The Goa Experience. November 2016 - October 2017

NOVEMBER 2016 - OCTOBER 2017

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.

When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Our ATOL number is 1866. We are also members of ABTA and AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page 55.

Serenity Holidays Ltd, Registered in the UK number 01744872. Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AN. Copyright © 2016 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved.

Cover: Pattern © An Vino / Shutterstock. This page: Palolem beach © Mikhail Nekrasov / Shutterstock

Contents A warm welcome

4-5

South goa

36-37

What to expect

6-9

The Leela

38-39

Choosing the right region

10-11

Taj Exotica

40-41

Beaches

12-13

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa

42

Exploring Goa

14-15

Alila Diwa

43

Find the perfect hotel

16

Ramada Caravela

44-45

Map of Goa

17

Acacia Palms

46

North Goa

18-19

FURTHER OPTIONS

Nilaya Hermitage

20-21

More online

47

Sol de Goa

22-23

Multi-centre holidays

48-49

Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village

24

Beyond Goa

50-51

Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada

25

Acron Waterfront Resort

26-27

Country Inn & Suites Candolim

28

Fortune Select Regina

29

Sonesta Inns

30

Chalston Beach Resort

31

central & the interior

32

Grand Hyatt Goa

33

Cidade de Goa

34

Panjim Inn

35

useful information A-Z Things to know

52-53

Insurance

53

Flight Information

54-55

Prices

56-57

How to book

58

Terms and conditions

59

Baga creek © Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock

© Juhku / Shutterstock

4

Dudhsagar Waterfalls © Pikulina / Shutterstock

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

A Warm Welcome As the destination specialist, our passion and enthusiasm for India’s smallest state translates into knowledge and reliability, promising that each customer we send to Goa will have the means to achieve and discover the ultimate Goa experience.

Whether it’s recommending the perfect accommodation, pointing you in the direction of your resort’s best beach shack or helping you to choose the right India tour, we’re the destination specialists who ensure you don’t miss a single slice of what Goa has to offer.

Honest and informative brochure

We are strong believers in portraying a destination in the most honest way possible, which is why this brochure has been put together by those who know and respect Goa and everything it stands for.

The state is a genuinely breathtaking place, from its alluring palmfringed shores, gentle meandering rivers and verdant jungle-covered mountains through to its beautiful colonial architecture, striking Hindu temples and imposing whitewashed churches. Tourism is well established here with the main tourist resorts being popular with both international and domestic tourists alike.

Staff with first-hand KNOWLEDGE

Being a specialist tour operator, we pride ourselves on our wealth of destination knowledge and the innovative choice of accommodation and resort areas we offer. Our UK team has first-hand experience of the state, so can help you choose the right trip, ensuring you don’t just book a good holiday but an unforgettable experience! They’ll be happy to share their enthusiasm and expertise as well as introduce you to places and experiences that other tour operators to Goa might miss.

Our resort service

We realise that our service to you does not stop the moment you step on the plane, and that a professional and personal approach by our resort team during your holiday can make all the difference. We have a quality representative service in Goa provided by our local agent, SITA, who have over 50 years’ experience. Our dedicated representatives all speak English and are keen to share their love for their state providing you with useful local information to help you get the most out of your stay.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

What we offer

• Holidays to the north, central and southern regions of Goa • A wide choice of hotels from 2½

to 5

Deluxe

• A range of bed & breakfast, half board, full board and all-inclusive accommodation • A choice of exciting multi-centre holidays and India Tours (see pages 48-51) • Economy and Premium class flights from Gatwick and Manchester • Flexible holiday durations including 7, 10, 11, 14, 21 and 28 nights • Unrivalled customer service • Knowledgeable English speaking representatives • Our own Goa destination guide • Competitive pricing Our Serenity service

The Goa Experience is part of Serenity Holidays, an independent, fully bonded tour operator which prides itself on the quality of its holidays and the personal service provided to customers. Our Serenity service includes: • Almost 30 years’ experience arranging specialist holidays • In-depth, first-hand knowledge of the destination • Loyalty discounts for repeat customers • Fully bonded holidays to ensure customers have complete financial security MORE ONLINE

Visit our comprehensive website, GoaExperience.co.uk where you can book securely 24 hours a day and view more in-depth information about the destination and our carefully selected range of accommodation – including maps, tips, online chat facility, plus extensive photo galleries.

5

What to Expect Hugging India’s western coast, the small exotic state of Goa offers a gentle introduction to India and a memorable winter sun holiday destination. The wonderful climate, warm and welcoming people and rich Portuguese colonial past all add to its appeal.

Having been a thriving Portuguese colony for over 400 years following the arrival of Vasco de Gama in 1498, Goa’s colonial past has been richly engrained into today’s vibrant culture. A delightful mix of exotic India and the familiar feel of a European destination, the state is like no other in the vast Indian sub-continent. Colourful Portuguese heritage homes still line the streets while whitewashed churches stand tall against a back drop of coconut palms.

Goans are very proud of their heritage and welcoming to visiting tourists. You are not just a visitor to their state, but a friend in their home whom they are happy to share their unique culture and traditions with. From sampling the delicious fusion food, to joining in with magical festivals and events, you are sure to fall under Goa’s spell and be left wanting more.

© Fedor Vasilyev / Shutterstock

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The official language of India is Hindi, although many states have their own. In Goa, the local language is Konkani, a gentle language that borrows from both Indo and European dialects. English is also very widely spoken making the destination easy to get around and explore.

Religion is an integral part of everyday life in the state. Like most of India, Hinduism is now the predominant religion although, following the colonial era, Christianity is also well rooted here. Today Hindus, Christians and Muslims live amongst each other harmoniously and have taken on many common traits from Renaissance architecture in Goan temples to Christian prayers being sung in Konkani.

Whilst many holiday-makers visit Goa to simply relax in the sunshine on one of the palm-fringed shores, there is so much more to see in this diverse state. From gentle meandering rivers and jungle-covered mountains, to fragrant spice plantations and striking historic towns, Goa will provide an unforgettable holiday experience and memories that will last long after your suntan fades.

Anjuna beach © Mikhail Nekrasov / Shutterstock

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Arambol Š Glebstock / Shutterstock

A FANTASTIC Climate Located midway between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Goa is an ideal winter sun destination, enjoying virtually uninterrupted sunshine, high daytime temperatures and virtually no rainfall from November to March. From April until June, the heat Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct and humidity start to build, to 9 9 9 10 9 leading 10 10 the 5arrival2 of the 3 monsoon 5 8 rains between June and September where the landscape is transformed into a lush green canvas. It is not until October that the skies start to clear again and the humidity gradually dissipates. sUNSHINE HOURS (AVERAGE) Nov 2 9

Dec 1 9

Jan 1 9

Feb 2 10

Mar 4 9

Apr 5 10

May 6 10

Jun 7 5

July 6 2

Aug 6 3

Sep 5 5

Oct 3 8

temperature ÂşC (AVERAGE MAXIMUM) Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

32

31

28

28

30

32

33

32

29

29

29

32

Currency 2 1 1 2 4 5 6 7 6 6 5 3 Goa offers better value for money than many other exotic winter sun destinations. The local currency is the Indian Rupee expressed as INR which can only be obtained in India and must be Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct exchanged you home. exchange rate 10 7 back 6 before 7 10 return 13 17 20The29 22 21 19 can 14 32 31 28 28 30 32 33 32 29 29 32 fluctuate between around 90-100 INR to the pound.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986 10

7

6

7

10

13

17

20

22

21

19

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Getting around Being a small and well developed state, Goa is easy to navigate and explore. Taxis are readily available in most tourist areas and often of a good standard, however always make sure you agree on the fare before you set off. Tuk-tuks and auto rickshaws (three wheeled cabin motorbikes) are also common and definitely offer a memorable experience, but can be poorly maintained so use with caution. As a tourist it is not advisable to hire cars or motorbikes whilst on holiday in Goa. The rules of the road are very different to what we are accustomed to in the UK and the roads themselves can be in a poor condition, with limited road signs.

Activities Goa has plenty of activities and experiences to choose from. There are excellent spa facilities in many of the hotels with most offering traditional Indian Ayurvedic treatments, as well as the chance to take part in yoga and meditation sessions. For the more active, there is a wide range of sports facilities available in the larger hotel resorts including golf courses, tennis courts and water sports. Outside the hotels, the state offers a wide variety of unique experiences including rich historical sites, striking temples and wildlife reserves.

7

© Paul_Brighton / Shutterstock

CUISINE Goa is well known for its wonderful cuisine – a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours, distinct to this small inviting coastal state. Each ingredient is carefully chosen and meticulously prepared to create delicious and fragrant dishes that invigorate and enliven the senses.

The local cuisine can be split into two distinct categories, Konkan Hindu dishes, made from creamy coconut milk, infused with aromatic spices and often served with locally caught fish, and the Goan Catholic dishes, typified by the use of pork and beef. In addition to these local recipes you’ll find a great variety of western dishes available and an exciting fusion scene that is rapidly emerging.

Of particular note is the bountiful supply of fresh fish and seafood on offer including tiger prawns, lobsters, red snapper and king fish.

Here are just a few of the most popular Goan dishes to try during your holiday: Goan Fish Curry – The staple dish of Goa, a coconut based dish flavoured with red chillies and fresh fish usually served with fluffy rice.

Pork Vindaloo – A very hot and spicy pork curry, flavoured with red chillies, ginger, garlic and spices ground in vinegar.

Chicken Cafreal – Portuguese style grilled chicken infused with spicy green chillies, peppercorns, garlic and ginger.

Prawn Xacuti – A popular dish cooked with coarsely ground coconut, red chillies, poppy seeds and spices.

Bebinca Cake – A traditional multi-layered cake with distinctive Portuguese influences made from a rich mixture of coconut milk, sugar and egg yolks.

Beach at Ramada Caravela, Varca

Restaurants & Nightlife Goa has an excellent choice of restaurants serving a wide range of cuisine both within the hotels, the resort areas and in the famous beach shacks. You will find an extensive selection of restaurants and bars along the coast offering tasty Goan cuisine and international favourites as well as fine dining options. The standard is generally good and the prices are usually lower than in the UK with a simple meal and beer costing around £5-£10 or a three-course meal with wine at one of the state’s finest restaurants priced at around £25.

The most vibrant nightlife can be found in the north of the state in resorts such as Candolim, Calangute and Baga where there are plenty of bustling beach shacks, lively bars and the occasional nightclub. The resorts in the south have a much more relaxed and laid-back feel with just a handful of restaurants and bars.

Shopping & Markets The streets of Goa are filled with market stalls and craft boutiques offering a wide array of shopping opportunities; you are sure to find many gifts to take home. Here are some of our favourite, must visit markets: Anjuna Flea Market – Held every Wednesday from morning until dusk in a coconut plantation just outside Anjuna, this is a colourful tourist bazaar. Originally started by hippies in the 60s, the market has become one of the most famous in the state with stall after stall of handicrafts.

Mapusa Local Produce Market – Mapusa is home to Goa’s biggest and liveliest market offering local, fresh produce and Goan specialities such as Cashew Feni and spicy Goan chorizo sausage. At its best on a Friday, the market offers an authentically Goan shopping experience.

Saturday Night Market – A bustling, lively night market near Arpora, the Saturday Night Market is a must for any holiday-maker visiting Goa. Live music and the smell of delicious street food fill the air, as you wander past row after row of colourful stalls.

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For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Holi Festival © Tim Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo

Festivals The Goan calendar is filled with festivals and events helping to showcase the state’s vibrant culture. From live music and dance to colourful parades, the state comes to life with many religious and cultural celebrations. Why not time your trip to coincide with one of the many festivals taking place and experience Goa’s vibrant culture first hand. Here is a list of our top festivals.

OCT / NOV | Diwali The Hindu festival of light is a five day event celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The festival features the lighting of lamps, hanging of paper lanterns and the giving and receiving of sweets.

DEC | Feast of St Francis Xavier The biggest of all Christian Festivals in Goa is the Feast of St Francis Xavier, when thousands from across the world visit to participate in the morning mass in Old Goa. Held on the anniversary of his death, this festival celebrates the life of the Saint who brought Christianity to Goa.

FEB / MAR | Carnival The capital Panjim comes alive during this three day Goan Carnival, including colourful processions of floats, live bands and dancing inspired by the Brazilian Mardi Gras.

MAR | Shigmo One of the most colourful festivals in Goa, Shigmo is celebrated by the Hindu majority with joyous festivities and elaborate parades.

On the eve of Shigmo, a fiesta of colour and rich cultural heritage unfolds across the length and breadth of Goa. For a full diary of events and festival dates visit our website GoaExperience.co.uk/Festivals

DEC | Christmas Christmas is a magical time in Goa celebrated by both Hindus and Christians alike. The day is commemorated with feasting, fireworks and many festivities all over the state.

FEB / MAR | Holi Holi Festival or the Festival of Colours is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and is the first in the Hindu calendar. Marking the arrival of spring, it commemorates fertility and good harvest with the throwing of colourful paint and water. The temples in the south of Goa celebrate Holi Festival with the most enthusiasm.

Carnival

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

9

Choosing the right region For such a small state, Goa is very diverse with the north, central and southern regions all offering a different holiday experience.

For many, when deciding where to stay, it will often come down to a question of the north or the south, primarily due to the fantastic beaches and tourist resorts, although Central Goa also holds its own unique charm with a range of attractions found nowhere else. We have hand-picked a number of superb properties spread across all three regions, so your choice of where to stay will simply come down to what sort of holiday you are looking for. Please see page 17 for a map showing each region.

If you can’t choose which region you prefer, why not opt for a multi-centre holiday. Some of our favourite combinations can be found on pages 48-49.

