What can I say about Goa that hasn't been said already? The beaches are tranquil even when they are crowded, the streets are simply magic. The air feels lighter, your worries seem pettier. The place simply spoils you and in all the good ways, you come back home wanting more from life. This particular post is basically a memory jog around a beautiful afternoon of photographing Goa's Latin quarters in Panjim. I spent only a couple of hours here but the architecture just spoke to me. Every second house seemed like a house I'd want to live in, surrounded by charming restaurants and art shops. Since it was a weekend, I also bumped into photography enthusiasts and student groups on photo walks who were surprisingly open to brief conversations. 

Joining me in this small-but-fulfilling adventure were my two friends, a polaroid camera, a pair of flipflops and my only hat:

The oldest mansions and churches go back to the 1800s. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Zone since 1984 and has been beautifully preserved since. Even though Fontainhas is slightly away from the beaches, it is an ideal place to book your hotel if you want to enjoy the quieter, more artsy side of Goa.

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A post shared by Mahima Agarwal (@mahima.agarwal5) on May 27, 2020 at 11:19pm PDT

Spectacular beaches, hidden lakes, beautiful Portuguese architecture, uninterrupted blue skies and living the shack life. Goa for me isn't just a place, it's an emotion. Forgive me for sounding like an over-enthusiastic, slightly deranged Dil Chahta Hai fan only because I really am one. One thing that Goa isn't is overhyped, my two visits in the last two months have thoroughly confirmed this. Out of the all places I've visited in India, it has been the most un-Indian {in a good way}. 'Going into vacay mode' is a phrase I understood only here, without having to watch my back {or my phone} continuously, or giving a second thought to what I'm wearing. Man, everywhere you go, people just want to have fun, whatever it may mean to them. And I think Goa's chill vibe is basically fueled by this single, collective motive: having fun.

While the place in itself {and knowing your way around it} makes sure you have a stellar time here, having a beautiful property to stay in is just a delightful cherry on top. Novotel Goa Resort and Spa, a gorgeous 5-star property in the heart of Candolim was our luxurious oasis in the middle an oasis. With one of the most lively beaches of Goa at just a stone's throw away and several happening pubs right round the corner, the resorts location is one of the many things that work in its favour. Coupled with the unparalled Accor hospitatilty, ultra-modern aesthetics and an overall exotic vibe that transports you into a tropical dream each time you step out of your room, it's no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after property in the sunshine state.

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A post shared by Mahima | Sequins and Sangria (@whimsytales) on Oct 27, 2019 at 11:15pm PDT

Speaking of the room, our duplex accommodation was one of the most comfortable, functionally-designed and visually pleasing spaces I've ever stayed in. It was more than sufficient for four people {we were three}, complete with a small kitchen area and plenty of closet space. The living area had the comfiest couch-cum-bed along with a work desk, a balcony, a television and a mini bathroom. An internal staircase connected the living room to the master bedroom upstairs that had ample sitting space, a second balcony, another television and the main bathroom whose glass wall overlooked the living area. The rooms, and the property in general, is built to let in the warm sun from every corner and create a bright, happy space for you to stay in. It is dreamy and modern, yet extremely homely.

While the overall hospitality constantly blew my mind, I was slightly unimpressed by the culinary fare at the in-house restaurant Food Exchange and was happier exploring the local food scene around the property. There is a complimentary pick and drop taxi service to Candolim beach and I suggest that you make full use of the same to shop, eat and party around this hip area.

After settling in and gorging on the delicious welcome drinks and desserts, we made our way to magnificent pool area. I'll let the pictures do the talking for this one! A beautiful alleyway lined with big palm trees led us to the spa in the hotel managed by Warren Tricomi. The whole vibe of the spa and area around it is very minimal and zen. I opted for a 60-minute signature massage and felt an instant release after the therapy. Would definitely recommend it.

After years of back and forth, my friends and I finally set a date to our Goa trip this year in October. It was a great time to be in Goa. The peak season was just about beginning so it wasn't as crowded and expensive and the weather was perfect. The last time I had visited Goa, it was with my family and we had chosen to stay in the South. So naturally, I wanted to see what all north Goa had up its sleeve. We were three girls and here's what we were looking for in our ideal property:

- We preferred a hotel so we didn't have to take ownership of cleanliness and general order {judge me all you want but the whole point of a Goa trip is to be careless and avoid any and all kinds of responsibilities}

- Close proximity to the beach and popular night clubs

- Swimming pool

- Easy access to the market {mainly wine shops}

We wanted all this but without denting our pockets too much. The property that checked off all our boxes whilst also thwowing in some extra perks was the super vibrant Ibis Styles in Calangute. Simply put, it's a budget boutique hotel that's great in service and very chic in aesthetics. Lined with beautiful palm trees, Ibis gives you all the feels of the tropical beach holiday you always dreamed of.

The hotel boasts of beautiful Queen and Twin rooms, two very nicely maintained swimming pools and a fitness centre, along with a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. We booked two interconnected  Deluxe Queen Rooms and each one came with a pool-view balcony, a well-appointed bathroom and a super comfy queen-size bed. Additional facilities included a mini fridge, electric kettle, a flat-screen tv, and a closet with a locker. The size of the room is pretty modest but it's designed smartly to maximise the feel of space. The interiors too, are kept minimal and sophisticated. We were super happy with the prompt service of the hotel staff while enjoying maximum privacy throughout our stay.

The in-house restaurant called Spice It gave us plenty of chances to enjoy our favourite dishes as well as try out some popular local curries and breads. The extensive breakfast buffet spoiled us for choice and was something I looked forward to every morning. My favourites included the butter dosa and fluffy chocolate pancakes! I loved the cheerful vibe of the restaurant which further added to our dining experience. There's also an outdoor seating by the pool where you can enjoy you food along with some stellar cocktails from the bar.

There's a lot you can do and see, thanks to the hotel's great location. For when you want to have the quintessential beach-and-shack experience, head to the nearby Calangute beach which is an easy 10-minute walk from the hotel. Closer to the property lies Tivai beach, a fairly secluded and extremely clean beach by north Goa standards. The hotel offers a free pick and drop Thar service for Tivai beach. Venture a little further and you'll find yourself near the super happening Candolim Beach at a driving distance of about 15 minutes. 

You can also enjoy a heritage walk around the area and explore beautiful portuguese architecture and vintage churches. All in all, Ibis Styles Calangute gives you a complete bang for your buck while keeping the best of Goa within your reach: popular beaches, forts, night markets and the most happening party spots.