South Goa’s newest hotel is the perfect spot for a family vacation

South Goa’s newest hotel is the perfect spot for a family vacation

Nestled in South Goa’s sleepy Benaulim village and just a couple of minutes’ walk from Benaulim beach, Marriott’s newest property in Goa has all the ingredients of a family retreat. Well-appointed rooms are available in either a pool or a garden view, and most feature either a private balcony (first floor rooms), or a patio (attached to the ground floor accommodation), the latter styled like a Goan balcão, with a sopo or built-in seating.

The property features an expansive all-day dining restaurant and coffee shop, Kava, with a diverse menu featuring everything from a delicious (and massive) Goan thali created by a locally-appointed chef, to international fare, and a breakfast buffet. You can choose to sit in their al fresco section, with a view of the pool, or at the Kava Lounge, an extension of the restaurant that serves as a deli café-cum-indoor bar. Breezy evenings can be spent at Azul, with one of their locally-inspired cocktails in hand, and bar nibbles for company.

What to do while there

Take an e-bike tour:

This quiet part of South Goa is lovely when explored on a bike, and if you’re comfortable on one, the B:Live e-bike tours (available to book through the hotel) are a great way to spend an evening. The motorised bikes are a breeze to ride, and the tour guides are informed and friendly. Zipping along the narrow roads in and around Benaulim and Colva, a neighbouring village, you will be introduced to quaint chapels, learn a little about the local architecture and culture, and experience panoramic views of Goa from a hilltop.

Enjoy the beaches:

Just a short walk away, Benaulim beach is not too busy and has a few good shacks; Johncy’s, right at the entrance, offers a good view of the beach to enjoy with your cold pint. The Fairfield by Marriott Benaulim Goa also offers picnic baskets—a sweet curation of al fresco-friendly foods like sandwiches, rolls, beverages and fruit—complete with cutlery and a blanket. Ask them to pack you one for your visit to Cabo de Rama, a medieval hill fort featuring an incredible view of the sea, and an adjoining beach. A short trek down a hill will take you to the secluded beach, a great spot to set up your blanket and basket, and enjoy the sunset.

Where:

Fairfield by Marriott Benaulim is an hour from Goa’s Dabolim Airport by car.