Indah Desa: Exquisite beach huts in south Goa

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.

http://www.indahdesagoa.com

Contact Details: info@indahdesagoa.com

A little bit of Bali at Cinnamon Agonda

Goa has been home for nearly 15 years now, and even though I have lived up north for the last few years, the south will always have a special place in my heart. And when I say south, I really mean Agonda, for this picturesque little seaside village has forever been warm and welcoming.

On a recent visit back there, I was charmed to discover this same sense of warmth and love from the good folks at Cinnamon Agonda, the newest baby only a furlong from the beach but with enough panache to blow away the old-timers. 

As you head towards the southern end of the strip, a nondescript earthy laterite wall with Balinese-style entrance way breaks the colourful chaos of the street. The mix of chattai, stone and mud creates an immediately relaxing feel, one that you’re looking for as soon as you reach the beach.

Within, Cinnamon Agonda is a superb reflection of the paradise-like Indonesian island featuring lots of lush greenery, natural building materials, calming water bodies and the meditative gaze of Buddha statues.

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Rows of wooden cottages overlook gardens filled with young banana saplings, palm trees and other plants in their early years. All lead along a common pathway to a pristine blue pool and then on to the beach. In between it all, are palm trees shooting up towards the azure skies and a curtain of woven thatch that cocoons the resort from everything else.

Each pathway is lit by cute little lamps hung on wrought iron fittings which when turned on at dusk create a surreal ambience.

At the entrance, you are welcomed by a stone Buddha in prayer, accompanied as always by a small lotus pond and the ever-present, sweet-smelling frangipani tree. It immediately sets the tone for the rest of the peaceful resort, and by extension your vacation too.

It is quite evident that Cinnamon Agonda has laid great emphasis on unintrusive design along with comfort. Each of the 19 cottages has a bedroom, spacious verandah with a sit-out and a semi open-air bathroom. Nature finds its way into each cottage, by way of pretty orchids, house plants or even the odd coconut tree making its way through the bathroom roof.

For the comfort of its guests, the resort provides a large bed with mosquito nets, separate towels for the bath and pool as well as a safe. Some cottages even have air-conditioning. To adhere to local environmental laws, the swimming pool is actually a submerged metal frame pool, but one couldn’t really mind the difference for there is hardly any at all!

It’s worth noting here that the management is well-versed in hospitality. Cinnamon Agonda is the newest addition to its resort kitty, alongside Agonda Beach Resort, Agonda Cottages, Agonda Villas, Agonda White Sand, and The Cape Goa, the last located at Cabo de Rama.

An outstanding feature at Cinnamon Agonda, however, is its complimentary breakfast. It’s a simple menu but each option is more mouthwatering than the next. There’s the Breakfast Comfort featuring eggs, chips and baked beans and the Breakfast Sandwich, a whopper with chicken sausage, fried egg, mushrooms, a bread roll and marmalade.

For something a little more Indian, there’s a thick luscious aloo paratha served with curd and pickle. You can go easy on your stomach with the Cinnamon French Toast flavoured with banana, honey and cashew. Or choose a simple fresh seasonal fruit salad with some toast, butter and jam.

For those who need their cereal, there’s Homemade Muesli – a hearty mash-up of oats, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, fresh fruit, curd, and local honey. And for that everyday jam, you can have eggs your favourite way with toast and butter. All of these delicious options come with a choice of tea, coffee or seasonal juice. Nothing more you could ask for!

There may not be a fully functional restaurant for lunch and dinner at Cinnamon Agonda, but you’d never miss it, considering the village’s fabulous variety of excellent eateries and bars.

I’m always asked for recommendations of places to stay at this beach, and Cinnamon Agonda is one I would certainly put high on my list.

Contact Details: http://www.cinnamonagonda.com & info@cinnamonagonda.com