REVERSE TIME AT ISHAVILAS’ NEW REJUVENATION CENTRE

Several years ago, in the midst of a stressful season, I took a few days off and submerged myself in the tranquil paradise that was – and continues to be – Ishavilas. The heritage home in Siolim recently completed a few renovations and I popped back to see the changes.

 

This stately villa is a breathtaking example of Indo-Portuguese architecture with an interplay of stark white, bold blue and demure yellow surrounded by a luscious garden. Its warm openness and welcoming entrance offer guests the allure of being in their own luxury home on holiday, pampered by the wonderful staff.

Ishavilas’ location is simply surreal. The meandering Chapora river runs quietly nearby, with a majestic church at the centre of Siolim. Green hillocks hedge the village on two sides and the people who reside there are some of the warmest, friendliest folk in Goa. Just a short drive away are Goa’s famous and quiet beaches, night markets, pubs and nightclubs, gourmet restaurants and more.

For a little over 10 years now, Ishavilas has been a gracious host to many happy guests who revel in the amalgamation of warm hospitality, exquisite location, serene surroundings and luxurious pampering.

Only recently, it opened its residential rejuvenation centre focused on Dr Mosaraf Ali’s Time Reversal Concept. Dr Ali has long been known for his alternative healing techniques, running his integrated medical centre in Delhi since 1983. He has worked in Hong Kong and London and is reputed for his health advice in integrated care, even speaking at the UN General Assembly and other important conferences around the world.

This is the man who has treated celebrities from actor Samuel L Jackson and supermodel Kate Moss to action hero Sylvester Stallone and pro golfer Colin Montgomerie. And here in Goa, his varied non-invasive treatments are available in the pristine surroundings of Ishavilas. Two resident Ayurvedic doctors – one male and one female – carry out the treatments and supervise other therapists, all trained by Dr Ali himself.

The location of the treatment room itself is well thought-out. Earlier the majestic Surya room, space is located closest to the entrance of the property, allowing walk-in guests ease of access without having to traverse through the privacy of residential guests.

 

Ishavilas’ new private yoga and rejuvenation centre specialises in detox and weight loss, while also treating chronic issues related to fatigue, sciatica, backache, migraine, arthritis and stroke rehabilitation. In addition, the centre treats children with height issues, anxiety, cerebral palsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more under Dr Ali’s supervision and care.

This set-up makes it ideal for a group of friends or a family to indulge in a holistic holiday, spending quality time with each other while enjoying a private rejuvenation programme that includes Isha hatha yoga, Dr Ali’s special therapies as well as meals that cater to individual dietary requirements.

The special focus on quality and luxury makes it perfect for yoga retreats by organisers and teachers who travel to Goa with their participants and disciples. The inclusive nature of the programme – with luxury accommodation, wholesome meals and high-quality facilities – offers the unique opportunity to hold very personalised retreats.

The rejuvenation centre is a long-standing dream of Ishavilas of Jeh Bajaj and this family-owned property. Jeh has been a faithful follower of Isha yoga and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev for more than a decade. Despite much prompting, I was unable to complete the required week-long treatment programme due to time restrictions and so settled for a specially designed one-day teaser of the retreat.

On arrival, I was escorted to my accommodation for the night – Ishanya – and what a wonderfully palatial space it was. It’s a two-bedroom cottage set next to a private pool that glistens in the night with gorgeous lights. Each room boasts an en-suite bathroom and a beautiful Baroque Goan-style mirror. The verandah doubles as the pool deck and offers a delightful outdoor dining area.

Ish, the room in the north-east, revels in beautiful blue tones with a spectacular sunburst mirror symbolic of Shiva’s third eye. Adjoining it on the east is Anya with soothing green and white interiors and a gorgeous painted chest of drawers. Interconnecting these rooms is a beautiful Buddhist lounge, a smart contemporary kitchenette and laundry area that makes Ishanya ideal for long-staying guests.

