GOA-RGEOUS GETAWAY – GET TRAVERSED TO ANOTHER ERA!
Fatigued with the stereotypical Goan party vacation? Done with staying in commercialized properties, all of which cost a fortune, but look the same! It’s time you escaped to ‘the other’ version of Goa, an idyllic and authentic one at that!
Visit this oasis of calm – a gorgeous 150 year old restored Portuguese villa, “Aida”. A five bedroom self contained abode, nestled in the quaint Verem village, Aida is perfect for a different kind of Goa experience. The villa blends modern luxury and little creature comforts seamlessly with heritage and tradition, and traverses you to a different world and era altogether. The expansive place is surprisingly private and insular, the right mix of near luxury and value, far from the hustle yet not so far from the happening party spots. Enter the enchanting structure and you find five luxurious en-suite bedrooms welcoming you with endearing antique furniture, comfortable furnishings and squeaky clean washrooms. The typical Indo-Portuguese structure with big verandahs and a courtyard in the middle of the house takes you to an era bygone. The large ‘Saala’ or Living Room overlooking the pool is aesthetically done up. If in a large group, this is the perfect place where many a memories will be made. The thriving garden lends the central courtyard many hues of green, and a romantic aura to the place, overall. The verdant stretch extends endlessly, making for an enchanting backdrop.
The villa also has a pool to relax by, which is pretty much the high point of the experience and stay. For those looking for lazy laps or exciting family fun, this massive pool amidst towering trees gives an irresistible invitation at any time of the day (or night). So, whether you want a languid moment curling up with a book in a silent leafy corner or take a dip in the pool is totally your call. A well equipped kitchen with all electronic appliances in place makes it easy to organize meals when in a mood to laze around. The villa is serviced, so your beds will be made and rooms cleaned every day!
The soul and toil behind this marvel of a mansion is the owner Bindu Kessar Manchanda (A Punjabi woman! Wow!). She, given her experience and expertise of having restored many palaces and old buildings, used her knowledge to restore the place from a totally dilapidated state, with authentic techniques and materials like lime plastering the walls, using old laterite stone etc.
The place is ideal for people who want a little bit of everything. Just 4 kilometres away from Candolim, the beach is just a breath away and the buzz of North Goa’s lively spots pretty much round the bend. It is a mere 30 minutes drive from the capital city of Panjim, the hub of art, music and eclectic world cuisine. Given the fantastic location of the villa, one is never short of things to do around. The Verem market with several daily needs shops is at a walking distance, wonderful cafes and restaurants within reach, your doze of partying possible at any given point. Besides this, there are quaint lanes to tread, hidden gems of Goa to explore, and rich heritage to immerse into! Aida certainly wins on all counts, we’d say! Contact Tarini Manchanda at 9811544099 for booking this unique experience.
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