Vivenda Dos Palhacos

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Majorda, Goa, India

A beautifully-restored Hindu-Portuguese hacienda in the quiet village of Majorda, a short walk from south Goa's loveliest white-sand beach

Reviewed by Cathy Teesdale

Vivenda Dos Palhacos, India: Goa, Overview

VIVENDA DOS PALHACOS - REVIEW

Tucked down a coconut-fringed cul de sac in the gently-paced village of Majorda is this lovingly-restored Hindu house fronted by a beautifully-proportioned Portugese manor. It's the recent creation (and home) of brother-and-sister team Simon and Charlotte Hayward, who are the fourth generation in their family to be brought up in India.

Spread over the 2 buildings are 6 double bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and a self-contained cottage in the grounds; a tented room is due to follow. All are full of dappled charm, cross-cultural history and convivial peace. There's a graceful 12 metre Grecian pool with wooden sunloungers, and a long talcum-powder beach 10 minutes walk away (or a short ride in their jeep). It's the perfect place to escape the hordes of tourists who throng to Goa, to experience village life, enjoy lively conversations round the huge banqueting tables, and make friends with other guests, your solicitous hosts and their cultured Indian circle.

HIGHS

Sociable breakfasts in the dappled sunshine around the 22-seater outdoor table; dinners by candlelight under vaulting rafters
The convivial tales of India and other travels from your charming hosts and their friends / guests
The authentic Goan fittings and carefully-chosen, artful decorations
Having such an idyllic beach nearby - and a pool in case you don't have the energy to stir yourself
A real retreat from Goa's tourist hordes, and the feeling of being a guest in someone's home

LOWS

Getting to the beach requires a little effort and once there you’ll be importuned by enthusiastic hawkers and beach shack owners
This is Simon and Charlotte's first hotel, only opened for business in December 2006, so things can get a little chaotic, though their charm more than compensates
The surrounding village means it's not as quiet as other hotels: cocks crow, dogs bark, bells ring and the neighbours have been known to party quite loudly
Being enclosed by jungle, there are no far-reaching views

Print Whole Report

Name	Vivenda Dos Palhacos	Location	Majorda, Coast
Type	Heritage guesthouse: 6 rooms, 1 cottage	Country	India: Goa
Price Guide	Dbl: US$57-185, BB	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 20km	Nearest Shops: 1km	Nearest restaurant: 0.5km	Beach: 1km