"Now it feels like we are in Goa," someone remarked as soon as we got off the car at Cabo de Rama beach. As we walked towards the cliff, the views took our breath away.
We were on our way to Varca, heading to Sea Breeze Sarovar Portico for our final couple of days in Goa. The short stop at Cabo de Rama let us enjoy the gorgeous cliff views and fill up our camera rolls with some quintessential Goa pictures.
On reaching our destination, we were ushered into the lobby by the General Manager of the property, Allan Pachaco, where a sweet surprise awaited us. As soon as we entered, we saw the entire staff at the hotel gathered in a circle and singing, "Dilli se aaya mera dost," which was their very own version of the original Bappi Lahiri hit. After much laughter, introductions and some refreshing coconut water, we all decided to head to lunch.
I had been craving some authentic Goan thali ever since I arrived in Goa, and it was a happy surprise that they had planned the very same thing for all of us. Flavours is the hotel's multi-cuisine, all-day dining restaurant that can fit up to 96 guests and offers hearty Goan delicacies and continental fare.
We started with prawn wafers, thin and so crispy that you would never be able to tell they are made with prawns. While we munched on the crisps and mint chutney and waited for the food to arrive, Pachaco regaled us with many local lores of Goa and expelled a lot of stereotypes around his home state. "There isn't a nude beach in Goa? Really?", "But I've always heard it's true!" The conversation around the table continued like this, with the prawn wafers steadily depleting.
By the time our thalis arrived, we were all famished. There was a small mound of rice surrounded by bowls of Goan prawn curry, beans poriyal, Surmai fish fry, sol kadhi, green salad and Goan dessert bebinca. Vegetarians can savour a north Indian thali with paneer, lentils and other seasonal vegetable preparations. Dinner was a languid affair with spicy crabs, mutton curry with poi (Goan buns), xacuti, and good wine pairings. We still weren't done savouring as many local dishes as we could get, so for breakfast the following day, Pacheco made us have ros omelette. This is a popular Goan snack usually had for breakfast and as an evening quick bite, comprising an omelette on a bed of minced chicken gravy garnished with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon.
Post-lunch, a tour of the property was in order, and the first stop was the big outdoor swimming pool. Immediately, it was decided that we were all going to chill here after sundown. The Sea Breeze Sarovar Portico comes with 116 well-appointed rooms across four categories: Standard, Superior, Deluxe and Premium. Equipped with all modern amenities, the rooms are spacious and designed in a contemporary style. Functional and comfortable, the hotel is well-suited for solo travellers and couples looking for an unassuming retreat in south Goa.
There are two banquet halls designed for conferences and social gatherings that can accommodate up to 450 guests. The lounge bar, Chill, with a seating capacity of 24 people, is your corner to unwind with a good cocktail in the evening. The hotel's spa is the place to go for an indulgent day of self-care and pampering.
Five girls on an electric rickshaw, that's how we got to the beach near the hotel. Since it was just a few minutes away, we decided to ditch the car and opted for this more adventurous and fun ride. The beach was an oasis of calm with very few tourists around, and a line of scattered shacks beckoned us with their neon lights. We had packed a picnic with loads of finger food, beers, and some wine in a cooler, which sustained us all the way past sunset.
The Margao market, located close to the hotel, is another attraction travellers can explore during their stay there. It offers a vibrant and bustling experience for travellers and is one of the largest and most lively markets in the region, offering a unique blend of traditional Goan culture and modern commerce. Visitors can stroll through the narrow lanes lined with stalls selling an array of local produce, fresh seafood, and colourful spices and pick up handcrafted souvenirs while embracing the sights, sounds and distinct aroma of the place. For some spiritual solace, head to the Our Lady of Gloria church. This 17th-century colonial-era church boasts stunning Portuguese architecture and the surrounding area offers a sense of calm with lush greenery and coastal views.
Address: H. No. 491/E, Building A, Langottem, Varca, South Goa - 403721
Website: www.sarovarhotels.com/sea-breeze-sarovar-portico-varca-goa/
Tariff: Starting at INR 5500+ taxes