North goa – bUSTLING TOURIST RESORTS AND A SPECTACULAR COASTLINE Framed by two magnificent rivers, the Mandovi and the Terekhol, North Goa is the most famous region in the state. Its striking coastline is scattered with bustling beachfront resorts including the popular villages of Candolim, Calangute and Baga. Soft golden sands line the shores and are backed by colourful makeshift beach shacks and coconut palms whilst just inland, villages come alive with local restaurants, lively bars and craft stalls.

The region hosts some of the best markets in the state including the bohemian Anjuna Flea market, the Mapusa local produce market and the lively Saturday Night market at Arpora.

To learn more about North Goa or view the hotels available in this region, visit pages 18-31.

Baga beach © Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo

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For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Arambol beach © Pikoso.kz / Shutterstock

Central & the interior – coLONIAL HERITAGE AND NATURAL SPLENDOUR While the stunning stretches of beach may not extend throughout Central Goa, the character and heritage of the state is at its most prominent here, as well as its outstanding natural beauty. Framed by two magnificent rivers, the Mandovi and the Zuari, the region has a very varied landscape from lush tropical jungle and verdant covered mountains to bustling colonial towns and modern industrial centres.

It is also home to some of Goa’s most impressive sights including the state capital of Panjim, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa and the picturesque Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

sOUTH goa – sUBLIME BEACHES AND LAID-BACK FISHING VILLAGES South of the Zuari River lies the southern region of Goa, the quieter and less developed half of the state. A quintessentially laid-back region defined by quaint fishing villages, sprawling coconut groves and long sweeping bays of powder white sand, where you will encounter fewer activities, eateries and nightlife in comparison to North Goa. This serene stretch of coastline affords some of the best beaches in the state with Arossim, Benaulim and Mobor just to name a few. It is also where you will find the most luxurious 5 Deluxe hotels in Goa.

To learn more about Central Goa or view the hotels available in this region, visit pages 32-35.

To learn more about South Goa or view the hotels available in this region, visit pages 36-46.

Old Goa © saiko3p / Shutterstock

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

Palolem beach © Lena Serditova / Shutterstock

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Beaches Where India meets the Arabian Sea, Goa’s coastline is blessed with some of the most striking beaches in the country. It offers an impressive array of beach resorts from the bustling golden shores of the north, to the secluded white sands of the south coast.

Colourful beach shacks line the sands on many beaches, intricately built from timber and bamboo with palm-thatched roofs. During the day, they provide sunloungers and parasols as well as offering tasty Goan dishes and refreshing drinks. By night, the shacks move their tables down to the water’s edge and line them with candles. On the quieter beaches, this can be a very romantic way to spend the evening, with your toes in the cool sand and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

North Goa Morjim & Ashvem These wild, picturesque expanses of beach can be found in the far north of the state with just a handful of trendy beach bars and shacks. The beaches are also the nesting grounds for the world famous olive ridley sea turtles, visiting the area between October and March.

Anjuna & Vagator While these beaches may not be considered the most spectacular and expansive stretches of sand in Goa, there is a beauty and charm to these quaint coves. Small curves of sand are backed by steep cliffs and verdant pines, while the sunsets enjoyed here are among some of the finest in Goa. Calangute & Baga A fascinating and vibrant atmosphere awaits on the Calangute and Baga beaches. Defined by an unbroken line of aromatic and welcoming beach shacks, the crowded sands filled with loungers and parasols spread along the coast as far as the mouth of Baga Creek.

Candolim Candolim’s friendly atmosphere makes it one of the most popular beachfront resorts with British holiday-makers. The long stretch of golden sand is lined with colourful beach shacks hiring out sunloungers and offering sumptuous Goan fish curry and cold Kingfisher beers.

Sinquerim A quiet and peaceful place to laze on the soft golden sand and soak up the Indian sunshine, Sinquerim beach enjoys a tranquil setting. Unlike its more popular neighbours, there are just a handful of shacks here backed by rolling dunes and coconut palms. At its southernmost point, the 16th century Fort Aguada stands prominent and offers stunning views along the coast.

Palolem beach © Ivan Nakonechnyy / Shutterstock

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For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Agonda beach

South Goa Arossim, Benaulim & Varca Long, wide stretches of golden sands dotted with colourful fishing boats and backed by a curtain of palms make the peaceful beaches of Arossim, Benaulim and Varca some of the finest in the state.

Makeshift beach shacks are speckled along the sands including one of the most famous, ‘Zeebop’.

Colva The liveliest beach in the south of Goa and a popular choice with the locals, Colva boasts a long stretch of white sand backed by coconut palms and sand dunes. At its busiest during the weekends, Goan families flock to the beach, paddling in the surf and strolling along the golden sand. Being a working fishing village, it is common to see fishermen in their colourful boats bringing in the catch of the day.

Mobor Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River, lies Mobor, a stunning spit of powder white sand backed by coconut groves and a few makeshift beach shacks.

Beach at Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Arossim

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

Cola A stunning and peaceful beach located along an isolated bay, Cola perfectly showcases the beauty of the Goan coastline. Swaying palms frame the soft white sand and offer the perfect place to cool off from the midday sun.

Agonda & Palolem Continuing towards the state border, the serene white sand of Agonda is quite a prospect and well worth the journey south (approximately one hour from Mobor). Backed by dense palms and casuarinas, this 3km stretch of idyllic beach, with just a handful of shacks and stalls, shows a very different side to Goa. A short drive from Agonda, Palolem is arguably one of the finest beaches in the whole of the state. This picturesque curve of palmfringed sand facing a sheltered bay is backed by more of those colourful beach shacks and is one of the safest swimming beaches in Goa. The northern end is quieter with hustle and bustle being on the southern stretch.

Calangute

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Exploring Goa There is so much more to Goa than just fantastic weather and a stunning coastline.

We offer a number of interesting trips that enable you to discover the best of the state from its rich culture and Portuguese heritage, its striking temples and dominating churches, to its stunning waterfalls and serene inland waterways.

Here are a few of our favourite experiences which can either be booked as part of an organised excursion or, for the more independent, can be explored alone.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls On the easternmost edge of the state where Goa meets Karnataka, lies the famous Dudhsagar Falls. The second highest waterfall in India, it measures an impressive 603m. A jeep ride up to the falls is a truly unforgettable experience, taking you deep into the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, then on a short, uneven hike up to the base of the falls. Here you’ll climb over rocks and pass the local monkey troops, before having the chance to swim in a deep green waterfall pool.

Old Goa Known as ‘the Rome of the East’ in the 16th century, Old Goa was the largest, richest and most impressive city in the whole of Asia.

Many of the churches and buildings have been beautifully preserved, giving Old Goa some of the best Renaissance architecture in the world. If there is one site that cannot be missed, it is that of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the most stunning churches in India.

Famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, the church contains the tomb and remains of St Francis Xavier.

Temples of ponda Set inland from Panjim, the artistic temples of Ponda are quite a prospect with many settlements home to a grand and spectacularlydecorated temple. Some of the best to visit include the Shri Manguesh, with its unique mixture of architecture influenced by both Christian and Muslim styles, and the Shri Shantadurga, the largest and one of the most lavish of Ponda’s temples, with the interior dripping in marble and glass chandeliers.

Spice Plantations A holiday to Goa is not complete without a visit to the fragrant spice plantations of Ponda. The area is famous for its tours, where you can see peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, cumin, saffron, cinnamon sticks and vanilla pods all growing in their natural state. While there you can also enjoy the spices in a traditional Goan meal, served with a glass of Feni, the local spirit made from cashew nuts or palm sap.

Spice plantation © Igor Plotnikov / Shutterstock

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Wildlife reserves Goa is home to a diverse range of landscapes – from mangrove trees crowding muddy river banks, to open scrub jungle and sub-tropical hill forests. Amongst this magnificent flora, a plethora of wildlife can be found, including over 400 species of bird. Take a visit to some of the state’s most famous wildlife reserves including Goa’s largest, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a boat trip around the meandering tributaries.

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

© Evgeny Itsikson / Shutterstock

Shri Mangeshi temple © saiko3p / Shutterstock

Memorable experiences As well as the wide variety of day trips on offer, there are a number of overnight experiences that will make your stay even more memorable. Here are a few of our favourites which can be prebooked as part of your Goa holiday.

Houseboat cruise Cruise the pristine waters of the Siolim River during an insightful, overnight tour along the beautiful backwaters of Goa. Pass ancient fishing villages dotted with temples, churches and coconut groves before mooring for the night and enjoying a sumptuous Goan dinner. In the morning, wake to the sounds of the dawn chorus before cruising back down to the coast.

Maharaja night Travel to the south of the state to Cola Beach, an idyllic setting hidden in the palms where your handmade safari tent, your bed for the night, sits waiting for you. Enjoy the beauty of this deserted cove, dipping your toes in the Arabian Sea, trying your hand at some fishing and relishing the spectacular sunsets, all before enjoying a tasty Goan meal and your chance to gaze at the stars.

Houseboat

Wildernest Hidden away in the picturesque Sahyadri Valley, amid thick expanses of jungle and overlooking the Vazra Falls, a stay at Wildernest is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal areas.

Various nature walks with local guides will allow you to explore your spectacular surroundings as well as give you a chance to see a number of endemic birds and larger mammals including jackals and leopards.

For more excursion information visit GoaExperience.co.uk/Excursions

Maharaja night

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

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Find the perfect hotel Whether you are a first-time visitor, or searching for something different for your next trip, we are here to help find the perfect hotel or multi-centre combination for you.

Beach hotels – making the most of Goa’s striking coastline, many of the hotels in our collection lie on or close to the state’s finest beaches. Some of our favourite beachfront properties include the sought-after Ramada Caravela (pages 44-45), the spacious Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village (page 24) and the charming family-run Chalston Beach Resort (page 31).

Hotel classifications As a developing country, hotels, service levels and gradings in India cannot be compared to those in European destinations, although the top end of the market is world class. We have therefore created our own rating system to grade our hotels, illustrated by a lotus flower.

A flower outline illustrates a midway grade.

The luxury experience – as destination specialists, we have personally selected the finest and most luxurious properties in Goa. From the palatial elegance of the Taj Exotica (pages 40-41), to the opulence that awaits you at The Leela (pages 38-39), our Luxury Collection will not disappoint the most discerning of travellers.

5 Deluxe / 5 – The Leela, Taj Exotica, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Alila Diwa, Grand Hyatt Goa, Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village, Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada

Unique and Boutique – a collection of individual properties offering unique experiences in this diverse state, from the beautifully converted Portuguese heritage homes of Sol de Goa (pages 22-23) and the Panjim Inn (page 35) to the stunning hideaway retreat of Nilaya Hermitage (pages 20-21), set on a hillside amidst the Goan jungle.

Spa Hotels – whether you want to spend a whole week pampering yourself or are looking for just a couple of treatments during your stay, there are some fantastic spa hotels in Goa, including, the elegant Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa (page 42) and the lavish Grand Hyatt Goa (page 33).

Tailormade itineraries – ideal if you cannot choose between regions or wish to experience more of the enchanting Indian subcontinent, we can tailormake the perfect trip for you.

Our knowledgeable UK staff have the understanding and expertise necessary to advise you on your perfect tailormade holiday. Get some inspiration from our multi-centre suggestions on pages 48-49 or learn more about our more adventurous India Tours on pages 50-51.

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Boutique – Sol de Goa, Nilaya Hermitage, Acron Waterfront Resort 4½/4 – Ramada Caravela, Cidade de Goa, Country Inn & Suites Candolim, Fortune Select Regina, Holiday Inn Beach Resort 3½ / 3 2½

– Sonesta Inns, Acacia Palms, Aldeia Santa Rita – Chalston Beach Resort, Marinha Dourada

Panjim Inn and Casa Anjuna do not have a grading attributed to them. We consider these properties to have unique features and hard to classify despite offering comfortable accommodation. We are also pleased to offer a number of ‘Exclusive to Us’ hotels within our programme. These are hotels that no other UK operator features in their brochure.

We provide detailed information on our hotel pages with further details on our website to help you make the right choice. Our dedicated reservations team will be happy to discuss in more detail which hotel best suits your requirements.

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

KEY Villages and Tourist Resorts Properties:

TIRACOL

ARAMBOL

NORTH

ASHVEM MORJIM

SIOLIM 1

ANJUNA

4

BAGA

2

3

ARPORA

5

CALANGUTE

Casa Anjuna

2

Marinha Dourada

3

Nilaya Hermitage

4

Acron Waterfront

5

Chalston Beach

6

Sonesta Inns

7

Fortune Select Regina

8

Country Inn & Suites

9

Aldeia Santa Rita

10 Taj Holiday Village

6

11 Sol de Goa

7 8 9 10 11 12

CANDOLIM SINQUERIM

1

NERUL

12 Taj Fort Aguada

OLD GOA

13 Panjim Inn

13

PANJIM 14

14 Cidade de Goa 15 Grand Hyatt

BAMBOLIM

VAINGUINIM

15

16 Park Hyatt PONDA

17 Alila Diwa 18 Acacia Palms

Goa International Airport Fly from: Gatwick Manchester

19 Taj Exotica 20 Ramada Caravela 21 Holiday Inn 22 The Leela

16

AROSSIM MAJORDA

DUDHSAGAR FALLS 17

COLVA

MARGAO

18

BENAULIM VARCA

ARABIAN SEA

CENTRAL & INTERIOR

VASCO DA GAMA

19 20

CAVELOSSIM

21 22

MOBOR

COLA AGONDA

SOUTH

PALOLEM

delhi INDIA Goa

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North Goa North of the Mandovi River you will find a striking coastline dotted with vibrant and bustling beachfront resorts including the popular villages of Candolim, Calangute and Baga.

Tourism is well established here, giving the region its own unique charm and character.

Soft golden sands line the shores which are backed by colourful makeshift beach shacks and coconut palms whilst just inland, villages come alive with local restaurants, lively bars and craft stalls.

At the beginning of the Candolim-Calangute-Baga beach lays Sinquerim, the first resort in Goa to have been developed for tourism. Home to some of the best hotels in the north of the state, the beach here has retained a quiet and peaceful feel with just a handful of beach shacks on the gently shelving sands.

