A Goan summer at Ramada Caravela

Goa in the summer months is hot, sweltering and unrelentingly blazing; but not if you are staying under the cool hospices of Ramada Caravela Beach Resort. I even had a few early monsoon clouds to help negotiate the Goan summer in May this year. It was my second visit to South Goa; the shores of Varca too. I’d earlier stayed in Club Mahindra’s Varca beach resort but that’s a different story.

Goa, the blue-eyed boy of weekend revellers from Mumbai and beyond, is strewn with charming resorts, all vying with each other for a larger slice of the tourist pie. It isn’t easy to stand out in a place like that but I have three good reasons to recommend Ramada Caravela Beach Resort over the rest:

1. The breakfast buffet
2. The sprawling lawns
3. The fact that the private beach stays accessible in the night

Goa is a darling whether you stay in a 500 rupees per night shack or a 5000 rupees per night upscale hotel room. But when you stay in a five star property, you can wake up to a steaming hot cup of coffee (to recover from all that beer) and stunning views of a green garden and the sea beyond. That’s as good a reason as any to splurge on a garden or ocean view room at Ramada.

My stay here was inclusive of all meals and after tasting the gourmet wonders of the buffet breakfast, I decided I didn’t want to miss lunch either. So our days went something like this. Wed wake up leisurely, have breakfast, go for a walk around the property, take a dip in the pool and have a drink or two at the poolside Island Bar. Then, we’d get dressed for an early lunch. After a generous meal, we’d get on the bike and explore Goa’s beaches, churches and streetside markets. We’d return after sundown, lie on the hammock beside the vast golf course and treat ourselves to a sumptuous dinner. Post dinner, we’d get our drinks and relax by the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. You see why a stay here might be a great way to spend your birthday or anniversary weekend?

All our meals were served at the lavish Cafe Cascada with plush seating areas and stunning architecture. At breakfast, there were at least three different Indian options and an array of American and continental vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, apart from a delicious selection of baked goodies, fresh fruits and juices. Heard of that adage – ‘Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper’? At Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, you’ll have all three meals like the scion of a royal family!

After a heavy meal, it was but natural that we should return to the room for a brief siesta. It didn’t hurt that our room came with one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on, a private balcony and a tea/coffee maker. When you start feeling guilty about all those calories, you can expend some energy at the gym or go for a rejuvenating massage at the spa and Ayurvedic centre.

On our last morning here, we walked down to that serene stretch of Varca Beach and dipped our toes into the sandy water one last time. The attendant at the entrance to the beach was kind enough to retain our bags and room keys. That just about sums up what we want from a luxury hotel, doesn’t it? All we really want is for the staff to walk that extra mile to put us at ease and take our stay a notch higher – from good to simply fabulous! Book your stay here.

Want your resort to feature on this website? Email Ankita@trailstainedfingers.com

Sharing is caring!