If you’re dreaming of postcard-worthy stretches of beach, delectable coastal cuisine, leisurely shopping at flea markets and haute couture studios or wild, wild parties - then Goa can’t be far from your mind. From beach shacks to 7 star hotels, Goa also offers a host of options to stay - at any desired budget and level of luxury.

I recently visited Goa to just wind down after a month of hectic work and had the perfect weekend at AccorHotels’ Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. The property is located just off North Goa's bustling nightlife and beaches, making it a great choice if you’re looking to explore North Goa. Nestled amidst the serene countryside of lush paddy plantations, relaxation reigns at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. This beautiful property with its blend of Indo-Portuguese elements and vibrant colours, coupled with modern interiors featuring high pitched roofs and wide verandahs is designed as a magical hideaway.

Since the property is focused on welcoming families and children with its “Kids in Goa” campaign, most weekends one finds children swimming happily in their large pool or zorbing. The hotel also has one of the largest kids’ club in North Goa equipped with gaming consoles, activity sheets, puzzles, story books & more. A sports corner with TT, badminton and a basketball ring, and the IMAC corner with video games in the lobby are plenty to keep the kids engaged while parents take a spa break or get their prana flowing with some yoga.

I chose one of their Junior Suites - a large, well-appointed space that comes with its own living room, balcony and bedroom, and of-course 2 flat screen TVs. The complementary wi-fi is very welcome.

While you will, of-course, have a range of must-do’s in your day, here’s a quick overview for making the most of your stay at this property.
 

EAT:

La Brise: It’s all about the view here as the restaurant opens right out onto Candolim Beach. Sitting by the soothing seaside listening to DJ Vernon’s tunes, you can slide into the Goan susegad frame of mind - contented and relaxed! I’d recommend the Sunday Brunch - design your own sliders and burgers or try scrumptious sea food delicacies, followed by dessert and coffee in the rustic, informal setting! There’s a range of drinks on offer. Try the LaBrise Signature to build up an appetite for luscious steaks, pork ribs, succulent lamb chops and smoked grills, prepared fresh by Chef Peter. Or you can detox after your yoga session and give your prana yet another boost with the healthy greens on the menu.

Food Exchange: The hotel’s 24 hour restaurant, this is an international style social space and all day dining restaurant with signature multi-station buffets and a wide selection of Indian, Asian and International A' La Carte dinning. Chef Siddharth offered us a Goan Thali with delicious Sol Kadi featuring fried kingfish, balchao naan, and masala clams, all heaven for the sea-food enthusiast. If that’s not enough, Goan prawn curry and rice with cucumber salad made for the most perfect lunch. Don’t forget the bebinca, the traditional seven layered Goan desert which sets you up for a well-deserved afternoon nap.
 

DRINK:

THE CHY BAR & TLP & POOL BAR: The sun and sand can give you a thirst, so cool off in the hotel’s lobby bar Chy. Or you can pick up some cafes, frappes or smoothies and get cakes to go from the hotel’s deli - The Little Place as you head out for your day. There’s also a handy sunken bar in the pool to get a quick fix of hydration.

RELAX:

The Warren Tricomi Spa is designed like a tropical Balinese Garden and follows an Indonesian leitmotif. Spread over 5 chalets, with two treatment rooms each, the Spa features a variety of treatments from Asian Balinese to Indian Ayurveda with signature hammam rituals with rejuvenating massages, wraps and scrubs and tingling facials inspired by holistic Ayurveda. Body polishers with sandalwood / turmeric and basil / marigold sand help stimulate blood circulation and over all regeneration.

I stepped in feeling exhausted, and came out feeling like a new man an hour later thanks to an excellent deep tissue massage!

Enjoying a relaxing swim at the vitality pool overlooking beautiful paddy fields !

Cheers Rohan!

Keen on learning more on what goes managing an award winning property such as this, and catering to the high standard that guests expect today, I joined GM Rohan Sable for drinks, who was named the “General Manager of the Year” 2009-10 by the FHRAI. Rohan’s 16 years in hospitality are extremely apparent as he brings with him knowledge and skills in diverse areas of both the corporate and leisure business. His is a dedicated team that works hard to deliver guest satisfaction and it is this very team that made my stay at the Resort most memorable.

"Huge thanks to Mr. Rohan Sable, Ms. Shilpa and the entire team at Novotel for making my stay so very memorable."