Pamper yourself with a luxurious holiday at W Goa

With swaying palm trees, idyllic countryside roads, brightly coloured houses and deliciously fresh food, Goa is an escape in every sense of the word. Headed over for a mini (and much-needed) getaway, my only agenda was complete rest and relaxation. And what better way to spend your days in the land of sunshine than by staying in an equally sublime hotel? My stay at W Goa gave me the perfect holiday I had envisioned. From exotic and tropical tipples to being pampered with choices galore and their heavenly spa, W Goa goes the extra mile to ensure your stay here is as exotic as Goa itself.

Let me paint you a little picture.

A vision for the senses
One is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing just the right place to stay in Goa. An exemplary icon of luxury while also balancing a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere. W Goa, perched on the side of a hill overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and being just a walk away from Vagator beach, happened to be mine. A convenient buggy ride takes you from one end of the property to the other, spread out over 25 acres of pure tropical paradise, with glimpses of the sparkling water shining through the verdant vistas. Picture this: you wake up from your cozy, soft bed, and walk to your private outdoor seating area. Sit with a book in the pear-shaped swing and take in the beauty of an endless expanse of sunshine and trees. You then make your way over to a lavish breakfast spread overlooking the pool. The pink flamingo float is calling out to you to do nothing but spend the day in a state of immaculate euphoria with no plans other than one: to completely relax. Sheer bliss!

Exemplary dining options
As an avid breakfast lover, I started my day with a delightful spread at The Kitchen Table - the all-day dining restaurant at W Goa: from fresh juices and the ubiquitous coconut water to hot dosas, chocolate-chip pancakes and crisp hash browns. Next up: lunch and drinks at Sylvia - W Goa’s very own Gin-bar offering distinguished gins & gin cocktails. Sloping, modern décor, built to look like an inviting bungalow, it has a lovely terrace that overlooks the tranquil beach and an indoor section as well. The food from Spice Traders, an avant-garde Asian restaurant, was simply exceptional. My entrees included water chestnuts, Thai chilli and hot pepper, and a Chonquing Chicken, cashew nut and Sichuan oil, while for mains I had Chinese fried rice and Mapo tofu in a spicy bean sauce. The winner of the day, however, had to be the delectable array of dimsums – from classic favourites like Vegetable Crystal and Chicken Gyozas to Duck and Cherry Dumplings.

Next on my to-enjoy list was a cocktail at sunset hour at the famed and award-winning Rockpool which is nestled under the shadow of the historic Chapora Fort. I recommend the Sip & Mingle – a refreshing gin and grapefruit concoction that also is the motto at W Goa. For the brave hearts here, definitely try the Keep It Real—a mix of strawberry vodka, blueberry beer and raspberry wine, topped with cherry bitters. Those skipping alcohol certainly shouldn’t skip the Goan Fizz—a traditional and delicious kokam drink. I enjoyed watching the spectacular colours of the sunset fill the sky as I paired my drinks with finger foods such as a fresh roasted pumpkin salad and the imaginative labneh stuffed cottage cheese.

The scrumptious food and ever-attentive hospitality makes a stay at W Goa memorable. It’s definitely earned a spot high up on my list of Goa recommendations!