Work with a view

Sunny shores, tranquil streets and productivity

WORDS ANITHYA BALACHANDRAN

No one ever forgets their rst trip to Goa. A visit to the tropical paradise is almost a rite of passage for anyone who loves tropical weather, a laid-back environment and as the Goans refer to it, the ‘Susegad’ way of life. A er the rst time I went to Goa, I went back three more times in the same year. e city has an alluring charm and that was especially proven during the pandemic. Many people ed their homes in large metropolitan cities to bask in the glory of sun and sand. Even as the e ects of Covid-19 began to ebb away, a lot of travellers became residents of the Konkan haven. e city saw a rise in travellers who saw Goa as the ideal place for a workcation. Workcation is a global phenomenon that rose in popularity during and post the pandemic. Nowadays, the employed are straying away from conventional workspaces and are choosing to work out of remote destinations so they can pursue their love for travel whilst retaining their full-time job. Goa is one of the top destinations in India that is popular for this purpose. In this feature, Business Traveller India handpicks things to do, where to eat and where to stay to help plan an ideal workcation.

What To Do

Anjuna Flea Market

e bustling ea market that pops up every Wednesday is where one can shop for quirky, handcra ed items. Hundreds of stalls line the market streets every week. From clothes, decor, trinkets, shoes to jewellery, ka ans, bamboo sling bags and tribal marks, Anjuna Flea market is truly one of a kind. e market was started in the early 1960s by nomadic travellers to showcase their unique products. Travellers would sell their second-hand products to buy new products whenever they ran out of money.

All About Alcohol Museum

India’s rst alcohol museum is located in Candolim. e four-room space is an attempt to o er tourists a glimpse of the state’s alcohol legacy. Featuring a collection of items ranging from chalices, record-holding shot glasses, a sugarcane crusher, glasses of all kinds, a wooden shot dispenser, sni ers, a mortar and pestle used to crush gin botanicals, water goblets and more, a visit to the museum is both educational and fun.

Majorda Beach

Situated between Utorda Beach and Betalbatim Beach, the beach allows one to bask in the glory of the stunning coastline. Dotted along the beach are many small beach shacks serving authentic Goan fare. Enjoy a refreshing beverage whilst lazing on the sun beds that can be hired by the hour. If one wishes to partake in adrenaline-inducing activities, the beach

Museum Of Goa

Museum of Goa is a private contemporary art space founded by Dr Subodh Kerkar in 2015. e Museum aims to celebrate Goa’s rich history and people through the medium of contemporary art. e space seeks to bring art and local history to larger audiences, in an attempt to bridge the growing cultural gap in the country. Histories of Goa, a permanent exhibition at the Museum, o ers a glimpse into the multiple histories of the state, highlighting lesser-known stories of its storied past. e exhibition showcases contemporary artists from Goa, as well as artwork inspired by the state. e museum also hosts temporary exhibitions all year round, showcasing the best talents from Goa and around the world.

The northern side of the beach is popular with families whereas the southern is targeted towards solo travellers looking for an adventure

Sahakari Spice Farm

e Sahakari Spice Farm cradled amidst lush greenery in Ponda is an enthralling experience for those who want to be enveloped by nature. e spice plantation makes for a perfect picnic spot for those exploring spice tourism with other Goan attractions around. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal in the restaurant at the farm in a rustic ambience and sample dishes created using the vegetation from the farm. e restaurant encapsulates the farm-to-table experience very well!

Palolem Beach

e most popular beach in the Southern part of the city, Palolem Beach is a heady blend of tranquillity during the day and buzzing with vibrancy at night. Known for its picturesque natural beauty, this semi-circular beach is only a mile long. e northern side of the beach is popular with families whereas the southern is targeted towards solo travellers looking for an adventure. In this section of the beach, one can indulge in numerous types of water activities, such as kayaking and boat riding.

Where To Eat

A Reverie

A novel dining experience encapsulated in its molecular gastronomy o erings, a meal at A Reverie is truly one that makes for a memorable culinary experience. For taste palates that seek a change from normalcy, the restaurant breaks the mould of traditional cuisines by reinventing life into tried-and-tested preparations. Based on the philosophy that food is not merely a means for sustenance; it can be evocative, nostalgic and thought-provoking, a meal here is cra ed to be a multi-sensory experience.