At its southernmost point, the 16th century Fort Aguada stands prominent and offers stunning views down the coast.

A beach lover’s paradise and a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, Candolim is a charming village with a superb beachfront setting. An uninterrupted string of wooden beach huts line its sandy bay offering sunloungers and parasols for hire and a chance to sample local cuisine or enjoy a chilled Kingfisher beer. From the shore, sand dunes lead you to the main strip where there is a wide range of restaurants, bars and craft stands.

Centrally located between Candolim and Baga, Calangute is one of Goa’s most popular resorts. This vibrant village enjoys a magnificent sandy beach lined with shacks and water sports for hire. It can become especially busy at the weekends when Indian families come to enjoy the sand and sunshine. Inland from the beach, the hustle and bustle continues through Calangute’s narrow streets where ample shops, restaurants and bars are on offer.

Baga is a bustling and very lively beachfront resort with a long stretch of golden sand backed by an unbroken line of beach shacks, finishing at the mouth of Baga creek. Home to some of the state’s most famous nightclubs and restaurants, including Tito’s and Britto’s, the resort is popular with India’s domestic tourists.

Just north of Baga, the village of Anjuna is home to an eclectic mix of colonial Portuguese houses, whitewashed churches and lush paddy fields. Enjoying a hippy chic vibe, the village has for many years been a firm favourite with holiday-makers due to its striking sandy coves backed by steep cliffs. Held here every Wednesday, the famous Anjuna Flea Market is one of the most popular in the state offering stall after stall of unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

The small village of Arpora is set just inland from the hustle and bustle of the Baga coast. Nestled in the hills, the village offers a get away from it all location and an insight into daily Goan life. On a Saturday night, just outside Arpora, there is a lively and atmospheric night market that is a must for any tourist visiting Goa. Live music and the smell of delicious street food fill the air, as you wander past row after row of colourful stalls.

The northernmost point of Goa, where the state borders its neighbour Maharashtra, is the most untouched by tourism. Wild and untamed, it offers some of the quietest and most unspoilt beaches in Goa and is a popular breeding ground for the olive ridley turtles.

Peaceful laid-back villages with a bohemian feel add to the charm and character of this fascinating area.

Night market, Arpora

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© Lysogor Baga Baga River creek © Wayne Linden /Roman Alamy / Shutterstock

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Nilaya Hermitage

LUXURY BOUTIQUE LOCATION: Arpora distance to beach: 5km transfer time: 1 hour 20 mins

Idyllic setting | Stunning views | Tranquil

Hidden away on the hillside and nestling in the Goan jungle, Nilaya Hermitage is an extraordinary getaway, built from local rust coloured laterite stone, complemented with shades of blue and the lush greens of the surrounding forest.

Taking its inspiration from Moorish architecture and tales of the Arabian Nights, the hotel has been beautifully designed by the famous Indian architect, Dean D’Cruz. With only 13 unique guest rooms scattered around the grounds, this is the perfect place to forget about time and re-discover the rhythms of nature. All suites have been named and decorated after the natural elements; from the vibrant reds and oranges of the Sun Suite to the soft natural shades in the Earth Suite, they have been uniquely styled and eclectically furnished with rare antiques from ancient Indian palaces.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool with sun terrace • Restaurant • Bar • Small gym • Tennis • Daily yoga sessions • Meditation room • Ayurvedic Spa • Wi-Fi • Shuttle to beach • 13 guest rooms (including 2 safari tents) Room Facilities • King size beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • DVD player and screen (on request) • Shower room • Daily fresh fruit and flowers POPULAR ROOM CHOICE • Suite – Spacious and individually furnished, the suites are named after the elements and beautifully decorated to reflect this.

Prices are based on these rooms.

PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

Fill your days at Nilaya, relaxing by the pool drinking up the hilltop view across Goa and down to the distant Arabian Sea, taking nature walks through the verdant jungle or perhaps opting for treatments at the Ayurvedic spa. At night, enjoy the delicious international dishes in the restaurant, made from fresh local ingredients and the hotel’s home-grown produce, perfectly accompanied by a sky full of stars.

PAYABLE LOCALLY

TOP TIP

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Nilaya is within easy reach of Goa’s most famous beaches and landmarks, while the buzzing Saturday Night Market with its live music, street food and colourful stalls, is just a couple of miles away.

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£1429 PER PERSON

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MEDITATION ROOM

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Sol de Goa

BOUTIQUE

LOCATION: Nerul distance to beach: 2.5km transfer time: 1 hour 10 mins

romantic | character | couples

Set in the fishing village of Nerul and overlooking the lush green banks of the Sinquerim River, the boutique Sol de Goa enjoys a tranquil location.

Formally a Portuguese heritage home, the hotel has been beautifully renovated by the famous designer Tarun Tahiliani giving it an elegant, colonial feel.

Designed around a central courtyard with an emerald green pool and lush foliage, the Sol de Goa exudes a sense of calm and relaxation. The 21 well-appointed rooms are uniquely decorated in neutral tones with soft linens and colonial antiques. Many of the rooms have scenic views of either the palm-lined river banks or the surrounding paddy fields, with some offering balcony space.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool • Courtyard pool • Bistro restaurant • Bar • Shuttle to the beach • Weekly music nights • Wi-Fi • 21 rooms Room Facilities • Queen size beds • Air-conditioning • Ceiling fan • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Telephone • Television • Shower room with rain shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Luxury room – Comfortable rooms uniquely decorated with many personal touches. Prices are based on these rooms • Queen suite – Larger and more spacious rooms • King’s abode – Larger in size with a living area and separate bedroom PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

The bar and restaurant open onto an inviting terrace by a second pool where beautiful views can be enjoyed. Using the finest local ingredients, the restaurant serves a wide range of Goan specialities and international favourites as well as offering an extensive drinks menu. Music nights and exclusive events liven up the hotel a couple of evenings a week where the terrace becomes ‘the place to be’ for the Goan elite and visiting Indian celebrities. On these nights, musicians play live until the early hours and drinks flow freely, giving guests of Sol de Goa an insight into modern Goa.

TWIN CENTRE

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Why not combine a stay at Sol de Goa with a week’s relaxation at one of Goa’s southern beach resorts? Any combination is possible, simply contact our reservations team for more details.

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£998

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Queen suite

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Superior charm cottage with sit out

Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village

LOCATION: SINQUERIM distance to beach: BEACHFRONT transfer time: 1 HOUR 15 mins

Beachfront | Couples | Next to Taj Fort Aguada

Set in expansive grounds and with a quieter beachfront location, the Taj Holiday Village is a luxurious hotel built in a Goan-Portuguese style.

Stunning vistas can be enjoyed along the coast with striking views across to Fort Aguada and the long crescent bay up to the distant Baga creek.

Colourful, colonial style cottages and villas are scattered around the gardens amidst luxuriant foliage and verdant lawns. They are comfortable and well equipped for holiday living and beautifully decorated in natural tones with dark wood furnishings and Portuguese floor tiles. Meandering paths through the grounds lead to the large free form swimming pool where guests can enjoy a cooling sea breeze and glimpses of the Arabian Sea through gently swaying palms. For the ultimate in relaxation, the Jiva Spa offers a variety of treatments including aromatherapy and ancient Indian therapies whilst those looking to be more active can make the most of the tennis courts, yoga classes and extensive gym facilities.

HOTEL Facilities • Free form swimming pool • 3 restaurants • 2 bars • Jiva Spa (shared with Taj Fort Aguada) • Yoga sessions • Fitness centre • Tennis courts • Mini golf • Beauty salon • Wi-Fi • Guests can also use facilities at sister hotel Taj Fort Aguada • 142 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Telephone • Television • DVD player • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Superior charm cottage with balcony – Located on the first floor, all rooms have a balcony which enjoy views over the gardens. Prices are based on these rooms • Superior charm cottage with sit out (terrace) – Located on the ground floor, rooms have a terrace which enjoy views over the gardens • Premium indulgence cottage sea view – Set on the ground floor, the sea view cottages have a balcony and terrace and enjoy views over the gardens and out towards the Arabian Sea PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

With several restaurants and bars on-site, the Taj Holiday Village offers an excellent choice of cuisine serving a range of Indian, Thai and international dishes as well as delicious authentic Goan fare at the hotel’s signature restaurant, the Beach House.

PAYABLE LOCALLY

TOP TIP

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Take a stroll along the beach to the sister hotel Taj Fort Aguada, where you can enjoy the hotel’s facilities at no extra charge including the elevated swimming pool with stunning views along the bay.

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£1257 PER PERSON

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Superior charm sea view

Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada

LOCATION: sINQUERIM distance to beach: BEACHFRONT transfer time: 1 HOUR 15 mins

STUNNING VIEWS | Couples | NEXT TO TAJ HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Built within the walls of an ancient fort, the Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada enjoys an enviable position with spectacular views along a crescent bay and out across the Arabian Sea. This well-established hotel nestles in the hillside within 42 acres of manicured grounds filled with coconut palms and towering pines. With an elevated position, the hotel affords some of the finest views in north Goa over the sweeping golden sands of Candolim and Calangute and as far as the distant Baga creek. Lounge in one of the chic bars or sample the fresh local seafood in the Morsico restaurant whilst taking in the sublime vista.

The smaller superior rooms are situated in the main building and decorated in a classic colonial style with comfortable facilities. The more spacious cottages and villas can be found on the hillside, in the manicured grounds and offer a more private setting.

In close proximity to its sister hotel Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village, guests from either hotel may dine in any of the resorts’ restaurants and use the shared spa and sports facilities located between the two properties.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool with sun terrace • 3 restaurants • 2 bars • Jiva Spa (shared with Taj Holiday Village) • Yoga sessions • Fitness centre • Tennis courts • Mini golf • Beauty salon • Wi-Fi • Guests can also use facilities at sister hotel Holiday Village • 145 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Telephone • Television • DVD player • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Superior charm garden view with sit out (terrace) – Located in the east wing of the main building with a terrace overlooking the manicured gardens. Prices are based on these rooms • Deluxe delight sea view with sit out (terrace) – Located in the east and west wings of the main building with a terrace overlooking the gardens out towards the Arabian Sea • Premium indulgence cottage – Larger in size, the cottages are situated on the hillside and enjoy a terrace with views over the gardens • Premium indulgence cottage with sea view – Larger in size, the indulgence cottages are situated in the main block and enjoy a terrace with views over the gardens and out towards the Arabian Sea • Premium temptation villa – Larger in size, the villas are situated on the hillside and enjoy a private lawn and terrace overlooking the gardens

PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included PAYABLE LOCALLY

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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I loved the peaceful Sinquerim beach, strolling along the never-ending stretch of golden sand with the Arabian Sea lapping at my feet.

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KATIE PRODUCT MANAGER

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£1167 PER PERSON

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Acron Waterfront Resort

BOUTIQUE

LOCATION: Baga river distance to beach: Ikm transfer time: 1 hour 20 mins

small & Friendly | couples | stunning views

Perched on the banks of the River Baga, overlooking colourful fishing boats and on towards the striking Baga Peninsula, the Acron Waterfront Resort is a stylish, modern hotel with a truly sought-after setting. Opened in December 2014, this modern property has been carefully designed to optimise its exotic location. Colonial yellow and white buildings surround an inviting infinity swimming pool and expansive sun terraces where you are sure to spend many hours, soak up the Indian sun and marvel at the unique river views. With just 29 rooms, the hotel has a small and intimate feel. Each room has been beautifully decorated in a contemporary style with teak wooden furnishings and soft neutral fabrics. All the rooms enjoy a balcony or terrace area overlooking the courtyard or river. If you are seeking some quality relaxation time, the hotel’s small but elegant spa offers a range of revitalising and refreshing treatments and therapies as well as a heated outdoor Jacuzzi.

HOTEL Facilities • Infinity swimming pool • Riverside Restaurant • Jacuzzi • Spa • Shuttle service to beach • Wi-Fi • 29 rooms Room Facilities • Queen size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Ceiling fan • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Balcony or terrace • Shower room POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Courtyard room – Decorated in a contemporary style, these rooms enjoy views over the courtyard. Prices are based on these rooms • River view room – Enjoy views over the scenic Baga River from their balcony or terrace PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

The hotel’s ‘Riverside Restaurant’ is run by the internationally renowned chef Cyrus Todiwala and his team, and serves a delicious Goan menu with international twists, in a fine dining setting. Sample the fresh catch of the day or succulent king prawns and let Cyrus and his team lead you on a culinary journey.

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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We highly recommend upgrading to the River view rooms where you can watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day and enjoy the sun setting beyond the palms.

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CHRIS MANAGING DIRECTOR

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£1045 PER PERSON

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Deluxe pool view

Country Inn & Suites

LOCATION: candolim distance to beach: 600m transfer time: 1 hour 15 mins

central location in candolim | All-inclusive option

A charming hotel in the bustling Candolim resort, the Country Inn & Suites enjoys a peaceful setting and spacious grounds.

The comfortable, classic rooms are arranged in three-storey blocks around a courtyard garden with manicured lawns and an enticing pool area. You can easily pass a lazy day here, soaking up the sunshine on the terrace, sipping cool drinks from the poolside bar or lounging under the shade of a palm with a good book for company.

The hotel’s restaurant, Mosaic, offers half board, full board and all-inclusive dining options, providing a convenient way to experience Goan cuisine and international favourites. Located in the heart of Candolim, you can also take the opportunity to explore the plentiful restaurants and bars on offer as well as testing your bartering skills in the crafts stalls and souvenir shops. It is also only a 600m stroll through the village to the sweeping, golden sands of Candolim Beach where you will find Goa’s famous beach shacks lining the coast backed by dense coconut groves.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool and sun terrace • Restaurant • 2 bars • Small gym • Small spa • Book swap • Themed evening entertainment (4 times per week) • 98 rooms Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Television • Internet access • Shower room POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Deluxe garden facing room – Comfortably furnished rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the courtyard. Prices are based on these rooms • Deluxe pool view room – Same as the Deluxe garden facing rooms but enjoying views over the pool

All-inclusive option • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Mosaic Restaurant • Afternoon tea, coffee and snacks • Range of select local alcoholic drinks • Soft drinks including water

EARLY BOOKING OFFER

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Receive a free upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board or from Half Board to Full Board if you book before 30/09/16.

