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The sands of time
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Enjoy modern luxuries and learn about Goa's past at the Taj Exotica
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EXOTIC ALL THE WAY The Taj Exotica resort in Goa
Tourism and modernity might have changed the face of Goa in ways that the sons of the soil don't approve — in a recent opinion poll conducted by a local daily, Goans came down heavily on how tourism is polluting the land and leading the youth astray. But these men and women can count on one thing — Goan heritage (safely ensconced in its manors and music, arts and crafts, temples and churches) will stand the test of time. These enduring emblems of Goan culture will continue to draw the touristy crowd as much as the sun-bleached beaches. The hospitality industry, or at least a section of it, seems well aware of this. After getting the tourist to loll in the lap of luxury, he is invariably introduced to what the past has bequeathed Goa.
When journalists from around the country arrived at Taj Exotica on a media familiarisation programme, they enjoyed the former and experienced the latter. Although the Benaulim beach on which the resort is set has the softest and whitest sands in the whole of Goa, the soil at the resort is all red. You'll never guess it, since a great spread of green covers the land wherever it has not been taken over by concrete. The main building — which has three restaurants, Alegria (Goan), Li Bai (Chinese) and Miguel Arcanjo (Mediterranean) - and a lounge bar, Adega Camoens, is artistically run through by huge wooden beams and has long corridors. Although it rests on heavy, load-bearing pilasters, part of it follows the `frame' model, to amazing effect. Sala Grande — a spacious banquet hall that covers a 4,600 sq. ft. area - seems to stand by its own strength.
Outdoor activities
The resort has been built along a linear line, which ensures that the sea will be in your line of vision no matter where you shack up. However, you can give your right arm to obtain the keys to the two presidential villas and the poolside villas. Here, you can play Thorpe even if you can't swim for nuts. Provided you stand 3 feet 3 inches tall in your socks. I played Arjuna, thanks to the archery arena. I could also have pretended to be Tiger Woods, strolling around a 9-hole golf course.
There's more opportunity for play-acting. For those who would love to play Romeo and Juliet, Lobster Shack is the place to head for. The open-air seafood restaurant is smack in front of the Benaulim beach. Taamra Spa, with its ayurvedic massage treatments, and the Jiva Spa, with its holistic treatment programmes, target the wellness-seekers.
When we were consumed by wanderlust, the activities' desk knew where to take us. However, we shunned help and chose to explore the places around Taj Exotica at our own pace, as many as we could in 48 hours. We managed just two.
Our wandering feet found rest at the Menezes Braganza House in Chandor (South Goa). This is reputed to be the largest house in Goa. Its owner Menezes Braganza is said to have stood up to the Portuguese. There was another side to the man — one that relished hoarding relics of the past. With an array that ranges from antique Chinese pottery to European chandeliers, the house is eye-candy for anyone who values antiques. We were still keeping on the road to the past, when we visited Manthan, a manor built at the fag end of the nineteenth century. The house showcases a hotchpotch of artefacts that range from silk shams to clay vessels. On our way back, we could not help thinking we had grasped the essence of Goa.
PRINCE FREDERICK
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