Casa Colvale

Tucked away in a narrow red mud lane, flanked by a meandering river, Casa Colvale is arguably Goa’s best kept secret. Here you have a small boutique hotel furnished with hand-picked furniture from antique stores and other collectibles, making each room unique. Rooms as well as common areas such as the lounge and restaurant are gifted with excellent vistas of the river, pool or forest. The village of Colvale itself still retains the rustic charm of a Goa gone by – covered with expanses of lush paddy fields and the gentle wash of the Chapora river. The village is steeped in history as far back as the second century and while Colvale was an important defense station during colonial times, the town has now relaxed into a kind of permanent holiday-like stupor.  Casa Colvale is also not too far from the throb of Goa’s famous nightlife. Casa Colvale literally offers the best of both worlds.

Cuisine: It’s hard to find fine dining at your doorstep when you’re off the beaten track, but at Casa Colvale you never have to worry. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Riverview bar shaded by coconut palms, and long lazy dinners at the Riverside restaurant that offers a range of Italian, Continental and Indian fine dining. Breakfast is best in the common lounge where the view of the river adds a zest to each fresh new day, but really, you could have it anywhere you please.

Weather:
Summer- Min 25°C, Max 33°C
Winter- Min 17°C, Max 31°C

Best time to visit: November-March

By Air: Dabolim Airport (46 km, 1 1/4 hrs)

By Rail: Vasco Da Gama Station (48 km, 1 1/4 hrs)

By Road: Panjim (24 km, 1/2 hour)

Casa Colvale’s Suggestions – Just 30 minutes away is the famous Baga-Calangute strip, and a little further you can watch the sunset at La Plage in Ashvem and then head on to nightclubs like Marbela for a riotous evening. You could float down the river in a houseboat, watch crocodiles basking in the sun or spend some time fishing. And if you’d like something extra special, open some bubbly on a sunset cruise all the way to Morjim.

Cabo De Rama Fort- Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama Fort after defeating the Raja (King) of Soonda and renovated it subsequently. Now the fort, primarily composed of ruins now, is a popular tourist destination. Cabo De Rama is home to the bespoke church of Santo Antonio. The altitude of the fort and it’s gorgeous setting allows for uninterrupted views of the Colva beach and the Canacona stretch.

Basilica of Bom Jesus- A UNESCO world heritage site that contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier.  This Jesuit Church is India’s first minor basilica and is primarily known for its beautiful baroque architecture in India.

Ancestral Goa (Big Foot)- Ancestral Goa is a miniature Goan Village modeled after earlier villages. It expands over 9 acres and is located in South Goa, about 10 kilometers away from Margao. This village introduces visitors to the more authentic side of goa, and allows them to assimilate goan culture in a way that is interactive and engaging.

Saturday Night Market- This bustling market (every Saturday evening from 6pm – late night) is located in Apora. This market boasts myriads of selections including spices, teas, Kashmiri carpets, antique jewellery etc. Designers from all over the globe assemble at this market to showcase and sell their goods. Once done shopping, visitors can enjoy the iced cocktails of “The Boutique House Bar” where many Djs come to play their tracks.

Anjuna Flea Market- Anjuna’s weekly Wednesday flea market is an essential Goan experience! Although goods can be on the pricier side, this places hosts merchandise that comes from all over India. Tibetan and Kashmiri traders, Gujarati tribal women, and traders from various parts of India convene here to sell their goods. If shopping doesn’t excite you as much, you can sit back at the chai stalls or restaurant bars with live music and drink the night away.  Cafe Looda is the place to be due to its beachfront location, live music and enviable sunset views.