When in Goa, you will find various music from traditional Konkani music, to Western, indigenous, to trance. Goa shares closer connection to western tunes due to the Portugal rule until mid 19th century.
Surrounded by a Teak forest with a view of the fields this furnished house is a well maintained, 100 year Old Portuguese Goan home . The house has a balcony running around two sides and a Covered deck facing the 12000 sqft garden and Swimming Pool. The outdoor covered deck attached to the house is large and has an antique dining table for outdoor dining.
Goa was the only overseas State of Portugal known as “Estado da India” and most of the history lies in this city of Old Goa. This is a location having world famous historical sites. The house is designed so that the view of the river, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and adjacent islands are prominent from every location in the house. One of the lasting Portuguese influences is seen in Goan Cuisine and the craftsmenship.
The cottage exposes to its guest a true Indian-cum-Old European Portuguese culture through its warm hospitality, old unbroken portugal trends of architecture and delicious local cuisine. The house is perfectly placed for the lovely beaches just to the north of Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol and Mandrem beaches and the action of the Candolim – Calangute – Baga – Anjuna beaches to the South. Goa offers a beautiful amalgamation of local markets from Anjuna flea market, Mapusa market, Baga beach; Calangute market square and even Mackie’s night bazaar! You will get everything at these markets, chunky jewelry to Bohemian clothes; but the only thumb rule for shopping here is – bargain as much as you can.
The Portuguese colonisation played a major role in the development of the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential houses. And one can see the architectural influence in Goa even today. Located exactly by a riverside at Mandrem beach, the villa gives the guest the best of both the experiences of the beach which is just a wooden bridge cross distance as well as of the river which flows exactly through the house. For people who are on a laze around and do nothing sort of vacation, then Mandrem offers you just that. Chill around, eat at the seaside shacks, sink your feet deep into the golden sand, hear the waves beating on the shore, and just forget the world! You can even sit and meditate, its that peaceful.
It is difficult to imagine Goa without its Portuguese connection. The people are so imbibed in the foreign culture that this blend of east and west has now become a trademark of Goa. This unique blend is apparent every where, from art and architecture to food and music. It is clear that Goa has derived its modern-pop yet rich and traditional mix of culture from its shared past!
Cover Photo Credits: en.wikipedia.org
About the Author:
Keenjal Patel
A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!
2014 has been a remarkable journey for us. We launched our website and travelled to different parts of the country to bring some beautiful properties to you. As the year draws to an end, we want to leave you with plenty more reasons to travel in 2015 through our curated platform – great adventures, friendly locals, delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and warm experiences irrespective of where you decide to go. Out of the 800, we’ve painstakingly chosen these 12 beautiful stay options across India that we think you should add to your bucket list – one destination for every month of 2015!
1. Surround yourself by luxury, nature and tens of spotted deer – Udaipur, Rajasthan
You’ll always be surrounded by nature in this luxury homestay.
Amidst verdant and scenic hills of the Aravali mountain range in Udaipur is Shikarbadi. Once the chosen big game hunting area of the royalty of Mewar, Shikarbadi today is home to this beautiful, luxury property that allows you to experience an untouched side of the White City. The six themed suites of the homestay have been set around a manicured garden on a floor above the host’s rooms. Here, you can listen to the songs of the birds and often spot deer, porcupines and foxes trotting outside the fences of the house. Rest assured you can experience true Rajasthani hospitality here through the friendly service and delicious local food, recipes of some of which have come straight from the royal kitchen.
2. Getaway from Mumbai to a hilltop farm overlooking the valley – Chiplun, Coastal Maharashtra
Plunge into this inviting pool and enjoy the view of the mountains and the valley.
If you’re looking for an offbeat getaway from Mumbai, this farm house in Chiplun, built on an 18 acre land, on a hilltop overlooking the valley, is just the place for you. The rooms are very simple, but you’ll have peacocks and friendly dogs here for company, an inviting open pool that you can plunge into, and home-cooked Maharashtrian fares, prepared on the traditional wood-fired stoves under a mango tree, to relish. During your stay, you can spend your day floating on a boat in the Vashisth estuary and your nights either watching a star studded sky from the terrace or driving through the jungle in a jeep. Not a dull moment here! (Also read: A Surprise Anniversary Getaway )
3. Escape to a royal Villa overlooking the Dal Lake – Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
This beautiful Villa in Srinagar is owned by the descendants of Maharaja Hari Singh.
Overlooking the Dal Lake and facing the Zabarwan range, this beautiful Villa is home to the descendants of the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled amongst apple, cherry and plum orchards, it is a part of their larger private estate, one where they organise fortnightly farmers market and the annual Darah Shikoh Festival. With a 36 feet high central atrium, tastefully done rooms and a lounge that comes with a view, it makes for a perfect retreat when in Srinagar. During their stay, guests can enjoy strolls in the walking trail around the estate and the nearby pond that attracts a large number of migratory birds. If you are lucky you may even come across a Himalayan Black Bear!
4. Stay with one of India’s best birding guides – Kewzing, Sikkim
Enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Sikkim while you stay in this Log House.
If you’re a birding enthusiast, this is just the place for you. Mr. Bon, your host, and one of India’s most renowned Ornithologists, has been leading birding tours around Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan and Nagaland since 2001. During your stay, you can take guided birding tours to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Borong and on trails that lie close to Doling Monastery in Ravangla and Mambru Monastery that is perched on top of a hill. The homestay itself is located next to a monastery. You can choose to stay in the log houses, suites or the family rooms, and eat delicious organic meals with a view of the Kanchenjunga during your stay.
