REVIEW: THE GRAND HYATT, GOA (BAMBOLIM)

How would you describe it? Grandiose, ambitious, exquisite, welcoming, and family-friendly.

Who’d love it? Surprisingly, families! The Grand Hyatt is well equipped to cater for little ones. This state-of-the-art hotel would also make a great venue for weddings and business conferences.

How were the rooms?

Let’s just start by saying it was bigger than our entire townhouse back home in Oz. From the moment we entered the atrium, we couldn’t contain our dumfounded delight. We were like school children giggling at an inside joke – the lavishness of our room was brilliantly absurd. How did we get so lucky?! The entrance, decorated with fresh flowers, opened up to a vast, open-plan living room and dining area. A coffee machine, generous bowl of ripe fruit and jars of naughty treats were ready to welcome us. Before Ben and I tucked in, we needed to explore the all-important bedroom.

It was the stuff of dreams. The king-sized bed was so deliciously soft it felt as though I was being hugged to sleep. Behind the ultra-comfy bedroom was a bathroom fit for a queen. It contained so many specialised areas, we kept getting lost! And, just to add a little extra ostentatiousness, there was a remote controlled wall offering a choice between privacy and exhibitionism. As I started to open the bedroom curtains, I turned to Ben and said, “How can this possibly get any better?”. My question was answered before it ended. So it seemed, our room was bordered by a runway-length balcony with a state-of-the-art Jacuzzi and ocean views. It was time to jump up and down with joy.

How was the service?

I love staying at a hotel when I can tell the entire staff community shares a genuine and united passion for its mission and values. At the Grand Hyatt, it’s obvious everyone from the GM to the gardener is driven by the desire to create a flawless yet homely space for guests. There was a refreshing sincerity to their smiles and support.

I also valued the personalised service delivered at the Grand Hyatt. The staff were practically psychic and eager to go the extra mile. After a long day of filming, photographing and touring the hotel grounds, Ben and I came back to our room to discover it’d been showered in rose petals. A little romance and relaxation were exactly what we needed. It’s easy to get caught up in the work side of things when you’re a travel writer and forget to stop and enjoy the moment. Not at the Grand Hyatt! 

How was the food? 

The Grand Hyatt is a place where one can indulge in dessert during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lavish breakfast spread was temptation of the ultimate kind, offering everything from freshly made waffles with several flavours of ice-cream to the finest pastries and masterfully decorated cakes. Of course, the usual local and international suspects were on offer, too, plus a deli section that was to die for (cream cheese with smoked salmon on a fresh bagel anyone?). Lunch is next level, and will leave you feeling like Marie Antoinette. Dinner presents a world of options but Ben and I stuck with the hotel’s Indian restaurant, Chulha. We were treated to a special cooking class with the chefs before we tucked into the tastiest Indian meal either of us had ever cooked. At the Grand Hyatt, every morsel is obviously made with love, expertise, playfulness and careful consideration.

What were the highlights?

From the moment we drove our Landy through the stately entrance gates, Ben and I were in awe of the Grand Hyatt’s unique aesthetic. The architecture was a beautiful mix of Hindu, Portuguese and contemporary influences. Every structure was paradoxically grand and down-to-earth. The use of natural fibres, tones, artworks and décor was very clever, making us feel both pampered and right at home.

The spa complex was pretty memorable, too. As we wandered past the ultramodern massage rooms, gymnasium, indoor pool, relaxation room, salons, steam rooms and private female/male spas – all blindingly white – we felt like we were in a sci-fi flick. Ben and I were “the lucky ones” who got to live on the utopia-themed spaceship. It was blissfully eerie.

What’s different about the place? 

At first glance, the Grand Hyatt stood out due to its sheer size. Spread across 28 acres of prime beachfront land, the hotel was often explored by buggy rather than by foot. The common areas were so extensive, there were staff dedicated to offering directions (we took advantage of this on many occasions!). The gardens, despite their vastness, were perfectly manicured. There was also a beautifully weathered 16^th Century chapel on the grounds, which begged to be photographed.

Another interesting point-of-difference was the Grand Hyatt’s menu of guest activities, which seemed to be season specific. During the monsoon, they were designed to keep holiday-goers entertained indoors. Everything from Indian cooking classes and fondue evenings to beer ‘n’ hop tastings and detox days were on offer. I could’ve happily lived at the Grand Hyatt for many months! During my stay, I well-and-truly became a Grand Hyatt girl – it’s an incredible brand which consistently delivers my favourite hotel experiences around the world.

How would you rate the overall experience? 9.7 out of 10 grand entrances.

