What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Goa? I can bet most of you would instantly answer - beaches. I do not feel different either. It was the fourth consecutive year that I visited Goa, but I somehow never got to stay by the beachside. This time, I decided that I would choose a hotel that is closer to the beach. And during my discovery mode, I come across The Park Calangute, a boutique hotel right at Calangute beach (non-private). The pictures on their website win my heart, and as expected, I book the place for two nights.
Another reason why I chose The Park was that I had a good experience at The Park Hyderabad a couple of years back. It remains one of my most memorable stays to date.
The charm of The Park Calangute lies in what is left unsaid
As I entered the hotel premises, it looks pretty and different, instantaneously came out of my mouth. The whole hotel primarily has the effect of two colors - white and purple. Starting from the reception to the bedroom, most of the things are in white and purple color. And it does look lovely. Then there are these glass fishes making for the backdrop of the reception area.
To satisfy my curiosity about the decor, the hotel manager explained to me that the use of these colors is to give the hotel a vibe of Goa's nomadic free spirits. It makes the customers feel that they have entered a small island, with the beach so accessible for them.
Every room's door in the hotel is decorated with photos of Goan artists, thereby making the whole corridor alive. It is electric photography, I come to know later.
Now, such things make hotel blogging so much interesting to me, where I get to know about the concept note of these attractive hotels.
There are in total 30 rooms.
The bed in the room was covered with a white bedsheet and purple pillows. The sofas are again white with purple cushions. The light underneath the bed is purple too. The retro furnishings of the hotel and rooms are selectively done by the famous designer Rohit Chawla.
I stayed in a spacious luxury room with my husband, and I loved the way the rooms have been designed keeping in mind a couple-friendly theme. There is only a pseudo partition between the bedroom and washrooms.
Amenities at The Park Calangute
The hotel has a pool surrounded by coconut trees, a small gym, and a spa. The spa and gym were not operational due to the pandemic. However, we could get into the pool. The hotel has recently started serving a floating breakfast, which you can book a day in advance.
I admired the beach beds placed parallel to the pool. I could spend hours sitting there and reading a book. You think I am just boasting about it, then look at the photos below.
There are two dining venues at The Park Calangute.
Love - The restaurant has a bleached white seaside vibe, with breathtaking views sweeping out directly to the beach. The cuisine is global and includes Indian and Italian classics, seafood, and healthy fare. The restaurant remains open 24×7. The buffet breakfast gets served here.
Peace - Ditch the beach shacks for a change, and lounge at the bar in your hotel overlooking the beach. From there, you can watch the brilliantly orange and red sunset. There is more. They host a live music night 2-3 times a week. The beach breeze blended with the melodious live music is such an appealing combination.
Did you notice how the names of the restaurants resonate with the idea of a Goan holiday? I just did.
Covid-19 Safety Measures
Safety, undoubtedly, is now going to be the primary parameter while choosing where to stay. Many of us have inhibitions running in our minds, which is justifiable. The Park Calangute followed the safety measures like temperature check and self-declaration form for COVID 19 adequately.
If your idea of Goa is a beach holiday, The Park Calangute would be a great choice. The hotel has all the elements that one would expect from a Goan beach holiday without burning a hole into your pocket.
The suite rooms on the first floor are beach facing. So, you can choose to book them if you want to grab every element of the beach holiday. Also, I would recommend avoiding booking the hotel during the monsoon, as many beaches are closed depending on the weather forecast. It is advisable to check the weather forecast for the dates you will stay in Goa.
For more hotel information and booking options, please visit this link.
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Photo Gallery of The Park Calangute
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight, or experience. I'm not affiliated with the hotel, airline, or tour operator, but I might be (partially) sponsored - or paid. **
