'Madras' at Majorda Goa

'Madras' is a large room in the older Hindu part of what must have been the original farm house. It has twin beds, that can be joined together with a double mattress if you so wish. It has an ensuite bathroom with an open air shower overlooked only by the birds and an old temple tree. It is one of several rooms in the house that has room for up to two extra beds. It has a courtyard shared with other guests with a table and chairs. Vivenda Dos Palhacos is a lovingly restored and decorated old Portuguese mini-mansion which is attached to the original hindu farm house behind. It is an award winning boutique hotel with around 15 charming staff, a restaurant, bar and everything from wifi to laundry. Guests can access the entire property including the dining room, sitting room, various verandas, the restaurant, the bar, the garden and pool. Your Hosts Charlotte and Simon (a brother-sister team in case you were wondering) were both born and brought up in India. They are the fourth generation to live in and love India and have spent as much time as possible here. They will be delighted to suggest and help organise side trips and places to stay out of Goa to their guests who may be coming to India for the first time. Charlotte Charlotte loves India and has traveled extensively in it, though there are still many places left to see. Goa’s cultural heritage makes it an amazing place to live and she looks forward to sharing her experience with you. She has lived and worked in Japan, Hong Kong and London, speaks Hindi usefully and is co-writing a book which she hopes to do more of. Simon Simon was most recently Creative Director of a large advertising agency first in Bombay and then in Delhi. He has always wanted to do up an old house and turn it into a hotel. What else do advertising people do when they get to forty? Teach? He loves Goa and feels that India is home. He is a budding cook – especially in a kitchen where many willing hands make light work – and his lunch parties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Wellington and Bombay were invariably long and pleasurable. John John has been with us since the beginning. He is an excellent Consultant Goan Chef and would do more painting if he had time. He also plays the guitar. Most of the time though he is busy looking after our guests, the fifteen or so staff we have – and us. He commutes from Chinchinim, about 25 mins south of us. Hannah and Charlie Hannah and Charlie were born in Hong Kong and bought up in New Zealand. Hannah is now at University at Melbourne and Charlie is at school in Hong Kong. Vivenda Dos Palhacos is on Costa Vaddo in the village of Majorda. We are one km from the longest and one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, with gorgeous white sand. There are excellent shacks on the beach and plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Including Tendulkar's favourite - Martin's Corner. Majorda is 25 minutes south of the airport and about 45 mins south of Panjim. This is one of the quietest and least developed parts of Goa's coastline The beach is one km away which is an easy and attractive walk. We can also give you a lift down at a nominal rate in our Tuk Tuk. We have complimentary bicycles that can be borrowed on a first come basis. Trusted taxis are also available for longer distances or day trips. We can help you rent cars , motor bikes or scooters if you would prefer. Services Airport pick-up. Sight seeing and shopping tours. Baby-sitting. Bicycles. Laundry. Hair dryer. Around three-quarters-of-the-clock food and drink. Complimentary wi-fi. Excellent visiting masseuses. Advice as to what is worth going to see and what is worth avoiding. A television and DVD player in the sitting room. A very sophisticated 24 hour, native English speaking concierge service. Picnics and parties planned. Weddings arranged, though not necessarily in the desi sense of the word. The spas at The Grand Hyatt and Alila-Diwa are both excellent and almost next door.