Taj Exotica

Taj Exotica details

Palm-filled gardens, a sweep of pale sand and traditional Goan décor - the Taj Exotica has tropical escape written all over it.

If there’s a secret formula to getting away from it all, this place is it. Think 56 acres of tropical gardens, a sandy beach alongside and nothing nearby to break the idyll. In fact, the only thing that might disturb the peace here comes in the evening, when the local fishermen break into song while they land their catches on the beach.

As for the hotel itself, it really plays on its surroundings. Take the lobby. Drenched with natural light, this cavernous vaulted space is furnished with potted palms, ceiling fans and cushioned sofas. In the gardens, meanwhile, lush palms and flower-lined patios give way to the pool. Lay on a sunlounger here and you’ve got great views of the sea out between the trees and over the Taj’s pitch-and-putt course. A stroll past the greens and you’re on the beach – a sweep of cushiony sands stretching to the horizon. One of the hotel’s restaurants has bagged a prime spot here. With its thatched roof and canoe-shape bar, the Lobster Shack lets you dig into fresh local seafood while drinking in the Indian Ocean panoramas.

There’s more to look forward to on the food front, too. Along with gourmet Chinese and Mediterranean numbers, the Taj has a buffet restaurant, plus a wood-panelled bar hung with old photographs for you to inspect over ice-cold G&Ts. Top prize for décor, though, goes to the Alegria. All blue patterned tiles and rich, heavy wood, its Portuguese looks are the perfect complement to its traditional Goan cooking. Authenticity is the keynote in the rooms, too. Features include dark wooden beds and louvred window shutters teamed with rich creams and splashes of rustic blue. There are plenty of thoughtful extras, too, including DVD players and tea and coffee kits. The pool villas, meanwhile, offer extra indulgence in the form of private pools.

The final touch comes from the facilities. Guests have an excellent choice, ranging from a luxurious spa with Ayurvedic suites and hot tubs through to a gym and tennis – all ready and waiting when you want a break from doing nothing.