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with Robert Walshe www.robertwalshe.com
Holiday Hotspot – Park Hyatt Goa India Goa, India’s smallest state is famous for a laid back lifestyle with over 100 km of tropical beaches. Look out for the colourful beach huts of Palolem in the far south to the hippie and backpacker vibe of Arambol and Anjuna in the north and with everything from luxury resorts and laid back sands to the busy, party and package holiday
central Baga and Calangute. North Goa is busy and tacky with a gentler, less crowded, more sophisticated scene in the south. Until it was annexed by India in 1961, the state which lies south of Mumbai on India’s western coast, had been held by the Portuguese for half a millennium, three centuries longer than British rule in India.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Goa
In 1843 blighted by illness and disease it was abandoned for new capital Panjim now a UNESCO World Heritage site. When you visit be sure to marvel at the massive churches the Portuguese left behind particularly Asia’s largest Basilica where the remains of 300 hundred year old St Francis Xavier’s decomposing corpse are buried. The narrow lane of the old Fontainhas neighbourhood is Panjim’s atmospheric draw. Wood-framed row houses in saturated hues and neat little shops predominate, but the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on the hill is the jewel in the crown. Fort Aguada with views over Panjim or Chapora Fort above rocky Vagator is also worth a visit. The best time to visit Goa is during the dry, cool winter months between late November and mid-March. At other times, either the sun is too hot or the humidity, clouds and rain
The Village All Day Dining at Park Hyatt Goa India
make life miserable. Opportunities for shopping in Goa are endless, from designer malls to hippie flea markets; you can take home souvenirs to chic clothing. Always be ready to bargain in smaller establishments. As a rule offer 20% of the asking price, and be prepared to pay 35-40% of the original asked price. A short 15-minute transfer from the airport brings you to Park Hyatt, a wonderful 5-star luxury beach property within acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and by far the most luxurious resort to stay in Goa. Accommodation is in a charming Indo-Portuguese village with Pousada-style guest rooms. Suites have a king bed, spacious living area, work desk and a marble bathroom with sunken tub and rain shower.
Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio www.robertwalshe.com or www.goqradio.com
The Park Hyatt “Village “offers lively all-day dining in the heart of the property. The concept is themed around a street side café ideal for breakfast, lunch or an atmospheric “al fresco” dinner. “Palms” a seafood restaurant on a multi-elevated deck offers perfect views of the Arabian ocean on Arossim beach. “Casa Sarita” a Goan restaurant is designed around a regal colonial theme offering a glimpse into Indo-Portuguese culture a distinctive feature in Goa. The extensive freeform pool is the resort’s centerpiece, and one of the largest pools in India. A giant man made lagoon also meanders through the property. www. hyatt.com Emirates operate an award winning twice daily service from Dublin to Goa via Dubai. www. emirates.com