After a tour of Ishavila to see the new additions, I tucked into a light Indian lunch of fresh produce and lively flavours. Later, I received a warm welcome at Dr Mosaraf Ali’s Time Reversal Rejuvenation Centre, where specialist Dr Udbhav Singh explained the various benefits of this unique rehabilitation therapy.

My consultation with him revealed a need for a special marma therapy, ideal for those – like me – who practise martial arts on a regular basis. The 55-minute treatment that followed came from an ancient system with techniques that have been followed for hundreds of years. Dr Ali has modified this therapy to stimulate the nervous system, improve deeper blood flow to various parts of the body and revitalise the muscles. The techniques of this therapy are used in stroke rehabilitation research in two major British hospitals.

In addition to the signature marma therapy, Dr Mosaraf Ali’s Time Reversal Rejuvenation Centre also offers a neck connection massage to free up blockages in blood vessels to the brain, headache therapy, backache treatment which improves blood flow to inflamed tissues and chronic fatigue treatment which combines various techniques to revitalise the body.

Also, guests can opt for a stress management treatment focused on the trigger zones in the body linked to emotions and scalp therapy which doubles up as a hair nourishment treatment. The Time Reversal Therapies include Body Treatment, Facial Treatment and Weight Loss Therapy. All of these aim to rejuvenate and revitalise using special products and application procedures.

Dr Mosaraf Ali’s Time Reversal Rejuvenation Centre offers 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, 10-day and 14-day programmes to treat aches and pains, stimulate rejuvenation and address weight loss requirements. Each of these includes a consultation with a doctor, Isha hatha yoga and meditation, prescribed therapies, diets, detoxes and cleansing gels. Prices include accommodation and meals as well as transfers to the airport.

For those like me in Goa who want a short introduction to each of these programmes, a day retreat is available with consultation, Isha hatha yoga and meditation, prescribed therapies and meals.

Surrounded by the arresting beauty of the landscape and traditional architecture, Ishavilas is the perfect destination for yoga groups to indulge in the luxury of a conveniently located tranquil space and qualified instructors and therapists. International yoga groups can take full advantage of experts well-versed in both international and local techniques and therapies while soaking in the full experience of yogic life in India.

It will not be long before Ishavilas opens its specialised health food shop that offers recommended nibbles that are both delicious and good for you – true refreshment for the body and soul.

With the opening of Dr Mosaraf Ali’s Time Reversal Rejuvenation Centre, Ishavilas has seen a spurt in interest from celebrities and visitors from around the world, all wanting a chance to indulge in his famous healing techniques in the midst of this exotic location. Already, yoga teachers and organisers from all over the globe are in touch with the management at Ishavilas to enjoy a physically and spiritually fulfilling season of personalised retreats at the rejuvenation centre.

My time at Ishavilas flowed by like water over pebbles in a riverbed. I succumbed to the enigmatic charm of hatha yoga meditation at the beautiful Aum Yogashala, both in the evening and early in the morning. My meals were delightful, healthy and flavourful – a touch of both Indian and Continental, and I enjoyed every minute of my peaceful stay there.

I eagerly await the impending visit by Dr Ali himself, during which time I will ensure I set aside more time to experience the rejuvenating retreat in full.

For further information on Treatment and Stay – http://ishavilaswellness.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/yogawellness.goa/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ishavilaswellness/

Antares Restaurant & Beach Club – Season 4.

I have followed Sarah Todd and her journey since she arrived here in Goa, from her culture shock of setting up a brand new beachside restaurant to where she is today.  Now in its fourth season, Antares Restaurant & Beach Club in Vagator, North Goa has been carrying the baton of making dining a truly unique experience ever since its inception with their highly skilled chef, Sarah Todd, of Master Chef Australia and now joining the team as their executive chef is Kaustubh Haldipur making it a must-visit destination in Goa.  Chef Kaustubh who hails from Goan heritage but travelled the world and acquired his unique skills over a decade brings his influence to this new menu by introducing modern Goan inspired dishes that are ever-evolving at Antares.  The all-new avatar and was inspired by Sarah’s travel around India and researching for the second restaurant in Mumbai with partner and friend from Antares, Ashish Dev Kapur, called Wine Rack.  Ashish, a renowned restaurateur in his own right, a partner in Antares, award-winning Whiskey Samba, now Wine Rack, The Wine Company and Yo China! bring his unique experience and know how to this fourth season.