Resort Details:
Goa University, Bambolim, Goa 403206
Ph: 0832 301 1234
www.goa.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

5 WAYS TO CHILL OUT IN GOA DURING THE MONSOON

When you imagine a holiday in Goa, sun-kissed beaches, wild parties, and hordes of hippies probably come to mind. What if I was to tell you this tourist hot spot becomes particularly blissful throughout the Monsoon Season?

Few international tourists realise Goa is a playground 365 days of the year. The idea of visiting during its wettest months might seem strange; but, for travellers who dream of total relaxation, a beautiful backdrop and mellow holiday vibe, it’s the perfect time to chill out in this aspirational destination. Here are some of my favourite ways to unwind and soak up the magic of Goa during the Monsoon.

#1 Explore the Tropical Spice Plantation

A trip to India isn’t complete without a visit to a spice plantation. When Goa takes on a slower pace, it’s the perfect time to head towards the lush hills and discover spices in their most natural state. Ben and I visited the Tropical Spice Plantation in Keri (Ponda). Upon arrival, we were welcomed with traditional offerings of flower garlands, kumkum (red, round marks impressed on our foreheads) and herbal teas. Our guided tour immersed us in nature, revitalised our senses and filled our brains with new knowledge about spices. During the gentle stroll, we were able to mingle with buffalos, elephants, dogs, cats, monkeys, ducks and rare species of birds. They were all rather jealous of our buffet lunch, which included a mountain of traditional and nutritious foods served in banana leaves. After our walking tour and spice-infused feast, the only thing left to do was visit the gift shop!

#2 Get Your Chef’s Hat On at a Goan Cooking Class

For me, the act of preparing delicious food is wonderfully therapeutic. Once I’d witnessed spices in their purest form, I was eager to learn how to cook with them! Goa is home to many divine dishes, which are unique to the area. Goan Fish Curry is just the beginning, but it’s hard to go past. Ben and I learnt how to make this signature recipe, along with Tandoori Chicken, at the Grand Hyatt. The hotel’s Indian restaurant, Chulha, offers abridged cooking classes for guests, and there are many other courses on offer throughout Goa. No matter which operator you choose, you’re guaranteed to feel inspired by the ingenious use of spices in Indian cuisine. Ben and I realised we had many of the vital ingredients in our kitchen back home. The only problem was we had no idea how to turn them into something special. Well, now we do! And, we can’t wait to cook up an Indian feast once we get back to Australia.

#3 Sign Up for a Detox & Yoga Retreat

In this day and age, most of us are bombarded with toxins on a regular basis, from the air pollution we breathe to the processed foods we eat. Goa is home to a number of eco-conscious resorts, which offer detox retreats and aim to give your body a break and health boost. I opted for a 5-day Juice Cleanse and Yoga Program with The Beach House and will never forget the experience. My days were filled with remedial massages, nutrient-rich beverages, educational health talks, colonics, walks on the beach, one-on-one yoga classes, meditation and “me time”. It was bliss. And, I came out the other side having reduced my bio-age by 3 years, improved my ph level from 6 (acidic) to 8 (alkaline) and dropped 2kg. I’m keen to come back and do it all again next year!

#4 Let Your Hair Down on a Floating Casino

For a more upbeat way to unwind, enjoy one of Goa’s signature holiday experiences – the floating casinos. Ben and I ventured out to the Deltin Royale, India’s most grandiose party boat for gamblers. We kicked our night off with an epic feast on the middle floor, where buffet treats, alcoholic beverages, cabaret dancers and party beats set the indulgent tone for the evening. It wasn’t long before the gaming zones captured our curiosity. While we’re not big gamblers, it was fascinating watching the different dynamics at play. The air of exhilaration was infectious, and we were absorbed in the action for hours. By the time we caught a tender back to the peaceful mainland and crawled into bed, we were completely spent.

#5 Live in the Lap of Luxury 

Few places are more relaxing than luxury resorts and hotels – they’re slices of holiday heaven where your every whim gets catered for. Goa’s stateliest establishment, the Grand Hyatt, is pure comfort and escapism of the finest kind. Ben and I had the pleasure of staying in one of the ocean-view suites, which formed a royal base for our many decedent escapades. The hotel runs daily activities to keep guests entertained during the Monsoon, from fondue evenings and Indian-inspired cocktail classes to yoga sessions and detox days. The spa complex was more like a state-of-the-art sanctuary, offering male and female spas, steam rooms, a gymnasium, relaxation room, indoor pools, beauty salon and enticing massage menu. Meal times were pamper sessions in their own right. Ben and I always savour opportunities to enjoy good food, made with love, expertise and careful consideration. At the Grand Hyatt, every experience seemed to involve those three ingredients. We felt truly taken care of – like the weight of stress and chaos had been taken off our shoulders.

