GOA 3G

The age group gap doesn’t mean that you need to expense the enjoyable of a family holiday to content one member of the family. Picking the right terminus and activities to fit each generation in the family can be humble with just a wee bit of forecasting and research. Spending time with my Grandma and mom was truly inspiring. 

My take is that the age difference does not really matter, once everyone is together, on vacation, where reveries come true, magic really happens! There’s always a little something for everyone and of course there’s bonding and a whole lot of fun and certainly seeing an aspiration to make moments count! That said, we don’t take anything for granted and treasure the time we have together. 

THE DESTINATION

After a few discussions we zeroed in on South Goa for its tranquillity and also because it is clean and green and gorgeous in the monsoons. And being Delhiites distance is never a problem, we could always drive down to the North if required! Next question was where to stay, so mom booked a villa (it’s cheaper during off-season!) at The Lalit which turned out to be an excellent choice. Located on the exclusive Deep South end of Goa, the resort looked like a tropical paradise surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

OUR VILLA

We were welcomed with fresh coconut water by our personal butler Bikram who was with us throughout the stay, ensuring we were treated like ‘Queens’ right from when we woke up with Bed Tea till we called it a day. The Villa conjured up images of how the Swiss Family Robinsons could be staying after numerous generations, had they found themselves settled on a large gold deposit. Our sprawling villa had an easy access to the beach; the look was natural and understated, with elegant furnishings. There was everything I could ever need apart from some unexpected luxuries. And I enjoyed revelling in the beauty of pristine gardens and sinking into the sounds of the ocean. It encompassed four bedrooms (two on each floor) with en-suite bathrooms with shower cabins and a separate bath tub. The lavish living and dining room overlooking our private pool was our favourite hangout zone.

That evening we took a buggy ride of the property with Grandma in tow, she was happy watching mom and me play like little girls figuring out our way in the gorgeous maze gardens.  Later that evening we chilled in our villa and ordered room service.

ACTION AND RELAXATION

One can savour at The Lalit the relaxed colonial elegance of the resort, the delights of tropical ambience and recreation between palm grove and sea or the sheer joie de vivre of colourful The Lalit for a serene, energetic or action-packed holiday. The resort offers an abundance of facilities to keep everyone occupied. Offering a blend of untouched natural beauty charm and contemporary ambience, The Lalit Goa is certainly the happiest place on Earth.

So while Grandma chilled by the pool side with her fresh lime Soda, mom and I went Quad biking and cycling. Lunch was at ‘Sirocco’ overlooking panoramic views of the resort making it the ideal venue to spend a lazy afternoon.

A small nap later (Yes a good lunch makes you lazy) we headed to the Spa for our massages. The spa here crafts the model situation for ‘harmonizing senses’ as out here it is indeed a work of art that is a total mind and body encounter. It was fun chatting up later with the Spa Manager Rufus who being a local gave us insider tips on what we shouldn’t miss when in South Goa, chilling out at the Palolem Beach for example but dining at the local restaurant ‘Sumaya’ slightly away from the beach for example.

SPICE PLANTATION, CASHWE SHOPPING AND YES…A MOVIE

A visit to Goa is incomplete if you haven’t had a round of the Spice Plantation. There are two of them in Ponda, we went to Sahakari, the bigger one and it made for an interesting day out. At the plantation one is greeted with a garland and herbal tea. As Grandma can’t walk too much, we left her shopping for spices while we went in for the tour of the Plantation; we got to see spice plants like Black pepper, Vanilla pod, Cashew etc.

My favorite part was to see men climb on the Betel Nut trees, many feet above the ground, swaying from tree to tree (like monkeys) and collecting ingredients for mixes and spices. Post the tour we had a delicious local Goan meal, mom and me had a Beer Breezer, while Grandma was happy sipping her Sprite.

Grandma wanted to head straight to buy Cashwenuts on our way back at Margao (she loves shopping for her friends whenever she travels), but mom and me bullied and bargained with her that she has to watch a movie with us first, ‘Who comes to Goa and watches a movie for god sake? Let’s go to the beach instead’, said Grandma! Mom and I agreed with her in unison, but then it was an Akshay Kumar movie (he’s mom’s rakhi bro and hence my mamu), we certainly didn’t want to wait to get back to Delhi and then watch it, so Grandma gave in finally! As promised we took her to the Cashew shop post the movie and we all headed happily back to the villa with pit stops at the local market and a drink by the seaside.

BEACHES AND A LOCAL LUNCH

Grandma was getting addicted to the beaches so we planned two of South Goa’s popular ones (thanks to Rufus), Colva which was slightly tourist infested and the Cavelossim which was more private, here the three of us bought some seashell jewelry, drank fresh coconut water, made hearts in the sand and of course dipped our feet in the sea. Lunch was at Martins Corner which is known over the years for its good food, hospitality, ambience and good music. It started in 1989 by Carafina Pereira (the owner) dishing out Goan cuisine and now is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Getting the table was easy …thanks to Grandma (her age factor gets you all the perks and lots of VIP facilities).

We three did a little jig with live music in the background and in total Goan style replete with chilled beer and Breezer, the Sausage chilly fry had a wonderful afternoon. That evening we just relaxed at the pool in the villa (of course Grandma by the side lounging with her fresh lime soda).

SO LONG FAREWELL, I HATE TO SAY GOODBYE

Our every whim was catered by the very friendly and obliging staff, and with many dining options and activities that we were literally spoilt for choice. It was way, way, way better than staying in a hotel all cooped up indoors, and it was like we had a part of the ocean to ourselves. After breakfast we boarded our plane with heavy hearts, meaning to come back again at least once more to this Paradise on Earth. The effervescent feeling of collective discoveries, big and small. It was more than about sightseeing in Goa. It was about what nourishes our relationships. It was about earning quality time together, and all of the miniscule yet significant details that come along with that.

WHERE TO STAY: The Lalit Raj Baga, Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702

Tel: 0832 266 7777

MUST KNOW: The network of roads is excellent however commuting can be expensive in Goa as the cabbies charge as they feel. The best option is to hire a two-wheeler or a car, get a map, and fill in fuel and Zip. Zap... Zoom.

MUST TRY: Feni, local liquor brewed from the juice of cashew apples with 42% alcohol, is definitely not for the faint hearted. Popular brands are Cashyo, Reals and Big Boss.

MUST BUY: Masala cashews from Zantye’s make for welcome edible souvenirs.