While cities are clogged with sporadic flooding and commuting mayhem in the monsoons, Goa is practically perfect during the season of downpours. The foliage is even fuller than usual, the air is cleaner and closeness to nature makes it a natural hotspot to flock to the moment it rains. With monsoon staycations becoming increasingly popular, Goa is the natural choice for a quick seasonal getaway. So it was without a second of hesitation that I accepted to stay at Ronil Goa when they invited me. With the frangipani trees in full bloom, string lights adding charm to the atmosphere and delightful blue of the swimming pool calling my name, it was a rainy weekend to remember, which I'm talking about on this edition of #SheSays.
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Situated in bustling Calangute in North Goa, Ronil Goa combines the best of many worlds; from tourist favourites to scenic spots of solitude. To thoroughbred Goans especially, its name might ring a bell because the hotel has been around for decades. Established 37 years ago, it was one of the premier resorts in Goa during the 80s that even predated the arrival of the state's famous beach shacks. In 2023, Ronil Goa joined the Hyatt family as the very first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India and in Southwest Asia; an honour which is as prestigious as it gets.
During its transitory facelift to join the international hotel chain as a star resort, the exterior was left untouched with internal accommodation upgrades that kept its spirit intact. The original Indo-Portuguese architecture, complete with broad columns and red tiled roofs, make their presence felt in the centre of the resort; almost as a nod to its vibrant Goan history as it continues to move forward. The gates open to a vertically-stretched property that extends itself on the interior. The lobby leads to a first swimming pool and then, a singular in-house restaurant. It extends further backward with a second smaller swimming pool and various styles of accommodation over the property.
Townhouse-style structures accommodate king and deluxe rooms with balconies having views of the garden or pool as well as those without. The suites promise a larger interconnected space with a dedicated living area that sit high on the second floor and offer a view of either, the busy main road leading to Baga beach or the central swimming pool. A quiet afternoon spent in the balcony with a green garden view truly is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of life. As sustainability is integral to Ronil Goa, it extends to the room amenities, which include tablet toothpastes, bamboo toothbrushes and refillable toiletries. There is also in-room specialty coffee with a French press machine along with a general selection of teas, if one wants to cosy up with a cuppa.
Checking-in itself is a celebration; quite literally, as the hotel bar Patrao heralds guests with welcome shots while their luggage is whisked away by the concierge services. High spirits are maintained throughout the resort as the main swimming pool, termed the Energy pool, is equipped with a swim-up bar and DJ that spins music and vibes well into the night. It's very much the heart of the resort as most activities take place right here. Rocket man; the resort's drink-toting persona, showers shots on tap for swimmers taking a dip. The area is also flanked by a wood fire oven, which makes pizza parties by the poolside a reality. The second swimming pool, termed the Tranquil pool, offers a more peaceful experience and is surrounded by vibrant murals created by Goan artist Yogesh Sahani. The peaceful green lawns adjacent to it come to life during outdoor events like summer barbecues or fireside s'more making. Their indoor event space called the Loft, is a prime spot for corporate functions that feature conferences during the day that turn into karaoke-fueled evenings, deftly kept within the sound-proof walls.
The boutique restaurant is the central spot for all meals. A farmhouse-style breakfast kick starts the day with a combination of continental favourites like waffles and eggs to order as well as Goan specialties like poie and patol bhaji. The highlight belongs to their Bloody Mary on tap that allows guests to start the day with a stronger kick than just coffee. The open plan restaurant, that overlooks the Energy pool, has a compact menu of round-the-world lip smackers which range from a kicker of a Tuna Nicoise salad to scrumptiously fresh Chimichurri-dressed king prawns to traditionally cooked chicken Cafreal. There's also a slushie machine for a cold sip on extra sweaty days. And if you don't have the will to walk down to the restaurant for a meal, room service will bring their best to you, served piping hot.
Those who come to seek solitude in the state will find a slice of it in the resort's Soul Station, a quiet space laden with bean bags and magazines. Strap on the noise-cancellation headphones provided with a tablet packed with playlists and escape from the world within the pages of the novels from the bookshelves or even just an idle drift staring out of the window. Beside it lies the Store, which offers for purchase locally-sourced knick-knacks like ceramic plates and canvas paintings by Goan artists. While their Spa promises to launch in the near future, their mini relaxation sessions of massages by the poolside capture exactly the atmosphere needed for rejuvenation.
Ronil Goa walks the tightrope between a tourist-centred experience and one that upholds the rich heritage of Goa. From its architecture and activities to cuisine and amenities, it does that mighty well. It's a plain old fact that Goa in the monsoons is an experience like no other. So if it's a Goan trip that is steeped in culture and warmth which you'd like to make this season, Ronil Goa is where you should head to.
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