Goan Rhapsody - I

Ever since we moved to Pune a dozen years back, Goa has been our default destination for an impulse vacation.  When we suddenly decided to spend a few days away during the Diwali holidays, I realised with some surprise it has been four years since our last vacation here.
This time we were at the idyllic Taj Exotica, a luxury resort on Benaulim beach in southwest Goa.  The Taj Exotica is located right on one of Goa's cleanest stretches of beach and fifty acres of neatly manicured lawns and swaying palms.



Our room was nicely located.  Sea-facing, on the ground level, with a small sit-out looking out on the lawns with a hammock and the sea in the distance.



Earlier, we had flown into Goa directly from Pune on an Air India flight.  The weather was perfect when we arrived and it stayed that way all through our stay here.  Perfectly warm for a comfortable swim during the day-times but pleasantly cool in the evenings.



The beach was perfect with clean white sands, clear skies and very few people.  We started our days with lazy walks along the beach as the frothing water washed over our feet. The sand was like a living thing underfoot as it tried to unsuccessfully resettle after every receding wave.
 


The evenings on the beach were as magical.  The sea turned into molten gold-orange as the sun slowly disappeared on the horizon.  No matter how many times I see this, this sight never fails to inspire awe in nature's majesty!



As the sun rose higher in the mornings, we would stroll back to our resort for a hearty breakfast before spending time lazing on the hammock, cycling around the resort or splashing around in the swimming pool.









All that swimming and walking also made us quite hungry which was a good thing because the Taj is home to some really good restaurants. The swimming pool at the Taj Exotica is large with a separate kids' section and lounge chairs for those who want to get some sun. What it lacks is an in-pool bar like the one I loved in the Taj Aguada. 



Next:  Dining at the Taj Exotica