Antares offers modern Australian cuisine with Asian and Indian influence giving a diversified and carefully yet creatively curated menu. Subtle condiments paired with unconventional dishes is the prowess of the Antares new which leaves one craving for more.  A combination of Barbecue Chicken and Pomegranate makes for Australian grilling techniques merged with tropical freshness a unique yet favorite dish at Antares. The menu is an assortment of small and large plates making it easy for customers to choose from with easy to share dishes such as Hummus, spiced toasted chickpeas, za’atar Turkish bread. The Croquettes with their simplistic presentation, the Pork Ribs, covered in a spiced, chipotle-tomato flavored barbecue sauce and Lamb Bao are but a few of the dishes on offer this season.

The Goan inspired menu has such delights as The Kale and Cranberry Salad, with walnuts, kokum dressing, gruyere is delicate and summery in every way yet with that fresh tanginess. Moving on to the Roasted Pumpkin with peanut coconut masala, with peanut chutney, fresh coriander, toasted peanuts, fresh coconut served on a soft tortilla, hopes to bring back memories of grandmothers cooking from south of India to life at Antares, perfectly balanced flavors with Sarah’s modern touch. The Chicken Cafreal with pomegranate, roasted cashew nuts served on soft tortilla envelopes you in Goa with every bite of tradition meets Antares. There is The Grilled Snapper with its orange beurre blanc, salt baked beetroot, rocket, couscous, perfectly flaky fish that just melts in the mouth offset with the orang beurre balances each bite.  Fresh Wok tossed Mud Crabs are a mush try for the seafood lovers. The Stuffed Pointed Gourd with tomato cashew sauce and poi or even the Zucchini & Lotus Root Xacuti offers up interesting Goan infused flavours for all the vegetarian. The Pork Vindaloo served with Sannas (traditional Goan steamed rice cakes) fresh coriander, julienne red chilli and garlic chips yet another new addition to the menu. Furthermore, the chef’s here have married Goa with Italy to bring you Goan Sausage Spaghetti with calamari. This is to mention by a few of the new Goan influences on the menu. 

Antares still, however, retains it past season favorites such as the Surf and Turf, beef fillet, tiger prawn, seasonal vegetables, red wine jus and Pulled Lamb with mint raita, pomegranate, chilli jam, soft tortilla and much much more. For that sweet tooth there is the Layers of Chocolate Orange, chocolate mousse, chocolate fudge cake, orange chiboust and as always there is Sarah’s Famous Master Chef Iced Nougat with candied orange, streusel. 

The only thing better than Antares food is the Antares cocktail selection, with its amazing quantity. The Spicy Mango Martini, a mixture of vodka, mango and green chilli, an old favorite on the menu. To the addition of Plum Berry Martini. The taste of plum came to life in this refreshing cocktail. It was an easy mix of galangal, lemongrass & gin which is mellowed by cranberry juice and was a delightful blend sweet and sour.  Antares is now truly an Austrailian star on the Goan coast.

For Reservation Contact – +917350011528/38

Mustard Musings

I wander about a lot and am fascinated by new experiences, particularly in the culinary world. When I stumbled upon Mustard, my first thought was an ‘either love it or hate it’ sentiment towards this sharp condiment.

But one step indoors and this venture by Shilpa Sharma and Poonam Singh blew me away. It’s an old Goa house in Sangolda that could be mistaken as a blown up version of a doll’s house. Varying shades of blue – navy, cornflower, powder – deftly interact with each other creating a broad colour scheme that immediately relaxes the mind.