Whatever your chill out style, Goa offers something to help you unwind and enjoy the enchanting charm of the Monsoon Season. From lavish resorts and fun-filled nights to health retreats, educational activities and time with nature, there’s a world of locally inspired adventure waiting to be enjoyed. While Goa is a prized holiday destination throughout winter, it’s particularly breathtaking during the Monsoon when it turns into a lush and peaceful playground. So, make sure you experience Goa’s unique diversity and sample this world-renowned travel destination during the different seasons – not just the sunny ones.

REVIEW: THE BEACH HOUSE RESORT

How would you describe it? Rejuvenating, comforting, supportive, healthy and happy.

Who’d love it? Anyone who needs some personal time to relax and improve their health (mental and physical). Many of the guests I met had experienced some kind of trauma. They came to The Beach House to feel good again. Others wanted to get their eating habits back on track and develop a healthier relationship with food.

How were the rooms? Exactly what the doctor (and patient) ordered. They’re newly renovated, so the decor is bright and fresh, helping to create a calming and revitalising atmosphere. The bathrooms were spacious. The bed was deliciously soft. I had a mountain of cuddly pillows to choose from. Seriously speedy Wi-Fi and Pay TV were also available. I couldn’t have asked for more.

How was the food? It’s hard to judge, as I was on a detox diet, haha! Healthy ingredients aren’t always the most palatable. But, I must admit, the fruit juices were absolute heaven, delivering a serious flavour punch. The vegetable broths reminded me how food tastes without chemicals and additives – probably a good thing!

What was the vibe like? Calm and content. It’s easy to achieve a sense of inner peace here. The staff were gentle in nature, offering sweet smiles when guests needed a boost. We were all mildly comatose due to our low-cal meals, daily yoga classes, meditation sessions by the beach, and blissful massages.

How was the service? Delightful. No request was too inconvenient. Help was always given swiftly and kindly. The staff were very compassionate. Hungry guests can be moody ones. The staff never let a snappy comment dint their positive demeanour. The only slight challenge was the sheer number of staff – there were so many doctors and personnel, communication between them (and the guests) wasn’t always 100% seamless. Having said that, it was wonderful to know every support resource I could possibly need was ready to help me through my detox.

What were the highlights? The experience as a whole – it was delivered with professionalism, careful consideration and attention to detail. Having signed up for the juice cleanse / detox retreat, I was supported with an incredible amount of resources and guided through my journey in the best, most holistic way possible. I felt as thought it wasn’t just about eliminating a few toxins and kilos of fat from my body. The process was committed to improving my physical, psychological and physiological health to support my total well-being. After staying at The Beach House, I knew I’d made many positive changes, from the inside out.

What’s different about the place? When you come to The Beach House, you stay at The Beach House. There’s no escaping this little hideaway, which is brilliant. It meant I could totally focus on what I was there to do, away from any stress and distractions. The team kept me busy for five days with daily one-on-one yoga classes, a variety of massages, educational talks about health, a library of reading material, walks on the beach, meditation in the ocean-front huts, regular colonics and the best Wi-Fi I’d accessed in India. I was never bored. The Beach House is also unique because it personalises programs to suit individual guests. Before arriving, I had to fill out a detailed questionnaire which had an impact on my meals, hypnotherapy sessions, nutrition talks and beyond. I really felt like my stay was made just for me and, for this reason, it made an immensely positive impact on my life.

How would you rate the overall experience? 8.5 out of 10 sun salutations.

Resort Details:
Sernabatim Beach Road, Colva, Salcette, Goa, India
Tel: 0832 669 7733
www.thebeachhousegoa.com

REVIEW: RADISSON KHAJURAHO

How would you describe it? Sophisticated, hospitable, majestic, peaceful, pure comfort.

Who’d love it? Off the beaten track travellers looking for a tranquil and luxurious place to “feel human again”.

How were the rooms? They were perfectly comfortable, offering the right mix of fresh cleanliness and cosiness. Both Ben and I had a great night’s sleep – the rooms helped revive us, body and soul.

How was the food? The breakfast buffet offered everything Ben and I had been craving after a few weeks in India: cook-to-order eggs, savoury sides (bacon…omnomnomnom!), fluffy pancakes, sweet pastries, fruit salad and beyond. There were also a lot of beautifully prepared local dishes on offer. The lunch and dinner menus were a bit on the pricey side, so we enjoyed a couple of meals in town (just around the corner from the Radisson). However, when we were too exhausted to take on the tout zone, the hotel restaurant provided a peaceful place to enjoy a lovely meal.

