Noi Varo
Siolim, Goa
A super-elegant, revamped Portuguese mansion (sleeps 6) in Siolim, with riverside tree platform to kick back on
The slicker twin to Kaju Varo, the orchard set-up in
Ashvem, Noi Varo (‘River Breeze’ in Goan) was also
created by ‘Shunya’, the brainchild of an Indian
creative director turned social entrepreneur and his Scandinavian
interior-designer partner. It has the same rustic palette,
high-rafter ceilings, graceful East-West fusion and laid-back
2-legged chairs.
Surrounded by woods, and only 15 minutes' drive from Morjim and
Ashvem beaches, Siolim village boasts the dazzling-white St
Anthony’s church, and lots of beautiful old Portuguese/Goan
houses. Though sadly they’re often empty and crumbling, and
the village centre is run-down and dusty.
In stark contrast, Noi Varo’s intercom-secured gate opens
onto a colonnaded porch between wooden-decked, waterlily-encircled
bedroom verandas. Beyond is the huge, cool atrium hallway,
featuring a long, gurgling, spotlit fountain, which also serves as
a heated lounge pool. The 3 bedrooms leading off this
atrium are a graceful blend of charming century-old Portuguese and
chic minimalist brand-new. Beds are wide, firm and comfortable, the
ensuite bathrooms spacious and modern, and Western technology is to
hand with flatscreen TVs with Tata Sky, WiFi, and an iPod player in
the cheerful lounge. Out back you'll find a thin infinity pool
lined by decking, plus a shady sand garden and tree-platform beside
a spur of the wide Chapora river.
Reviewed by Cathy Teesdale
Last updated 07 March 2012
Highs
- The spacious, elegant and uncluttered design and décor throughout
- The original antique features - jackwood doors and shutters, brass bolts and clasps, pod chests and a dowry box
- The charming, eager-to-please staff;
- The wonderful fusion menu
- The sunbathing deck with swimming pool, palm-shaded barbecue area and big river-viewing tree platform
- Rates are for the whole house; no extra charges for children or additional friends
Lows
- Despite a large government sign forbidding it, there’s rubbish in the river, which is sometimes smelly
- The delapidation of Siolim village contrasts sharply with Noi Varo’s luxury
- There is a 14 night minimum stay over christmas