I was taken back to the charming cottages of the English countryside with the quaint antique-style cupboards, tea pots and summery patio seating outdoors. Although I had company, I would imagine that even solo travellers or visitors will find it absorbing to sit here over a languid dinner, taking in the décor details.

The name made immediate sense when I looked at the menu – both Bengali and French cuisines celebrate mustard. French fields are filled with its shocking hue during spring and every Bengali I know shivers in excitement just anticipating that well-loved taste.

It is quite apt then that Mustard made its home in Goa, India’s perfect mélange of East and West in both culture and food. It’s one of the few restaurants in Goa serving authentic Bengali delicacies. The menu was curated by Pritha Sen, a renowned chef and food historian, to help visitors uncover the nuances and secrets of the cuisine, while Frenchman Gregory Bazire gave expert thought to the European section of the menu for those who love mustard and also for those who don’t.

Mustard has two separate kitchens with chefs specialised in their respective cuisine styles. This ensures absolutely authentic tastes. Chef Abhimanyu Sen was on site when we sauntered in, taking a seat under the outdoor bar area topped with traditional Goan coconut leaf mats.

It was still a little warm but the winds of seasonal change were blowing and it was the perfect spot to savour the last of the fresh seafood before the onset of the monsoons and the fishing ban in Goa that comes with it.

We had a delightful little tasting menu to sample the cuisine, as I’ve not been exposed to Bengali food too often. It turned out to be a beautiful gastronomical revelation. First out of the kitchen was the kaach kola shammi kebab made of raw green bananas, apparently a favourite in the eastern state. A chicken starter followed with the meat marinated in kashundi, a tangy mustard sauce that is as signature to Bengal as recheado masala is to Goa.

The smoked fish at Mustard is not your typical dish. Flavours of history abound here, known as it is for delicate flavours with hints of mustard powder and oil, smoked in the traditional manner with puffed rice, jaggery and husk. All of this lends a distinct taste to the dish.

I was also impressed by the house-style tabouleh that incorporates many Goan elements including kokum, dry coconut, grilled cashews and Goan sausage bread crumb. We returned to the kashundi with stir-fried calamari that also featured a lovely blend of zingy ginger and sweet pumpkin. Very interesting indeed. The final starter was jholsamo mangsho – tender mutton ribs marinated with nigella seeds and charcoal-grilled to perfection.

Our mains featured two dishes from France, and two from Bengal. Chef Bazire reinvented the classic French dessert, the mille feuille. Instead of the usual light custard piled between razor-thin crunchy filo pastry sheets, Mustard serves a savoury version with a hearty vegetable fricassee tumbled with parsley and cheesy béchamel. Across the table was a juicy chicken breast stuffed with Dijon mustard and liver, and glazed with rosemary butter. It was served with étuvée vegetables, cooked in the typical French fashion of cooking them in their own, and garlic jus.

A fresh barramundi was taken to another level in the maachcher paturi, or fish cooked in banana leaves, a very traditional Bengali style. At Mustard, the delicate flavours of the banana leaf and mustard marinade permeate the fish through slow-roasting rather than steaming.

Kosha mangsho is Bengal’s star mutton curry, with fat chunks of meat soaking in a heavy gravy of mustard oil, onions, cardamom, clove and cinnamon.

We ended the meal with a celebration of the seasonal fruit. There was a delectable mango cheesecake and mango kheer. The menu also features a refreshing muskmelon and feni dessert soup with freshly cut fruit, grilled almonds and hints of coco and feni. I will certainly return to try it!

 

A new you at SwaSwara

Rediscover health and soak in the natural bounty of a pristine forest getaway surrounded by virginal beaches at CGH Hotel’s beach-side health resort in Gokarna

New years are meant for new resolutions, and these are almost always health-related. How far these resolutions last is anyone’s guess, but getting off to a great start is nothing but beneficial.