What was the vibe like? For a big hotel, it felt incredibly intimate. We were treated like well-known celebrities, not just another couple of customers. It was delightful.

How was the service? The best I’ve experienced in India. Staying at the Radisson took me back in time, to a beautiful placed shrouded in old-world charm, romance and elegance. Thanks to the staff and the atmosphere they created, we didn’t have a care in the world. They were incredibly intuitive, fulfilling our needs before we even knew they existed and going above and beyond at every possible opportunity. For example, when I asked for a wi-fi login card, they delivered it to me along with a spare for Ben knowing that he’d eventually want one too. When I ordered a glass of ice, they brought one up along with an ice bucket in case I needed a top up. When Ben realised it was the night of the UEFA Champions League Final, they set up the bar TV for him so he could enjoy the game well after operating hours. The hotel manager also offered to look at our India map and talk us through the best routes, attractions and destinations.

What were the highlights? Apart from the impeccable service, the ground were pretty special. Thanks to the grand pool and perfectly manicured grounds, the Radisson looked like an oasis in the middle of the dessert.

What’s different about the place? The sweeping marble staircase leading to the rooms was a spectacular sight. I also liked how the Radisson offered extra facilities to keep us entertained during our stay e.g. free pool table and magazine library.

How would you rate the overall experience? 8.5 out of 10 spiral staircases.

Resort Details:
By Pass Road, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tel: 076862 72777
http://www.radisson.com/khajuraho-hotel-in/indkhaj

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: WHAT’S YOUR SAFARI STYLE?

If “going on a safari” is on your bucket list, the odds are you haven’t considered living out this dream in Nepal. While Africa dominates the safari space, Nepal’s Chitwan National Park offers unforgettable wildlife encounters which are relatively “off the beaten track”.

Knowing little about the area and its highlights, Ben and I teamed up with Kishor from Tigerland Safari Resort for some expert guidance. Over two jam-packed days, we explored the Nepalese wilderness by foot, canoe, elephant and Jeep. Here’s how our adventures unfolded… 

ELEPHANT SAFARI

One of the most popular tourism experiences in Chitwan National Park is wandering through the dense grassland astride an elephant. Having witnesses the mistreatment of these beautiful creatures by tourism operators in other countries, I was initially uncomfortable with the idea of giving this a go. But, after speaking with the trainers at Tigerland Safari Resort and visiting the elephants in their enclosure, I was delighted by how well these beautiful creatures were being treated. If riding an elephant is your childhood dream and you can’t be talked out of it, make sure you choose an operator who cares for its wildlife in a humane way.

Exploring Chitwan National Park by elephant certainly has its advantages. It puts you on top of the world and delivers a prime view, while the wild things go about their business below. The creatures of Chitwan certainly seem unfazed around elephants, which are a natural and familiar sight.

During our sky-high safari, we came across the park’s most notorious attraction – the one-horned rhino. Despite their thick leathery armour and intimidating size, these monster mammals seemed very calm and, oddly enough, smiley. At one point, we also saw a crocodile swimming around our elephant’s toes. How close to nature can you get?!

Another special experience offered by Tigerland Safari Resort is the opportunity to bathe an elephant in the local river. After climbing on its bare back with less grace than a newborn calf, you make the journey to the water together and enjoy a communal drenching. As the elephant loads its trunk and unleashes a powerful jet down its back, your childhood Jungle Book dream comes to life. It’s a magical moment – one you’ll never forget.

A small tip if you decide an elephant safari is right up your alley: wear thick, long pants, as they will save your thighs from severe “elephant burn” (their hair isn’t particularly soft!). Wandering through the whip like grass can also lead to a nasty cuts, so chuck on a long-sleeved top and closed-in shoes, too.

WALKING SAFARI

Exploring Chitwan National Park by foot is the best way to uncover the majesty of its finer details. As you enter the dense jungle and tredge your way through the blanket of lime green foliage, your senses stand to attention. The complex natural aromas tantalise your nostrils, while the high-action theatre sends your eyes on a wild chase (monkey, peacock, boar, spotted dear, lizard, slug, sloth, strange red bug thing – where to look first?).

Then there’s the spectacular symphony of the birds and bugs. They lead the jungle in song and enchant its human visitors. Our savvy guide, Kishor, helped us decipher the different sounds and match them to their makers. Before long, he’d joined the jam session and started mimicking their melodies. It was awesome!

