Holiday in Goa 2008

From: Karin D'Souza
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 00:40
To: rex@royalperspective.com
Subject: Holiday in Goa - 2008

The Royal Goan Beach Club in Benaulim and Monterio, Baga.

In November we had our second 2 centre holiday with RBGC. We had invited two friends so had upgraded from one-bedroom to two bedrooms.

We started our Indian holiday by spending a few lovely days in Kerala. Our plan was to travel by train from Cochin to Margao as we wanted an Indian train experience. Because the trains were very busy we ended up splitting the journey. The second part was by third class chair from Mangalore to Margao and it took 7 hours, making about 20 stops when more and more people came on and very few got off. It was an experience but one that you do not need to have twice.

Our reception at Benaulim was fantastic. We were tired, hot, dusty and dehydrated and it was wonderful to have the suggestion to have a quick wash and go for lunch before checking in! All of a sudden the train journey was just a dream and now it is a good holiday memory!

Our two bedroom apartment was beautiful, spacious and recently refurbished. We enjoyed the closeness of the site with the pool in the middle. Having the quiet of Benaulim as the first week was really nice. We did several long walks along the beach in the early mornings. I think the photo of the pool in the evening really shows how we experienced the RGBC in Benaulim. (We have only stayed on Royal Palms before.)

Then on to Baga and Monterio where they remembered us from last year! A different Goa and a different RGBC.

We were maybe a little disappointed with the size of the apartment first having been so spoilt in Benaulim. However, we soon settled in having unpacked our rucksacks (no suitcases because of the Kerala trip) and our boxes of food items. My husband Morel ‘the resident chef’ organised the kitchen area to his requirements. My friend Sally and I went to try out one of the pools and Geoff took a walk with his camera.

Our second week was as brilliant as the first, only different. We spent a lot of time on the very busy Baga beach, relaxing, haggling with the beach vendors and taking long walks early in the morning. We visited Anjuna market starting at 8.30, easy as we were only 20 mins away and the right time to be there! We swam in both the pools morning, noon and night. Walked above the hotel along the paths in the jungle but did not see any monkeys. Watched as the roof restaurant was being refurbished. Quite something getting the palms all the way up there in 30 degrees!

So thank you RGBC for a wonderful holiday, the very friendly staff and the shops providing all the basics.

Morel and I had a lovely time as we knew we would. Our friends Sally and Geoff really liked their stay and were very impressed with RGBC.

I attach photos to give a taste of two quite different locations chosen by RGBC in Goa and look forward to our next holiday. Maybe Haathi Mahal next time...

Please tranfer our remaining 2008 points to 2009.

Regards and thanks,

Karin D’Souza