To bring in the new year full of promise and still full of luxury, CGH Earth offers the ideal wellness getaway that introduces you to a lifestyle you’ll never want to change. The company is known across India for its wellness ventures and most of its hotels are in faraway Kerala. For Goans, a mere 170 kilometres (from Panaji) brings you to unspoiled beaches and CGH Earth’s SwaSwara hotel. The name comes from the Sanskrit words for ‘self’ and ‘sound’, and SwaSwara believes that it is not a destination for your rejuvenation at all, but instead the vehicle to transport you to the best version of yourself.

Overview

By virtue of its shape, Om Beach itself seems touched by divine peace. Hidden away from its popular hippie stretches is SwaSwara hotel with 26 acres of sprawling lawns, gardens and hills surrounded by pristine sandy beaches. With peace at its core, its spaces offer a deep sense of tranquillity and connection to nature without losing out on luxury, while its services and amenities all aim to please the body and mind into a healthy change.

Accommodation

Calling on north Kannada heritage, 24 rustic-looking villas dot the entire landscape at SwaSwara. It promotes Konkan artistry and woodcraft in all its simplistic beauty, and the laterite stone buildings with thick dark chocolate brown thatch blend seamlessly with the surroundings. From your cocoon of peace, you can look across the stumpy hills nearby and breathe in deeply all the pure air of the Western Ghats. Each villa offers both privacy as well as a direct link to nature, with a quiet, air-conditioned room and semi-open attached bathroom. You can practice your favourite form of yoga or meditate as the feeling arises right on your own deck outside each villa.

Dining

At SwaSwara, food is thought of more in terms of nourishment than something to indulge in. Still, thanks to their passion and intimate knowledge of ingredients, eating here is easily a highlight. The cuisine follows the philosophies laid down by yoga, ayurveda and naturopathy, and the kitchen is fed by a constant stream of produce from the CGH organic farms and, due to proximity to the beach, freshly caught seafood. Other meats and hard liquor do not find a place at SwaSwara and you do not miss it. Indian wines, however, are available.

The focus is on freshness and simplicity, the perfect balance between raw and cooked, quantity and texture. Guests living at SwaSwara under specialised health programmes typically follow the diets prescribed by the in-house experts. Cuisine styles are mostly Indian but feature global inspiration and it would be out of place to find something fiery hot or full of spice. Dishes change according to the season, and meals are served either at the Beach Kitchen or at the Cocum dining room.

Programmes

SwaSwara offers a variety of wellness programmes including the introductory week-long Swa Holiday, the ailment-related or rejuvenatory fortnight -long Prana Holiday, the 14 or 21-day detox and cleanse Swastha Holiday, the yoga-focused Shanti Vanavasa Holiday, the Vanavasa package deep in the heart of the forest, and other specially designed retreats. Each includes a combination of consultations with doctor or naturopath, yoga sessions, ayurvedic therapies and massages, and a multitude of relaxing ‘holiday’ activities such as cruises and visits to places of interest nearby.

Amenities & Services

A gorgeous free-form swimming pool takes centre stage at the SwaSwara property, allowing you to lounge in the sun or get some additional exercise. The area is surrounded by lawn so a spot of reading on the deck chairs comes highly recommended. There is a special Ayurveda Dome and Meditation Centre, where much of the activity – or relaxation – takes place, but SwaSwara brings in a holiday element to your retreat as well. There are boat cruises to see nearby islands or a chance spotting of dolphins, visits into the town to see the local sites, guided tours to the ancient Gokarna temple and town as well as the farmers’ market, and cultural programmes including dance and music.

Additionally, you could choose to learn how to make those delicious meals through cooking demos with the staff or engage in karma yoga, where guests join the staff in community  activities such as farming, gardening or beach cleaning. The art studio allows guests to express their new, rejuvenated selves through tribal painting, pottery or other local crafts learnt with talented artists who take up residence here. And for an intense retreat, away from the distractions of modern life, there is Vanavasa, a getaway offering deep restorative opportunity with days of solitude and no contact with technology, a time of silent awareness in the heart of nature.