Elephant And Co Goa

Elephant and Co Goa is a destination that goes beyond serving food and drinks. It is an establishment created to be treated as a communal space enjoyed by people from all walks of life with a side of food and beverages. From a tender coconut seltzer with curry leaf and a ginger ale mimosa to juicy tropical tikis, the drinks menu has plenty of non-alcoholic options which is unique for a bar. For those taking the cocktail route, the Easy Sippers section begins with an ode to Gundu, the famous bartender at Joseph’s Bar with a Feni, chilli and soda. One of the crowd favourites is Liquid Charlie, a drink spiked with scotch, ca eine and orange which truly is a show-stopper. To accompany these innovative creations is a hearty food menu consisting of experimental dishes such as the Spicy Meat Salad- an all-meat salad with a tamarind dressing, Ghee Roast Tacos and Lemongrass and honey pork skewers.

Gunpowder

Revolutionising the presence of South Indian cuisine in Goa, Gunpowder’s renowned dishes Toddy Shop Meen Curry and Soondal attract visitors from near and far. Serving up dishes such as a ery Andhra Prawn Curry and Pandhi Curry that go well with parottas, or cloud-like appams, a meal at this restaurant ranks highly on many travellers’ lists of where to eat. Easily one of North Goa’s most sought-a er restaurants, Gunpowder o ers a delicious spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. e fact that it is housed within the compound of a Portuguese-style heritage house adds to its charm.

The market was started in the early 1960’s by nomadic travellers to showcase their unique products

Maai

Under the divine roof of the 125-year-old Villa that has stood the test of time; Maa is where each ingredient narrates a story of its own. e inspirations and the blends of unique spices and masalas created using locally sourced ingredients come together to form a mind-boggling assortment of avours in fresh recipes that embody the soul of Goa. e establishment shares a philosophy deeply rooted in a rich legacy, creating a cosy ambience that only exudes tranquillity. Being amongst the only few restaurants in the world to curate Portuguese-inspired dishes, the extensive menu also serves a large variety of high-quality vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Mah

A dining experience set in a 19thcentury Portho house with a large alfresco area in Anjuna, Mahé brings to life the concept of ‘contemporary yet familiar’. e idea of the restaurant is to create a unique culinary experience and pay tribute to the cuisines of the vast Indian coastline. Mahé, Goa o ers two di erent spaces – the Blush (bar) and Jade (dining) rooms with light, breezy elements that create an intimate dining experience along with statement bars. A large garden space that brings out the quintessential Goa experience with white pebbles and lush, varied foliage and so many more charming elements.

Piccola Roma

A hidden gem in the bylanes of Vagator, Piccola Roma brings the delightful avours of Italy to Goa’s sunny shores. From wood- red pizzas to unique homemade pasta dishes such as the creamy vodka salmon pasta, a meal here is a great introduction to the humble yet astounding avours of the cuisine. Featuring an al fresco seating arrangement as well, the dining establishment is ideal for all times of the day. e space has an elegant, welcoming aura and is idyllic to savour an authentic Italian meal that is prepared with great care and thought.

Where To Stay

Alila Diwa Goa

Nestled in the heart of verdant paddy elds, Alila Diwa Goa is a delightful blend of contemporary Goan architecture and cultural traditions. Located 20 minutes from the Goa Dabolim International Airport, the property exudes tranquillity and harbours an aura of local charm. If one wishes to sample the deep avours of Kerala, Karnataka and Goa, a meal at Spice Studio is a must. e culinary experience is heightened by the ambience as the restaurant is built around a majestic Banyan tree. e hotel also o ers BLive E-Bike Tours for guests who are keen on exploring the local neighbourhood on an electric bicycle. To experience the epitome of relaxation one can indulge in contemporary expressions of thousand-year-old Ayurveda therapies at the spa. O ering Asian and Western massage techniques and beauty rituals that are designed to naturally restore one’s sense of wellbeing, a trip to the spa is highly recommended. alilahotels.com

