India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (103 page)

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.
[email protected]. 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 the courtyard, though, as these pick up some noise from the public areas. Besides, the upstairs superior rooms are even more appealing (Macassar being our personal favorite); they’re massive, with high ceilings and loads of windows (but no A/C) that fill the interior with magnificent light and a welcome breeze. He’s also created a lovely garden and poolside environment, and the intimate restaurant serves great fresh fish. You can rent scooters and Bullet motorcycles, and staff arrange tours up and down the coast, and you can attend Sunday mass at Siolim village’s beautiful church, just down the road.

Waddi, Siolim, Bardez 403 517.
0832/227-2138
or 98-2258-4560.
Fax 0832/227-2941.
www.siolimhouse.com
. 7 units. Oct–Dec 19 and Jan 11–Apr Rs 6,600 double, Rs 8,300 superior double; Dec 20–Jan 10 Rs 11,025 double, Rs 13,000 superior double; Rs May–Sept Rs 4,000 double, Rs 5,000 superior double. Rs 1,500 children over 12, Rs 750 children 5–12. Rates include breakfast; 10% tax extra MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; common room with lounge, TV, DVD, Wii gaming console, and library; airport transfers (Rs 1,000); large outdoor pool; table tennis; Wi-Fi (in restaurant; free). In room: A/C (in some) and fans.

Wildernest
Miles away from the clichéd Goan image of sun and sand, this wilderness retreat is considered one of the world’s top eco-resorts. Sandwiched between two wildlife sanctuaries near the Maharashtrian border, some 800m (2,624 ft.) above sea level, this is the “love-child” of a group of villagers, eco-crusaders, and three forest departments that saved 180 hectares (450 acres) from becoming a timber and mining wasteland. Having resurrected the land, the team stuck fast to its natural-material-only rule. The result is delightful; ingenuity has left its stamp everywhere: on walls, lights, even signposts, culminating in the most awesomely located infinity pool, surrounded by forested hills, with waterfalls cascading in the distance and fed by natural spring water. Cottages are simple, but come with extraordinary views of either the forest or the valley. Cuisine features a delectable mix of recipes from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, and is served in earthen pots. Wildernest is a haven for trekkers and birders alike: You’re likely to spot paradise flycatchers, Malabar grey hornbills, and long-billed vultures. And, as you head off on early morning forest trails, you’ll spot telltale signs left by bears and leopards.

Swapnagandha, off Sankhali, Chorla Ghats 403 708.
93-4111-2721
or
0831/420-7954 or -1662. Fax 0831/243-1762.
www.wildernest-goa.com
. 16 units. Nov–Apr 14 Rs 6,000 forest view double, Rs 7,000 valley view double, Rs 10,000 family cottage (4 people); Apr 15–Oct Rs 3,200 Forest View double, Rs 4,200 Valley View double, Rs 6,000 Family Cottage. 1 child under 10 can stay free in forest and valley view cottages. Rates include all meals, evening tea, most activities, and taxes. Rates are much higher Dec 25–Jan 2. No credit cards.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (free for stays of 2 nights; otherwise Rs 1,800); bicycles; bird-watching; nature walks and treks; large outdoor pool. In room: Fans.