Experience

I was looking for a new way to begin this new year and having stumbled on SwaSwara through CGH’s other ventures, I knew this was my answer. It’s an easy getaway from Goa, and offers a moment in time to nurture a healthier body, a peaceful and calmer mind, and an inspired soul.

On arrival, we were greeted by Mini Chandran, the very warm-hearted general manager of SwaSwara, and her staff. Together, we decided on a three-day destress programme based on my recent lifestyle. I was floored by the beauty of the architecture and how peaceful it immediately made one feel. We felt secluded in our villa, despite it being one of two dozen, and it had an extraordinary look and ambience about. The private garden and outdoor bathroom were my favourite areas, being so in touch with nature as they were. The indoor bedroom, complete with air-conditioning and exquisitely comfortable beds, reminded us that not all luxury was lost. A consultation with the doctor was one of the first things on the cards after arrival, and a list of therapies was advised for the duration of my stay. Each was specialised in allowing my mind and body to rid itself of the mental and physical stress of the season just gone by.

The highlight at SwaSwara were the meals, particularly the formality of dinner either on the beach front or in the dining room. Every dish was full of health and vitality and almost zero fat. Each course, designed by the delightfully named Chef Joy, was a masterpiece in freshness, appearance, nutrition and taste. By the time I got through the four courses at each meal, I was well and truly full. Together with the staff and other guests, we brought in the new year, bending the rules ever so guiltily to enjoy a bottle of fine Indian red. It was a celebration of health and wellness and I will certainly be returning to SwaSwara in my unending search for the best version of myself.

You can read the article on Viva Goa here.

 

Rare Market at Teso Waterfront, Siolim

Bazaars are such fun! They are lively, sometimes a little wild, colourful and carefree, bringing back a strange memory of Rudyard Kipling stories meshed with contemporary glitzy magazine culture. Most recently, I stopped by at the Rare Market at Teso Waterfront in Siolim, a new & wonderful space to shop, relax and just generally have a good time.

There were a bunch of stalls that together brought in both variety and colour set up under each of the existing Cabanas. Organised by Teso Waterfront and the Rare Republic Lifestyle Boutique & Restaurant, the market is set to be held every Friday, keeping things quirky and fun. This time around, there was an eclectic selection of fashion, art, music and food from 4pm onwards.

Malini Ramani, that famous name in Indian fashion circles, had a stall there with pretty pieces from her latest collection. There was Shoop Doop, a funky brand from London now also in Goa, with its boho-chic range for men. French fashion duo Charles and Cecille set up their Aum Made stall with very popular bourgeois bohème clothes and accessories for children. They’ve been gaining quite a bit of international attention with their high quality, concept designs. There were also designer soaps from Pi and a variety of export-quality shawls from Akal. A great way to have art on everyday products is to stop by the Kolorabia stall which has tableware, home décor and accessories with detailed designs.

And what is a market without food?! A spread of delicious products and offerings from Rare Republic took centre stage. The new restaurant located close by in Siolim serves Middle Eastern and Continental fare that’s light but absolutely stellar.

Goa Genacvale brought the warm, decadent aromas and flavours of Georgia to the table, while Gatto Nero turned up with its excellent menu of Italian and European dishes. Fusion food from the US to Asia came in courtesy Hill Belly. To tie everything together, there was live music and DJs to set the mood, as well as performances. It was tons of fun!

PS: A little birdie tells me they’re not charging for stalls until the end of the season, and shop owners are welcome to join in next Friday. So hurry!

GOAT Festival at Marbela blows minds

The first edition of the international music and arts festival at the breathtaking Marbela Beach Resort in Morjim saw lots of guests turn up over the weekend to catch sets by Gilles Peterson, James Priestley, Kiasmos, The Turbans, BLOT and more

The stunning sands and lush lawns of Marbela Beach Resort on Morjim hosted the first ever edition of GOAT Festival, which lived up to its promise of an intimate, exciting festival with some stellar performances and a general bonhomie that made everyone feel special and involved.