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£897

PER PERSON

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Fortune Select Regina

LOCATION: candolim distance to beach: 600m transfer time: 1 hour 15 mins

Central location in Candolim | Stunning temple views

With a desirable location, in the heart of Candolim and enjoying spectacular views over the neighbouring Shantadurga temple, the Fortune Hotel is a welcome addition to our collection.

The hotel’s real focal point is the inviting pool area, bordered by tropical flowers and affording impressive views over the surrounding countryside.

While away the hours on the sun terraces or by the bar and take in the wonderful setting of lush rice paddies, coconut groves and striking Hindu architecture.

The 102 well-appointed rooms are spacious in size and have been tastefully decorated in a colonial style. Guests can choose from the Deluxe rooms, with views over Candolim village or upgrade to the Luxury rooms where panoramas over the pool area and out towards the countryside can be enjoyed from their balcony or terrace.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool with sun terraces • 2 Restaurants • 2 bars • Small gym • Small spa • Themed evening entertainment • Regular shuttle to Candolim beach • 102 rooms Room Facilities • Queen size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Ceiling fan • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea and coffee-making facilities • Safe • Television • Bathroom or shower room POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Deluxe room – Comfortably furnished rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking Candolim village. Prices are based on these rooms • Luxury room – Larger than the Deluxe rooms with views over the pool and on towards the Shantadurga temple

From the hotel grounds, it is only a short stroll to the centre of Candolim, a charming beachfront resort and a firm favourite with British holiday-makers.

Wander the village’s bustling streets where there are plenty of restaurants and bars on offer as well as crafts stalls and souvenir shops giving you a chance to test your bartering skills.

CANDOLIM BEACH

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For those wanting to spend the day on the golden sands of Candolim beach, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service or alternatively, it is only a 600m stroll through the village.

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£889

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Sonesta Inns

LOCATION: CANDOLIM distance to beach: 300m transfer time: 1 hour 15 mins

Couples | tranquil | central location

A warm welcome awaits you at the Sonesta Inns, a quiet haven in the lively town of Candolim.

Set in a residential area, just a short stroll from the beach and only moments from the hustle and bustle of this popular tourist resort, Sonesta Inns is an oasis of calm and the ideal choice for a relaxing holiday. The mature gardens are filled with colourful flowers, lush lawns and coconut palms that surround a large and inviting swimming pool. Relax, unwind and soak up the sunshine here, listening to the gentle sound of palms swaying in the breeze and the soft chirps of the exotic birdlife.

HOTEL Facilities • Free form swimming pool • Children’s pool • Restaurant • 2 bars • Simple gym • Children’s play area • Wi-Fi • 52 rooms Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Fan • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Telephone • Television • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICE • Standard room – Comfortably furnished rooms with either a balcony or terrace with views over the manicured gardens or pool area. Prices are based on these rooms

Encircling the pool, the 52 spacious rooms are all unique in size, shape and view. Decorated in natural tones with a splash of turquoise here and there, each room is bright and airy and well equipped for holiday living.

The hotel’s restaurant offers an excellent range of delicious local delicacies as well as international cuisine. A short stroll through the gardens will lead you to the golden sands of Candolim beach, the longest stretch of beach in north Goa, backed by colourful beach shacks serving the catch of the day and ice cold Kingfisher beers.

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OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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I had such a relaxing stay at Sonesta Inns. It is just a short stroll down the path to the beach and a stone’s throw from the bustling resort centre of Candolim.

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ANNABEL RESERVATIONS

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£858

PER PERSON

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Chalston Beach Resort

LOCATION: Calangute distance to beach: Beachfront transfer time: 1 hour 15 mins

beachfront | Simple & Friendly | Lively resort

With a unique, beachfront location, we are delighted to offer the Chalston Beach Resort in our hotel collection. Set on the golden sweeping sands of Calangute beach, this family-run hotel enjoys a tranquil atmosphere and a truly sought-after setting.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool and sun terrace • Beachfront sun terrace • Restaurant • Pool bar • Table tennis • 120 rooms

Well-kept colourful gardens full of citrus trees, hibiscus and palms provide a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the nearby beach resort.

Relax by the swimming pool, lounge in the shade with a good book or sunbathe on the lawn looking out across the golden sands and on towards the Arabian Sea. The 120 rooms are spread over two buildings, with a handful of cottages dotted around the grounds. They are simple with basic facilities and have their own small balcony or terrace where you can enjoy the sea breeze and take in the serene setting. Overlooking the beach, the hotel’s restaurant serves a good choice of regional and international cuisine; it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner or perhaps an exotic cocktail while watching the fabulous sunsets.

POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Standard room – Small and simply decorated with either a balcony or terrace which overlooks the gardens.

Prices are based on these rooms • Superior room – Larger in size than the Standard rooms

Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Fan • Fridge • Safe • Television • Wet room with shower

Should you wish for a change of scene, take advantage of the hotel’s central location and explore the vibrant resort of Calangute with its colourful crafts stalls, bustling restaurants and bars.

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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If you’re a beach lover, then Chalston is the place to stay.

With a prime location on Calangute beach it is a friendly, comfortable hotel with a relaxed feel.

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BECKY RESERVATIONS

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£769

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Central & the Interior Sandwiched between the Mandovi and the Zuari Rivers, Central Goa and the Interior is the most quintessentially Goan of all the regions. Inland, the state has a varied landscape, from lush tropical jungle and verdant covered mountains to bustling colonial towns.

Lying on the banks of the River Mandovi, Panaji is the state’s official capital. It is a relaxed and vibrant city where crowds flock to the peninsula in search of the shopping promenades and floating casinos.

Also known by its former Portuguese name Panjim, the city has retained its rich colonial character with many heritage homes in the Portuguese old quarters of Fontainhas and Sao Tomé.

Just inland from Panjim, Ponda is set in the true heart of Goa, surrounded by rice paddies and vanilla groves. The area is famous for its fragrant spice plantation tours where you can see peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, cumin, saffron and vanilla pods, all growing in their natural state.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa is one of the most impressive sights in the whole of the state. Known as ‘the Rome of the East’, in the 16th century, it was the largest, richest and most splendid city in Asia. Today, many of the churches and buildings

Dudhsagar Waterfalls © Thirteen / Shutterstock

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have been beautifully preserved giving Old Goa some of the best Renaissance architecture in the world. A visit to Old Goa would not be complete without a tour of the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral, the largest church in India.

On the eastern most edge of the state where Goa meets Karnataka, lies the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The second highest waterfall in India measuring an impressive 603m, the falls are quite a prospect, surrounded by dense jungle and with a railway line passing through.

A jeep ride up to the falls is a truly unforgettable experience taking you deep into the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

While Central Goa may not be famous for its beaches, the coastline still has its own unique charm. The shores have been sculpted by the dominating rivers forming protected bays of sand and calm waters, ideal for water sports.

Old Goa © saiko3p / Shutterstock

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Grand Hyatt Goa

DELUXE LOCATION: Bambolim distance to beach: bayfront transfer time: 1 hour

bayfront | luxurious | relaxing spa

In a prominent position, overlooking the gulf of Bambolim and enjoying panoramic views across the bay, the Grand Hyatt Goa is a luxurious hotel in a unique setting.

Inspired by the grandeur of 17th century Indo-Portuguese palaces, the hotel has been beautifully designed with steep terracotta roofs and whitewashed stone walls. Intricate teak shutters and beaten brass lanterns add to the charm and character of the hotel giving the interior a lavish and exotic feel.

The 313 well-appointed and spacious rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary style using natural tones and all offer the facilities you would expect to find in a world class hotel of this standard. The enticing pool sits in a tranquil oasis within the gardens surrounded by an inviting sun terrace.

Relax and let your troubles fall away here before wandering to the Shamana Spa where a range of signature treatments are offered.

With seven restaurants, bars and lounges, the expert chefs of the Grand Hyatt create a wonderful range of dishes for you to enjoy including Goan and north Indian, as well as Asian, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Plus at Confeitaria, Goa’s premier patisserie you’ll find the finest pastries, biscuits and gourmet cakes to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool and sun terrace • 5 restaurants • 2 bars • Shamana Spa with indoor pool • Fitness centre • Beauty salon • Daily yoga sessions • Water sports including sailing and windsurfing

• Camp Hyatt kids’ club (4-12 yrs) • Wi-Fi • 313 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Ceiling fan • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Television • Telephone • Bathroom with separate shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Grand room – Decorated in a contemporary style with a private balcony overlooking the grounds. Prices are based on these rooms • Pool view room – Enjoy views over the swimming pool and manicured grounds • Bay view room – Panoramic views over the grounds and out towards Bambolim Bay • Club view room – Guests have complimentary access to the Grand Club lounge, serving breakfast, all day coffee, tea and snacks as well as evening cocktails and canapés PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

PAYABLE LOCALLY

THE BAY

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Bambolim Bay has a coarse sandy beach, backed by palms, perhaps not as picturesque as those in the south, however, the bay has a sheltered setting making it ideal for water sports such as sailing.

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Superior room

Cidade de Goa

LOCATION: Vainguinim distance to beach: bayfront transfer time: 50 mins

BAYFRONT | cOUPLES | All-inclusive option

Situated on the Panjim Peninsula and overlooking the Zuari River, the Cidade de Goa is a well-established hotel with a beautiful bayfront setting.

This Portuguese inspired resort is spread over 40 acres, enjoying spacious grounds and ample facilities. Soak up the sunshine by the inviting free form pool, unwind at the Pavitra Ayurveda Spa or for the more energetic, try one of the many activities available including tennis, badminton and beach volleyball. With several restaurants and bars on-site, guests will find a wide range of dining experiences to choose from including the Alfama fine dining restaurant serving contemporary Continental cuisine and the picturesque beachfront grill.

Adjacent to the bay, the comfortable rooms are set in colourful threestorey blocks and decorated in a colonial style. Why not upgrade to the Superior or Classic rooms, where you can enjoy scenic views of the bay from your balcony.

For those wishing to explore the peninsula, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the state’s vibrant capital Panjim, where you will find shopping promenades and floating casinos as well as the fascinating colonial quarters of Fontainhas and Sao Tomé.

HOTEL Facilities • Free form swimming pool • Separate children’s pool • 5 restaurants • 2 bars • Casino • Shopping arcade • Fitness centre • Beach volleyball • Table tennis • Badminton • Pool table • Tennis

• Spa • Salon • Yoga • Water sports • Kids’ club • 207 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Satellite television • Telephone • Minibar • Safe • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Wi-Fi • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Standard room – Comfortably furnished rooms with views overlooking the grounds and some offer a balony space. Prices are based on these rooms • Superior room – Enjoying views over the grounds towards the bay from their balcony • Classic room – More spacious in size with stunning views over the grounds and towards the bay from their balcony aLL-Inclusive option • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Laranja Restaurant • Snacks from Café Azul • Range of select house brand alcoholic drinks • Soft drinks and 4 bottles of water per day • One 15-minute head or back massage per person per week • One manicure, pedicure or Swedish massage per person per stay

PAYABLE LOCALLY

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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This hotel is the perfect choice for an all-inclusive holiday.

I particularly like the wide range of dishes on offer at mealtimes and the stunning bay views from Café Azul.

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KATIE PRODUCT MANAGER

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£966

PER PERSON

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EXCLUSIVE TO US

Panjim Inn

UNIQUE

LOCATION: Panjim distance to beach: 4KM transfer time: 45 mins

Character | Heritage | multi-centre

The Panjim Inn is a small and welcoming family-run property set in the heart of Fontainhas, Panjim’s fascinating Latin Quarter. Recognised as the state’s first classified Heritage hotel, the Inn offers a unique experience, where you are sure to be transported back in time to Goa’s rich colonial past.

Each of the 24 uniquely decorated rooms are styled with beautiful period antiques, dark wooden furnishings and one of a kind artwork. They are equipped with modern conveniences including air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, which bring you back to the 21st century and add to the comfort of your stay. The superb ‘Veranda’ restaurant is a pleasant place to spend an evening, serving up delicious flavours of Goa, including famous fish curries and rich Bebinca cake. You will also find an outdoor Jacuzzi on the Inn’s top floor which is the perfect place to sit and relax after a day sightseeing.

HOTEL Facilities • Veranda restaurant and bar • Rooftop Jacuzzi • Beauty salon • 24 rooms Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Television • Telephone • Safe • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Wi-Fi • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Deluxe room – Individually furnished rooms decorated with colonial décor and antiques. Prices are based on these rooms • Superior room – Larger in size than the Deluxe rooms

For those wanting to explore the unique surroundings, the best way to discover Fontainhas is by taking one of the hotel’s self-guided walking trails. This intriguing neighbourhood has retained its character over the years with its narrow and winding streets still, to this day, filled with whitewashed chapels and weathered heritage homes.

TWIN CENTRE

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Why not combine a stay at Panjim Inn with a week in one of our other character properties? Contact our reservations team to tailormake the perfect itinerary for you.

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3 NIGHT ADD ON FROM

£93

PER PERSON

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South Goa South of the Zuari River, lies the southern region of Goa. Known for its long sweeping bays of powder white sand, it’s swaying coconut groves and its quaint fishing villages with a delightfully laid-back atmosphere, it is a quiet and less developed region compared to the north.

