Reviewed 29 Oct 2007 by Sherry Stratford
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sheer relaxation, tranquillity, and environment. The people of Goa are really friendly and the staff at the location made the holiday just what it was - paradise. The only decision you have to make each day what swimsuit to wear and which sarong to match it. Take the dolphin trip, a walk to Arunbole takes about an hour down the beach. Be aware the actual resort is remote so if you are looking for a lively Goan holiday go to Baga etc... and leave the resort as it should be. Gods own land.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy clothes at the local market place as opposed to taking your own. Take insect repellent and antihistamine cream. Lots of stray dogs about please do not worry about them as they are friendly and fed. Good quality jewellery to buy.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The staff at the resort were locally employed and all other customs have been maintained i.e. the locals are still able to collect the oysters from the river bed even though now a resort.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have travelled and taken unusual holidays such as camping in the White Desert, and this holiday rates higher than that experience.
Reviewed 24 Feb 2007 by Toni Morgan
The first two weeks of our trip was a new venture. We had never been to Goa before. Our accommodation at this place was in one of their three tents (there are also three beach houses offering accommodation). The tents were set between a salt water creek and the sand dunes, on a huge private plantation. The only access to the site was via the beach or by a long bamboo bridge across the creek. A security guard was stationed at both of these access points making the site very private, for residents only. Our tent was actually set on the creek, so one could sit in the shade by the water when it was too hot to go on the beach, a beach which was, overall, very, very quiet.
It was idyllic - If one wanted to eat "in house" wonderful meals (eaten in "The Shack" under the stars) would be prepared by Babu and Diego (the cooks). These were ordered through and served by Manoj and Jon, while Thomas and Elvis paid a 3 x weekly visit to your tent to change the linen and clean it for you.
Saloo would greet you on arrival by climbing one of the many coconut palms and cutting a coconut to tempt you with a refreshing drink of coconut milk. Lastly Vimod managed the whole complex and was always there to service any request you might have. All in all one is thoroughly spoilt while in residence.
Denzil (the owner) is determined, he says, to ensure that this accommodation should remain in its original natural state and all services have been put into place to ensure that this is so. Neither does he plan over capacity, the site supporting about 18 - 20 guests at any one time. Although not living locally, Denzil, his wife and son visit regularly, to ensure all is well, and will often pitch a tent and stay over bird watching at the weekend.
All in all this is an extremely well cared for, low key, comfortable, beautiful, natural and unspoilt place to stay, where the staff are caring, helpful and wanting to satisfy your every need.
What we didn't like about the holiday which has nothing to do with the accommodation (this we couldn't fault in any way) is Goa itself. When one ventures away from the specific area where we stayed, the tourist resorts are heaving, this just isn't our kind of holiday, but appreciate that many others enjoy being with other tourists. We much prefer to be 'off the beaten track' so to speak.
We were also distressed and rather ashamed that so many Europeans are unable to accept and or appreciate that the culture in India is not the same as in Europe, but still insisted on sunbathing nude (this is in fact against the law but didn't seem to have much effect on many). I believe one should respect other people’s cultures and ways and not abuse them when resident in their country.
And ............. I guess our biggest criticism is the number of loose dogs that often roamed the beaches in packs, one particular morning when we arose early to walk and watch the sun come up a pack of about 6 or 7 rushed towards us barking. Fortunately my husband managed to detract them, and we went a different way, but having read in the papers about people in Bangalore being savaged by such packs and also the risk of rabies I found this quite disconcerting.
I have attached just a few pictures of our accommodation and the surrounds in Goa. I believe I posted pictures of Kerala last year and the place hasn't changed.
We are again in the process of booking a holiday through Responsible Travel (The Gambia) we hope, so thank you for providing so much information.
Reviewed 27 Apr 2006 by Anna Birney
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We arrived at the accommodation from travelling around Goa very tired and dirty and the change in pace and environment was just amazing.
The next morning we took an early morning swim in the rough sea before breakfast and saw two dolphins no more than 20 metres a way - a perfect reflection of the kind of place this is.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This holiday is for people who appreciate a different kind of Goa, not a Goa that is over developed by Miami hotels of shacks on the beach, this place however has a touch of class to it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The guests were staffed by local families who were so amenable and lovely, it is great that Denzil, the owner has not over developed this peace of land and left it in its natural state meaning we saw a huge amount of wildlife. The hardcore environmentalist probably could have seen better water and energy saving techniques being used however compared to the rest of tourist development in the area it is at least aware of these issues.
4. Any other comments?
A four star place - the only thing stopping it being five star was the slight pollution of the sea (nothing to do with the owners) but is a shame!