Marbela Beach stepped in after impending election rules led to a change in venue and opened up its spectacular property to all the guests who walked in for the three-day festival.

Dave Gaydon (CEO of GOAT), Jaydeep Rajbhosle (Marbela Beach Owner), Gilles Peterson, Sinead McManus

The decision proved a resounding success as the popular resort transformed itself into a floral jungle where the sounds of disco and house music accompanied the crash of the waves. 

Highlights 

The three-day GOAT Festival held at Marbela Beach Resort from January 27-29 offered the discerning music fan the best experience. It introduced new sounds – the Afrobeat stylings of Afroquoi and Eastern European, Middle Eastern melodies of The Turbans – and gave the audience an opportunity to hear celebrated DJs like Gilles Peterson, secretsundaze co-founder James Priestley, Kiasmos as well as some of the most exciting acts from India like BLOT!, Sandunes, Aqua Dominatrix and Kumail among others.

             

Gilles Peterson, who is a celebrated broadcast host, DJ and label owner played the set of the festival mixing in Latin American tunes to disco, house and techno to ending the set with a Bollywood flourish, with the popular track ‘Choli ke peeche’ from the movie Khalnayak.

Apart from the music that started at 2pm and ran till 10pm, there were activities like yoga, sound bathing, sunset jams, body art, dance workshops and stalls full of vintage finds and clothes to peruse. 

GOAT Festival is the first-ever festival put together by London-based agency GOAT that was formed in 2015 – together with Lyndon Alves from Sunset Getaways collectively they pulled off this hugely successful event which has found its base here in Goa.

Photo Credits – Carys Lavin

Experience La Vie En Rose at Michele’s Garden Cafe

Like a lot of people, Michele came to Goa on holiday. Little did she know she would spend the next 38 years here, starting an entirely new, French food filled life on the verdant coasts of India.

Michele grew up in Normandy, a beautiful region of northern France. Her family members, passionate foodies that she learned from, inspire most of the distinctive dishes on her menu.

Michele’s Garden cafe — formerly known as La Vie en Rose — was started eight years ago, and is one of the only cafes in Goa that specializes in French food. The garden is spacious and delicately adorned with furniture and fabrics from her home, with a lot of feminine patterns and of course, the color pink. Michele’s pleasant presence adds to an already refreshing ambience. She works with her chef very closely, guiding him with every dish, and her enthusiasm for her guests and her food too, is evident.

Michele’s food is all made from scratch. Her crepes, desserts and jams are all homemade, including a unique, mouth-watering onion marmalade. Some of the most popular dishes on her menu include the French classic ’Boeuf Bourguignon’ originating in the wine region of Burgundy; and ‘Chicken Normandie’, a favorite dish from Michele’s hometown which is loaded with cream and mushrooms, with a hint of mustard. The beef is marinated and slow cooked in red wine and beef broth, resulting in the meat being succulent and tender. Michele describes how every dish in Normandy is served with a little jar of cream on the side, just like we eat pickles with all our food in India.

Michele has also crafted some signature dishes that reflect her long tryst with Goa. ‘Fish Mish’ is made with ‘pastis’, a star-anise based sauce, capers, garlic and cream, of course. And the ‘Douala’ salad is made with prawns, avocado, sweet potatoes and papaya. Her salmon crepe is inspired by her aunt. Michele fondly describes how her huge family would sit on the dining table on special occasions, and relish a large plate of the highly anticipated creation.

French cuisine, according to Michele, was more popular 38 years ago when she first came to Goa, when it used to be less accessible. Although French food can be expensive since some recipes are complex, but Michele makes an effort to offer simple and affordable home cooking, that is exquisitely tasty. She definitely knows how to do both!

