We have just returned from a 2week holiday in Goa staying at the surreal Marinha Dourada hotel in Arpora, Baga. This resort was highly recommended to us by a relative who travels to Goa every year and stays at this resort everytime. Having stayed there, I can see why they are regulars.
When we were at the stage of booking our holiday we saw pictures of the resort and to be honest did not think too much of it. It showed some lakes, a few swimming pools and a very spanish looking building. We also read some reviews of holiday makers who had just returned from there and had complained about some building work taking place behind the resort. I emailed the resort and was reassured by the manager Edwin that it will not affect our holiday.
Now this wasn't my first trip to India but was the first time to Goa and it is totally different. It is much cleaner, full of tourists, clean restaurants but slightly more expensive than the other major cities and towns of India I have experienced.
We landed at Goa airport and travelled to the resort by coach (with First Choice). MD is about 45minutes away from the airport but it didn't seem that long as I was too busy sight seeing out of the window and trying to fight off the mosquitos.
Once we got to the resort we were astonished at how clean it was. Overall the service was exceptional, everyone were very friendly and always made you feel welcomed. Whilst checking in at reception we were offered some refreshing juice as a welcome drink. We were told to request lake views and were then shown to our rooms. Unfortunatly our rooms were at the very front of the hotel and therefore all the taxis and the horns sounds were heard constantly. One thing you have to get used to in India is the constant sound of car horns. This is the drivers way of saying 'get out of my way' or something along them lines.
We were able to change our rooms to the otherside of the hotel with ease and the staff were very eager to help you. I've always known the locals eager to help as they always want tips but I honestly thought here they were genuine. Our new room was part of the resort which was fairly new. This is where the building work was going on and the only time we heard it was at 7am on some mornings when the bathroom door was left open and when you were taking a shower. It did not affect us for the rest of the day.
The hotel has been classed as a 3*+ but I would rate it a lot higher. In the reception they have all the certificates the resort has received over the years from holiday companies like Thomas Cook. This certainly does give you more confidence in them.
The resort is famous for two very large lakes surrounded by palm trees. Our room was facing one of the lakes and there certainly were no complaints to waking up to that every morning. Fishing is possible in the lakes and many residents had bought there fishing rods. Those who were lucky enough to catch large snappers handed them to the chef for there dinner. There are two swimming pools and a small one for children. I must say it is a nice resort for families but the time of the year we went there were only a handful around.
We booked on a BB basis which in my opinion is the best way you can do it in Goa. We did consider all inclusive with another resort but then you are very restricted to stay at the hotel and not explore other areas. With the prices being very cheap compared to UK prices, it is so easy to get carried away, eat more, drink more and experiment different foods which you would not normally try.
Breakfast: Served between 7-10.30am A buffet style with a large choice from your standard teas and coffees, cereal, toast, porridge, beans, boiled egg, scrambled egg and a chef who will make fresh omlettes with a filling of your choice. There is also indian breakfast for those who enjoy stuffed paratha or indian fried bread. Worth a try for sure!
Room service: There is a good selection of food available for room service whether it be to your hotel room, the poolside or to the bar area. The bill can be simple signed with your room number or paid straight away. The same applies for drinks at the bar. There are grilled or toasted sandwiches, fries, fruit, pakoras, grilled chicken, salads and loads more. We ordered on many occasions two grilled sandwiches, and a plate of fries to be shared between 4 people and the price was about 400rups (about £5).
Lunch & Dinner: Again room service is available or a seperate menu with more variety available at the restaurant (A Veranda). A huge selections of curries, chinese menu, taandoor choice, rice dishes and many desserts. Dining at the Veranda in the evening is very relaxed. There were live bands playing on most evenings and other entertainment on other nights like indian dancers, jugglers, firefighters and karoke.
Laundry: I can not believe how white our clothes came out having had the laundry done at the resort. Stains I thought would never come out were gone. A very bright white. My husband had some white combat trousers that had been cleaned at the resort but after wearing them again they had to be washed at home. With the roads being quite dusty in Goa, the trousers ended up being quite brown in some areas. Having out them in twice and with oxi clean, they still have not come out white.....more like a mucky colour. I must find out the secret. Very cheap too. We gave 16items at the beginning of our holiday including shirts and vests. We ended up paying under 900rups (about £11).
Beauty Parlour: There is a beauty parlour on the resort. A pricelist is given in your room and you can book your appointment by calling them. They normally fitted me in straight away. There were 3girls carrying out treatments including massages, manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, colours, and facials. There is a male for all the male clients for massages and cut throat shaves. Again the service was fantastic. Very friendly staff and the treatments were relaxed. I had a full body massage, facial, manicure and pedicure and it all cost about £23.
Tailor: There is also an in-house tailor on the resort that can tailor make clothes including skirts, suits and coats. A huge selection of fabrics to choose from snd men suits were starting from £50. We didn't have anything made on our visit as to be honest there were other tailors outside the resort that were cheaper. A mini gift shop is on the resort selling clothes, books, gifts, chocolate, sun lotion and handbags. In reception there is a jewellers. Again, we did not purchase anything from them.
Foreign Exchange is available here too but we always found a better rate outside the resort.
A taxi rank is located outside the resort so in a matter of minutes you are on your way to your destination. We got freindly with a few drivers and normally they stay with you for the day. Our driver took us to our excursions, shopping, to different restaurants and waited until we finished and then drove us back to the hotel. Booking excursions with taxi drivers is much cheaper that though tour operators or holiday reps. Average charge for the day is about £8.
Baga beach is the local beach and about 5mins aways by taxi. There is a free shuttle bus that comes to the resort every hour and takes you to the beach which is convenient.
Overall, I would highly recommend this hotel. The photo's in the brochures or the website do not do it any justice and we were hesitant about staying there. Our views have completely changed from the moment we stepped foot on the resort. It is a place we would visit again in the near future!
