Private Secret Beach Resort in Goa

We found a secret spot in Goa. India’s pretty darn populated, so that’s saying something. Described online as a freshwater lagoon sitting just meters from the ocean, scattered with palm trees, and small tents to sleep in, your very own private secret beach resort in Goa.

I guess it isn’t that secret since I found it on Google… but most Indians I talk with haven’t heard of it- even Goans. I’m caught in my first ethical blogging dilemma (is that even a thing?) Do I tell my readers of this amazing place, so that they too can enjoy it’s peaceful solitude, OR do I keep it to myself so I can selfishly relish in its beauty alone.

The owner wants it kept on the quiet and does minimum publicity. His marketing mantra is less is more, private, and a little VIP, which in turn keeps the tariff good for everyone.

Update May 2015: This post is over two years old now. Because of that and that many emails I get per week, I am going to list the information on here. which you can google: Dwarka Resort at Cola Beach, Goa. Please use this link to book. I have been back since writing this and it’s still a peaceful quiet place and one of my favorite beach resorts in Goa.

PS: Coming to Goa? I wrote a 170-page e-book, Insider’s Guide to Goa. After five years of living in Goa, I am confident this book is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to Goa plus it has all my secrets inside. Click here to buy it now. 

Secret Beach Resort in Goa

Sometimes north Goa gets a little too crowded.

Great for business, bad for peace of mind. Ben and I decided we should get away for a little bit and after learning of “the place” we packed up and headed south. The guesthouse manager told us we couldn’t navigate the place on our own, so they sent a boy to meet us. Just to brag, I drove all the way there. Over two hours, through major towns, and only stalled twice. Check my Driving in India post for more tips on that.

The scenery on the way was nothing like we were used to in India. It reminded me of Uganda. I half-expected to see a lion chilling under one of the trees. The dirt/rock road to the guesthouse was pretty treacherous (we’d find out just how much so on the way out, when we get a flat tire).  The initial views of the place were jaw dropping.

The website wasn’t lying. The lagoon was gorgeous (no crocodiles!) but many reports of snakes. Our resort was exclusive, I think only one other tent had a couple staying there. On the other side of the lagoon, for half the price were other tents and cabins with mostly Russian guests. Even so, I’ve never seen a beach more deserted in Goa, other than during monsoon. It was like we’d found a new world.

The resort can be all-inclusive if you want, except beverages. The food is basic Indian, and the booze is overpriced. The room was initially offered at 6,500 rs including food. I offered 3,000 rs but we get our own food. They happily agreed. Later, they assured me the nigh time BBQ on the beach would leave me happily ever after, so we settled at 5,500 rs with food included. In hindsight, it would have been cheaper to get food at the restaurant next door. So when you book online, choose the option for cottage (not the one that says cottage with food).

Update: keep in mind this article is two years old and prices most certainly have increased.

To book at this resort, Dwarka: use this link to book.

Amenities:

The beach itself is very small. There are three resorts in total. One of which has a restaurant with Wi-Fi. Our place did not have Wi-Fi, and since Ben and I both work online, after one day we sadly had to check out. There was no A/C or hot water, so make sure to shower early in the day when the well is still hot! The basic amenities are typical for beach huts in India; it’s actually the norm. It cools down at night so A/C isn’t necessary at all.

Our hut was quite nice, with direct window views to the ocean, and the front door opens up to the lagoon. The staff were very on top of things, as they hardly had any guests. We felt very well taken care off. But don’t hold out for room service, it isn’t allowed because the crumbs draw in too many bugs; it’s the same at most eco-resorts. Considering the closeness of freshwater, surprisingly we didn’t have mosquito problems. Thank god, because there was no net above the bed.

Dinner was set up with individual tables on the beach; I suppose it was meant to be romantic. We were too cold to think about that.  The food was mediocre. Tandoori chicken, cold veg/pasta salad, potatoes, and egg fried rice. They gave very generous portions and came around constantly trying to give us more. No desert was offered. Good thing I don’t go on road trips without snacks.

Things to do: Almost nothing. But that’s the point.

It’s an escape. We both read (I am reading Tina Fey’s “Bossypants”) and I worked on editing photos. A known area for dolphins, they do offer dolphin boat tours at 8:30 in the morning for 450 rs. Do people actually get up that early on vacation, or ever!? They informed us of the tour option once and didn’t pester us again about it, an unusual happening in Goa. The beach has private lifeguards and kayaks you can take into the lagoon or sea at 300 rs per kayak per hour.

Falling asleep to the sound of the beach and waking up to the sights of the lagoon alone were worth the visit. The landscape was killer and the waves were huge! Plenty of time was spent body surfing before sunset.

Worst of the resort:

The road was quite bad. We got a flat tire leaving. The food combo we negotiated over the phone wasn’t the best deal. There was no WiFi or cell phone reception.

Best of the resort:

seclusion, quiet, and; a soft wonderful mattress like-a-cloud

Trust me, you want to spend a weekend here, but you might go crazy if you spend a week at this secret beach resort in Goa.

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