5 Places in Goa to Bring in the New Year

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa &ndash Panaji

Head to this upscale hotel overlooking the Mandovi for a specially curated&nbspNew Year&rsquos Eve Dinner on December 31 and New Year&rsquos brunch on January 1.

The dinner will be held at Comida & Feliz. Highlights from the menu include slow roasted duck, salt baked sea bass, and homemade Parisian gnocchi, Banoffee pie, Deconstructed Tiramisu, along with a variety of live and grills stations. To ring in the good times, there will be foot-tapping music churned by a popular DJ as well as live music by Silvina. The brunch at Feliz has been organized in an al-fresco setting and the menu consists of Indian and international delicacies, crafted drinks, and desserts. There will be live music too.

Dinner at Comida and Feliz from 7pm onwards on December 31 and brunch at Feliz between 1pm and 3pm on January 1. Cost Rs 4,000 tax per person for dinner and upwards of Rs 1,250 (without alcohol) plus tax for brunch.

Reservation 91-8322491900 / 9607975314

The Leela Goa

This popular high-end resort in Mobor, Cavelossim, is not only hosting an amazing range of festive feasts in the run up to the new year celebrations but has also said that it will be donating a part of the proceeds from the festivities for charity.

You may drop in for a sundowner between 5pm and 6.30pm until January 4, 2022, at their Susegado beach restaurant, where they are offering a range of signature festive tipple along with an a la carte menu. Don&rsquot forget to check out the special offers.

On December 29, 8pm onwards, the beach restaurant will take you on a journey on the Orient Express, with menu favourites such as dim sums to Asian skewers. Cost Rs 4,499 (with unlimited premium spirits) tax per guest. On December 30, at the Club Lounge, there will be a special five course fusion menu consisting of eastern and western flavours, which will be served between 7.30pm and 10.30 pm. Cost Rs 4,995 (paired with Krsma wine) plus tax per head.  Violinist Sherwin will render melodies from the yesteryears.

It&rsquos time for some glam and glitz on New Year&rsquos Eve. Gather at the Leela Lawns on December 31, 8 pm onwards for a retro-themed party. Browse through the flea market which will display products from across the country while Goa&rsquos popular band True Blue sets the mood. And when you are hungry, it is time to turn up at the Coconut Grove for a menu that includes Indian and global dishes. Do not miss the spectacular fireworks over the Mobor skies at the stroke of midnight. Cost Rs 14,000 (without alcohol) plus tax per guest Rs 16,500 (unlimited premium spirits) tax per guest.

On January 1, the hotel will host a New Year brunch at The Restaurant between 12.45pm and 4pm. Bring the kids along as there will be special activities for them. Enjoy your glass of bubbly or a low cal cocktail as you listen to the musical renditions by the 2Groovy Duo. CostRs 2,599 (without alcohol) plus tax per guest and Rs 3,599 (with unlimited premium spirits) plus tax per guest.

Reservation 91-77570 01928

Glass Villa

What could be more glamorous than bidding the old year goodbye and ringing in the new from a unique glass house located along the scenic Nachinola backwater Acquired by The Rug Republic (TRR), the 25,000 square feet property can be yours this holiday season. Conceptualised by ace fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani and brought to life by architect Sameep Padora, the villa was done by Asahi Glass to showcase their architectural glass. The villa with its unique architecture has a wood and glass facade, laterite walls and sloping exposed concrete ceiling. The four bedrooms have two faces with floor to ceiling glass looking into green spaces. The sunken seating next to the courtyard, and the massive pool side space have stunning views over the fields and back waters. TRR&rsquos home decor items have enhanced&nbspthe villa's refinement.

Depending on the time of the day, enjoy the sprawling courtyard, the huge wooden deck or the garden by the large pool. If you are fond of the outdoors, go on walking treks or cycling around Aldona village.  If you love water sports then go kayaking in the backwaters of Moira. Why not pick up some fresh grocery and sea food when you are out in the neighbourhood in the morning and let the in-house chef rustle up a Goan meal The property also has a French and a Sushi chef on call. If you are looking for some music, they also have a musician on call. You may also go on excursions to explore churches, forts, waterfalls and beaches with the designated cab company from the village itself.

For rates and booking, write to ujjwal@rftpm.in&nbspor call 91 77740 09988

Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa

The location of this star property makes it an ideal base to explore north Goa, and therefore ideal for those wanting to avoid party-hopping and go exploring the local attractions. The guest rooms offer hillside, pool, or garden views. The rooms are contemporary, spacious, and equipped with Hyatt Grand Beds, a sleeper sofa, floor to ceiling windows, luxurious bath amenities, a mini fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an HD TV.  If you have kids in tow, they can spend their time in the recreational area designated for them.

The Hyatt Centric Goa Candolim is known for its bar and restaurant. Enjoy handcrafted drinks. Partake of Goan specialties along with Indian and other cuisines. The signature restaurant and bar Grok, which exudes a laidback Goan vibe, has both outdoor and indoor seating facilities.

For rates and booking, see here.

SaffronStays Grand Mansion

If you are keen to ring out the old year and ring in the new at your own pace, with your extended family or a select group of friends, then head to SaffronStays Grand Mansion of Saipem Hills.

Located in the outskirts of Candolim, this luxury estate can accommodate 18 guests for an overnight stay. Lush green views of the distant Saipem hills, a large swimming pool below eye level surrounded by lawns on one side and a deck/entertainment room from the other, are some of the attractions here. The living area, along with all the other spaces, is adorned with paintings, artefacts, and state-of-the-art furniture. There is also wi-fi connection in the living room and common area. The estate is close to nightclubs like the LPK Waterfront Club, Sinq Nightclub, both only a 15-minute drive away.

For rates and booking, see here.