Goa Boutique Hotel

The The best small luxury hotel in Goa is the Pousada Tauma, in Calangute, India. This 13 all-suite small luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Calangute, Goa. Being at the Pousada Tauma is like stepping into a world of your own, a sort of distant paradise. The pool isthe focal point - soothing and refreshing, the sound of running water, lends to a tranquility that is truly captivating.

Walking through this Goan hotel's cool shade of the trees, along cobbled pathways, you suddenly are at a a pond filled with goldfish. There were tulips, orchids, touch-me-nots and other exotic flowers surrounding the place and the twittering of birds and the beautiful flora and fauna enhance the old-world charm that makes your experience at Pousada Tauma, a tryst with nature, a solace for the soul.

Another feature of this luxury Goan hotel is its Ayurveda Centre which has been specially designed to calm the body, mind and soul. It is the only Goan boutique luxury hotel which has been built on the lines of natural, traditional architecture, using exposed laterite stone.

The thirteen air-conditioned suites, at this small luxury boutique hotel, comprising three standard suites, seven superior suites and three deluxe suites. Each suite has a theme and it's own private dining area, a bedroom with a dressing table, wardrobe and a patio with a private, detached garden or terrace. The themes are: sea, fields, mountains and castle give the Pousada Tauma one the best small luxury resorts in Goa.

The restaurant, at the hotel, is named the Copper Bowl and it has a secluded setting for an intimate dining experience under a canopy of stars with an air of casual elegance providing the perfect setting any meal. The cuisine is classic Goan curries and specialties from different parts of the country - the Konkan region, North India and to top it all, with its sinful desserts!

The Pousada Tauma, has an eclectic bar. It had been decorated with broken chips of coloured glass bottles. We finally indulged in the soft pancakes oozing a fine coconut and jaggery molasses filling, served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

The ambience of Goa is quiet and peaceful, with plenty of time to stand and stare, to dream, to enjoy life, to love and laugh - that visitors find enchanting. Often described as The Rome of the East', Goa is perhaps the most westernized of all the states in Modern India. The customs of Goa reflect religious synthesis. Christmas and New Year celebrations are celebrated by all,while the Hindus follow their own customs.

The languages spoken are Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese. Tourists can get by with English. The population is composed of Hindus, Christians, Muslims and a sprinkling of other communities.

Goa, with its wealth of beaches on the Arabian Sea naturally depends on the riches of the ocean for much of the produce that might attract a visitor. Sea shells of all shapes and sizes, shell necklaces and ear studs and shell handicrafts are plentiful and attractive. So are the teak and wooden curios that are a consequence of the state's forest wealth.

Jeweler made of semi-precious stones is another good buy. Typical Goan jeweler includes traditional Portuguese work in malachite, decorated with gold filigree, roses fashioned from coral and usable as chains, earrings, etc., and platinum beads set in gold neck laces, bracelets etc. Goa is famous for its feni (a drink made from cashew or coconut) and its homemade wines.