There is something magical about Hotel Vivenda Dos Palhaços. If you are looking for a typical Goan experience, you will be disappointed with this hotel. Your stay will feel more like a home away from home. The ambience of the hotel is similar to a colonial summer escape.
The Owners
A hotel is as good as its management; and when it comes to Hotel Vivenda, the brother and sister, who own the hotel, have mastered the art welcoming guests amidst them and making them feel like a part of their family.
We were merrily greeted by Simon and Charlotte Hayward’s Bassett Hound, who is named Gigolo for some reason we couldn’t figure out. He immediately made us his best friends and didn’t want to leave our side. We realized his love for strangers comes from his owners, who made us feel welcome with their vibrant hospitality.
Charlotte informed us that she had spent a lot of time traveling the length and breadth of India, as it is a passion, but she hasn’t been able to leave the cultural heritage of Goa. On the other hand, Simon, Charlotte’s brother, tossed up his career as a Creative Director to transform a Portuguese-era home into the magnificent Hotel Vivenda Dos Palhaços. Together, the brother and sister have done a fabulous job and make every guest feel special.
In-House Dining at Hotel Vivenda
We have traveled quite a bit and were surprised to learn Hotel Vivenda Dos Palhaços has communal dining space. All three meals are laid out on a huge dining table and guests sit around it to enjoy a unique dining experience. This was the first time we were experiencing this dining, but let’s tell you, the experience was wonderful. We got to know other guests and before long, we were talking like long-lost friends. We didn’t realize we were up until wee hours of the night and Simon stayed up with us to ensure all guests were comfortable and had what they needed.
Now, that’s what I call customer service!
A Gastronomic Adventure
The dinner menu is planned in the morning and heavily dependent on the fresh local produce and the season. We ordered the Goan Thali and when we tasted it, we knew we had made the right choice. Thali was a burst of flavors that tantalized our taste buds. It came with fluffy yellow rice, creamy prawn curry, red spinach cooked in freshly grated coconut and king fish smothered in recheado masala. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another morsel, we were served our dessert – chocolate samosa.
The portions in Hotel Vivenda are generous and you definitely will be satisfied at the end of the meal. We didn’t yearn for seconds though our taste buds did!
Staying in the Lap of Luxury
We were given the Ooty Room, a gorgeously beautiful room with an all-white décor and an en-suite bathroom. The room had its private entrance from the lush green and airy courtyard. The room was spacious and tastefully decorated. Its double bed was comfortable and cosy and we didn’t want to get out of it in the morning. But the lounging area in the room was too inviting to resist.
Charlotte and Simon informed us every single room in the hotel was named after the places they loved in India. It was so refreshing to learn this. All rooms have fans, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
The Ooty Room, Hotel Vivenda
Early Bird Advantage
Hotel Vivenda Dos Palhaços manages to capture the spirit of Goa and its hospitality seamlessly. This would explain why the Hotel is always in demand, even during the so-called lean season. It is a wonderful place for honeymooners, families and even single travellers. The charm and outstanding hospitality will definitely win you over.
We recommend you book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you like, you can book the entire Hotel for a family get-together, wedding or birthday party. This way you too can enjoy the unique and charming Vivenda experience that we still haven’t forgotten!
All photos courtesy Hotel Vivenda's website.
Hotel Vivenda Dos Palhaços
Website | Contact | +91 832 2881700 / +91 98817 20221 | Email info@vivendagoa.com