Back to Nature - Goa, April 2005.

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Location of hotel is excellent, being a 2 minute walk from the beach. The complex is along a pedestrian thoroughfare that leads to the beach; this is patrolled by security guards. Rooms are set in 23 village style cottages spread across the gardens. When we arrived I found the room to be very basic and needing a few cosmetic changes. In fact it was a bit of a culture shock but after a few days you learn to get use to it. However they are kept very clean by the dedicated staff.

The staff at the hotel are excellent, they can't do enough for you and are very friendly. My gripe is with the Angels group, who with a lick of paint here and there mixed with a few cosmetic changes with the very odd major change, could have a real first-class establishment.

The room had no air conditioning, just a fan. There was a TV shelf with aerial but no TV, still I didn't go on holiday to watch TV! I also did not like the fact the room was locked by a padlock. However there are rooms with a/c and with a proper lock on their doors.

Food: Breakfast is continental style; you pay extra for cooked breakfast. Dinner was paid for by a daily voucher, which you receive when you arrive - its value is RS225 and pays for the buffet, or you can choose from a set menu. Drinks are extra. Food is at a pretty good standard, although it is good to get out to try some of the local restaurants. I recommend 'Indian Impact', or the cheaper option 'Casa Goana'.

Entertainment was limited but we arrived just out of season so this might explain why.

In conclusion, although not perfect the pros far more outweigh the cons and we had a wonderful time.

Breakfast: 0730 to 1000. A contential breakfast is included in the price, you will be charged for extras.

Half-board option - dinner: When you arrive you will receive a book of coupons for the period of your stay. The coupon is worth RS 225 (2005) and valid for the assigned day only. It is non-transferable and non-transactable.

You can choose from the menu or the buffet. The coupon covers the buffet, and most of the menu for a starter, main course and dessert. Drinks are not included.

You can use your coupon at Angels resort, Porvorim.

Be aware of the occasional power cuts as no electricity is produced in Goa, it is all imported from other parts of India.

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Beach sunloungers

These are free and plentiful. Most are provided by the various beach shacks located on the beaches to entice trade. The usual practice is one of the beach shack staff will ask if you want a lounger, if you do then they will find you one. They will sort out the parasol, if desired, and sitting position. Next, if you desire, they will bring drinks to you which are paid for when you leave.

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Fruit sellers

One of the many sights seen on the beach is the many ladies carrying fruit baskets upon their heads. As they walk up and down the beach they call "pineapple, mango, or banana", if you politely say "no thank you" you may be lucky enough for them to pass you by. If you are unlucky, you have one of the more persistent fruit sellers who will carry on asking if you want cashew nuts or any other fruit they may have in their baskets. You say no thank you again; they retort "come on pineapple, mango, or banana". At this point you give up and go back to reading your book, hoping they will move on, however you may hear the dreaded high-pitched shrill "pineapple, mango," ...

It is not all bad though. The fruit is usually very good, if you choose one of the many fruits they will cut the fruit for eating in front of you. The prices are very responsible, even though there is a hefty mark up by the sellers. Still they must earn a living.

The baskets are very heavy, this I can vouch for as I helped our regular fruit seller after buying fruit from her.

Fruits depend on season: Strawberries, grapes, pineapple, mango, water melon, honey melon, papaya as well as cashew nuts and coconuts.

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