Goa gets its first adult-only boutique hotel, and here's what you should know about it! 

THERE’S a lot more to Goa than its endless shores and sapphire beaches. Sure they are the most captivating, and the reason why dozens of tourists visit Goa every year, but the soul of this Western coastal state lies in its early morning cycle rides, blazing afternoon market visits and midnight walks in Panjim. This paired with a relaxed and pampered stay at The Park Hotel’s second boutique hotel in Goa, The Park Baga River, is the ideal getaway that you’ve been looking for. Nestled in a quaint corner with the Baga river on the side for company, the hotel with its edgy and stylish space, makes it the natural choice for both the corporate and the leisure traveller. Celebrating 50 years of The Park, their Anything But Ordinary Experiences are tailor-made itineraries, where you can arrange a visit to the flower village, take part in cookery workshops, art classes with the prolific Subodh Kerkar, and indulge in some adventure sports like sailing, surfing and parasailing making it to the list.  

Pioneers in luxury boutique hotels, The Park Hotels’ new property has 28 bedrooms and suites overlooking the river . With Portuguese influences and bold accents of yellow (believed to be Goa’s traditional colour), the hotel is an ode to art from leading Goan artists like Harsh Kadam and Siddharth Kerkar. The art has also been personally handpicked by Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, who says that the hotel is going to be India’s most sought-after vacation destination . “We have stayed true to our signature contemporary and cool style. The hotel is a cultural hub, a place of escape for those who need some luxurious time off or a cocoon to rest after a day or night enjoying Goa’s beaches and nightlife.” The Park is present in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, New Delhi and Visakhapatnam. 

Into pink sunsets and bustling markets
Day one starts off with the Baga River Cruise as we are whisked off onto a boat with scrumptious finger food quiches, and bruschettas, and the choicest of Goa’s spirits like feni and Kings Pilsner. The boat ride is timed just for when the sun sets and Morjim river transforms into a pastel pink and yellow spectacle. The evening ended back at the hotel, with a riveting and enriching session by artist Subodh Kerkar, also the founder of Museum of Goa, on the many gastronomical aspects of Indian ingredients. From the origins of chillies to turmeric to the humble potatoes, everybody listened in rapt attention.

If there’s one thing that defines Goa, it’s their markets. Day two kick-started with a trip to the famous Mapusa market where vendors displayed their best products — from fresh produce to dry fish to the famed Bebinca. We walked past luscious chorizo hanging from shops, stalls with dodol, chana dose and feni. The Park then arranged for a trip to the Museum of Goa. The art at MOG breaks social and cultural barriers and makes art accessible to all. If you’re looking for art that is contemporary, yet rooted in Goan culture then don’t miss a trip here! 

Bicycle diaries
Back at the hotel, you can enjoy a glamorous al fresco pool-side lunch at Aqua, or you can 
choose to eat at Saltwater, their 24-hour restaurant. Personalised services can be availed so you can also opt for an intimate in-room dining called The Park Picnic. Spa treatments, romantic gifts and surprises are also available by contacting your concierge, which is perfect for couples and honeymooners.
If you love architecture, you can also expect to go on a midnight walk around Panjim and soak up some knowledge about the city’s blueprint and the various churches of Goa like the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

If you’re a morning person, then lace up those sneakers and get ready for a cycle ride at the crack of dawn. Weave in and out of random lanes, catch a break, take a photo of the scenic sky and then pedal on forward to the Royal Enfield Garage Cafe in Calangute, where bike enthusiasts can have a field day. There can’t be a better way to kick-start Sundays than with a ride through Goa’s country side. All in all, The Park Baga River blends surf and turf, and we aren’t just talking about the food!   

From `12,000 to `15,000 a night.
This writer was at The Park Baga River, on invitation by the hotel.