“The best Goa holiday we’ve had”

Last year, when hubby suggested we use a long weekend for a five-day trip to Goa with our princess Kiya, I was skeptical. He eventually convinced me– mainly because I needed a break – and off we went. As luck would have it, it turned out to be one of the best summer holidays we’ve ever had -- and to add sugar to the deal – fit neatly into our budget, as well!

What more can you ask for?

Landing in the State of Oceans

We took the 10 pm flight from Mumbai – after a hectic day at work – and landed a little before midnight, as our flight got delayed due to a technical issue. While this did not dampen our spirits, it did make me a little apprehensive, considering a late check-in. My mood lifted though when I saw that #QualityInnOceanPalms – the hotel where we had booked in – had a car waiting for us!

Day#1 – Cooling Our Heels at #QualityInnOceanPalmsGoa

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We could do little but crash in into our room that night, but the next morning we awoke to the refreshing, cool breeze from the balcony overlooking the swimming pool, and the tantalizing smell of coffee that hubby dear had ordered. After a king’s breakfast at #Nautilus restaurant, we headed straight for the famous #Calangute beach, merely a walking distance away from #QualityInnOceanPalms.

The beach was peppered with tourists from all parts of the globe, doing everything from simply lazing on the golden sands to delving into adventurous sports like such as paragliding and surfing.

A shutter-happy person, I went crazy clicking, while Rohan and Kiya built sandcastles. Time just flew away as we played dodge ball and swam in the soothing, warm waters. Kiya took a boat ride, while Rohan did paragliding, as I watched with a fluttering heart. Back at the hotel, we treated ourselves to a sumptuous buffet lunch, followed by a short siesta.
The highest point of the day, however, was #OceanPalmsCarnival, a weekend, in-house entertainment show that features stand-up comedy acts, DJ, dance, family games and more with a set of different artists, every weekend! Kiya was delighted with a juggler’s show, as we sipped our pre-dinner drinks.

Day 2 – Beach Hopping On a Bike

The hotel’s travel desk arranged for bikes and even provided us a map with well-charted routes. We went zipping through North Goa on the guided tour that covered the beach, a church, a temple, and Fort Aguada. Thoughtfully, the chef had packed a hamper for us, carrying our picnic lunch that Kiya thoroughly enjoyed.

After a fun-filled ride to Vagator, where many scenes of Dil Chahata Hai have been shot – we headed ‘home,’ where the Ocean Palms staff offered us a cool drink and later treated us to a delicious buffet dinner.

Day 3 – Gyming, Spa and Dancing

The next day, the concierge suggested we try the hotel’s Coral Spa, where I opted for Aroma Therapy, while Rohan hit the gym, and Kiya opted to play it out at the Kiddie Korner.
The massage with aromatic, warm oils, followed by a steam bath, lasted over an hour and was worth every penny for it eased out all the months’ old stress and weariness of hectic work life in Mumbai, and two days of excitement.

Later, on the second day of #OceanPalmsCarnival, we danced into the wee hours to “GaliatSakhli Sonya Chi” and other hot new Bollywood numbers, “Feel the Garmi!”

Day 4 – Cultural Tour

The next day, we again took help from the hotel’s travel desk to arrange a vehicle that would take us zipping through the state on a cultural tour. It was awesome and we returned around 6 pm to a steaming cup of tea before winding up at Beachcombers, Ocean Palms’ live grill and bar where we stayed put till midnight.

Day 5 – Alas! Our last in Goa!

We were reluctant to leave #QualityInnOceanPalmsGoa – not yet! But it had given us loads of happy memories to carry home and along with with it a memory book that would keep all those memories safe – such a thoughtful, touching gesture!

Yes, we would definitely return next season, you bet!

Till then, Adieu, #QualityInnOceanPalmsGoa!

And a fat, big, thank you!