This is an unbiased personal review of my stay experience at Seascape cottage in South Goa
Goa is a much touted and rather I would say an exploited tourism destination – it is perceived as the Go to Beach holiday place for everyone in India at least. And there is always this fine balancing of days spent in North vs South Goa you have to do.
While most party lovers would like to head to Baga & Calangute in North Goa, the more relaxed tourists who would just want to chill minus the crowds would find South Goa as a better choice. And if you arrive by a flight to Goa, the airport is bang in the middle of North & South, about a few Kms inched towards the Souther part only.
So on my last trip to the Goan land- I had taken the late night flight from Delhi that was expected to arrive at 12:30 AM overnight. Since we had 4 days, the plan was to cover southern part on first day and then move up North.
So, after my regular travel research and reading, that I do before my every travel, I zeroed in on ’Seascape Cottage’, a heritage cottage that is fully let out out for tourists now. It is recently refurbished (as of June 2017) and is a value for money for providing a unique and different experience for your stay in Goa.
About the Location
One of the prime reasons that compelled me to book my room here was the accessibility from airport. It is a good destination to halt by during your initial days in Goa as it can be a good point to start your journey towards the South side or even deep into the interiors of Goa like Chorla & Dudhasagar.
Google Map
The property is very close (just a 2 minute roll) to the Bogmalo beach – in a rather sleepy part of the town called Bogmalo. Hence wouldn’t see the tourist rush as much as in other popular beaches. It is close to the famous Bogmalo beach resort. During your stay, you can spend a night dining the ’Sutsegad’ way at the Joets’ cafe – a popular hang out place for the locals there while you can croon your way to some zipping live music that offers rock, reggae and typical goan style of music with your food.
The Hospitality Experience
To start with, you stay experience is always cherish worthy if you get a good host while on your travels. And we just got that at the Seascape Cottage as the owner Mr. Andrea Pacheco is a gem of a guy when it comes to hosting you at his ancestral place. Plus you can bank upon his local knowledge in squeezing out some help in planning your itinerary as well. He was kind enough to offer the whole property (including Kitchen & 3 rooms) while we were booked for 1 room only. Such pleasant surprise was possible as we dropped in during an off season and luckily there were no other bookings that night.
The villa is quaintly located just beside the shores of the Arabian sea, and you can listen to the splashing shorelines while gazing the stars on a night stay here. The property is pretty rustic and old, hence gives a warm feeling to those looking for a vintage experience. The roofs and doors are made of antique wood and would make you feel like staying in a countryside grand villa.
The Interiors and ambience
The interiors are not splurgy and kept simple while just apt for all your basic needs. Since it is a newly refurbished property, I am sure Andrea will look to add up more decor as the bookings reap more profits. Do notice the arm chairs and dining table which will offer a great seating for your travel time conversations.
Food/ Restaurant
In case you are travelling in a group or with a family, you can make use of the grand kitchen to cook as per your choice and have a dinner by the balcony side. There is a small entrance courtyard overlooking the neighbour’s house where you can spot lot of pets whirling around.
Being an independent cottage, there is no restaurant in-house and you will have to mostly dine outside or cook inside.
Tip for travellers
Now here is some essential tips & ideas to economise & plan your stay in Goa judiciously.
- The taxis are pretty expensive and the drivers are very moody
- So, one can always prefer self drive rental bikes / cars for going places
- Do check and research on this issue of white number plates/ yellow number plates while renting cars. Everyone will take you on a toss
- If you are flying in & out of Goa, it is suggested to take a rental from a south Goa operator who would be willing to provide an Airport drop and pick up. Make sure there is no hassle in taking the vehicle to North part as well
- And last, stay near the airport if you are flying in late or have to be easily mobile to go South or North side
- Also staying in South Goa, you can save some money as rent is marginally cheaper for similar property in North side.
- If you plan to book a room or suite at ’Seascape Cottage’, try calling the owner directly or book through AirBnb. If you wish, you can take my reference and see if the owner gives your more discounts (purely at your try 🙂 )
- Do plan atlas half a day to enjoy your time at the property, experience how local Goans would do. Take a stroll alongside the beaches and visit the nearby Bogmalo church.
- Carry mosquito repelleants (preferably travel during monsoon time)
- While there is free Wifi at the cottage, don’t use it and rather enjoy your stay there
- Schedule your dates flexibly when you can get the full property to yourself
For more details about the property, visit their website
And for any personal recommendations and suggestions you can anytime reach out to me. Drop in your comments if you liked this blog and do share so that it reaches more travellers like you.
You can also check out other stay review at Travelotto here
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