Just south of Vasco de Gama, sits the quiet resort of Arossim. With a handful of amenities, the beach is the real focal point here, a long wide stretch of soft golden sand with a scattering of colourful beach shacks intricately made from timber and palm-thatched roofs. Here you’ll find possibly the most famous shack of all, Zeebop, a character restaurant serving delicious fresh seafood and enjoying a romantic beachfront setting surrounded by coconut palms.

The busiest resort in the south and a popular haunt for the locals, Colva is a vibrant and colourful village with plentiful restaurants and craft stalls. The village had great significance in the colonial period, when Portuguese high society would visit Colva to get away from the city and enjoy a change of scenery and the healing powers of the sea. Today, the Colva streets are still dotted with beautifully renovated Portuguese heritage homes as well as many wistful ruins.

The famous Colva coastline forms a long stretch of sandy beach backed by rolling sand dunes while out to sea it is common place to witness the bobbing of colourful fishing boats bringing in their catch of the day.

South of Colva, the sleepy fishing villages of Benaulim, Varca and Cavelossim are dotted along the idyllic shores. The main roads here are little more than country lanes through the lush green coconut forests with a smattering of brightly painted houses and flashes of pink bougainvillea, so you may not be able to get anywhere in a hurry but the journey is delightful. Relax, unwind and enjoy the laid-back way of life here, embracing Goa’s ‘Susegado’ lifestyle.

From Cavelossim, the wide expanse of fine white sand gradually tapers into a peninsula, where the Arabian Sea meets the Sal River.

Known as the Mobor spit, this stunning stretch of beach is backed by dense coconut groves and a handful of makeshift beach shacks.

Continuing towards the state border, the serene white sands of Agonda are well worth the drive south. Backed by dense palms and casuarinas, this 3km stretch of idyllic beach with just a handful of shacks in sight, shows a very different side to Goa. From here it is only a short drive to Palolem, one of the finest and most famous beaches in the south. This picturesque curve of palm-fringed sand facing a sheltered bay is backed by more of those colourful beach shacks and is one of the safest swimming beaches in Goa.

Colva beach

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Majorda beach Š Simon Reddy / Alamy Stock Photo

The Leela

DELUXE LOCATION: MOBOR distance to beach: Beachfront transfer time: 1 hour

Beachfront | Opulant | Elegant Setting

The most luxurious hotel in Goa, The Leela, is a tranquil oasis set in 75 acres of immaculate grounds with water lily-filled lagoons, meandering through lush green gardens and situated by a soft white sand beach that is second to none. From the warm welcome you will receive on entering the opulent reception lobby to the moment you check-out, the Leela staff will look after your every need. Designed to reflect Goa’s Portuguese and Indian heritage, each of the hotel’s 206 spacious rooms and suites combine the ultimate in luxury with modern comfort and either look out across the lagoons, or the tropical gardens. Relax by the lovely pool or on the palm-fringed beach, enjoy a round of golf or unwind in the luxurious spa in the hands of expert therapists. For those who like to to keep active there are plenty of pursuits including tennis courts and a 12-hole golf course.

With a choice of six restaurants, bars and lounges The Leela offers a great range of dining and drinking experiences including their signature Jamavar Indian restaurant as well as a lovely Italian restaurant that overlooks the river where colourful fishing boats moor on the opposite bank.

A combination of exceptional standards of service, the ultimate in fine dining and the most glorious of settings, means a stay at The Leela is an unforgettable experience.

HOTEL Facilities • Free form swimming pool • Children’s pool • 4 restaurants • 2 bars • 12-hole golf course • Tennis • Badminton • Croquet • Gift shop • Yoga sessions • Bike hire • Beauty salon • Spa • Souvenir shops • Kids’ club • Wi-Fi • 206 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Telephone • LCD television • Blu-ray player • Wi-Fi • Bathroom with separate shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Lagoon terrace room – Elegantly decorated with a balcony which overlooks the lagoon and gardens. Prices are based on these rooms • Conservatory premier room – Larger than the Lagoon terrace room but without an outside balcony • Lagoon suite – With an additional spacious lounge area plus two balconies overlooking the lagoons • Club suite – Located in the exclusive Club wing with views from their balcony over the grounds • Club pool suite – Located in the exclusive Club wing with a terrace and private plunge pool PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

PAYABLE LOCALLY

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER

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In 2015, The Leela was voted as being amongst the top 100 luxury hotels in the world, by the prestigious magazine, Condé Nast Traveller.

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£1574 PER PERSON

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Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

39

Taj Exotica

DELUXE LOCATION: Benaulim distance to beach: Beachfront transfer time: 45 mins

beachfront | Couples | Luxurious

Set directly on the beach in lush manicured gardens filled with tropical flowers and coconut palms, the Taj Exotica more than lives up to the quality reputation of the Taj group name. This luxurious, palatial hotel has somewhat of a colonial style in terms of its architecture and design; grand polished marble floors, beamed wooden ceilings and antiques all add to the hotel’s character and charm.

Spread over 56 acres, the Exotica enjoys spacious grounds and ample facilities. Relax by the large swimming pool or on the palm-fringed beach, unwind in the Jiva Spa and sample their range of treatments including time-honoured Indian therapies or try one of the many activities available including golf, tennis and open-air yoga sessions. The rooms are spacious and comfortably decorated, harmoniously blending Goan and Portuguese influences and enjoying either a private terrace or balcony area. The deluxe rooms are set in the main building while the garden villas and pool villas are scattered within the gardens.

HOTEL Facilities • Large swimming pool • Separate children’s pool • 5 restaurants • 2 bars (1 seasonal) • Jiva Spa • Fitness centre • Daily yoga sessions • Tennis courts • 9-hole putting green • Archery

• Pool table • Bicycles • Souvenir shops • Children’s activity centre • Wi-Fi • 138 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Television • DVD player • Telephone • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Garden villa room – Colonial style rooms set in the gardens with a balcony overlooking the grounds. Prices are based on these rooms • Deluxe room – Enjoy views over the grounds and out towards the Arabian Sea from their balcony or terrace • Pool villa – Have their own private plunge pool and benefits from views over the manicured gardens from their terrace PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

With seven restaurants and bars, guests will find a wide range of dining experiences to choose from including more casual eateries as well as fine dining with the best of Goan seafood, Mediterranean, Arabic and Oriental cuisines all on offer.

PAYABLE LOCALLY

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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I highly recommend upgrading to a Pool villa where you can cool off from the hot Indian sun in your own private plunge pool.

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NATALIE RESERVATIONS

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£1425 PER PERSON

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Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

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Sea view room

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa

DELUXE LOCATION: Arossim distance to beach: Beachfront transfer time: 30 mins

beachfront | luxurious | relaxing spa

Set in 45 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, shimmering lagoons and meandering waterways, the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa is one of Goa’s finest hotels. This luxurious property enjoys a sought-after location on Arossim beach where fine white sand backed by coconut palms stretches as far as the eye can see. Within the expansive grounds, the Park Hyatt offers one of the largest free form pools in India. Set over three levels, guests can soak up the Indian sun and take a relaxing dip in this idyllic setting. Each of the 250 spacious Pousada-style rooms combine an understated elegance with Goan charm. They have been beautifully decorated in a colonial style with rich teak shutters, polished stone floors and bespoke furnishings, adding to their grandeur. And being a spa hotel, sunken baths and rain showers are available in all rooms.

With seven restaurants, cafés and bars, the Park Hyatt offers a fabulous choice of dining experiences. Eat al fresco in the Village Square where guests may dine at a different restaurant while still enjoying each other’s company, be that Italian from Da Luigi, a north Indian curry from Masala or authentic Goan cuisine from the hotel’s signature restaurant, Casa Sarita. You may also like to dine at the Palms beachside grill or even hire an exclusive beach cabana for an intimate, candlelit dinner for two.

HOTEL Facilities • Large three-tiered swimming pool • 5 restaurants • 2 bars • Award-winning Sereno Spa • Daily yoga sessions • Fitness centre • Tennis courts • Archery • Games room • Cinema room • Cooking master classes • Camp Hyatt kids’ club (4-12 yrs) • Wi-Fi • 250 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Safe • Tea & coffee-making facilities • LCD television • Telephone • Bathroom with rain shower and sunken bath POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Park view room – Contemporary styled rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the lagoons and manicured lawns. Prices are based on these rooms • Lagoon view room – Enjoy views over the lagoons and manicured gardens • Pool view room – Enjoy views over the swimming pool and manicured gardens • Sea view room – Panoramic views over the manicured lawns and out towards the Arabian Sea PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

PAYABLE LOCALLY

REJUVENATE IN THE SPA

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The hotel’s multi-award winning Sereno Spa has to be one of the best spas in Goa. Here guests can relax and revitalise with a variety of treatments, combining age old therapeutic methods with contemporary spa principles.

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£1249 PER PERSON

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Alila Diwa

DELUXE LOCATION: Majorda distance to beach: 600M transfer time: 40 mins

Picturesque location | luxurious | fine dining

With a spectacular setting hidden amongst coconut groves and surrounded by verdant rice paddies, the luxurious Alila Diwa is a welcome new addition to our Luxury Collection. Taking its influence from Indonesian architecture, the hotel has been designed in a Balinese style with high beamed wooden ceilings, open-air courtyards and water features. Wellmanicured gardens filled with bamboo, palms and flowering frangipani trees all add to Alila Diwa’s unique charm and further enhance the hotel’s ‘zen like’ feel. The infinity pool sits in a striking, elevated position overlooking lush paddy fields. Here, guests can relax and unwind on the sun terraces listening to the gentle sound of swaying palms, or cool off from the hot Indian sun on one of the pool’s sunken loungers.

Spread over two buildings, the hotel’s 153 spacious rooms are elegantly decorated in a minimalistic style, with soft neutral fabrics and elegant lattice shutters. Large freestanding bath tubs are the real focal point here and add to the sense of grandeur. With a wide choice of restaurants, bars and lounges, Alila Diwa offers an extensive range of fine dining experiences.

Why not visit the Spice Studio and sample some of the delicious fusion cuisine on offer, or let the hotel’s award winning chef take you on a journey of the senses at the ‘dine in the dark’ evenings held weekly.

HOTEL Facilities • Infinity swimming pool • 3 restaurants • Lounge bar • Tea cart serving local tea and biscuits • Spa Alila • Yoga sessions

• Small cinema screening Hollywood and Bollywood films • Kids’ club (3-12yrs) • Cookery courses • Bicycle hire • Boutique shop • Wi-Fi • 153 rooms Room Facilities • King size or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Minibar • Safe • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Television • Telephone • Bathroom with rain shower and free standing bath POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Terrace room – Contemporary styled rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens or the rice paddy fields. Prices are based on these rooms • Loft room – Located on the second floor with a light and airy feel due to their pitched roofs and large balconies • Alila Suite – More spacious in size and enjoying views over the infinity pool and rice paddies PRIVATE TRANSFERS – Private transfers to and from Goa International Airport are included

PAYABLE LOCALLY

DIWA CLUB WING

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For the ultimate luxury experience, the Diwa Club Wing offers its guests their own private hideaway with exclusive use of a further swimming pool and fine dining restaurant.

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£1159 PER PERSON

43

Ramada Caravela

LOCATION: Varca distance to beach: beachfront transfer time: 1 hour

Beachfront | couples

Located on the serene white sands of Varca, arguably one of the best stretches of beach in the state, the Ramada Caravela Beach Resort is a welcome addition to our Goa programme.

This well-established hotel is surrounded by 24 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens filled with coconut palms and wide expanses of lawn.

While away the hours soaking up the hot Indian sunshine on the sun terraces, cool off in one of the largest swimming pools in Goa or relax and rejuvenate in the Ayurvedic spa. With a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts on-site, there are plenty of sports available for those wishing to keep active. The comfortable and spacious rooms are set over three floors and surround the pool area. Elegantly designed, they are well equipped and enjoy views over the grounds from a balcony or terrace.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool and sun terrace • 4 restaurants • 3 bars • 9-hole golf course • Gym • Tennis courts • Yoga classes • Table tennis • Snooker • Spa • Jacuzzi • Kids’ club • 199 rooms Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Fan • Television • Telephone • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Safe • Hairdryer • Bathroom with shower POPULAR ROOM CHOICES • Garden view room – Comfortably furnished with a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens. Prices are based on these rooms • Partial pool / ocean view room – Enjoy views overlooking gardens and out towards the pool or the Arabian Sea • Oceanfront room – Panoramic views over the gardens and out towards the Arabian Sea

The Ramada Caravela offers an extensive range of dining options, with four restaurants and three bars on-site. Sample fresh local seafood at the Beach Shack with stunning vistas across the sand, dine à la carte on Pan Asian Cuisine at Carnival or enjoy quality international dishes at Lanai and Café Cascada.

PAYABLE LOCALLY

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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Although it may be hard to tear yourself away from the Ramada, there is so much to explore nearby. Visit the spice plantations at Ponda or discover the historic sites of Old Goa.

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KATIE PRODUCT MANAGER

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£989

PER PERSON

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Caption

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Acacia Palms

LOCATION: Colva distance to beach: 50m transfer time: 35 mins

central location | couples

The small and friendly Acacia Palms resort offers great value. Overlooking the dunes of Colva beach, it is the perfect base from which to explore the highlights of southern Goa. The 60 welcoming rooms, with dark wooden furnishings reminiscent of colonial times, are arranged in villa-style blocks around a spacious, flowerfilled garden. The small but inviting pool is the perfect place to cool down.

The restaurant offers a good range of international and local dishes, with the choice of eating in the dining room, on the pool terrace or, our favourite spot, a raised terrace with views across the sand dunes to the sea.

HOTEL Facilities • Swimming pool and sun terrace • Restaurant • Bar • Wi-Fi • 60 rooms

Room Facilities • Double or twin beds • Air-conditioning • Television • Telephone • Safe • Minibar • Tea & coffee-making facilities • Shower room POPULAR ROOM CHOICE • Deluxe room – Comfortably furnished rooms with either a balcony or terrace overlooking the grounds or sand dunes. Prices are based on these rooms

From the hotel, a short walk brings you to the white sands of Colva beach where you’ll find plenty more colourful beach shacks, backed by coconut groves. In the evening tables are brought out onto the beach itself where you can dine by candlelight and sip a Kingfisher beer with your toes in the cool soft sand.

