With an abundance of pristine beaches and rich historical sites, Goa should be on any travelers must visit list. Known as the Ibiza of India, this tropical paradise rife with rich cultural history and beautiful scenery attracts tourists, young international backpackers searching for the next all-night party, and native Indians on weekend getaways. Remnants of the Portuguese influence on Indian culture are highly visible in this former Portuguese colony. Though Portuguese rule is a part of India’s history, the impact of Portuguese culture continues to be visible today in Goa’s Indo-Portuguese architecture and the flavors of Goanese cuisine. Goa’s Park Hyatt is a prime example of this rich architectural influence. With its Indo-Portuguese-style villas and sparkling lagoons, the Park Hyatt mirrors the atmosphere of a Goan village. Entering the resort’s gates is a bit like entering the foyer of a Maharaja’s palace. The beauty of the breezy resort is breathtaking, and after a short ride through the rural tropical roads of South Goa, I felt as if I had reached a true oasis. The open entryway lead me to a large airy room with warm mahogany chairs and tables, and an expansive balcony complete with views of sparkling pools, manicured lawns, and in the distance, an untouched private beach leading to the Arabian Sea. With one step inside the resort, I felt instantly pampered as I was handed fresh watermelon juice by a graceful woman clad in a beautiful purple and gold sari.
The resort is set on more than 45 acres of beach front property in Southern Goa and separated into clusters of picturesque villas. My room was as breathtaking as the natural beauty surrounding it. Inside, I was enchanted by vaulted mahogany ceilings, a bed covered in pristine white linens and a relaxing balcony overlooking the resort and the Arabian Sea. The bathroom, a spa in itself, included a blue tiled plunge pool, perfect for pampering, and a large rain shower that felt like a warm tropical rainstorm in paradise. After a long day pool-hopping and sun bathing, I could have easily spent hours luxuriating in my bathroom plunge pool among the fragrant, floating golden marigolds elegantly placed in a basket next to the bath, ready to scatter across the bathwater.
The resort houses a veritable village of delicious restaurants and bars. For each meal, one must chose between traditional South Indian cuisine from the states of Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Konkan coast; North Indian food; Italian food; a bakery filled with fresh pastries and deserts; and a number of casual restaurants serving local seafood. The Goanese cuisine is a must, as its flavors and spices are distinct, unique and different from traditional Northern Indian fare. The resort includes restaurants, bars, and a number of stores with beautiful handicrafts and traditional Goan art, and even a 35-seat cinema, which shows both Bollywood and Hollywood films.
It’s easy to remain at the resort during your entire stay in Goa though the state offers a plethora of activities and sites. I spent a few days luxuriating on the serene private beach, drinking pina coladas, pool hopping, munching on fresh seafood and Goanese fare, and lounging in my own private bathroom spa. Eventually I made it to town and got a taste of Goa’s rich culture and heritage but the resort always called me back at the end of the night to its warm sparkling pools, tranquil atmosphere, and immaculate white beds.
Park Hyatt Goa, Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, South Goa, 403 712, India