BACKGROUND
This property, formerly known as the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, was recently acquired by India’s ITC Hotels, who rechristened it to ITC Grand Goa. This is the Indian luxury chain’s 13th property in India and plans to target the leisure traveller in Goa as well as market itself as an important MICE venue, given its facilities.
WHAT’S IT LIKE
ITC Grand Goa is beautifully designed to resemble an old Portuguese town. All of the hotel’s 252 rooms and suites have been designed around a network of canals, ponds and water bodies. The resort is characterised by a distinct Mediterranean villa-style design and the massive swimming pool, said to be among the largest hotel pools in the country, spreads across a large part of the property, meandering along, so guests can access it from all parts of the resort.
WHERE IS IT
A quick 25-minute drive from Goa’s Dabolim International Airport and located in the heart of South Goa, ITC Grand Goa enjoys pride of place along Arossim Beach. This is possibly one of Goa’s most untouched, non-touristy and picturesque beaches.
ROOM FACILITIES
The rooms are tastefully done in colonial Goan style, with beautiful pastel tones and antique-style furniture. There are 252 rooms spread across different categories. I stayed in a suite with a private lap pool — four suites in this property have lap pools. The bathrooms are spacious and feature a sunken marble bath and shower area.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The hotel now features six dining options, which includes two of the chain’s very own brands — Kebabs & Kurries for Indian food and Ottimo for Italian cuisine. The all-day dining area Pavillion at the Market Place is also great. The highlight is the new Goan restaurant Tempero, where local chef Sarita whips up a host of Goan dishes. The hotel’s new beachside grill and barbeque, The Royal Afghan, is the new hot spot in the neighbourhood.
MEETING FACILITIES
The hotel is a great venue to host weddings, conferences and events given its wide gamut of event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. Salcete is the wood-panelled ballroom, whose layout can be customised. Other meeting rooms like Colva, Loutolim and Benaulim can seat up to 40 in different configurations. The Seaside Lawns can host parties accommodating up to 500.
LEISURE FACILITIES
Don’t forget to visit the magnificent Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, with a gorgeous design spread across 3,344sqm with a separate Ayurveda section. The spa features 16 treatment rooms, designed in a lush tropical setting.
VERDICT: This is a great property for MICE travellers and leisure travellers who want to enjoy a “quieter” side of Goa.
PRICE: Upwards of INR 14,000
CONTACT
ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa, Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, South Goa – 403 712, India
