PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Situated on the short peninsula upon which the Portuguese built their defensive Fortress of Aguada, this Taj resort complex (comprising the Beach Resort, Hermitage, and Holiday Village) has one of the most spectacular locations in all of Goa, with picture-postcard views of the beach, which stretches all the way to Baga, 8km (5 miles) away. Behind the main Beach Resort block are 42 cottages tucked almost invisibly among groves of lantana, cashew, and bougainvillea bush; these are the best places to stay at the Beach Resort although you don't get a clear view of the sea from all. Alternatively, for absolute privacy (ideal for groups or families), consider one of the 15 top-end Hermitage cottages, built as a retreat for delegates during the 1983 meeting of the Commonwealth heads of government. The cottages are set among terraced gardens of exotic orchids, bougainvilleas, cashew trees, jasmine, and Krishna ficus. Each villa has a separate living room; a dining area; one, two, or three bedrooms; two bathrooms; a balcao (balcony); and a private garden. Interiors are luxurious and include all modern amenities; request a villa near Sunset Point, where cocktails are served while the sun descends over the Arabian Sea. It's quite a stiff climb between the cottages and the hotel lobby (shared with the Beach Resort); courtesy vehicles are available for the short transfer. Also sharing the facilities offered by Fort Aguada Resort is the newly renovated and informal Taj Holiday Village, fronted by Sinquerim Beach, with cottages and villas in reds, pinks, blues, and yellows scattered among towering coconut trees and lush vegetation. Accommodations at this resort vary considerably, ranging from lavish sea-facing villas to less desirable suites in clustered or duplex cottages. Although its facilities make it immensely popular with families, it wouldn't be your first choice if you're looking for peace and quiet. Facilities: (Taj Aguada) 3 restaurants; kids restaurant; 2 bars; pool; tennis; fitness center; spa; watersports; cycling; airport transfers; shop; salon; room service; babysitting; laundry; house doctor; currency exchange; Wi-Fi; volleyball; squash; badminton; billiards; table tennis; adventure activities (trekking, rock climbing, rappelling); activity center.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's India, 3rd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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