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Catriona's journey through Southern India - Part 3: Goa

In March this year, Ampersand’s India specialist, Catriona, went on a research trip (with her mum for company!) which took her from Northern Kerala to Karnataka and ended here, at the beaches of Goa… 

Goa

The smallest state in India, Goa is famed for beach holidays. From backpackers to the rich and famous, people flock here from around the globe to lounge in the sun. There certainly is a property to suit everyone here! Along with the stunning beaches in the south, there are a host of wonderful churches to explore as well as huge markets for both locals and tourists. There are ample opportunities for souvenir purchases!

Elsewhere Goa South India 31
Goa exceeded my expectations in terms of accommodation. We were here for 5 nights, staying in 4 different hotels. We started our Goan journey in the north, at Elsewhere, a popular hideaway for celebs from across the globe wanting to escape. It is also a great property for those seeking a simple and barefoot experience. The hotel is spread across a kilometre of beach and the rooms offer privacy and simplicity dating back to the Dutch era. The value for money here is fantastic; you sit down to a freshly cooked three course meal with wine for less than £10 – what a bargain!

We then headed down to South Goa where we stayed in three top luxury resorts; Alila Diwa, Taj Exotica and The Leela Goa. Each were special and unique in their own way, but all equally loved by us!

Our first stay was Alila Diwa. Although it is pretty much next to a beach, it offers more of a plantation experience as it is set within rice paddy fields. The resort is green and lush and the rooms modern and slick. We loved how the bathroom integrated with the room with sliding doors for privacy; all rather snazzy! We really noticed all the special touches, like the small cart by the pool selling delicacies – perfect for a late afternoon snack before dinner. Along with a traditional Goan restaurant (which also offers cooking lessons), the main restaurant is a wonder to dine in with a buffet offering everything you could want. There is a huge variety of light, delicious and healthy options, which is rather perfect after you have been lying in the sun all day.

Alila Diwa Goa 1
After our night here, we moved to the Taj Exotica, a classic luxury resort set within 56-acres of beautifully manicured gardens.  If you love golf and outdoor activities, this is a great way to break your day up as they have a 9-hole putting green as well archery, tennis and badminton. Relaxing by their pool is a delight; the staff are sweet and charming and always know when to pop over to offer you a beverage. It was like they were psychic! Being huge spa lovers, my mother and I headed off to Jiva Spa, the Taj’s signature spa. We couldn’t have been any more pampered and relaxed if we tried! Our room was just what we expected from a Taj, spacious and comfortable, with touches of Portuguese and Goan influences. There were of course all the little luxuries we all know and love. To come back after dinner and find a huge bunch of flowers and a plate of freshly made cookies and chocolates was a delight!

We had then made it to the last two night of our trip, a very sad point which only could have been lifted up by something fantastic… The Leela did the trick! From the moment you enter the open lobby, complete with gorgeous stone-carved columns, to the time you reach your sumptuous and contemporary room, you feel truly relaxed. Just like the Taj Exotica, the resort has lots of outdoor activities including a 12-hole golf course and water sports. After our wonderful treatments the previous night we had contracted spa fever, so we headed straight to The Leela’s spa for a 90-minute massage where my therapist seemed to read my mind on exactly how I liked it. It was heavenly! As well as the main hotel, there is also a Club section which feels like a boutique hotel within a hotel. Although we didn’t stay here, if you were looking for ultimate privacy, then that would be the place to do it!

Leela Goa 1
We spent our last night in India in The Leela’s signature Indian restaurant, Jamavar where we sat next to wide open windows overlooking the lit pool listening to the ocean. We feasted like queens on our favourite dishes and were looked after by the most charming waiters. It couldn’t have been a more perfect finish to our trip.

Now back in London, I am pining for my next opportunity to visit my favourite country in the world, India!

To start planning your own tailor-made journey to South India or North India, please do get in touch with me directly at catriona@ampersandtravel.com / 0207 819 9770 – I would be delighted to help!

 



Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

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