Grand Hyatt Goa

Overlooking the striking waters of the Bambolim Bay and spread across 28 acres of vibrant, tropical gardens and lush lawns, Grand Hyatt Goa lives up to its name and represents grandeur in every sense. e hotel features a wide range of F&B o erings ranging from e Verandah which serves authentic Italian food, with an array of wholesome home-style recipes to the Dining Room, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that features live kitchens. To truly enjoy the convivial spirit of Goa, go for a drink at Capiz Bar which is the perfect place in Goa to start the evening with cocktails and high-energy music. Unwind and relax in 313 splendidly appointed rooms and magni cent suites. Every room at Grand Hyatt Goa features a balcony o ering relaxed seating with serene views of sunsets, a free-form swimming pool or tropical gardens. e 16 suites also feature a whirlpool in the suite balcony overlooking gardens and the ocean. hyatt.com

Itc Grand Goa

Priding itself in its sustainable practices and hidden away in a tranquil, unspoilt corner of south Goa, the exquisite resort promises a relaxing getaway. Guests can enjoy direct access to Arossim Beach and bask in the glory of its pristine shores. e 246 keys resort sprawls over 182108 sqm of lush landscaped area and features six signature food & beverage outlets. Additionally, the resort o ers multiple outdoor and indoor venues for bespoke banqueting, special events and weddings. To enjoy uninterrupted solitude, opt for a treatment at Kaya Kalp - e Royal Spa. An awe-inspiring element of the property is the architecture that resembles a quaint Indo-Portuguese village. Rooted deep in the red soil of Goa - the ve courts are linked by cobbled pathways, representative of the city’s traditional Latin Quarters. e resort itself is adorned with traditional Goan design elements, such as the palanquin near the courtyard and the wide windows with mother-of-pearl shells, resembling typical Goan homes. itchotels.com

THE ST. REGIS GOA RESORT

Set in the scenic expanse of 49 acres of sprawling greenery and sparkling lagoons, the 5-star hotel is a short drive from local wildlife sanctuaries and only 60 minutes away from Dabolim Airport. Guests can feast on local cuisine at e Restaurant, have a ernoon tea at e Drawing Room, sample seafood and grilled meats at Susegado or indulge in Italian fare set on an open terrace with views of the Sal River at Riverside. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic and holistic therapies at e St. Regis Spa, tee o at the 12-hole golf course overlooking the Arabian sea or take a dip in the plunge pool. e resort allows guests to explore the beach with its own private access. e rooms feature amenities such as LED TVs, free wi and views of the lagoon. Experience the signature St. Regis treatment by making use of the renowned 24-hour butler service. marriott.com

TAJ RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTRE, GOA

e 299-room Taj Resort and Convention Centre is symbolic of ultimate luxury and scale. A stone’s throw away from Panjim and neighbouring the Cidade de Goa, the property is an admirable combination of enviable spaces and modern design. A meal at e Banyan is highly recommended. It takes its name from a 200-year-old Banyan tree that is a landmark in the resort. For guests that wish to savour coastal cuisine from around the world, C2C is the place to feast. Begin or end your day with a refreshing dip in the 25 metres lap pool, on the lower ground oor adjacent to the Gym and Kids Club. e convention centre is the highlight of the hotel. An opulent 1200 sqm pillar-less hall featuring six breakaway spaces, an exclusive entrance and ample recreational options truly shows the grand scale at which the property operates. For a bird’s eye view of the Konkan city, head up to the picturesque roo op, suitably landscaped with a large in nity pool along the sea-facing edge and boasting a sunken bar. For a much-needed pampering session with indulge in a soak at the Jiva spa or delight the cinephile in you at the hotel’s private 40-seater cinema. tajhotels.com

W Goa

Situated between the dense jungle and the beautiful coastline of Vagator Beach, W Goa overlooks the Arabian Sea and spans across 25 acres of beaches, against the backdrop of a 500-year-old Portuguese Fort. Guests who wish to stay on top of their tness regime can work out at the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Each room at W Goa includes a Portuguese-style balcony. Room amenities include a pillow top mattress, marble bathroom and free breakfast and wi .

To make the most of the surrounding views relish a meal at Rock Pool. e sleek restaurant is perched along a naturally carved cli side façade and allows one to soak in the majestic beauty of Goa. For a change of pace, head over to Woobar, the resort’s epicentre of cocktail and party culture. e pulsating bar is enhanced by its surroundings consisting of eclectic décor that reinterprets Goan shing heritage. marriott.com BTI