Hey everybody! Welcome back!
It’s no secret that I like (well, love), a little luxe in my life, and every once in a while, I try and go off on a staycation in Goa to indulge in a little TLC!
In our little slice of paradise, we don’t need to travel very far to drink in as many views and sunsets as we like, or to find a dreamy resort in Goa that would match the beauty of the state. Take Lazy Lagoon in Baga, for example – affordably luxurious, nestled by the creek, a short drive away from many of Goa’s prime beaches.
ABOUT LAZY LAGOON SAROVAR PORTICO SUITES
If you live in North Goa, you’ve definitely passed by Lazy Lagoon in Baga – close to Old Bombay and the Arpora Saturday Night Market. While this creek-side resort has been present for quite a while, they’ve only recently undergone a renovation.
A relatively small resort in Baga, Lazy Lagoon offers a selection of suite rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, spa, and a pub on the premises, all surrounding the pool and lawns, with the Baga Creek flowing at a leisurely pace, right beside it.
Mum and I reached Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico Suites in a matter of 12 minutes from our house in Saligao – quite convenient! Upon arriving at the resort, we parked our scooter outside as the inside parking is reserved for cars only. We were greeted at the reception area with a cold towel and welcome drink as the staff got us checked in.
My Room at Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico
As the staff escorted us to our suite, we noticed how every building here was named after an indigenous flower of Goa. We took the stairs to our suite of the Aboli building on the 3rd floor and were quickly given a brief of what the room contained, extension numbers to call, restaurant timings and other details. In case you have difficulty climbing stairs, keep in mind there are no elevators, so ask for a room on the lower floor. We were put up in a Suite Room with a Lagoon View, and the rooms on the ground floor have a garden view.
Like in the reception, the Goa-inspired elements continued in our room, too. A Mario Miranda caricature hung by the bed and a large rocking chair stood beside it, alongside wooden furniture fit for a Portuguese mansion. As you sit in the living area of the room, you can’t help but notice the unusual texture of the front door, that, turns out, is made from the sleeper wood from 400-year old Portuguese era train tracks!
A mini bar, well stocked with snacks, large screen TV, central a/c and work desk are other amenities that the room contains. A sleek, comfortable washroom with all toiletries appear when you slide back a door – a surprise, as I thought that it would contain a walk-in closet instead. A smart use of space!
By the way, the shower I had there was blissful!
Like most hotel rooms, the balcony was the best part. This one offered a birds’ eye view of every inch of the property grounds from above – compact, but well landscaped. Manicured lawns, a white hammock swinging between the palms, wooden benches by the waterfront and a mosaic tiled stage area gave this Baga resort a fresh and sharp look.
Our eyes were always drawn to the creek, though. It was wonderful to sip tea while reading the morning paper, occasionally looking up to see its gently flowing green waters. On the opposite side of the room was another smaller balcony which had a view of the calm, but dusty street below. Pro Tip – remember to close the doors at dusk, so you don’t have mosquitoes in your room all night. #GoaThings
THE FOOD
The one destination guests can head to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is called Balcao, or Balcony, in English – a feature of every old Portuguese home in Goa. The staff of Balcao warrants a special mention for their eager-to-please attitude and the fact that they go out of their way to strike up a conversation, whether you’re dining at the restaurant or walking around outside.
Food-wise, the menu spans Indian, Goan, Continental, and Indo-Chinese fare. We tried Chinese food for lunch and ordered Mutton Rogan Josh with naan for dinner, but neither meal was too memorable. The breakfast spread the next morning and had North and South Indian favourites, juices, cornflakes, and breads, but again, I felt it could have been much better.
Now as I mentioned earlier, the property has two other watering holes – ‘Tavern,’ an open-air bar (with a pool table beside it) right next to Balcao, and ‘Ola,’ which is an indoor establishment that has interesting décor and is more suited for the day time when it’s too hot to sit outdoors.
GET A MASSAGE, SIT BY THE CREEK, AND TAKE IN THE SERENITY…
Lazy Lagoon also has a spa on the premises that goes by the name ‘Welcome Spa,’ and can be accessed directly from the road outside, too. You can opt for massages, beauty treatments or facials here. My mom got a facial done and spoke highly of the experience, especially of the courteous staff.
Creek-side hotel in Baga
Do spare a couple of hours during the early morning or late afternoon to sit by the creek. Lazy Lagoon has beautifully set up this space, making it look very inviting to put your feet up, relax and be serenaded by the birds and gurgling water. I couldn’t help but notice the odd bit of plastic floating down the stream and would like to take the opportunity to urge locals and tourists alike to avoid single-use plastic and choose products with eco-friendly packaging as far as possible. It would be a shame to see such a pristine waterway be polluted, more so, as its on its way to the ocean nearby.
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If you’re based in Goa, don’t be afraid of a little change of pace and check yourself into a home away from home. And if you’re visiting for a short holiday, you’ll find Lazy Lagoon to be a pretty place to park your bags as you set off exploring some unknown beaches, visiting Spice Plantations, and overall, having a great time.
More from me soon! You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram until then… and check out my series on Jodhpur and Ooty! Bye!
Thanks for the blog.
I was in one of their resorts in Lonavala (Sarovar property) the food was very bad and ended up with a major stomach problem. Cleanliness is also an issue out there in Lonavala property.
Author
Hi Sushant, thanks for dropping by! This was my first experience with the Sarovar Brand and didn’t find it bad at all. It’s sad to know that your experience wasn’t great at Lonavala. Do try out their Goa property when you can.