Ronil Goa has places for those who want to spend an energetic evening as well as those who want to relax. Photo Credit: Mohsin Taha/Special Arrangement
At Ronil Goa, JDV by Hyatt’s first property in India, Sachin, aka Rocketman, greets guests relaxing in a cabana with a complimentary shot. A large can with the day’s drink is strapped to his back. Rocketman, standing near the Energy Pool (one of two pools on the property), is one of the many little things that make Ronil Goa less of a formal hotel and more of a relaxing vacation spot. I watch as Sachin’s gesture is greeted with a welcoming smile, while I savour an apple-cinnamon slushie.
old and new
The swim-up bar serves cocktails and mocktails | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
Established 37 years ago, the hotel has been renovated, retaining some of its Indo-Portuguese design elements – such as the sloping terracotta roofs – to offer a nostalgic feel to old-time patrons, while reimagining it for contemporary holiday seekers by offering minimalist, functional décor with a pop of colour.
The 135-room boutique resort located on the busy Baga-Calangute Road appeals to both party seekers and holidaymakers seeking some peace at home. The Energy Pool has music played by an in-house DJ till late in the night (the decibel level goes down by 10 pm). The DJ changes the playlist as per the guests’ preferences and one can listen to the music while relishing the barbecue and wood-fired oven pizzas.
Though the Energy Pool is at the heart of the boutique resort, general manager Pratiti Rajpal explains that Ronil Goa is also for those who want a quieter vacation and a respite from the party spots on the Baga-Calangute route. “The aim is to help people, both young and old, find their own space. We look Susegad (the cultural concept of the Goan lifestyle, derived from the Portuguese word ‘sosgado’, meaning calm) as a state of contentment. For one, contentment could be about looking at the party atmosphere and for another, it could be about spending quiet time,” she says. So, while one set of rooms is by the Energy Pool, the other is near the calm Tranquil Pool.
Energy Pool | Photo Credit: Mohsin Taha/Special Arrangement
The day at the bistro begins with a farmhouse breakfast and the chefs ensure there is something for every guest till late night. The menu has a wide variety of cuisines, including Goan specialties, South Indian and North Indian dishes, Italian and Continental cuisine; there are also tasting trials underway for Asian cuisine.
Country special
The charm of the trip lies in tasting the local specialities. Chef Pankaj recommends the cafrele. Traditionally it is made with chicken, but if you are vegetarian, the bistro suggests making it with mushrooms as well. I tried the cafrele with the local poi bread, a chewy bread made from wheat flour that acts like a pita pocket. The cafrele has a tang of tamarind, which is balanced by a mix of spices and coriander greens. I also tried the vegetarian Goan xacuti. Mixed vegetables cooked in a coconut milk base with a touch of vinegar and spices make it ideal to have with steamed rice. The vegetables retain their texture and the spices blend without being too spicy.
Enjoy barbecue and Goa’s special dishes | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
While watching the sun set, you can try the barbecue or the signature wood-fired oven pizza. The sour dough base gives the pizzas a crispy texture that melts in the mouth. The dessert section is limited, but the experience is worthwhile. Their warm churros and chocolate served with cinnamon sugar and their pistachio gelato are winners.
Sourced wood-fired oven pizzas are among the most preferred choices at the boutique resort | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
A colourful mural | Photo Credit: Mohsin Taha/Special Arrangement
The off white exterior is contrasted with terracotta brown, with occasional bursts of colour from wall art throughout the property and a large mural near the tranquil pool. Abstract art gives way to figurative art that celebrates the contemporary woman.
If you’re traveling with a group and want to host a party, head to Ronil Studio or The Loft or Garden Area with formal and comfortable seating. The lounge area, called Soul Station, allows guests to use noise-cancelling headphones to read without drowning out the music.
The option of drinking Bloody Marys at breakfast is also fun. “If guests wish, a vibrant holiday can begin at dawn,” says Pratithi. “Imagine you are at a friend’s luxurious holiday home.”
(The author Ronil was in Goa on invitation)