Though considerably quieter than the bustling resorts in the north, Colva is the liveliest beach resort in the south with plenty of excellent restaurants, shops and craft stalls all close at hand. Plus, the tranquil virtually deserted beaches of the far south, are within easy reach for a day trip to remember.

OUR EXPERT OPINION...

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I loved dining on the raised terrace with an idyllic view across the sand dunes to the sea beyond, a particularly lovely spot at sunset.

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KATHRYN MARKETING

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£815

PER PERSON

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More online...

As well as the properties we feature in our brochure, more hotels can be found online.

Please visit GoaExperience.co.uk/Hotels to see our full hotel programme.

7 night package

7 night package

from

from

£799

£1059

per person

per person

Holiday Inn Beach Resort

Casa Anjuna

With a sought-after beachfront location on the soft white sands of Mobor, the Holiday Inn Beach Resort is a well-established property and a great choice for those wanting a relaxing holiday in the south of Goa. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and ample facilities on-site, including a large free form swimming pool, Ayurvedic spa and three restaurants and bars.

A delightful heritage home, Casa Anjuna is a beautifully converted Portuguese mansion with tropical gardens and a tranquil pool area. A stay here is like stepping back in time.

With beautiful antiques and soft furnishings throughout, it feels like you are staying in someone’s home rather than a hotel.

The bohemian village of Anjuna is just a short walk away.

Unique

7 night package

7 night package

from

from

£964

£729

per person

per person

Aldeia Santa Rita

Marinha Dourada

This family-run hotel, reminiscent of a Goan-Portuguese village is the perfect choice for those looking for an all-inclusive option in the north of Goa. The simple rooms are set in colourful villas surrounded by mature gardens and all enjoy a balcony or terrace.

Pathways from the villas lead to a small but inviting pool as well as the restaurant while the attractions of Candolim are close at hand.

In a quaint, peaceful location, neighbouring two lakes, Marinha Dourada is a friendly hotel with a pleasant setting. The hotel offers simple yet attractive accommodation and is a good value option for those wishing to get away from it all and soak up the Indian sunshine. A short taxi ride will take you to the bustling beach resorts of Candolim and Calangute.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

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Multi-centre Holidays One of the best ways to see Goa and to get a real ‘feel’ for the place is to combine a stay at two, or even three properties.

You could try 7 nights in a deluxe beach resort, followed by 7 nights of barefoot luxury in the Goan jungle; or perhaps you fancy a break in a luxurious spa hotel, followed by a cultural experience in a Portuguese heritage home? Whatever you need, we’re on hand to help you pick the best multi-centre holiday possible; we’re in no doubt it will be a holiday of a lifetime...

For us, a tailormade holiday is all about freedom – freedom to choose what suits you best, freedom to select from our finest hotels and the regions on offer, freedom to use your imagination and with our knowledge and expertise, build the perfect holiday.

We have included three of our favourite multi-centre holidays to give you a flavour of what is possible. For more information about multi-centre holidays and to discuss your ideas call 01489 866 986 or visit GoaExperience.co.uk/Multi-centre

© Zaharka / Shutterstock

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Culture & Heritage 10nts

7nts at Casa Anjuna, Anjuna and 3nts at the Panjim Inn, Panjim Embrace Goa’s colonial Portuguese roots with an unforgettable holiday experience at two of our most unique properties. Spend your first week at the charming Portuguese heritage home, Casa Anjuna, set in the bohemian village of Anjuna. A stay here is like stepping back in time, with beautiful antiques and soft furnishings throughout. Lounge in the peaceful tropical gardens, take a dip in the inviting pool or stroll through the village to Anjuna’s spectacular sandy coves. Travelling south to the state’s capital, Panjim, enjoy the remainder of your stay at the historic Panjim Inn. Here, set in the heart of Fontainhas, Goa’s intriguing Latin Quarter, you can fully immerse yourself into the state’s rich colonial past. Wander the winding, narrow streets filled with whitewashed chapels and weathered heritage homes before finishing the day at the hotel’s superb ‘Veranda’ restaurant serving up delicious flavours of Goa.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim © Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa

Taj Exotica

Total Relaxation 14nts

North & South 14nts

7nts at the Nilaya Hermitage, Arpora and 7nts at the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Arossim

7nts at the Taj Exotica, Benaulim and 7nts at the Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada, Sinquerim

Rest and rejuvenate with our ‘Total Relaxation’ twin centre and let your worries drift away. Fill your days at Nilaya Hermitage, a delightful luxury boutique property, relaxing by the infinity pool, partaking in yoga classes or meditation, and sampling age old Indian methods at the renowned Ayurvedic spa.

Discover the dramatic contrast between the north and south of Goa with a twin centre at two quality Taj hotels. Starting your stay in the quieter southern region, enjoy your week at the lavish Taj Exotica, spread over 56 acres of beautifully manicured gardens filled with tropical flowers and coconut palms and set on the peaceful powder white sands of Benaulim beach. Perhaps unwind from your everyday stresses with time in the spa or by joining in the daily yoga.

Travel to the south of the state for your second week at the luxurious Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa. With expansive grounds filled with tranquil lagoons and a sought after beachfront location on the soft white sands of Arossim beach, spend your days totally unwinding in this idyllic setting. The hotel’s award winning spa, Sereno, will further add to your relaxation, offering a wide range of signature treatments.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

After a restful week, head north to the well-established Taj Fort Aguada, with it’s sought-after headland location, built within the walls of an ancient fort. Spend your days exploring this interesting region, where bustling beaches with make-shift shacks line the coast and inland, vibrant villages and colourful markets are waiting to be discovered.

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Beyond Goa We offer our customers the chance to combine a holiday to Goa with the opportunity to explore more of the enchanting Indian sub-continent. Book one of our guided India tours as part of your holiday package for an unforgettable experience.

Discover hampi

Golden triangle

One of southern India’s most stunning archaeological sites with over 3,000 temples, Hampi, is located around 330km east of Goa in the state of Karnataka. Once the imperial capital of Vijayanagara, one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history, the city was destroyed in 1565 when an alliance of Deccani sultans razed it to the ground.

Today, the spectacular ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited on our three day private guided tour by car.

The Golden Triangle tour will give you the chance to visit some of India’s finest buildings and monuments. This 6 night tour of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra using internal flights, will give you an insight into what the north of the sub-continent has to offer.

Tour highlights: • Visit the grandest of Hampi’s religious monuments, Vittala Temple with its striking Vijayanagara art and architecture.

• Explore the impressive Royal Enclosure, the heart of operations of this fallen empire, with its expansive halls, elegantly decorated plinths and pillared shrines.

• Wander around the imposing Virupaksha Temple, the principle place of worship in Hampi.

• Enjoy the spectacular sunset over the Tungabhadra River from one of Hampi’s elevated viewing points.

2 night tour from £259 per person

Tour highlights: • Visit Old and New Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, the Houses of Parliament, Lakshmi Narayan a modern Hindu temple and finally Humayun’s tomb, where the Mughal Emperor Humayun is buried.

• Discover the pink city of Jaipur, visiting the ancient palace of Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal with its intricate pink sand stone carvings and the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite buildings, courtyards and gardens.

• Take a tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. It was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal and is now regarded as one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.

• Explore Agra Fort, one and a half miles of vast red walls with opposing turrets and gateways that enclose the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Inside the walls, you will find striking palaces such as the Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal and audience halls such as Diwan-i-Khas.

6 night tour from £749 per person

Gyarah Murti, New Delhi

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For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Kerala © f9photos / Shutterstock

Discover Kerala

Travel to the southwest corner of India to visit the exceptionally beautiful state of Kerala, famed for its meandering waterways, verdant hills and palm-fringed shores. This 7 night tour, using internal flights, will give you a wonderful glimpse into what this captivating state has to offer.

Tour highlights: • Experience the rich culture and history of the port city Cochin visiting the 16th century Mattancherry Palace and the oldest living Jewish Synagogue in the world.

• Enjoy an authentic Kathakali dance performance by local artists using elaborate costumes and face masks.

• Discover the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, a captivating wildlife park where herds of elephants, sambur and wild pigs can be observed.

Hampi © Pikoso.kz / Shutterstock

• Take a Houseboat cruise through the stunning Keralan backwaters, a unique maze of rivers, lakes and lagoons passing dense coconut groves, waterside village settlements and vibrant rich paddy fields.

• Finish your tour with a couple of nights on the striking Kovalam shoreline, with gently curving beaches fringed with swaying palms.

7 night tour from £969 per person All private tours are based on two people travelling and include internal flights from Goa International Airport, overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, all transfers, monument entrance fees and English-speaking guides. For further information please visit GoaExperience.co.uk/IndiaTours or call 01489 866 986.

Taj Mahal © Pangfolio.com / Shutterstock

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

51

A-Z

Things to know before you go....

Airport Hotels, Car parking and Lounges

In order to help you plan your visit we have compiled a short A-Z of useful information about our holidays to Goa. You will find a wealth of further information relating to these and other subjects on our website or alternatively use the first-hand knowledge of our staff.

Currency

Foreign Office Travel Advice

We can offer a range of airport hotels with or without parking to suit all budgets located at or near to your departure airport. For your convenience, we can also pre-book access to lounges at all our UK airports.

To check prices please visit our website GoaExperience.co.uk/HolidayExtras

The currency in Goa is the Indian Rupee, INR (98 INR to £1 on 19th Feb 2016). Indian Rupees can only be bought in India and must be exchanged back before you return home. Travellers’ Cheques and credit cards are often accepted; please check regarding individual hotels (surcharges will apply). Visa debit cards are widely accepted at ATMs.

We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas.

Their website at Gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.

Book with Confidence

Festivals & Celebrations

The Goa Experience is a trade name of Serenity Holidays Limited. All our flight inclusive holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1866. Please see page 2 or our Terms and Conditions for more details.

Child & Infant Pricing

Air Passenger Duty of £73 per child aged 15 or under will now be deducted from the price of your holiday. To qualify for a child discount, children must be between 2 and 15 years old on return to the UK. They must share a room with two adults paying brochure price.

Infants under 2 years on return to the UK are charged a fee of £59 to cover administration costs but are generally not allocated a luggage allowance or a seat on the aircraft.

The Goan calendar is filled with festivals and events helping to showcase the state’s vibrant culture. It is also a popular destination for Indian weddings which can be quite a magical experience to witness. Hotels may organise special events and live music to celebrate these occasions however as the celebrations can be impromptu, we are unable to advise whether these will be taking place during your stay.

Flight Check-in

For all flights to Goa please check in at least three hours prior to the departure time shown on your tickets.

Flight Delays

Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our control. In the event that such a delay occurs, we will work with the airline, who should provide a snack or meal when appropriate and in the case of an overnight delay, provide accommodation, although this may not be your holiday accommodation.

Health & Safety standards

All our properties have been carefully selected and visited by us. We ensure they offer acceptable standards of health and safety and that they conform to the local fire and safety laws and regulations, however these laws are not as stringent as in the UK. Holiday Questionnaires

To help us improve our service and ensure standards are maintained, we would be grateful if you would complete our online questionnaire on return from your holiday.

Indian Embassy

India House, London WC2B 4NA. Telephone: 0207 836 8484 Luggage Allowance

Our package prices include a luggage allowance of 20kg per person in the hold (or 25kg in Premium Class) and 6kg in the cabin. Additional luggage can be added on to your booking for an additional charge however this is subject to availability.

Medication

Although innoculations are not compulsory for entry from the EU, please consult your GP or health clinic prior to travel, who will advise on recommended innoculations.

© Eve’s Food Photography / Shutterstock

52

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Passports

Sea view rooms

Time difference

A full, valid British passport is required for entry into Goa, valid for at least six months after your date of arrival back into the UK.

Due to government regulation, many hotels in Goa are not able to build directly on the beach. Hotels will normally have gardens, extensive grounds or even golf courses between the main hotel building and the protected coastline. Therefore, when a room is classed as having a sea view in Goa, these views are often over the grounds and on towards the coast.

Goa is GMT +5.30 hours.

Prices and Surcharges

Holidays are based on the cost of fuel as at 19th Feb 2016. If the cost of fuel does rise, or other security costs or taxes are levied, then there may be an increase in prices printed in this brochure, please see section 11 of our Terms and Conditions on page 59 for more details. Publication date of this brochure is 18th March 2016.

Requests

If you have any requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking.

We shall pass on your request to the airline or hotel however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.

Room Check-In & check-Out Times

Check-in is usually from 2pm, and check-out is by noon on the day of departure but times may vary from hotel to hotel. Due to the flight timings back to the UK, we highly recommend pre-booking a late check-out in order to make your final day more comfortable.

Travel insurance

Our customers should be adequately insured ahead of their holiday.

We are pleased to offer travel insurance through our long standing partnership with t&g, with no price increase and still including ZERO EXCESS payable on claims for both single trip and annual policies (excluding personal liability). This policy is tailormade to the specific needs of our customers travelling to Goa and includes additional areas of cover, such as travel delays and weather related issues.

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism brings many benefits but at the same time it can adversely affect destinations, both environmentally and socially. We strive to, with the support of our customers, work positively towards protecting the natural beauty, wildlife and culture of our destinations so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.

Tickets & our goa guide

Tickets can be expected two weeks prior to your date of travel along with your accommodation voucher, luggage labels and our informative ‘Goa Guide’, which we hope you will find useful. Your actual flight timings will be those shown on your tickets, please check them carefully as soon as you receive them. When booking close to your departure day, tickets will be arranged for collection at the airport. We reserve the right to charge for this.

