Flanked by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, InterContinental The Lalit Goa Resort is an isle of peace.
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f these attributes are not impressive enough, add the presence of Goa’s only international standard double ‘T’ 9 hole golf course, which hosts the annual golf tournament on November 19th, in memory of Lalit Suri, the founder of the hotel chain. Symmetrically laid out over 85 acres, formal landscaped gardens make a pleasant counterpoint to the untouched natural beauty of its setting. The architecture is in harmony with its locale; the twin storey façade is inspired by the Baroque-Portuguese style, white walls and red sloping tiled roofs blending with the lush greenery. Stepping indoors, one is greeted by a colourful lobby extending to both wings, with graceful wide staircases abutting either end. Tall arched corridors lead the way to the 14 interconnecting twin storey ‘casas’ (houses). The open stretches allow almost continuous view of the sky and picturesque greenery. The resort boasts of 255 suites; all of them have a beautiful view either of the azure Arabian Sea or the soothing gardens. Equipped with all modern day conveniences, the suites have quirky touches such as the bathroom windows opening into the bedroom; no doubt to aid romance and abet intimacy. An entire casa is reserved for the three Presidential suites; each with a twobedroom Presidential suite more magnificent than the other. The largest of these is palatial in both scale and decor. A multitude of dining options is available in restaurants that bear names inspired by Goa’s people and places. Canacona, located in the lobby, is a cheerful all hour eatery renowned for its thin crust wood fired pizza. To relish the catch of the day, one can head to the Sea BBQ with attractions such as grilled lobster, snapper, tiger prawns and herb roasted fillet mignon.
Sirocco serves up specialty Mediterranean cuisine, as habit-forming as the sweeping views of the sea beyond. Veri Feni but naturally takes its name from the famous local brew. This informal sports bar is the place to play some pool, a game of cards or to hit the dance floor. Original works by famed Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda adorn the walls, providing an impish peek into local culture. Out by the swimming pool is the sunken bar Gazebo, with a delightful Polynesian atmosphere; you can stroll across the strategically located wooden bridge or swim across to help yourself to a thirst quencher. During the season, a walk on the beachfront can come to an appetising halt at the beach shack Corta’s, which serves both local and international favourites. Possessing a large expanse of appealing space, InterContinental The Lalit Goa Resort offers one of the largest banqueting facilities capable of playing host to 550 persons at a time. Braganza, the elegant ballroom, is the epitome of grandeur. While we were there it was the venue of a rich and colourful wedding ceremony, with friends and family having flown from around the world and across the country. The Afonso and Vasco are two multifunctional party rooms, and the lawns, the pool front and the soft sands of the beach are just right for outdoor parties. For the actively inclined, there is a gamut of activities in summer and winter, from golf, tennis, squash, parasailing, water skiing and a sailing trip on a luxury yacht. For those who want a pampering session, Rejuve - The Spa offers customised yoga sessions and a range of therapies, special massages and treatments. Says Shrikant Wakharkar, General Manager of the resort, “With options for every need, from romantic seclusion to fun-filled family time to the requirements of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE), InterContinental The Lalit Goa Resort is the ideal getaway.”
Text: Sandhya Mendonca
Number of Rooms 255 suites
Best accomodation Presidential suite
Guest origin UK, Germany, Russia and India
Contact InterContinental The Lalit Goa Resort Raj Baga, Canacona Goa – 403702, India +91 832 2667777 goa@thelalit.com www.thelalit.com
Best of Goa
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