South Goa and its beautiful beaches have long been my space of solace, Agonda even more so. Despite its rising popularity around the world, it continues to remain one of the peaceful, idyllic spots in Goa. Each year, I return at the start of a new season to see what’s new, and this time I was delighted to discover Indah Desa, one of the best luxury beach huts in south Goa.
I’ve known the trend-setting trio – Mick from Australia, Dan and James from the UK – for several years now, introduced through a mutual love for cocktails and desserts; theirs of making and mine of indulging. Their bar and restaurant Kopi Desa, now in its third season on the strip, is one of the popular diners to sit at as you watch the world go by, sipping on your favourite cocktail or a refreshing draught beer.
Like many of us expats, they have left behind the humdrum of corporate life abroad after discovering that addictive inspiration that only India can offer to settle down to a life of fulfilling their dreams here in this pristine corner of the country. And with it comes one of the best beach huts in south Goa.
In Bahasa Indonesia, Indah Desa means beautiful village. And true to its name, the gorgeous little luxury huts are designed as a blend of local Balinese and Indian architecture. Local thatch, bamboo, palm and earthy tones are the predominant style.
With the success of their restaurant, the three decided to extend their warm and infectious hospitality further through Indah Desa, a cluster of seven beach huts sitting pretty on the virginal white sands of Agonda beach.
Of the seven beach huts, five lie nestled under the swaying coconut palms so abundant in south Goa. These are ideal for those who enjoy the tropical ambience and a slightly more communal setting with a pretty garden in front. The final two command one of the most gorgeous views of coastline in Goa, fitted with air-conditioning for added comfort.
The spacious huts feature a beautiful outdoor seating area complete with bolsters and cushions that make early breakfasts or late night lounging perfectly inviting. These huts also have delightful little bathrooms that open up to the pretty blue tropical skies of Agonda.
One wouldn’t really imagine much by way of luxury in a hut on a small beach in south Goa, but the little things make a difference. Indah Desa offers high-speed WiFi accessible from the comfort of your hut or from the restaurant as well as an absolutely delightful spread at breakfast that you can opt to eat in your outdoor lounge. I particularly enjoyed the eggs Florentine with wilted spinach and hollandaise sauce in the morning, and the mango mojito later in the evening from my perch on the lounge.
Together, Kopi Desa and Indah Desa offer visitors to Agonda the perfect combination of a great place to dine and a relaxed space to unwind at one of the best luxury beach huts in south Goa.
At the helm in the kitchen is Daniel, chef par excellence who has a wealth of experience in the culinary sector including work at a Triple AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. For Indah Desa, he has worked diligently to create an innovative menu that offers a wide range of flavours and preferences including vegan, dairy free and gluten free.
The aromas from his beautiful open kitchen leave you craving for pesto scones, whipped goats cheese and slow-roasted tomatoes or red snapper carpaccio, seared beef filets, sizzling hot burgers and more. His exquisite baking skills are on display through a spread of desserts, breads and the delicious sourdough pizza at their main diner, Kopi Desa.
Contact Details: info@indahdesagoa.com
Sinéad McManus 