Duration

Adult 18-65

Transfers

Transfers are usually provided by minibus or a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Your transfer time will vary depending on the resort you have chosen. Please call us for clarification on this.

VISA

All British nationals require a visa to enter Goa. Please visit our website for more details GoaExperience.co.uk/Visa What’s Included

The basic holiday price includes: • Return flights from the UK with in-flight catering of a hot meal • Luggage allowance (usually 20kg pp) • Transportation between the airport and your accommodation • Accommodation based on two sharing and meal basis as detailed on your booking confirmation invoice • Services of our representatives or local agent • Our own Goa destination guide • Airport departure taxes from both the UK and Goa • UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) of £73pp • CAA ATOL Protection Contribution

Adult 66-79

Child 2-17

Up to 10 days

£36.50

£73.38

£21.75

Up to 17 days

£42.80

£87.55

£24.90

Summary of cover (maximum limits per person)

• Cancellation / curtailment – £5,000 • Medical expenses – £5,000,00 • Missed departure – £1,000 • Personal accident – £25,000 • Personal possessions – £2,500 (£400 single item limit) • Personal liability – £2,000,000 (£250 excess applies) • Legal expenses – £15,000

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

For longer durations, couples and family cover or annual policies please call us for a quote.

Full details of the policy will be sent with your confirmation invoice and include a 14 day cooling off period wherein the policy may be cancelled without charge.

The policy does not cover any pre-existing health conditions of the people travelling, and those upon whose health the trip may depend, unless Healthcheck have been called on 01702 427253 and have confirmed their cover in writing.

53

Flights The Goa Experience offers all available direct flights to Goa, plus scheduled flight options.

As shown in our price panel, our flights are based on direct UK flights from Gatwick.

Please see the below grid for your preferred flight options.

Winter 2016-17 – Departures from two UK airports. Up to

Exit seats

four weekly flights from Gatwick and Manchester making flexible durations possible.

A limited number of Exit seats are available as a flight upgrade (from £60pp each way). For more details, contact our reservations team.

SUMMER 2017 – May to October details will be available on

Qatar AIRWAYS flights

our website.

Seats together

Qatar Airways operate year-round scheduled services from London Heathrow to Goa, all via Doha.

Due to the length of the flight, we recommend, pre-allocating your flight seats (from £20pp each way). For more details, contact our reservations team.

Whilst not direct, the connection times are usually very good and the facilities at Doha airport (opened in 2014) are world class. Please call our expert team to discuss the scheduled flights available.

WINTER 2016/17 flight details to Goa international airport

MANCHESTER

G AT W I C K

Programmed flights operate from November to March and are non-stop. Some flights continue into April.

†

From

Terminal

Day depart UK

UK depart

Goa arrive

Goa depart

UK arrive

Day arrive UK

Operates

Gatwick

South

Sunday

0915

0005†

0155†

0715†

Monday

13 Nov - 20 Mar

Gatwick

South

Saturday

0915

0005

0155

0715

Sunday

17 Dec - 19 Mar

Gatwick

South

Wednesday

0915

0005†

0155†

0715†

Thursday

14 Dec - 23 Mar

Gatwick

North

Saturday

1755

0830

†

Sunday

05 Nov - 30 Apr

Manchester

1

Tuesday

0915

†

Manchester

1

Friday

Manchester

1

Manchester

2

†

†

†

1030

1535

0025

†

0215

0745

Wednesday

01 Nov - 22 Mar

0915

0025

†

0215

†

0745

Saturday

04 Nov - 25 Mar

Monday

0915

0025†

0215†

0745†

Tuesday

07 Nov - 21 Mar

Wednesday

1515

0600

0800

1310

Thursday

02 Nov - 30 Mar

†

†

†

†

† †

†

Flight arrives the following day.

Please note that flight information is correct at time of going to press and is subject to change at any time by the airline. Flight supplements may apply.

An in-flight meal and 20kg per person luggage allowance is included. If you have any special requirements, please advise all details to us at the time of booking and we will pass these on to the airline.

54

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

premium class service

To make the journey to Goa more comfortable, many of our customers choose to upgrade their flights to Premium Class. The upgraded service offers additional benefits both at the airport and on board the aircraft. With limited Premium Class seats available, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Please note, Premium Class services may differ by airline, ask at time of booking for a full breakdown of services.

The Premium Class service includes: • UK Airport Lounge • Pre-bookable seats • Priority check-in • Increased hand luggage allowance of 10kg • Increased hold luggage allowance of 25kg • Priority boarding • Premium seat giving more personal comfort and space • Premium in-flight entertainment • Amenity kit • Complimentary bar service (excluding champagne) • Enhanced meal service From £349 return, or from £180 one way

Quality Charter EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP 5113

AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis ACCURATE BROCHURES & WEBSITES

All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS

All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS

AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

© Jool-yan / Shutterstock

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.

Serenity Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

To contact the Association, visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.

ABTOT The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK. 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays.

55

Prices are in £s per person on stated board basis and room choice from Gatwick on a Sunday and include £73 APD (refunded for children aged 2-15) and other known taxes and charges. Any flight supplements will be detailed at time of booking. For other durations please call or visit GoaExperience.co.uk.

All supplements and room upgrades shown are per person per night based on twin occupancy. *Add on stay price does not include flights or transfers.

WINTER 2016-17 PRICES

11-Nov 10-dec

11-dec 17-dec

18-dec 24-dec

25-dec 31-dec

1-jan 8-jan

9-jan 2-feb

3-feb 9-feb

10-feb 23-feb

24-feb 2-Mar

Nilaya Hermitage Luxury Boutique pg 20

14

1478 2167

1457 2146

1429 2989

2419 3757

2348 3449

1916 2599

1493 2188

1478 2168

1529 2218

1477 2167

Sol de Goa Boutique pg 22

7 14

1049 1259

1029 1199

998 1875

1835 2447

1726 2138

1424 1655

1115 1348

1089 1328

1135 1384

1079 1299

Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village 5 pg 24

7 14

1279 1879

1257 1858

1295 2515

2069 3529

2365 2958

1644 2497

1368 1984

1328 1964

1379 2015

1326 1964

Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada 5 pg 25

7 14

1188 1699

1167 1678

1215 2365

1969 3245

2274 2979

1756 2298

1298 1786

1219 1766

1275 1818

1224 1764

Acron Waterfront Resort Boutique pg 26

7 14

1067 1499

1084 1519

1165 2019

1698 2578

1886 2124

1465 1975

1235 1716

1185 1696

1238 1748

1165 1619

Country Inn & Suites Candolim 4 pg 28

7 14

938 1198

899 1179

1049 1888

1798 2498

1695 2175

1229 1489

988 1228

938 1215

989 1264

929 1189

Fortune Select Regina 4 pg 29

7 14

897 1129

889 1148

915 1799

1689 2515

1624 1934

1239 1538

1018 1289

968 1269

1019 1315

955 1189

Sonesta Inns 3½ pg 30

7 14

858 1044

869 1094

997 1699

1599 2175

1525 1878

1188 1447

964 1198

919 1178

968 1225

915 1136

Chalston Beach Resort 2½ pg 31

7 14

769 949

789 967

874 1487

1515 1916

1354 1599

1098 1244

859 998

818 985

875 1027

824 979

Grand Hyatt Goa 5 Deluxe pg 33

7 14

1137 1536

1115 1499

1095 2226

1948 2994

1959 2629

1438 1854

1187 1597

1157 1575

1215 1629

1156 1575

Cidade de Goa 4 pg 34

7 14

976 1345

1016 1394

1123 2148

1966 2916

2199 2394

1324 1689

1096 1456

1049 1436

1098 1485

1039 1385

Panjim Inn Unique pg 35

3* 7

96 859

96 839

96 885

105 1428

165 1459

105 1134

105 898

105 863

105 916

105 859

The Leela Deluxe pg 38

7

5

14

1597 2459

1574 2445

1593 3889

3045 5675

3849 5269

2887 4268

1929 2824

1735 2739

1789 2787

1739 2736

5

Taj Exotica Deluxe pg 40

7 14

1465 2199

1439 2175

1425 3028

2376 4169

2919 3725

2178 2985

1555 2324

1519 2299

1569 2355

1519 2299

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa 5 Deluxe pg 42

7 14

1345 1958

1319 1939

1299 2855

2258 4119

2615 3456

1845 2469

1469 1979

1349 1965

1398 2015

1324 1864

Alila Diwa Deluxe pg 43

7 14

1199 1694

1186 1669

1159 2226

1955 3394

2499 2829

1518 2049

1377 1797

1249 1776

1298 1829

1236 1725

Ramada Caravela 4½ pg 44

7 14

1018 1368

989 1355

998 2166

1866 2897

2089 2435

1354 1759

1129 1515

1079 1497

1135 1539

1069 1458

Acacia Palms 3 pg 46

7 14

819 969

825 999

964 1679

1559 2015

1358 1729

1129 1315

885 1064

854 1047

919 1089

848 1028

5

56

1-Nov 10-Nov 7

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

Other durations

10 / 11 nights, 21 nights and other durations are also available, please contact our reservation team for prices.

3-Mar 30-Mar

31-Mar 20-APr

21-APr 30-APR

BOARD BASIS

AC

SINGLE ROOM

3RD PERSON SHARING

CHILD SHARING (2-11 YRS)

1457 2139

1473 2188

1495 2216

B&B

included

from £105

from -£2

from -£35

1039 1269

1049 1295

1065 1279

B&B

included

from £24

-£10

n/a

1299 1945

1288 1697

1327 1715

B&B

included

from £85

from -£50

from -£50

half board full board

1199 1745

1214 1549

1265 1574

B&B

included

from £72

from -£40

from -£40

half board full board

1099 1559

1045 1425

1078 1446

B&B

included

from £45

n/a

n/a

897 1234

995 1326

919 1199

B&B

included

from £27

from -£2

from -£2

half board full board all-inclusive

£15 £20 £27

from £8 deluxe pool view room prices based on deluxe garden facing room

889 1129

915 1166

929 1174

B&B

included

from £25

from -£2

from -£2

half board full board

£12 £18

luxury room prices based on deluxe room

from £9

869 1096

879 1045

899 1064

B&B

included

from £17

from -£6

from -£11

suite prices based on standard room

from £9

799 958

814 947

799 969

B&B

included

from £20

from -£2

from -£4

superior room prices based on standard room

from £11

1136 1549

1098 1477

1135 1495

B&B

included

from £60

from -£27

from -£27

pool view room bay view room club view room prices based on grand room

from £14 from £22 from £50

995 1335

966 1279

989 1295

B&B

included

from £38

from -£10

from -£20

half board full board all-inclusive

£25 £38 £58

superior room classic room prices based on standard room

from £18 from £28

93 824

93 835

105 868

B&B

included

from £24

from -£6

n/a

half board

£14

superior room prices based on deluxe room

from £12

1714 2714

1617 2496

1599 2469

B&B

included

from £130

from -£18

from -£60

half board full board

£52 £92

conservatory premiere from £24 lagoon suite from £64 club suite from £210 prices based on lagoon terrace room

1499 2284

1454 1917

1435 1945

B&B

included

from £108

from -£65

from -£65

half board full board

£20 £30

deluxe room pool villa prices based on garden villa

from £13 from £47

1249 1789

1275 1814

1315 1844

B&B

included

from £92

from -£38

from -£38

half board full board

£32 £53

lagoon view room pool view room sea view room prices based on park view room

from £15 from £28 from £37

1186 1669

1215 1714

1194 1689

B&B

included

from £73

from -£27

from -£35

half board full board all-inclusive

£30 £42 £48

loft room diwa room prices based on terrace room

from £20 from £39

1039 1418

998 1349

1019 1366

B&B

included

from £39

from -£8

from -£20

half board full board

£20 £32

partial pool / ocean view room oceanfront room prices based on garden view room

815 997

819 988

844 1047

B&B

included

from £17

nil

nil

half board

£12

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

CUISINE CHOICE

half board

ROOM CHOICE

£28

queen suite king’s abode prices based on luxury room

from £25 from £35

£20 £30

superior charm with sit out premium cottage sea view prices based on superior charm cottage with balcony

from £10 from £19

£20 £30

deluxe delight sea view from £14 premium indulgence cottage from £24 premium temptation villa from £34 prices based on superior charm garden view river view room prices based on courtyard room

from £17

from £10 from £25

57

How to Book Call our expert team Our reservations staff will be happy to share their knowledge of Goa and help you plan your holiday. Our office opening hours are: • 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday • 9am – 5pm Saturday • 10am – 4pm Sunday The office may be closed during national and bank holidays.

Calls may be recorded for training purposes.

Visit your local Travel Agent If you obtained this brochure through a travel agent, you will be able to make your booking with them.

Visit GoaExperience.co.uk You can check availability, prices and book your holiday 24 hours a day online at GoaExperience.co.uk

Visit GoaExperience.co.uk or call our reservations team on 01489 866 986

Loyalty discount Valued customers who have previously travelled with any of our Serenity Holidays brands in the last three years will qualify for a loyalty discount of £50pp. The discount must be claimed at time of booking and is available throughout the year on package holidays, booked at the full brochure price.

Making your booking Once you or your travel agent have confirmed your holiday reservation, we will issue our confirmation invoice by the following day. It is essential you check that all the details are correct and advise us immediately if they are not. Any changes at a later date may incur an amendment fee.

Payments On confirming your holiday we require a deposit of £125 per person, payable by debit or credit card. In addition, if our insurance is taken this must also be paid for at this time. The remaining balance must be paid at least 12 weeks prior to departure, either by bank transfer, online, debit card or credit card (1.6% charge). For bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. If we do not receive the appropriate payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and you will be liable for cancellation charges in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Booking Checklist • Pay deposit – Only £125 per person • Make sure you have adequate travel insurance • Seek travel health advice from your GP • Check your confirmation invoice • Arrange your visa (see our website for process) • Pay your balance 12 weeks prior to departure • Complete Additional Passenger Information (API) online • Check your ticket pack © Alexander Mazurkevich / Shutterstock

58

For more information or to book online visit GoaExperience.co.uk

The Goa Experience is operated by Serenity Holidays (Serenity Holidays Ltd). We are committed to a policy of fair trading and make every effort to ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday with us. Our terms of trade have been formulated as a result of our responsibilities under law and in no way affect your statutory rights as a consumer. Please read this carefully and keep with you on holiday as it sets out the basis of the contract between you and Serenity Holidays Ltd.

