I visited the iconic Goa Marriott Resort and Spa in the month of October on invite by the affable General manager Gaurav Apte. It was really delightful to note that the hotel car which came to pick me up from the airport had amenities such as cookies, soft drinks, chips and nuts. The friendly Goan chauffeur ensured that I had a pleasant ride to the hotel. Centrally located in Panaji, Goa, the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa offers a beautiful seafront location, comfortable rooms along with efficient and friendly service.
As I entered the spacious lobby, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beautiful Arabian Sea which is clearly visible from the hotel’s lobby. One can sit in the lobby for hours and watch the beautiful sea. It was heartening to be met by the hotel’s friendly team for a traditional Indian welcome on arrival and the garland made from shells that I was presented with was really gorgeous. Welcome amenities in my room included goodies from the newly launched Goa Baking Company. The view from my room was absolutely gorgeous and I could see small boats passing by along with ferries carrying excited tourists.
“Being the first Marriott property in India, this not only makes it historical but also special to all our patrons. Also, a central location in the capital city, makes it an ideal location for both leisure and business travellers. One can enjoy panoramic views of crystal blue waters of the bay, endless vistas and breath taking sunsets, all in the luxurious facilities of the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, leaving one in awe,” said Gaurav Apte, General Manager at the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa
After spending some time with a glass of bubbly in the hotel’s plush lounge called A.Z.U.R, I headed to the Quan Spa for a relaxing massage. The spa is spacious and elegantly designed with tastefully done interiors. I tried the signature massage, body wrap and scrub and a facial in the Quan Spa during my stay and felt extremely relaxed and rejuvenated.
The hotel had just launched a recreation room with interesting activities for guests who prefer to entertain themselves in the hotel during their stay. Assistant food and beverage manager Joseph Sebastian created an interesting cocktail for me in the lobby lounge and then I visited the open air restaurant Wan Hao for dinner. I was treated to a superb four course meal created by the friendly Executive Ched Dibyendu Roy which consisted of cheese, wild mushroom and truffle scented wonton, sesame crusted prawns and chilli basil chicken with jasmine rice.
The next morning I enjoyed a typical Goan breakfast in the coffee shop. It was really interesting to note that the hotel hires musicians who entertain guests at each table during breakfast. My interactions with the friendly staff in Goa Marriott Resort & Spa made this visit special. Goans are a friendly lot and like spending hours chatting to people. The efficient kitchen team cooked an amazing Goan thaali for me at lunch during my stay.
Goa Marriott Resort and Spa houses Bina Punjani’s Hair Studio located at lobby level. I was invited to experience a hair colour treatment and came back impressed with the quality and efficiency of service. Bina Punjani who is one of India’s most respected names when it comes to hairdressing has recently launched a brand new salon in Goa which I hope to visit during my next visit.
I tried delish goodies served in the brand new patisserie called Goa Baking Company. With a wide range of ‘grab and go’ items, the outlet offers an array of local products with a slight touch of modern culinary, freshly baked bread, breakfast items, pastries, healthy smoothies, customized designer cakes and also an exquisite selection of tea, coffee and other beverages all priced very modestly.
Its minuscule seating capacity with artsy interior décor gives it a perfect blend of warm and cozy that makes it an ideal destination for a one on one conversation. I was treated to a special dinner at Simply Grills which is the hotel’s popular restaurant by the beach. Fresh seafood, expertly prepared meats and vegetarian platters accompanied with gorgeous views of the bay make this place absolutely irresistible.
The Goa Marriott Resort and Spa seamlessly blends business with leisure and offers 14,000 square feet of flexible event space for corporate gatherings and celebrations. Located along the waters of the Arabian Sea, Goa Marriott Resort and Spa is an upscale hotel with warm staff that ensures every guest has a super time at the hotel.
While leaving, the hotel presented me with a goodie bag consisting of local sauces, snacks and dodol which is a local Goan dessert. My stay in the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa was a pleasant one owing to the friendly General Manager Gaurav Apte and his efficient team, the mind blowing location, the delightful food and Goa’s addictive vibe that manages to attract people from all over the world!
Address: Miramar, Panaji, Goa 403001, India
Phone: +91 832 246 3333
Website: goamarriottresortandspa
