When I was 16 years old, I checked into Ronil Goa with my family during the Christmas week on my very first vacation to the sunshine state. I had no idea that I would be revisiting it more than two decades later, this time on my own and for work. So much has changed at the hotel but it is truly nostalgic and special to be back.
Hotel
The first JdV by Hyatt hotel in Southwest Asia is located on the busy Calangute-Baga stretch in North Goa. JdV stands for Joie de Vivre which means the joy of living, and that spirit truly imbues the property with its fun, young at heart and energetic vibe. It starts from the check-in which happens at the lobby bar, Patrão’s, with a welcome shot of rum and coffee, and this sets the mood for the vacation. I am told this bar is open round the clock so I make a mental note to order a cocktail at 3am because where else in Goa will I get a chance to do so?
There are two swimming pools, while the rooms are spread over two blocks. The Hub, the central area around the main pool, is also called the Energy pool since it is the heart of the action and music plays all day long with the tempo changing from soft to upbeat towards the evening. The Tranquil pool, as the name suggests, is quieter. The use of bright colours, think orange, blue and pink, gives that fun and quirky touch to the JdV’s décor. Two gorgeous murals, one of a girl in a striped dress holding colourful balloons and another panel of women having fun, on the buildings near the tranquillity pool at the back add to the hotel’s cheerful spirit.
Room
The 135 rooms and suites spanning two blocks lie either around the Energy pool or the Tranquil pool – choose the second block if you prefer to be away from the buzz. My room – the king room pool view with balcony – near the main pool was smaller in size than I expected but was done up tastefully. Beside the double bed there was a framed picture of my family, which was a really thoughtful touch.
A table next to the cupboard is laden with snacks, bakery products and fruits while the mini bar, that is stocked with a few Goan beers and soft drinks, is on the house. The hotel’s focus is on local products, so even the tea and coffee in the room is sourced from around the area. Tea Trunk is a Goa-based brand and Hermit is the coffee brand which makes dark and medium roast for the hotel, and it’s delicious. The bathroom has a huge mirror with LED lights that lend the perfect lighting, while each room comes with a small private balcony.
Food and drink
This hotel takes its food and drinks quite seriously. A floating breakfast isn’t a new concept, be it in Goa or the Maldives, but this is such a welcome change because instead of piling your plate with international favourites like sausages, eggs and waffles, I relaxed in the pool relishing regional dishes like ros omelette (where this egg dish is served in a spicy chicken gravy) with Goan bread called poi. The spread on my tray included podi idli, a South Indian breakfast made of rice cake and aloo puri – a potato curry served with deep fried bread. Since I prefer dining the local food of any place that I visit, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Ronil Bistro is the main restaurant, and is multi cuisine, serving all meals, so whether you are craving a salad, pizza or an Indian curry you will get it here. From a Bloody Mary for breakfast, shots in the pool during the evening or a Margarita at dawn, Ronil Goa makes sure you remain happily high. With Goa having built a reputation for its local liquor brands, the hotel gives them pride of place.
Eating and drinking by the Energy pool at The Hub is no ordinary experience. A wood fired oven churns out thin crust pizzas that cannot be ignored and there are other barbecue options as well. At the swim-up bar, I was handed my cocktail in a plastic glass inside the pool – it is easy to get used to this – it’s all about living it up. The pool is open till 2am for those who like to take a dip in the dead of night.
Hunger pangs after a night of partying prompted me to order a delicious chilli cheese toast and cocktail at 3am at Patrão’s. I was so glad it was open and I didn’t have to rely on room service.
To do
There is a lot to do around the hotel and inside, too. If you want some quiet time then head to the The Soul Station, a tranquil room in the hotel where comfortable seating, noise cancelling headphones and an iPad kept on all the tables ensures you can do some browsing or just take a minute to relax with a book. There’s a gym and spa as well and the hotel can organise a number of activities within the property like a barbecue picnic at the lawn or karaoke.
North Goa is lined with bars, clubs, cafés and restaurants with new ones opening each day. When you want to step out of the hotel, head to Slow Tide for sundowners, while Barfly is a great option for cocktails, Neighbours for coffee and Romeo Lane is perfect for when you are in the mood to shake a leg.
In a nutshell
Ronil Goa is a great option for those who want to be in the middle of the action, enjoy a cheerful ambience, yet appreciate some space whey they seek quiet time. It’s got an upbeat vibe and believes in promoting local experiences.
Factbox
Address: Calangute – Baga Road, Calangute, Goa
Phone: +91 832 6941234
Website: hyatt.com
Photography courtesy of Ronil Goa.
