An invitation for a trip to Goa can never be turned down, especially when you are a beach person. Recently, I got an invitation for a three-day trip to India's favourite beach destination and I promptly said yes. The agenda was to review Fortune Resort Benaulim Goa, a property tucked away in the serene landscape of South Goa, and see some beautiful adjoining areas. Now, being a complete North Goa person, my visit to Goa has been all about catching sunsets, visiting the cool cafes, partying till dawn and the likes, but these three days were nothing like that and I have no regrets.
First, the drive to Fortune Resort Benaulim Goa was a smooth one, with vast stretches of lush paddy fields and tall coconut trees on both sides, meandering roads and colourful houses typical of Goa. Quaint with an old-world charm was my first impression of the property, which is spread across 3.25 acres.
The hotel is ideal for couples, solo travellers as well as families because it packs in regular rooms, suites and chalets, a beautiful swimming pool, spa, gym, a multicuisine restaurant and a well-stocked bar. That aside, if you have a wedding or corporate event in mind, the property boasts of a party deck and an open-air dance floor that can accommodate 500 people.
"We take great pride in curating moments of leisure, fostering business excellence, and orchestrating unforgettable celebrations. We are delighted to cater to the needs of leisure seekers yearning for serenity and MICE professionals who need exceptional event spaces for their world-class gatherings. For couples, envisioning a fairytale wedding, our venue is perfect for the special day. Additionally, we warmly welcome business travellers. Our hotel is nestled in the breathtaking coastal beauty of South Goa, which offers a remarkable experience in which relaxation, productivity, and happiness are interwoven. We create unforgettable moments, seamlessly executed meetings, exquisite weddings, and thriving business endeavours for our audience," said Chaitra Dwivedi, general manager at Fortune Resort Benaulim Goa.
t2 soaked in Goa vibes at the property and indulged in some touristy activities. Snapshots...
(Clockwise from left) Fortune Resort Benaulim Goa offers 102 rooms, including plush suites and chalets that are tastefully done with amenities to make your stay comfortable. Deluxe Rooms that offer a clear view of the paddy fields, to sprawling Royal Suites, there are various room categories that you can pick from.
A detox retreat is incomplete without some indulgence in the spa and the hotel has a cosy one for you. Opt for a Deep Tissue therapy or the calming Ayurvedic Shirodhara and we promise you will come out feeling relaxed.
If you are looking for a more private stay, you can book these beautiful chalets adjacent to the lush gardens. With sturdy wooden interiors and exteriors and housing a king-size bed, they can accommodate two adults and two children. The outdoor small balcony is a perfect space for some me-time.
The hotel boasts of an all-day dining restaurant where you can enjoy a global menu. The 200-seater Zodiac is open on all sides, has cane furniture and a casual-dining vibe. It has Joecons Bar attached to it where you can unwind and enjoy exotic cocktails.
Being a foodie, the best way to enjoy a destination is through food, so I indulged in a grand Goan thali that had rice, roti, Goan salad, Chicken Xacutti, crispy Kingfish Rawa Fry, spicy Prawn Curry, Modso Fish Rawa Fry, Veg Foogath, Chauli Bhaji, Beetroot Masala, Mushroom Xacutti and Sole Kadi. It was a complete meal that was simple but it effortlessly touched my soul with its flavours.
THINGS TO DO:
(From left) The quaint and pristine beach of Benaulim lies just a few meters away and is ideal to drop by to catch the sun go down. Just sit with your fave drink on any of the shacks and watch the sky change colours.
For a person who loves visiting churches, a visit to St. Francis Xavier’s Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Old Goa Road was a must. Located 40km away from the hotel, we enjoyed the drive on an overcast rainy day that made the church look more beautiful.
We skipped the clubs for something different — exploring the local Margoa market where you can find almost everything you need to buy. We indulged in local spices and pork sausages that were out of the world. The market is divided into various lanes and zones where you can find woodwork, stonework and clothing too.