Sunny Side Up

Savio Rodrigues feels at home in Sun Village, Goa

Warm Sands, Intimate Beaches & Caring People', goes the brochure of the deSouza Group of Hotels, providing an inkling into what's in store at their flagship boutique hotel property - the Sun Village.

Located in Baga, the heart of Goa's hotspot, the 135 suite boutique hotel's exterior appeal is tastefully echoed in the lobby, adorned with paintings, sculptures and a magnificent 'well' filled to the brim with lotus flowers floating gracefully. The welcome is warm. The steward offers you the traditional welcome drink (and no I am not taking about 'Feni') and then the bell boy escorts you to your room. Normally you would expect a boutique to hotel to be loud with its fashion statement. The colours of the room are gentle and the ambience is designed to soothe. Each room is decorated in a distinct style. Venture outside the room to explore the property and at every turn you are greeted with small verdant gardens, sporting pretty flowers and nicely trimmed lawns.

The pool nestled amongst the swaying palm trees invites you for a swim. After the swim, you could choose to enjoy rich Goan food and drink (especially the cocktails) at either the Sunrise Bar or the Sun Downer Pub. Indulge yourself to a quick game of pool at the latter or just enjoy the different exotic cocktails. If this leaves you hungry, try out the sumptuous delicacies at the Tonatiuh, Frangipani or Sunflowers, each restaurant distinct in its service and cuisine.

Early evenings must be spent at the sandy beach of Baga, scenic and safe. A shuttle offered by the hotel transports you there in approximately ten minutes. If you feel like going wild, pop into any of the trendy nightclubs in the vicinity or return to the property where games and entertainment galore, including live band acts, await you.

And when it is time to check out, experience that tinge of regret. It feels so much like home.