5. Stay in a charming cottage surrounded by apple orchards – Manali, Himachal
The homestay lies surrounded by apple orchards and green mountains
Located in Bipasha Valley near Manali, this charming cottage lies nestled by apple trees and offers a scenic escape from the chaos of city life. The bedroom comes with a number of windows and a small personal balcony overlooking the hill station of Manali. There is a small garden outside where you can spend time enjoying the view, writing or sipping a cup of hot tea. The friendly hosts also whip up a delicious meal using fresh organic produce from their garden. During your stay, you can go for short treks around the cottage, on a trail leading to the Some River and another to a beautiful waterfall.
6. Explore an exotic village while staying in the midst of a community forest – Mawlongbna, Meghalaya
Your cottage lies a walk away from this breathtakingly beautiful spot.
The beautiful village of Mawlongbna in Meghalaya, tucked away from local tourists, houses two cottages for the adventurous travellers. Reaching the village involves a walk through the community forest, with little streams, brooks and a waterfall en route. During your stay, you can set off with the locals to discover fossils of sea-creatures (remnants of an era when the entire area was covered by the expanse of the seas), go fishing or kayaking in a water reserve nearby, and visit the local markets. The best part? Dining on local Khasi cuisine with a view of the plains of Bangladesh! (Also read: The Bridges that Grow )
7. Experience a lesser-known Ladakh by the cliff bank of River Indus – Uleytokpo, Ladakh
Set on the banks of the Indus river, these cottages let in a stunning view of Ladakh’s landscape.
Set at the cliff bank of river Indus, 70 Kilometers into Sham valley is the village of Uleytokpo. Here, set amidst apple and apricot orchards is a beautiful eco property that allows you to experience luxury, serenity as well as a lesser-known side of Ladakh. The rooms are large and spacious with a large number of windows where you can wake up to a view of the vast mountains. During your stay, you can pick from one of the many books in the cosy library, indulge yourself with a refloxolgy session in the in-house spa, or venture out for river rafting and hiking.
8. Spend the night star gazing from an attic room – Chimney, Darjeeling
The stunning bird’s eye view from the village of Chimney
Located in a charming little village called Chimney that lies at an altitude of 6800 feet, this homestay is your window into a side of Darjeeling that not many know or talk about. The best part about the location is the bird’s eye view of Teesta River, Siliguri and neighbouring regions from its roads. On the other side is a beautiful misty juniper forest, and there are a few waterfalls and viewpoints that lie a short hike away. Stay in this cosy attic room, taste some delicious Nepalese food, and spend your night star gazing or watching lights flicker in the valley below. (Also read: Memories of a Dreamy Village )
9. Experience the lavish plantation life in a Colonial Bungalow – Coorg, Karnataka
Experience the lavish plantation life in this Heritage Bungalow in Coorg
Surrounded by sweeping vistas of the ever picturesque Kodagu Hills, this Heritage Bungalow is fit for royalty. With large, spacious rooms, fireplaces, Victorian furniture and manicured lawn, the Bungalow takes you back to a bygone era with its old world charm. During your stay, you can eat scrumptious meals of Coorg delicacies like Pandhi (pork) or Koli (Chicken) Curry, Akki Roti (Rice Roti), Kadumbuttu (Rice Dumplings), Wild Mushroom and Mango Curry. While there, other than strolling through the coffee plantations, you can take a trip to Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park and the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery.
10. Stay in a rustic cottage in the heart of a forest – Corbett, Uttarakhand
These rustic cottages allow you to be one with the forest.
These cottages make for a very special wilderness destination where you can be in, and one with the forest. Situated on the banks of the Ramganga River in Corbett National Park, and accessible on foot, it’s for true forest lovers and those that seek the wild in its original, pristine form, away from the crowds, the vehicles and heightened human activity. The cottages here are beautiful and have been constructed with locally sourced clay, savannah thatch and wood inspired by traditional Vangujjar tribal style. While here, soak up the wilderness from your verandas, enjoy some delicious meals, explore the forest on foot, enjoy birdwatching, butterfly spotting, or look for signs of the big ones.
11. Watch the sun set over lush fields from a hill top Bungalow – Kottayam, Kerala
Enjoy a gorgeous sunset from your balcony in the hill top Bungalow.
Set in the hills of the beautiful town of Kottayam, this bungalow lets you soak up the rich natural surroundings of Kerala away from the tourists trails. The charming rooms open up to a view of lush green fields and backwaters, which can be enjoyed with multiple cups of tea from the veranda. Other than enjoying delicious Malayali meals, you can enjoy cycling by the hilly countryside, take long leisurely walks through the fields and go for backwater rides through sleepy villages.
12. Stay in a Wooden Chalet on the banks of a river – Ribandar, Goa
The beautiful wooden chalet by the Mandovi river in Goa.
Situated on the banks of Goa’s largest River, Mandovi, is this beautiful wooden chalet that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie. Built in 1730, the property comes with three bedrooms, one of which opens up to a paved patio by the edge of the river, living rooms, dining hall, kitchen, sun decks and even a convenience store. The house is designed perfectly to allow the view of the river, the Salem Ali Bird Sanctuary and adjacent islands from every location in the house. During your stay, you can enjoy fishing or rent a bike to explore the town of Ribandar.
Which one of these homestays would you add to your 2015 Bucket list? Tell us in the comments section.
About the Author: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog-http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.
