As you progress nearer to the shoreline from the freeway, the bustle within the neighbourhoods of Candolim will increase. Sleepy lanes dotted with villas give method to busy streets stuffed with folks thronging to eating places, bars, native outlets, and ultimately, the seashore. Each locales have their very own allure, however that does not imply it’s a must to select just one. Are you questioning if you happen to can strike a stability between the 2? Discover a location that does not overwhelm you with noise and crowds, however does not preserve you too removed from the motion? We not too long ago found one such choice: The Astor Goa. Staying at this lodge in Candolim allowed us to get one of the best of each worlds, whereas additionally feasting on some scrumptious meals.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
The Astor Goa is Archer Hospitality’s second lodge after The Astor Kolkata. Opened in 2023, the Candolim lodge is an all-suite property situated round 2 kilometres away from the seashore, in a comparatively quiet lane surrounded by quaint homes and timber. As with most resorts on this a part of the city, it isn’t attainable to have expansive lawns or massive open areas. However the structure at this Resort appears deliberate to make sure you do not feel weighed down by the compactness. The design accents are understated, however the heat tones and pops of color add to that trip vibe most of us are searching for.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
Step contained in the foyer and you’re enveloped within the heat hospitality as you settle down from the humidity. As we checked in, we caught shimmering, inviting glimpses of the open pool that kinds the centre of the property. We already could not wait to dive in and splash away the concerns of our hectic metropolis lives. For my companion and I, our interpretation of Goan susegad has all the time been related to swimming pools, poie and taking part in within the sand and solar. On this regard, The Astor Goa hit the nail on the pinnacle, after which some.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
We fuelled ourselves for the day’s actions on the breakfast buffet, laid out on the Resort’s all-day eating restaurant and bar, Deck 88. The lavishness of the unfold was understated and glad our cravings with out making us hark after the dishes we missed. We have been impressed with the considerate curation of the unfold starting from regional Indian delicacies to traditional Continental selections. South Indian breakfast staples have been offered, however the cooks went one step additional by together with area of interest choices like Uttarakhand-style kala channa and Bengali-style aloo bhaji – each made utilizing hometown recipes by completely different cooks on the group. We additionally loved the quintessential Goan Ros Omelette with Poie and fragrant Bedmi Poori with Goan Patal Bhaji.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
We loaded our plates with these delights, alongside some scrumptious herbed sausages, healthful Bircher muesli and freshly made waffles. There’s far more – and we wanted a second plate for it! These not staying on the lodge can drop by for this yummy breakfast buffet too. Should you do, bear in mind to pattern the bounty of the bakery, with breads, croissants, muffins, Berliners and different treats. This part just isn’t an afterthought on the lodge, as all of the choices are from the in-house Astor Baking Firm. We particularly beloved the carrot muffins and the banana cake. You can even get them organized on-line by way of common meals supply platforms.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
For lunch, we cut up our indulgences between the poolside tables and the blessedly air-conditioned comforts of our Astor Suite. We had ample house to take pleasure in our room service feast, paired with drinks from the (free) minibar. All 4 sorts of suites on the lodge present aesthetically furnished residing quarters, with trendy inside designs and upscale facilities. We’re instructed that the lodge plans to launch Penthouse suites with jacuzzis quickly. The room’s kitchenette is properly outfitted with primary cutlery in addition to a microwave. We have been grateful for these as we might merely reheat our meals in between swim periods. No want to attend on anybody else to curb our starvation pangs. After lunch, we took a fast siesta on the swing on our room’s balcony. In spite of everything, why not embrace the Goan lifestyle?
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
For many who desire a non-aqua exercise, head to the lodge’s gymnasium to get these endorphins going. You can even take your leisure to the subsequent stage on the spa. It affords a variety of massages and scrubs that can depart you feeling rejuvenated. Our 1-hour lengthy deep tissue therapeutic massage despatched us off to a blissful sleep later. Should you’re travelling with youngsters, the lodge has particular actions deliberate for them on particular days. It is a family-friendly property and the employees ensures the little ones aren’t ignored within the curation of experiences. Youngsters and adults can even make the most of a gaming console arrange in their very own rooms.
Wish to get out of the lodge however not enterprise too far? The Astor affords a free buggy experience to and from the seashore. The automobile drops you off close to a comparatively protected and clear stretch of Candolim Seashore. We acquired to see a gorgeously picturesque sundown and courageous a couple of waves. As we didn’t have our personal automobile, the buggy service allowed us to go to the seaside with out worrying about hiring exterior transport – which isn’t all the time simple and inexpensive in Goa.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
For dinner, the open-air part adjoining the primary restaurant affords an intimate setting. However we would not suggest it within the peak of summer time. The menu options a mixture of dishes with Indian, Italian and Asian flavours. We extremely suggest the Mushroom Croquettes, Chakori Rooster Kebab and Goan Xacuti with Poie. Among the many desserts, you can not go mistaken with the Traditional Tiramisu, White Noise and Decadent Chocolate Delight.
Photograph Credit score: The Astor Goa
The Astor has a well-stocked bar and a cocktail menu excellent for trip sips. We tasted some libations with fascinating native elements. The Goan Pink Rice Negroni was an interesting twist on the traditional cocktail and made use of Goan Pink Rice-infused Cinzano Rosso. You must also not miss tasting feni, the well-known native spirit historically made utilizing cashews. The Zen cocktail blended this native drink with the flavours of hibiscus and chamomile to create a potent, subtle concoction that we have been tempted to order extra of.
Goan Pink Rice Negroni. Photograph Credit score: Toshita Sahni
The Astor additionally affords the chance to have a singular Chef’s Desk expertise. Our 7-course meal was based mostly on our solutions to Chef Divyanshi Patel’s big selection of questions. “We wished to do one thing completely different than the usual fashion of tasting menus. Doing such a Chef’s Desk permits us to personalise meals for company to an extent they would not normally get,” Chef Divyanshi instructed us. “After we get the responses, the kitchen group spends hours brainstorming concepts and curating a menu collectively. It’s a artistic course of that we take pleasure in too.”
Yoghurt Pani Puri Bomb & Thalassery Biryani. Photograph Credit score: Toshita Sahni
There’s a component of thriller right here we do not wish to give away. However suffice it to say that this unique expertise rooted our meal in lovely recollections of the previous, and later turned one other addition to that treasure trove. As an illustration, we had talked about a love for chaat, which translated to the presence of a flavorful Yoghurt Pani Puri Bomb as the primary course. A delectably tacky Handrolled Spaghetti introduced again recollections of a member of the family’s favorite do-it-yourself Aglio e Oilo (which had additionally come up throughout the Q&A). Our cherished journeys to South India made an look by way of the inclusion of an incredible Thalassery Biryani and spicy Mushroom Sukka.
These searching for a distinct segment culinary expertise can make the most of one other kind of Chef’s Desk. This one options delicacies from the Baghelkhand area of Madhya Pradesh, from the place Chef Divyanshi hails. It guarantees a feast spotlighting dishes equivalent to Kaleyba, Gulgule with Rabri, Dopahri Dal Bhari Puri with Aamchur Chashni, Baghelkhandi Rooster and plenty of extra.
The Astor Goa gives a captivating escape from metropolis blues regardless of its location within the coronary heart of Candolim. Its delicious meals menu, considerate service and classy atmosphere made it the proper vacation spot for our weekend getaway. Contemplate it in your subsequent household journey to North Goa!
Location: The Astor Goa, 22/7, Bammon Vaddo, Candolim, Bardez, Goa 403515.