Our guide’s jungle genius didn’t end there. I’m not usually one to get excited about plants; but, once Kishor explained how the different species were used for local medicine, cuisine and craftsmanship, it was impossible not to be impressed.

CANOE SAFARI

Where there’s water, there’s life. Exploring Chitwan National Park by canoe will undoubtedly give you glimpses into its residents’ daily habits. Rhinos looking for a cool bath, deer stopping by for a quick drink, birds hunting for fish, locals chilling out…the rivers are hubs of constant activity.

It’s best to jump in a canoe for sunrise or sunset. The sun’s reflection on the water in the golden light makes for dreamy photographs. Plus, you’ll get to see the “changing of the guards”, as the nocturnal creatures make way for the daytime dwellers (or vice versa). The atmosphere at start and end of the day is both buzzing and beautifully calm – it’s a cool experience. 

JEEP SAFARI

Chitwan National Park covers a whopping 932km². If you want to traverse a decent chunk of this land and increase your chances of spotting the notoriously rare Bengal Tiger, a jeep safari is the way to go.

While you’d think the sound of a roaring engine would limit your chances of any noteworthy sightings, it’s strangely not the case. The drivers are pretty savvy and know when to take things slow ‘n’ steady. It’s a good idea to have binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens on hand, just in case you have to keep your distance.

As you Jeep-surf your way around the park’s like something out of Jurassic Park, you’ll get a chance to appreciate its sheer diversity. From the lush sal forest and eerie water marshes to the rippling elephant grassland and peripheral villages, every part of the park offers a different story and unique vibe. It’s easy to see why many travellers choose to stay a while.

As you can see, Chitwan National Park is the perfect place to go on safari. Whether you choose to explore the reserve by elephant, foot, canoe or Jeep, you’re guaranteed to experience many precious wildlife encounters. So, charge up your camera, grab your binoculars and step into the wild.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

• Chitwan means “Heart of the Jungle”.
• Established in 1973, it’s the first national park in Nepal.
• It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
• It’s one of the premier wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia.
• It offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot the royal Bengal tiger and encounter One-Horn Rhinos.
• Many of the park’s animals were lost during the decade-long Maoist insurgency, when the Nepali army were too preoccupied with the conflict to provide adequate protection against poachers.
• In the 19^th Century, it was protected as a hunting reserve for Nepali and foreign aristocrats. Britain’s King George V and his son Edward VIII managed to slaughter a staggering 39 tigers and 18 rhinos during just one blood-soaked safari to Chitwan in 1911.
• In March 2014, Nepal celebrated a full year without poaching of endangered animals.

 

HAPPY DAY 5 // MY NEW FAVOURITE BEACH

Camping has it’s challenges in Thailand, especially in the main tourist hubs. Whenever I query someone about nearby campsites, I generally get the same response: “Why on earth would you sleep in a tent when a 5-star resort costs $40 a night?” If Ben and I were on holiday for a couple of weeks, I’d be in complete agreement. However, we want to live a life of travel until the sun sets on 2015. So, every little bit counts.

Last night, we made it to our next stop, Khao Lak, as the sun was setting on yet another perfect day…or at least we thought it was until we discovered a distinct lack of campsites. This charming holiday destination is popular amongst affluent seniors, especially from Europe. So, unfortunately, the beach is lined with 5-star resorts…and no campsites.

We finally plucked up the courage to enter one of the highly guarded fortresses (Khao Lak Andaman Beach Resort) and ask if we could set up camp in their compound. They agreed. But, only if we handed over $50 in exchange for a tiny section of concrete for Colonel Mustard and our tent plus the use of their public toilet and shower for one night. OMG!

FOCUSING ON THE POSITIIVES…
Needless to say, we found ways to make the most out of our $50 stay. Under the cover of darkness, Ben discovered the wi-fi password and we surfed the net to our heart’s content. We also enjoyed sneaky late night and early morning swims in the impressive pools, which were blissful and actually kind of romantic. The epic beachside location also made our stay worth it’s weight in gold.

During our time in Khao Lak, I spent a couple of hours exploring the dreamy coastline. It’s become my favourite slice of sandy heaven in Thailand. I wasn’t expecting the black earth, serene ocean and obscenely beautiful sunsets. They were mind-blowingly beautiful.

So, I found myself a giant waterfront boulder, laid back and closed my eyes on the world. My senses came alive as I drifted into dreamland. The warm breeze gently tickled my skin. I could hear exotic conversations being whispered in the distance. Time was irrelevant. All was calm. I was a lucky girl.

FOLLOW SOPHEE SOUTHALL
Instagram // @SopheeSmiles
Facebook // Sophee Smiles
Twitter // @SopheeSmiles