Early this month we spent good 2 nights and 3 days at Arco Iris Boutique home stay in South Goa.
I have been meaning to write this post for so long now but somehow procrastinating. Since, we have some good holidays around, before the year ends, i felt i should really get this going, as it may help many, who are eyeing Goa for their much needed vacay!
Arco Iris is a 200 year old, restored Portuguese colonial homestay in Curtorim, Goa belonging to Bennita and Ganesh, who were wonderful hosts and yes, i shouldn't be forgetting Fenny, their friendly dog. It is a beautiful home with greenery all around.
Now, leave all that you are doing and just be with me as I take you around the place.
Read the captions against each image as I point out fine details that i found intriguing.
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| The steps leading to the home have beautiful Goan tiles inlaid on them. |
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| Again, notice the name board ArcoIris . This has been sourced from 'Velha Goa' |
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Velha Goa specializes in traditional hand painted azulejos and also
carries a line of ceramics and imported products. Its imports and raw
materials are from Portugal but the final tile painting is done by their
very own team of local artists at their workshop in Aquem. The retail
store, Velha Goa Galeria in Fontainhas, Panjim has become a unique and
popular upmarket shop for original Azulejos.
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| This is the mesmerizing scene as you look out from the villa |
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| This was one of favourite place to idle away time, listening to the chirping of the birds, pretending to read a book and lose myself in the beauty of it all! |
The interiors are well thought of and beautifully maintined.
The house, with a built-up area of around 7,000 sq feet, comprises a foyer, living room, dining room, five bedrooms (four on
the ground floor and one on the first floor) with en suite bathrooms,
lounge, library, fully equipped modern kitchen, utility area, two
storerooms and accommodation for the support staff. It also has a balcony and gallery in front and a courtyard in the rear.
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| The first common room as you enter the villa... |
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| Inside the common room... |
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| Notice the woodwork on the book shelf |
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| Does the flooring floor you? |
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| This is the courtyard flanked by colour themed rooms on either sides |
Just outside the rooms you have these pretty niches on the
wall which creates a very interesting look.There is a dining space for
the guests overlooking the greens which we truly enjoyed. The entire
home is filled with pretty souvenirs, antiques, knick knacks and a whole
lot of plants. Just the way i love!
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| The niches... |
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| Just outside our room |
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| The dining area for guests |
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| view from the dining area, overlooks our room |
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| The dining area with cemented sit out on the side, running thru the entire length of the space |
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| Pretty walls lined with frames and souvenirs from various places |
As I told you, the courtyard is flanked on either sides with
bedrooms.The colours
of the rainbow determine the colour of the bedroom, and therefore
offers a choice of Indigo, Orange,
Violet, Yellow and Blue.
Coming to our room, the orange one, was the perefect sunset colour!
Let me show you around the blue room as well...
Another bedroom...
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| The rectangular niche adding an element of interest to the whole room. |
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Some more fascinating sights around home...
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| This is the grinding stone from yesteryear... |
So, tell me how did you like the tour of this homestay? I would recommend it highly to all. A very quiet place, in the lap of nature, amicable hosts and 'ghar ka khaana'. I didnt miss home at all, if you understand what i mean!!!
