Get away from it all and head over to Vivenda Dos Palhacos, a gorgeous, restored mansion with a hundred-year-old history that sits amidst a quiet village in South Goa’s Majorda.
Vivenda Dos Palhacos: A Heritage Boutique Hotel In A Charming South Goan Village
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All In The Family
Belonging to the fourth-generation of the Haywards family {the same folks that gave us Haywards 5000} that came to call India home, Charlotte and Simon’s endless love for Goa resulted in Vivenda Dos Palhacos. The restored heritage property is not at the center of things in Goa, is off the beaten track in a small hamlet in South Goa, and yet it is sought out by a steady stream of travellers who want to experience serenity.
If you want to experience rural life {complete with coconut groves, the sounds of farm animals, and ringing church bells} in Goa without sacrificing the frills, then, Vivenda Dos Palhacos is just for you. A Portuguese home that’s been standing since 1929, with a tiled roof and surrounded by a garden, sits at the front of the property. Here, if you are game for a splurge {prices start at INR 7,643 in the monsoon season}, we recommend that you book the Konnagar room. It’s the property’s master bedroom that comes fitted with a vintage four-poster bed and the bathroom even has cast iron bathtub sourced from the Royal Bombay Yacht Club.
At the back, there’s another, older Hindu house with modestly-priced rooms. All of them are distinctly done up and make for cosy nooks. If you prefer your own little oasis though, go with the Darjeeling room. The converted garage space comes with a mezzanine and a private garden.
Clown Around
Of course, a property called the House of Clowns {that’s what Vivenda Dos Palhacos translates to} wouldn’t be living up to its name if it didn’t have a touch of eccentricity to it. So, a brightly painted auto sits in the garage waiting to take you for a spin. There’s also the vibrant bar where the tailgate of a TATA truck serves as the counter. What will bring you the most cheer, however, are the resident canines – Toby, Gigolo, and Kitten – who give you excellent company while you while away your time.
We also loved the fact that the place offers communal dining. Chef John Grascias whips up meals featuring local produce {fish and meat are highlights here} while you catch up with people from all over the world.
Where: Costa Vaddo, Majorda, Salcette, Goa
Price: INR 4, 786 upwards. For more details, click here.
Contact: +91 9881720221
Check out their website here.