The Leela Goa

Best For

Its F&B experiences at Jamavar and Susegado

DON’T MISS

Sundown at Susegado

PRICE

Upwards of ₹23,000 for the Lagoon Terrace room

CONTACT:

The Leela Goa, Mobor Beach, Salcette, Cavelossim, Goa 403731; theleela.com

BACKGROUND One of the largest and oldest properties of Goa, The Leela Goa has remained a favourite among families and business travellers for decades. While the resort dates back quite a few years, it has managed to maintain a freshness within its decor with constant renovations and redevelopments.

WHERE IS IT It is about an hour away from Dabolim airport in South Goa. It is by the Cavelossim beach in Mobor and is also one of the few properties to be beside the Sal river.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Entering the colossal resort, statues of elephants and dusted pink hued structures welcome me. I’m instantly awed by the sheer size of this property. It’s easy to get lost within the verdant surroundings of the resort that sprawls over 75 acres of fresh water lagoons and lushness. While the 206 room property is a masterpiece of colonial Portuguese architecture, its lobby breaths of the 13th century Vijayanagara design.

ROOMS I stayed in the Lagoon Terrace room (82 keys) that spans 35 sqm and is connected to a private balcony (10 sqm) that overlooks the lagoon. It was wonderful to watch the lotuses bloom on the lagoon each morning while enjoying a cup of co ee. The marble bathroom features a bathtub and separate shower area. Other categories include Lagoon suite, Club categories - Club suite, Club Pool suite, Royal Villas and the Presidential suite.

MEETINGS The resort’s conference and meeting rooms can accommodate up to 400 people according to the choice of venue and seating configuration. Outdoor functions can be hosted on the foreshore lawns, beachside and pool side depending on the season and number of attendees.

DINING It’s safe to say that F&B is one of the highlights of this resort. They have a spectrum of dining and bar outlets that are each di erent from one another. Their restaurant at the beach - Susegado - is ideal for lunch and sundowns and the menu features international cuisines and local Goan fare with fresh catch. I indulged in some authentic Indian dining at Jamavar, the group’s signature Indian outlet. The galauti kebab, dal Jamavar, and chicken xacuti were my preferred dishes. I also enjoyed dinner one night at Riverside - their Italian fine dining restaurant by the river. Prosciutto with tru le cream and burrata fagottini were made to perfection. Breakfast brunch can be enjoyed at The Restaurant that serves a diverse range of cuisines paired with cocktails and a lavish dessert spread.

LEISURE Recreational amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre, a swimming pool and a spa. Highly recommend the signature spa treatment post a dip in its swimming pool. Guests of the Club rooms and above have access to a dedicated Club Lounge that features a gorgeous emerald green pool that I was given access to. A fullservice beauty salon, a fitness centre with steam and sauna, a tennis court, and a lush green 12-hole par 3 executive golf course are some of the other leisure amenities at the resort.

VERDICT One of Goa’s most prominent destinations, The Leela Goa is apt for the luxury seeking business traveller Akanksha Maker