TERRA ROSA is an artfully renovated Portuguese Villa that harks back to an olden century. It is located in the heart of Goa on the scenic island of Chorao – a mere 20 minute drive from the capital, Panjim city, or a 30 minute drive from the popular beach area; and yet a luxurious haven of romance and relaxation in perfect isolation.
The meticulously restored Portugese Villa is set amongst the cornucopia of abundant trees and a lush garden, in one of Goa’s idyllic villages. Other than being the winter refuge to glorious migratory birds, Chorao Island is a treasure trove for the historically inclined as well, as it was amongst the first places to be captured by the Portuguese who called it ‘Itha dos fidalgos’ or the ‘Island of noblemen’. It is a quaint place that has beautifully whitewashed churches including the majestic 16th century church of Sao Bartholomew, as well as exquisite old villas! It is one of the most untouched areas of Goa, thus providing a perfect get-away, with the perfect balance between Nature and Nurture. One may soak in the ethos of Goan village life, or enjoy the perks of easy distance traversed through enchantingly romantic avenues into the heart of Goa’s heritage on one hand and its vivacious night life on the other.
ACCOMMODATION
The work on the heritage villa has been a real labour of love for the owners, an interior architect from Delhi with years of experience in hospitality projects and her husband, a publisher with an international group.
The luxurious property spread over above a quarter of an acre, a space of nearly 6000 square ft. has been converted into a luxurious 4 bedroom villa with all modern amenities while retaining the architecture and charm of its old colonial roots. The spaces are large and airy with high wooden ceilings and striking verandahs. One of its most charming facets is its entrance through a traditional ‘balcao’ via an antique carved door leading to a large stunning living space that is ideal for an evening tête-à-tête. The living space flows through a lobby into an equally spectacular lounge area opening into a delightfully tranquil courtyard with its chikoo and mango trees, a semi-covered lounge area and a water body that sings a lullaby of soft aquatic music as the water flows from one pond to another. This is truly the heart of the house and one can spend endless hours sitting or snoozing on the fabulous day bed.
The spaces have been designed to offer maximum privacy to every bedroom with ample private nooks to read your favourite book after enjoying a sumptuous home cooked meal. Each of the four bedrooms is designed to have its own character and comes with customized, elegant antique furniture including 4-poster beds, exquisite hand woven Indian textiles, luxurious 300 thread-count linen and very spacious and modern four-fixture bathrooms. The villa also boasts of a well-designed swimming pool and It’s sun deck.
The villa also provides bicycles for guests to explore the island and enjoy the trails.
How to reach: One can reach the Chorao island by taking a ferry from Ribandar which is on the road to Old Goa at 3kms from Panaji, the heart of Goa. There is also a ferry linking Chorao to Pomburpa on the island’s west thus offering a convenient connection to the happening night spots of Goa. In case one wants to save on the waiting time for the ferry, a special ferry could be hailed for a nominal price and one would be in the midst of Goa’s glittering parties in next to no time!
Location: The island is home to a famous Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary towards the west which, with a thick layer of mangrove forest and unique nature trails and wetland ponds, is an ornithological delight! Arrangements with the forest department and private operators have been made for boats which can take the guests through the backwaters of the mangroves for exclusive views of the city, apart from the birds! There are also bicycle trails and small picnic spots along the river on the island!
When to go: The best time to visit Goa is during the cooler winter months of October to early March when the weather is wonderful and the sea is clear and calm