Welcome To The Village

Savio Rodrigues takes a stroll around the misty scenic paradise of Taj Holiday Village, Goa.

It's the onset of the rains; the weather cool and setting best described as picture perfect. I am cushioned at the Deluxe Sea View Room of the Taj Holiday Village, a charming enclave of neatly manicured lawns and meandering pathways connecting neat cottages set amidst thickets of vegetation. As I recline on the wooden chair in my private gazebo, watching the huge waves rushing to the shore, I feel myself slowly surrendering to the `susegad' beat of Goa.

Wandering around this oasis of tranquility where the most likely noise is the twittering of birds, I catch sight of the distinctly designed cottages. Recently renovated and dressed in bright, cherry colours - a reflection of the inimitable charm of a typical Goan-Portuguese village, the cottages not only invoke a sense of admiration and awe but also a feeling of home away from home. And the latter is infused by the true spirit of Goan hospitality exuded by the high-spirited hotel staff mingling with guests like friends. All over the property you find guests interacting with each other like one big happy family.

In order to add to the laid back and serene experience, one needs to sit at Banyan Tree - restaurant shadowed by a 300-year old banyan tree and savour it's acute Thai cuisine in the midst of the stillness of the night. The other gastronomic hot spot is Café Caravela-the boat shaped beach-front restaurant, which tantalises the taste buds with gourmet fare. For those who want to unwind, Rock Your Blues - the retrobar with its psychedelic music from yesteryears and exotic cocktails is the place to be at. While I choose to simply laze around, the resort offers a gamut of facilities and activities for the inclined. If you are in a mood for a slice of recreation therapy, besides yoga and meditation, Spa Aguada (a common facility with the nearby Taj Fort Aguada) offers a wide range of rejuvenation programmes including Ayurveda, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology and Swedish relaxations techniques. Or you could indulge in some watersports, beach games, tennis, squash, badminton, billiards or adventure sports like rock climbing, rappelling, Tyrolean traverse and jumarring. Even the little ones have an activity centre to keep them entertained and Jungle Jam, a restaurant dedicated to appease their whims.

It is no wonder that the resort is part of the group of Taj Resorts covered under the new Taj Holidays brand. The brand has been designed to create an unique participatory leisure experience infused with a warm caring approach, tailor making holidays to suit the specific requirements of individuals, families, groups and couples. So all those who drag their feet for that annual visit to the native place this is your dream village, one where you want to return again and again.

Taj Holiday Village Taj Sinquerim, Bardez, Goa 403519 Tel No: (0832) 2479123-36; Fax: (0832) 2479300; email:village.goa@tajhotels.com; website: www.tajhotels.com Tariff Standard Room: Rs 8,900 Superior Room: Rs 9,900 Deluxe Garden View Room: Rs 10,900 Deluxe Sea View Room: Rs 12,900 (Rates valid till September 30, 2005 on double occupancy for two nights)