5. IF YOU REQUEST A CHANGE TO YOUR BOOKING All amendments to your booking, e.g. name changes, dates of travel or accommodation, will incur a charge, the amount of which will depend on the nature of the change and the time before the date of travel. Any changes made within 12 weeks of departure may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings.

The lead name on a booking cannot be changed under any circumstances and this would also be classed as a cancellation and re-booking.

We are a member of ABTA, membership number V5963. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract.

Further information on the Code and arbitration can be found at http://www.abta.com

6. IF YOU BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT we will assume that in dealing with us the agent is acting on your behalf in respect of any changes or cancellation to your booking.

All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times.

DATA PROTECTION When you make an enquiry or booking with us, information about you is collected. This refers to information such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and any special needs/disabilities or dietary requirements. By giving us these details, you consent for these to be used as necessary in processing your booking and complying with legal requirements (e.g. forwarding passenger lists to airlines). We may also use your details to send you future holiday brochures or advise of special offers from ourselves - should you NOT want to receive these, please tell us. Some of your information may be considered ‘sensitive personal data’ under the Data Protection Act 1998, which will only be used when it is necessary for us to communicate your needs to a hotel or airline. For more information – please refer to our ‘Privacy Statement’ shown on our website www.goaexperience.co.uk We sell the following arrangements: Package Holiday A “package holiday” is a combination of at least two of the following services (a) transport, (b) accommodation or (c) other tourist services (not ancillary to any transport or accommodation and forming a significant part of the arrangements) where booked through us at an inclusive price.

7. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY Although it is unlikely, we may occasionally have to change your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to change or cancel your booking. Most changes are minor and we will always endeavour to advise you or your travel agent of any such changes at the earliest possible date.

Note: Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us.

Package Holiday: A change of airline, aircraft type, overseas airport of destination, travel timings by 12 hours or less and accommodation of a similar or higher standard in the same resort or region are classed as minor changes which do not entitle you to cancel or change to another holiday / flight without paying our normal administration charges, and for which no compensation or refund is due.

Accommodation Only If you book accommodation only through us, we will accept responsibility for your booking in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant sections below. As this is a single component, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 do not apply.

In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used as follows: Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Airways or Qatar Airways.

Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. The carrier may occasionally have to change the type of aircraft used on a particular flight without advance warning. In such circumstances where you have booked and paid an additional seat supplement and such seat cannot be provided, then you will receive only a refund of the supplement paid.

Excursions Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book with us, or pay for whilst you are on holiday, are not part of your package holiday provided by us. We act as a booking agent only for excursions that you book with us either in the UK or in resort. Your contract is with the provider of the excursions and not ourselves, and therefore we have no liability for the proper performance of that contract.

Occasionally, we have to make major changes to your travel arrangements or accommodation.

A major change is a change made before departure, which, on the basis of the information given to us by you at the time of booking we can reasonably expect will have a major effect on your holiday. The following changes are examples of major changes: changing travel times by over 12 hours, your UK departure airport (excluding London airports), your holiday region, a change to a lower standard or type of accommodation or reducing the number of days’ holiday.

FINANCIAL SECURITY: If you book a package holiday through us the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure.

If we have to make a major change or cancel your holiday we will tell you as soon as possible. Where possible, we will offer the following options: you can either a) accept the changed arrangements b) purchase another holiday/flight from us at the advertised current selling price or c) cancel your booking upon which we will refund your monies in full and final settlement.

For packages that include flights we provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 1866) administered by the Civil Aviation Authority.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via your travel agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number [1866]. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. For further information visit the ATOL website at www. atol.org.uk. The price of our air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.

For packages that do not include flights, as a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) Serenity Holidays Ltd has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.

In the event of Serenity Holidays’ insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd. In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.

Flight Only arrangements are protected by our ATOL (number 1866) as described above.

1. YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING When making a booking you must be aged over 18 years and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party our terms and conditions. All correspondence and documents are sent to the party leader who is responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. The contract is made on the terms of the information in this brochure, the details set out in the confirmation invoice. We agree that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction and English Law applies (unless you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you can bring proceedings in your local court under Scottish or Northern Irish law, as applicable). Our confirmation invoice is our acceptance of the booking (as detailed therein), and the contract is made on its issue. We ask you to check the details and any anomaly should be reported to us or your travel agent immediately otherwise the details shown on the confirmation will be presumed to be correct. Verbal quotations should not be considered binding until the first invoice confirmation is received. All holidays and offers published in this brochure are subject to availability at the time of booking.

2. PAYMENT If you wish to confirm a booking you must pay the deposit of £125pp. Your balance will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 8 weeks before your departure, or your booking may be deemed cancelled and your deposits retained. In the event we need to book and pay for your flight at the time of booking, you will be quoted the cost of this before confirming your holiday and asked to pay for this sector in full, along with your deposit. It is at this time you will be advised whether the flight cost is non-refundable. If payment for your holiday is made by credit card a handling fee, currently 1.6% will be levied.

3. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING You will need to let us know as soon as possible either by telephone or in writing (or must ensure your travel agent does so on your behalf). Since we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation charges set out below will apply, calculated from the date on which we receive your notice of cancellation. You will then receive a cancellation invoice detailing any charges.

No of days before departure

Cancellation charge

More than 84 days 43 - 84 days 29 - 42 days 15 - 28 days Less than 15 days

Loss of deposit 40% 65% 90% 100%

The charges above apply to your total holiday price excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges or charges for goods sold and dispatched. The conditions of your travel insurance policy may allow a refund claim.

Please note: if any members of your party cancel, but the others still wish to travel, it may be necessary to re-calculate the cost per person based on the new party size as the accommodation may now be under-occupied. This may result in an increased amount per person payable to secure the original booking.

4. CHARGES FOR NON-INCLUSIVE HOTEL ITEMS AND DAMAGES You enter into a separate contract with the hotel or residence for these items (e.g. parking, bar bills etc.), and agree to pay locally for any charges for items or services used by your party and not included in your holiday price. The accommodation we arrange for you can only be used by those people named on your Invoice. You are not allowed to share the accommodation with anyone else or let others stay there.

If you have booked a Package Holiday, subject to the note below, irrespective of whether you choose a), b) or c) we will pay compensation as follows: No. of days before departure

Amount for each full fare paying adult

More than 56 days 29 - 56 days 15 - 28 days 8 - 14 days Less than 8 days

Nil £15 £25 £35 £50

Accommodation Only: If we make a change to your accommodation and you don’t want to accept it, you can take any alternative we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference if it is less expensive) or a refund of the money you have paid to us. This does not apply where the change is not material. Examples of non-material changes include, but are not limited to, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities. If we have to cancel your accommodation, again we may be able to offer you an alternative. If you accept it, you would pay the difference if it was advertised at a higher price than your original accommodation, or receive a refund of the difference if it was advertised at a lower price.

Or we will refund the monies you have paid us for your accommodation. We will not be responsible to pay any compensation following a change or a cancellation by us.

Applicable to Package Holiday, Accommodation Only or Excursion bookings: Note: If a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for example war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, health risks, adverse weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will have no liability to you. No compensation payments, expenses or any other sums, including the cost of securing alternative accommodation will be paid by us.

8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT In the unlikely event you have cause for complaint during your holiday, please inform the hotel or site management and our local representative. It is unreasonable for you to take little or no action and wait until you return to complain and you must take reasonable steps to minimise the consequences of the problem. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract.

If a problem cannot be resolved locally please follow this up in writing to our Customer Relations Department at our UK office, with any supporting evidence, within 28 days of your return from holiday.

If your complaint cannot be settled amicably between us, you may if you wish refer the matter to arbitration under ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is registered with the Government’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (please go to www.abta.com). Alternatively, AITO’s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution, but please be aware this scheme is not registered by the ADR. 9. OUR RESPONSIBILITY Package Holiday: If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However, we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of [3] times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: (a) The contractual terms of the companies that provides the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and (b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices: Serenity Holidays Ltd, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7AN We do not accept liability for happenings or actions outside our control, e.g. delays to travel services, the temporary invasion of pests, the presence of indigenous animals or insects, government action, industrial disputes, damage or inconvenience resulting from the weather (e.g. drought conditions) or from acts of God, or your party’s negligence resulting in loss or accident.

Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on 01489 866 986

TERMS AND CONDITIONS If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances. If you have taken our recommended insurance cover, you must make an insurance claim in respect of any legal fees incurred abroad for that purpose, and if you have taken alternative insurance, you must do likewise under any Legal Expenses cover provided by it. You must also provide us with the confirmation from the insurance company of receipt of your notification to them of your claim.

Excursions: Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or which you pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour nor for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Accommodation Only: We have a duty to select the accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations: i. where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to circumstances beyond our control (see the Note in clause 7) ii. where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you. iii. where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity. iv. where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract with you.

If we are found liable to you on any basis, we limit the amount we have to pay you to a maximum of three times the cost of your accommodation. This limit does not apply to cases involving death or injury.

10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY You undertake to exercise due and reasonable care in respect of your holiday accommodation and its contents, to leave it in a clean and complete condition, to respect local and on-site regulations and bye-laws, to limit party numbers to those on your confirmation, to remit payments as invoiced on or before the due dates, to indemnify us against all loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any act, default or omission of your party, and not to exceed the published occupation capacity of the accommodation. Any serious abuse of a property or its contents may render you liable to eviction without compensation.

11. PRICES AND SURCHARGES The price of your holiday was calculated using the exchange rate of £1 = 98 INR (19 February 2016) or $1.45 (10 February 2016). We reserve the right to increase or reduce prices, and the current price of your holiday will be advised to you at the time of booking. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the information and prices provided to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. In the event that an incorrect price has been given in error, any booking made based on this price, will not be valid. You will be advised of the mistake at the earliest opportunity and you will then have the option either to pay the correct price for the travel arrangements or to cancel and receive a full refund of any monies you may already have paid. Once you have booked your holiday we reserve the right to surcharge for cost increases due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed charges, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes, embarkation or disembarkation fees at airports, and exchange rates.

Package Holidays There will be no charge within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb such increases up to 2% of your basic holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges).

If the surcharge is greater than 10% of your holiday price you have the option of changing to another holiday that we offer (if we are able to offer an alternative you will not have to pay more, but if it is of a lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price) or you have the right to cancel (within 14 days of receiving surcharge notification), in which case we will refund in full all monies paid to us except insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes will have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place.

Accommodation Only We reserve the right to pass on all increases. If we ask you to pay us any increases in taxes, similarly, if any taxes you have paid to us are reduced or abolished, you will be entitled to claim a refund.

12. TRAVEL SERVICES When you travel by air the relevant carrier’s ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to your journey, some of which may limit liability or exclude liability in accordance with the relevant international conventions. Copies of the conditions are available for inspection at any ABTA travel agent. Information given by us about such services is for guidance only and the carriers concerned accept no responsibility for our brochures. It is your responsibility to report promptly at the check-in times given by the carriers and with the appropriate valid travel documents (e.g. passports), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by you if you fail to do so. Occasionally there are times beyond our control when a flight is delayed.

We will work closely with the airline and our resort office to make sure any delay is as short as possible and that your overseas transfer and accommodation arrangements are changed if necessary. Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience of delays as far as possible.

Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delays to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines.

Please note that reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/ or compensation from us is set out in clause 7 ‘if we change your holiday’. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Passengers Advice and Complaints team at the CAA (email: passengercomplaints@caa.co.uk website www.caa.co.uk).

13. TRAVEL INSURANCE You agree to our requirement: at the time of booking your holiday you either accept our travel insurance or you or your travel agent make immediate alternative arrangements with cover at least to our own policy.

14. SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES Where a swimming pool or other facility is referred to as being available for use, such availability is at the hotelier’s discretion and is understood to be conditional upon temporary or unavoidable closure necessitated by: the hotels essential maintenance programme, accident, damage or malfunction of equipment, and in the case of swimming pools: compliance with any water conservation regulations imposed in times of drought, damage or malfunction of the mains water supply. The above are understood to be a result of force majeure and not to reflect on our failure to deliver an advertised facility.

15. PASSPORT/VISA It is the responsibility of all customers to ensure they have a valid passport and to check entry requirements such as passport validity and any required visa.

In addition, you must consult your GP for advice regarding recommended medication and anti-malarial drugs before you book.

16. HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION Should anyone be refused admission to the flight or to the destination country by the airline or government authority due to the correct documentation not being in order then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. Any passengers considered being unacceptably under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be denied boarding to the aircraft or entry into the country. In these circumstances we shall consider the customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so.

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We are an independent company where emphasis is very much on quality and service.

We offer specialist holidays to other destinations and all provide excellent value and choice.

The Gambia Experience 01489 866 939 Gambia.co.uk

The Cape Verde Experience 01489 866 969 CapeVerde.co.uk

Great Escapes 01489 866 932 Great Escapes.co.uk

Corsican Places 01489 866 931 Corsica.co.uk

Sardinian Places 01489 866 959 SardinianPlaces.co.uk

Sicilian Places 01489 866 994 SicilianPlaces.co.uk

TRAVEL AGENTS STAMP

goaexperience.co.uk

01489 866 986 Thanks to: Photography: The Goa Experience Team, Shutterstock, Alamy.

Design: Serenity Design Studio | Print: Taylor Bloxham

01489 866 987 (administration) holidays@goaexperience.co.uk