Two Frenchmen, A Bistro & A Secret Garden: You Have To Check Out This Goan B&B

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Assagao has many a hidden nooks and Botanique Goa is one of them. Charming apartment-style rooms, a scrumptious French cafe and a gorgeous pool (where the water is surprisingly the perfect temperature whenever we’ve visited), there are so many reasons to love Bontanique. 

What Makes It Awesome

Botanique is run by two gorgeous couples Carol Gracias and her French husband Sam and Charles and Emily. All these folks are always around (Emily is the kitchen lord) and personally make sure that you are well cared for (and well fed) during your stay here. A slice of their personal style and palettes seeps into the space, rendering Botanique its quaint charm, peppered with chic and contemporary sensibilities. Walk around their huge forest-like-garden amidst huge palm and teak trees or take a quick dip in their placid pool, or just wind down on one of their sunbeds and take in the clear, blue skies. Read a book, maybe. There’s nothing to rush you, this side of Assagao.

If you choose to stay here, you'll be lodging in 1 bedroom suites, with a small kitchenette which come equipped with a fridge, kettle etc. And considering how gorgeous and spacious they are, the tariffs start at only INR 4,000 plus taxes for 2 people. Of course the rates change as per season, so do check their website for more details. 

We're assuming when you stay at the guesthouse, you're also going to give their quaint bistrot a shot? This cafe despite being located on the main Assagao-Mapusa road (which is getting busier by the hour!) is removed from the frenzy of the busy streets.

The menu at Bistrot Botanique comprises a bunch of delectable choices of French fusion food — while their fish burgers are definitely something to write home about, we’re oh-so-fond of the Duck Breast that’s cooked to perfection and accompanied by roasted pumpkins and French beans. Vegetarians and vegans, worry not, they also have dishes to cater to your palate — their pumpkin ravioli and cold zucchini soup are some of the best in Goa. One of the most charming things we noticed here is that the staff often handpicks veggies from their garden to add to your food so you can be doubly sure that the food you’re eating is wholesome and fresh! 

Their menu is usually written in chalk on the huge blackboards and keeps changing regularly, though we’re told that for the monsoons only drinks and breakfast options will be available.

Pro-Tip

Even if you are not staying here, you can pay INR 150 and use the pool.