Page 13 - Flipbook

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RCI AFFILIAteD ResoRts In GoA InCLUDe:
BONUS WEEK
ROYAL GOAN BEACH CLUB AT BENAULIM (3726)
7 Nights from
AU$199*/ NZ$259*
Situated in the heart of the beautiful south of Goa, this resorts has a distinct Mediterranean flair while offering the
best of Indian culture. Explore stunning beaches, or stay close and take advantage of the unique layout – like a holiday village built around a central swimming pool area complete with swim-up bar.
EXCHANGE
CLUB MAHINDRA VARCA BEACH (4883)
Located in the south of Goa, this resort has its own beautiful, sandy beach, which is only a five-minute walk from the resort. Lounge on the comfortable deck chairs, or just hang out at either of the two swimming pools which include a 3-level swimming pool. Get the best mix of exotic Indian, Chinese, continental
and traditional Goan cuisine at the
resort restaurant.
*Subject to limited availability at the time of print. No Spacebank or RCI Points contribution required. Room configurations vary per resort. Speak to a Reservations Consultant regarding available room configurations.
DAYS OUT
For insight into Goan culture, start at Calizz, a heritage museum housed in a Portuguese mansion and a traditional Hindu-style home in Candolim. Calizz presents Goan life as it was both before and during Portuguese rule, and also does great lunches. To get a taste for what drew the Portuguese in the first place, visit Sahakari spice farm at Curti, and learn about the medicinal properties of all those spices you’ve been enjoying. On the same day, you could also visit the 16th-century Hindu temples at nearby Panda.To escape the heat for a day, head into the Western Ghats to Dudhsagar waterfalls and cool off at the bottom of the drop, just like the monkeys do. To avoid the crowds, you can take a boat day-trip.
FOOD
Rice, seafood and coconut milk are staples of Goan cuisine, but vegetarians and meat-eaters are well catered for too. Don’t leave without sampling the classic red-hot Goan fish curry or local favourite chicken cafreal, reminiscent of peri-peri chicken. The beaches offer a wide choice of restaurants. Souza Lobo has occupied its prime spot on Calangute for 78 years and cooks great lobster and randoor kingfish. While Plaintain Leaf on Calangute caters famously well for vegetarians. There are also plenty of places to sate any cravings for Western food, from Italian cuisine to cafes famed for their croissants and all-day breakfasts.
SHOPPING
Hippies set up the Anjuna market in the 1960s and today its vendors come from all over India. Look past the fire sticks and trance music and you’ ll find silver jewellery, Rajasthani bedspreads, leather bags and Tibetan handicrafts. Be prepared to haggle, but remember it’s meant to be fun even if you’re not buying. For a nocturnal experience, check out Ingo’s Saturday night bazaar at Arpora, where you’ll find all the same stuff as well as great food, live music and cold beers, but no sun. If you’re looking for clothing, there are plenty of sarongs and tie-dyed goods at the market, as well as beautiful jewelled sandals.
HOW & WHEN
Goa is 580 kilometres from Mumbai (Bombay), India. The easiest way to go is by air from Mumbai; the flight takes less than an hour. Goa has a good network of paved roads and the best way to get around is to hire a car and driver, easily arranged through your resort for about AU$30 / NZ$39 per day. The best time of year to visit is winter, between October and March. Summer can be very hot and humid and is also rainy season. EV
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