India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [171]
Laguna Anjuna Tucked away in a quiet area amid paddy fields, this place is languid, rustic, and mellow. It’s a resort of sorts, but perfect if you want the best of both worlds—you’re close enough to Anjuna Beach to enjoy the vibe, yet far enough away to be undisturbed by any potential party atmosphere, not to mention the crowds that turn up for the flea market. A large amoeboid pool flanked by dense foliage gets all the attention here, with assorted laterite rooms and cottages clustered together at the back with domes and sloping tiled roofs, each entirely unique, and linked by pebble pathways. The spacious rooms are the most astounding shapes, forming their own contours between palms, and are provided with mirrors, chests, local crafts, and wrought-iron beds covered in cool green and yellow linen. Dean D’Cruz designed the laterite cottages, but they’re looking a little tired these days, sorely in need of maintenance, but if you’re not too fussed, they’re just fine for a tropical holiday. With a piano and pool table inside and dining outside, the restaurant-bar is extremely casual, with an eclectic mix of music playing (sometimes blasting) right through the day.
Soranto Vado, Anjuna 403 509. 0832/227-4305 or -3248. /fax 0832/227-4305. www.lagunaanjuna.com. info@lagunaanjuna.com. 23 units. Oct–Dec 19 and Jan 11–Mar 15 Rs 5,500 double, Rs 7,500 2-bedroom suite; Dec 20–Jan 10 Rs 9,200 double, Rs 14,000 2-bedroom suite; Mar 16–Apr Rs 4,000 double, Rs 5,500 2-bedroom suite; May–Sept Rs 3,200 double, Rs 5,500 2-bedroom suite; Rs 1,200 extra bed. Rates include breakfast and taxes. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (Rs 800–Rs 1,200); large outdoor pool; pool table; room service; spa. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
Mykonos Blu The name of this sleek, smart, brand-new small hotel directly across the road from Baga Creek clues you in to the look the designers were going for. It’s been fashioned to resemble a tiny, compact Mediterranean resort, all whitewashed and sun reflective, with bold blue accents; in a low-rise block overlooking the blue mosaic pool, the attractive rooms all have little sitting areas, fat mattresses on big beds built into arched laterite alcoves, and balconies. The duplex room, with a spectacular vaulted brick ceiling and a view of the creek, is excellent value, with a loft bedroom for children. The suite, with no privacy between the two bedrooms, is good if you literally want to keep an eye on the kids. It’s away from the raucousness of Baga Beach, and although it doesn’t have a seafront location, it’s quite conveniently located for trips all over the north Goan coast, as well as some very good restaurants.
Bagawada (next to Lila Café), Arpora, Bardez 403 516. 0832/227-7891 through -7896. www.mykonosblu.co.in or www.milestonehotels.in. Reservations 022/6741-3337. mumsales@milestonehotels.in. 20 units. Rs 6,000 double, Rs 7,000 duplex (sleeps 4), Rs 8,000 suite (sleeps 4). Rates include breakfast; 10% tax extra. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (free for stays of 3 nights or more; otherwise Rs 1,400); boat; rooftop health club and spa (planned for 2010); outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C and fans, TV, mini bar, Wi-Fi (planned for 2010).
Siolim House It doesn’t get more authentic than this—a chance to sample historic architecture in a 300-year-old Portuguese mansion and experience the ebb and flow of genuine village life. Accommodations are atmospheric and lovely, and retain so much of their original character, thanks to savvy, sensitive restoration by the owner, Varun Sood, a with-it and debonair raconteur, businessman, and charmer; chat with him and he’ll shares his insider views on Goa. The entire house recalls a bygone age and is filled with original antiques, wrought-iron four-poster beds, and lots of dark wood to set off the white walls. If possible, avoid the rooms around