Planet Hollywood Goa is a beach resort that offers a laid back time to unwind peacefully.

Picturing the white sands, drama, and the serene environs of Goa, satiated me with the idea of spending my birthday in a most gratifying manner. So off I went to the Coastal State, that is the favoured haunt for many. My abode for the stay was- Planet Hollywood Goa, which is situated on Utorda Beach, South Goa, and is India’s first Hollywood themed beach resort. It is easily accessible, being located only at a 15 minutes drive away from the Dabolim International and domestic airport, and 20 minutes away from the Margao railway station.

It is owned by Sachin Joshi, an Indian film Actor (Telegu cinema) Producer, and Businessman.Parts of the hotel’s design were executed by the well-known interior designer Gauri Khan. Definitely not a typical goan hotel, it plays with a lot of Hollywood memorabilia. Unlike the actual Planet Hollywood hotels around the world, this one is smaller in comparison but is very vibrant and energetic in its feel and look

A beautiful fountain at the entrance welcomes the guest to its low-rise architectural structure, towards its dramatic sculptures, and interesting artwork in the lobby. To the right is a massive Ganesha in all its glory and leading the way to one of the specialty restaurants-Fame. The other side moves into a vast lobby and the all-day dining- Planet Dailies, where one gets to sample the amazing food by Chef Sudharshan. LED lighting sets the mood and the guest is ushered into the blocks consisting of 115 rooms, suites, and seasonal tents that lead away from the lobby. The Heart Bar is impressive with its wall which has famous faces from Hollywood adorning it from top to bottom.

I was already piqued about the way my birthday dinner was going to turn out. I was charged with elation about having a dinner hosted in the Presidential Villa. It was a special private bungalow overlooking the beach, consisting of three bedrooms, including a living room and a dining space, open rain forest baths, a huge private garden, and extravagant amenities. The scene was eminently set.

Dinner turned out to be a six-course meal starting with lush cocktails. A bocconcini and tomato salad with tamarind gel was served along with Mattar Pudhina Shorba plated to perfection. Just as we were savouring the course, along came the Khasta Murg (Chicken tikka masala pie with onion jam). Since I am a sea food enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by the Lobster xec xec (butter poached lobster, prawn kedgeree laced with beetroot ketchup). The vegetarian choice was Curry Risotto with Zafrani Paneer Tikka. For the sweet tooth, a Summer Berry Pudding was served. What a treat my birthday turned out to be!

Retiring to my beautiful suite, I basked in the glory of such a presentation. I retired completely satiated, availing of the 42” HD television, ensconced in my monstrously comfortable massage chair – a luxury that all their suites come equipped with. Oh for such comfort!

A good night’s sleep saw me wake afresh and I looked forward to checking out the famous Three Kings Chapel in Cansaulim. The hotel curates a breakfast spread at this picturesque place on a hillock. According to urban legend, it is haunted by the three Portuguese kings who fought to gain power but were bound by diplomacy. Situated on the Cuelim Hill, it is an extremely scenic spot where one can view the Arabian Sea from atop. A picnic basket under a huge shaded tree completed the postcard picture.

A trip on the way back brought me to the famed 18th century Portuguese house – the Menezes Braganza Palace in Chandor. It is one of Goa’s biggest houses and is flanked by a seemingly endless row of windows and balconies. It was ably built in three stages, beginning in the 16th century. It included a chapel, a ballroom, dining halls, a library, and several other rooms. It still boasts of ornate furniture, old sepia portraits, curios, artefacts, Chinese porcelain, and crystal chandeliers. It was a complete delight to witness a home maintained so well.

Back at the Planet Dailies, I was served an authentic local Goan thali, starting with a Sol Kadi shooter. It was followed by a good old Goan siesta.

The property has vast tropical gardens and a coconut orchard spanning more than ten acres. The beach frontage also makes lying around waiting for the hues of the beach sky to change vividly, a delightful affair.

Time to chill

Early evening allowed a visit to Planet Hollywood’s Pink Room Spa. With its five treatment rooms and outdoor rest area, it is a great attraction. The fully equipped beauty salon also offers a dietician on appointment. An adjoining fitness gym with endurance building equipment is an option for the exercise freaks. Not to forget the steam and Jacuzzi additions.

One can also indulge in some heavy-duty meditation by the Happy Buddha. Move on to the Shack Poseidon – a beach side shack serving great seafood salads, wraps, and grills overlooking the white sands. The soft breezes ushering in gently from the Arabian Sea hailed an early dinner.

A robust breakfast and a little shopping in the local Goan marketplace following a visit to a nearby art gallery called Carpe Diem showcasing contemporary art enhanced the sultry morning.

Thoroughly equipped

Back at the hotel, a leisurely afternoon awaited me, as I sauntered along the property, imagining the possibilities of a beach wedding. Then I chanced about the Cinema Paradiso, their lovely banquet venue that encouraged business holidays, conferences, and weddings. There were three meeting rooms including a boardroom. Their on-site expert was already helping people plan their schedule of events, coordinating their food and beverage menus, even their linen and all other aspects to make it the experience of a lifetime. After all, the facilities of the Ballroom amounted to 3,182sq ft, with a height of 20ft, affording a gathering of 300 people in theatre style.

A Cigar Lounge was just the perfect place to relax over Champagne, martinis, and malts; and of course an enviable collection that showcases the finest brands of cigars from across the globe. Planet Hollywood Goa is no doubt a hotel that pleases the senses and is child and pet friendly at the same time. What more could a guest ask!

Previously published in FWD Life

Image Credits : Maya Lalchandani, Cleartrip, incrediblegoa.in