Above the garden cafe, Michele has four lovely rooms for her guests to stay, all surrounded by trees, and a number of adorable cats and dogs. One of the rooms is a rustic looking tree house, designed to make one feel like they’re in a home away from home. Two of the rooms are themed, orange and blue. They each have their private balconies with views of a lot of greenery and blue sky. The name of the Bed & Breakfast property, ‘La Vie en Rose’, which is a way of seeing life through rose tinted glasses, as you do when you are in love, is the kind of experience Michele wants her guests to have when they visit.

Tamarin, A Mediterranean Oasis In Calangute

Tamarin, A Mediterranean Oasis In Calangute

On the busy Calangute-Candolim road, near the prominent Snip Salon and Spa, one walks into an oasis of calm at Tamarin. Set in an urban garden atmosphere, with an extensive menu of unusual dishes from all around the Mediterranean, and an impressive wine list, visiting travelers are awed here. Everything is just perfect, from the Moroccan Prawns to the Lebanese Beef Kibbeh Kebabs and Tunisian Briouats… they never go wrong.

Part-year residents of Goa from Europe who live in the area mingle with local domestic tourists, enjoying the live music here in the evenings. Bilal is responsible for the impeccable flavours and is almost always hands on in the kitchen, whereas his wife Jennifer is out front interacting with guests and making sure their experience is memorable. Bilal and Jennifer fell in love many years ago, when Bilal cooked his first meal for her… Gadh Ghushtaba, a recipe from his home in Kashmir.

After moving to England and getting married, Bilal began working in hospitality, where Jennifer had already carved out a reputation as a chef and later a manager. After completing his training, Bilal worked as a chef at London’s top restaurants such as Quaglino’s, Carluccio’s Cafe and the famed Digby Trout restaurants at the British Museum and Barbican Centre. Inspired by their travels, they decided to fulfill a long-held ambition and opened Tamarin in 2012, serving Mediterranean cuisine. The Kashmiri Wazwaan menu was developed in the second season and has gone from strength to strength with its authentic flavours and impeccable quality… The mutton is to die for.

Bilal was a passionate home cook, having been inspired by his mother from an early age. When he started travelling, his passion and love of Mediterranean food evolved. Having received much praise and encouragement from friends and family who had dined with them, he decided to train professionally whilst living in Central London. His wife has always worked in the industry so it seemed like a natural step for to start up on their own.

The dual menus make Tamarin unique. They researched regional differences in the Mediterranean extensively, such as the ‘Kefalonian Greek Salad’, which has the inclusion of a little bit of chilli. This subtlety suits Goa, the people and the climate. The flavours are bold, un-compromised and authentic, whether you are eating Mediterranean or Kashmiri. The Kashmiri cuisine features a lot of vegetarian options, which people often overlook, assuming it’s mutton all the way. Bom Chount and Nadir Kebabs are unlikely to be found on any other menu in Goa and they bring in the indigenous ingredients direct from the valley. Bilal think it takes a lot of hard work and stamina, as well as courage, to bring something new to the food scene whilst staying true to your goals and vision.

Majestic Luxury: ITC Rajputana

Ever wondered about the magnificent beauty that defines a destination? Jaipur is one such place, whose hospitality landscape is festooned with gems. The city showcases some of the richest and most popular heritage attractions in India which is a major draw for tourists, both local and worldwide. It’s no surprise then that many such gems are featured in a wide variety of national and international publications for their stunning locales and exquisite architecture.

One among these is the ITC Rajputana, called so after its erstwhile name of Rajasthan– land of the Rajput warrior clan. Unlike many other hotels in the area, the ITC Rajputana does not come under the umbrella of heritage hotels, which works in its favour as it draws architectural inspiration from all the stunning monuments and palaces in the region. Under the helm of ITC, one of India’s leading hospitality brands, it features gorgeous pieces from the company’s famed art collection, as well as Peshawari, the restaurant that is almost a brand. The ITC Rajputana is known as a ‘luxury collection hotel’ to offer indigenous experiences of Rajasthan.

Read all about my experience in the latest issue of Timeline Goa  magazine!