New boutique hotel opens in South Goa

Vivenda dos Palhacos has recently opened as one of South Goa’s first boutique hotels situated in Majorda, a 45 minute drive from the state capital Panjim. The project is the brainchild and design of sister and brother team, Charlotte and Simon Hayward, of the Calcutta Hayward Gin family.

The setting is a traditional Goan Portuguese house which dates back over a hundred years and is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the midst of Majorda village, an easy stroll from one of Goa’s longest beaches (25 kilometres in total).

After over a year of careful renovation and restoration, the property has opened to guests offering seven rooms. All individually designed, the Haywards have named each bedroom after their family homes in Bengal and Tamal Nadu, aiming to offer visitors a uniquely Indian house party experience.

There are two rooms in the Portuguese part of the house. KONNAGAR, the master bedroom has an old four-poster and its own balcony with a large bathroom with shower and a cast iron bath tub saved from the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. ALIPUR has a window seat that is either a love seat or prayer spot, overlooking the next door coconut plantation with a simple teak antique double bed.

In the older, Hindoo part of the house MADRAS is a large double room with French doors leading out to the garden from its open-air bathroom. BALLYGUNGE has two large single beds in it that can be pushed together, with a distinctly Gujarati bathroom. OOTY, has a private entrance from the courtyard and a built-in double bed and sitting area.

CHANPARA is a huge tent, with a double cast iron bed, rugs and old camping furniture, including a Thunder Box and an early version of a mini bar. It has a private entrance and young garden of its own, in a coconut plantation by the pool. And lastly, the CHUMMERY is a self-contained cottage with a bathroom, small kitchen and two verandas.

Dining is offered to guests either ‘al fresco’ in the garden, or in the grand dining room adjacent to the hall of the main house with an impressive 20 ft long Mutti wood table which can seat up to 16 for dinner, beneath three matching art deco chandeliers. The cuisine is modern European with an Asian flavour prepared by Keralan chef Jibby.

The Hayward’s extensive knowledge of the local area means that visitors have the luxury of a 24 hour concierge service on tap. They aim to offer personally designed experiences for guests ranging from gourmet picnics served on the beach, to their classic Ambassador limousine service, to a book ordering service where guests can email ahead a reading list and the Haywards will have a personalised library of books awaiting their arrival, for a fraction of the UK price.

Prices start from $80 a night for a double room ($40 during Monsoon season).

The whole house can be booked for $600 per night ($300 Monsoon season).

For further information and to make reservations go to Vivendagoa.com or book via i-escape.com.