The Grand Hyatt, Goa, started accepting guests a short while
ago and I lucked out – a four day meeting
in their conference /banquet area. The property in on the Bambolim beach in
Central Goa and looks about 200 years old. In reality, it was made over the
previous three years on the lines of a palace of a fictional king who had sailed into
Goa from Portugal.
Right from the quaint covered porch with the Madonna with
child sculpture at the entrance, the hotel is tasteful, understated elegance.
The floors are an unusual mosaic in shades of beige and barely visible muted
gold, the monochrome scheme accentuating the width of the already wide
corridors. Wooden latticework and muted beige inlaid pillars, natural light,
old world chairs with simple lines lend a restful air. Add to that mother of pearl
light fixtures, wrought iron balconies and you have old Goa recreated to
perfection.
Didn’t venture into the sea at Bambolim, but the sea looked
calm and inviting. The beach was quiet too and a huge contrast to Calangute
which we visited on our last day in Goa. We were in Calangute at mid day, the
hot sun and heated sand made one run for cover. The energy of the people on the
beach only accentuated the fact that one was now middle aged!!
Lunch at the much touted Souza Lobo was a disappointment.
Hope to “ do “ Calangute in better times.
While the conference was in the Grand Hyatt, we stayed at the Sandalwood resort. Reasonably priced pool facing suites with lightwood fixtures, competent dining facilities, the piece de resistance was the fact that the lovely Vanguinum beach was just 100 yards away. Secluded and perfect for bathing in the sea.
