If you ask me about how I like to unwind and relax, I’d say by just being at home. Yes, after all, home keeping hearts are the happiest, aren’t they? Yes, well, Longfellow seemed to know exactly what he was talking about when he wrote those lines. Nevertheless, every once in a while I do love taking a few days off and traveling afar, if feasible. I must confess, however, that the reluctant traveler in me loathes the journey completely. But once at the destination, I find ways to loosen up, forget for a while the rigmarole that life is. So, in keeping with that tradition S and I flew off to Goa last weekend to spend some precious moments slower than the actual pace of life.
You would think why Goa and that too during monsoons? Well, what better time to be there I say. No crowd, no cacophony of fellow travelers, just peace and the soft pitter-patter of rain. I must confess that I have only ever been to South Goa because of the respite it offers from crowded and unhygienic beaches. And South Goa transforms to, an even more, ideal location for a peaceful sojourn in this season.
We stayed at the Taj Exotica and needless to say it was one of our best holidays ever. The beautiful sprawling property spread over 56 acres, the ever smiling, courteous and helpful staff along with an almost deserted but beautiful beach, what more could we have asked for? Oh! and they even got a cushion cover knitted with our names on it. Truly lovely gesture, I must say. All in all, we were very well taken care of during our stay there. If I were to describe our stay there in one word, I would choose bliss, that’s how perfect it was.
Sometimes, doing nothing is the best medicine to counter fatigue, both physical and mental. That’s exactly what happened to us. Imagine lush green fields overlooking the ocean, no hullabaloo, just you and your thoughts. Peace all around. Yes, that’s what those three days looked and felt like. So much so that S really didn’t want to come back and me neither. But then the pull towards home has to win at the end.
What did we do during our stay there? Well, we played games. Chess, Pool and even tried our hand at archery. Well, it was fun, different actually. Rather than being engrossed in our mobiles or television sets we spent time doing other things. There were special shows for guests which included Latin and African dance performances, acts by illusionists and more. S had long walks on the beach and across the property. I sat by the pool or by the beach reading a book. I cannot explain how wonderful it felt. The feeling of time being with you, of the clock ticking at your pace not its own, that’s what we experienced there.
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I think such days away from the pandemonium of life are truly priceless. And we can’t wait to plan our next vacation along the same lines. You can call us mind-numbingly boring but we loved every moment of it and can’t wait to repeat the same in the future.
Well, that’s enough about my holiday. Tell me do you like vacations? Actually, wait, I’m sure you do. So, why don’t you tell me about your best one so far instead? Yes, go on, I’m all ears.
Until next time.
Ciao.
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Frankly I need one such vacation!! A break from this hectic life.
I have seen so many beaches in USA but there is no no place like our GOA 🙂
Nice read
5 looks with Same Dress
i've studied here… we had our school classes at the exotica… i love the place 🙂
Blissful! Relaxing and playing indoor games and doing nothing as the hotel staff waits on you is a recipe for a perfect holiday! 🙂
I have been seeing your pictures on FB. Glad you had such a fantastic time.
Lovely Post,made me feel nostalgic 🙂
Glad you had a good time. I love active holidays, treks and so on but sometimes I like to just sit and vegetate, look at the scenery and read. It depends.
Looks lovely and it sounds like you had a nice rest. ☺ Travelling is one of my biggest passions, but I'm always eager to do as much sightseeing as possible, so my vacations are rarely what you'd call restful. That might change as age is a factor now.
We love such vacations too… far from the madding crowd, relax and enjoy the beautiful place with great service and good food = total bliss. I am not much for the touristy sight seeing kind. I like it sometimes but soaking in the beauty and relaxing is my idea of a perfect vacation too. I liked that cushion.
Never knew that the Taj had a big property there…… 56 acres !!
Would like to try my hand at Archery one day.
Go for it…What are you waiting for?
Oh certainly Goa has it's own charm which is unparalleled…
Oh you are so lucky! I have fallen in love with the place too!
It was a perfect holiday, wasn't it?
Thanks Rachna 🙂
Glad it did 🙂
Oh I always like to do the latter though active holidays also come close second 🙂 But no trekking for me!
I'm too lazy to move around too much Debbie but I have to do it 'coz my husband loves it! But restful holidays are what I love the most !
Ohh we are so similar Shilpa 🙂 even with out dislike for rains !
Ohh it's fun …do try it 🙂
Looks like you had fun… I have never been to Goa and this year I have promised to myself that I would take me there!
Thanks for sharinh the picz 🙂
Yes, please do…It's beautiful… 🙂
Great one! I am also in need of a vacation. Would plan for it 🙂 Hope you enjoyed Nabanita 🙂
Had not been to Goa.Need to take a break and relax there at Goa.Looks like that you had loads of fun there.
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga