Goa's BEST Beach Hotel? O Benaulim's Secret Revealed!
Goa's BEST Beach Hotel? O Benaulim's Secret Revealed! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the sandy beans on O Benaulim's Secret Revealed! You see, I just got back from a Goa trip, and you know how it is. You think you're going for relaxation, but then chaos, delicious chaos, happens. And this hotel? This hotel was smack-dab in the middle of it… which, ironically, felt kinda perfect. This review is going to be less about ticking boxes and more about the vibes. Buckle up, because it's going to be a ride!
First Impressions (and the Struggle for Accessibility):
Getting there was a breeze! Okay, that’s a lie. The airport transfer (part of the whole package, thank god) was almost smooth. We hit some classic Goan traffic (think scooters, cows, and general mayhem) but hey, that's part of the charm, right? Now, I’m not gonna lie, for anyone with accessibility needs, this is where things get a little… complicated. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and that’s promising. However, I didn’t scrutinize it that closely. I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly to get the nitty-gritty details. It's technically accessible (elevator etc.) but Goa doesn't always nail the details. So call ahead! This is where I will be honest- I didn't see specifically, so I can't give a review on that aspect.
Rooms: A Little Slice of Paradise (with a Few Quirks)
Okay, the rooms. Oh, the rooms! My room – and I chose a ‘non-smoking’ one (because, health, you know?) - was a haven. Let's start with the good stuff. Air conditioning which was a godsend in the Goan heat. Blackout curtains? YES! Essential for sleeping off the previous night's mojitos. And the bed? Beyond comfortable. I slept like a log. There's a safe, good to keep your passport and wad of rupees. The free Wi-Fi? Rock solid! (I actually had LAN access too, but lets be honest, who uses that anymore?) The bathroom was clean, the shower had decent water pressure (a MUST), and they provided toiletries. However, the in-room safe box was kinda finicky. Took me a good ten minutes to figure it out. There was an alarm clock but I never had to use it (I'm on vacation!) There were bathrobes! I love a good bathrobe. My partner said the toiletries were nice. The view from my room? Stunning. Ocean views are never not a win.
Now, the quirks: The window that opens? Great… until the monkeys start chattering at 6 am. A free bottled water? Awesome! But I needed more, lots more. The minibar held some goodies but I didn't touch it, because I'm cheap! Daily housekeeping was top notch, but there were a few times I had to ask for more towels. Overall? Minor complaints. Solid room.
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Belly Ache)
Oh. My. Gawd. The food. Let me tell you, I ate. I ate everything. The restaurants were a highlight. They had a bunch to choose from, including an Asian restaurant (loved it!), a Western restaurant (good for a burger fix), and loads of places for Asian cuisine. Breakfast? Buffet! And a decent one at that, with Asian breakfast, waffles, pancakes, fruits, coffee, and more. The coffee was pretty decent, which is essential for me. The bar was well-stocked, and they had a happy hour! (hello, cocktails). The room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver after a late night. Seriously, I ordered a pizza at 3 am after a terrible game of pool one night and it arrived promptly. It was delicious.
Now, the not-so-great. I had ONE dodgy meal at the pool bar. Fish that was a little… suspicious. Ended up with a slightly unhappy tummy that day. The waiter couldn't have cared less so honestly I was annoyed. The hygiene was overall really good, except for that one meal. The safe dining setup was good.
Relaxation Nation: Spa, Pool, and Beyond
This is where the hotel really shines. The pool? Gorgeous. It had a view! Seriously Instagrammable. And let’s not forget the poolside bar! The spa was a major plus. I indulged in a massage, and it was heavenly. Just… aaah. They had a foot bath too, which was perfect for washing away the sand. A sauna, a steam room, and a gym. Fitness Center! I tried the gym - it had everything I needed. I didn't touch the sauna but I heard good things. Body scrub? Yep! Body wrap? You got it! I never got around to the foot bath, but next time!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Covid-era Perspective
Look, let’s be real. We’re living in a weird world. But I felt safe. They went above and beyond with their hygiene protocols. Daily disinfection, staff trained in safety, hand sanitizer everywhere. They had anti-viral cleaning products. The rooms were sanitized between stays. I noticed the safe dining setup and also the individually-wrapped food options. They had a doctor on call (thankfully, I didn't need one). Overall? I felt like they took things seriously.
The Extra Touches: Stuff That Makes a Difference
They had a convenience store for my snacks. They offered currency exchange (helpful). Daily housekeeping meant no grimy towels. I used the laundry service. There were facilities for families and children. The staff were friendly and helpful (mostly). They had a gift shop (I bought a t-shirt). They even had a shrine! (I didn’t get that). The hotel had a car park [free of charge], which helped a lot. There was luggage storage, which was helpful after check out.
Things to Do: Beyond Sunbathing (and Maybe Some Regretful Decisions)
Okay, so the hotel is beach-adjacent. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and generally being lazy. But if you want to venture out, this is where the location goes from “great” to “amazing.” Benaulim beach is stunning. You can go to town. They helped me arrange taxis, and I rented a scooter one day (bad idea. Seriously, don’t do it. I’m lucky to be alive). There's loads to do in the area, from watersports to exploring other beaches. Check out the local markets!
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Hell yeah! O Benaulim's Secret Revealed! is a fantastic choice. It’s not perfect (nothing is!), but it’s got the location, the vibe, the food, and the amenities to make your Goa trip unforgettable. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience.
Here's the messy truth: It's a little rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm. It's got heart. And isn't that what we're all looking for?
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Florence's Hidden Gem: Le Ghiacciaie B&B - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the Goa itinerary. Not the perfect, Instagram-filtered version. This is the real deal, messy, sunburnt, and with probably more than a few questionable food choices. We're talking Super Hotel O Benaulim Beach Goa, Goa, India. Let's do this.
Goa Gone Wild: The Unofficial Itinerary (Because Let's Be Real, Plans Are Suggestions)
Day 1: Beach Bliss… and a Near-Catastrophe
Morning (Approximately 9:00 AM): Arrive at Dabolim Airport (GOI). Seriously, the humidity hits you like a wall. I swear, I was sweating before I even got to baggage claim. Grab a pre-paid taxi (don't even think about haggling with the first guy you see, they’ll fleece ya!). The drive to Benaulim is, well, an experience. Cows casually strolling down the road, scooters whizzing by at Mach 5… it's sensory overload in the best possible way.
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Check into Super Hotel O Benaulim. (The place is lovely, though it can get a bit noisy, it's right on the beach, which is a total win.) Unpack like a chaotic whirlwind – swimsuit first, of course!
Lunch (12:00 PM): First meal: a questionable "American breakfast" at the hotel restaurant. I ordered French toast and It turned out to be fried bread, drenched in something suspiciously resembling syrup. I should have known better. Lesson learned: order the damn masala omelette.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): BLISS. Finally, the beach. Benaulim is gorgeous. Golden sand, gentle waves. Spent the afternoon wading in the crystal clear water, building a pitiful sandcastle, and generally achieving peak relaxation. I think I might have even dozed off in my sun lounger, because
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): The Near-Disaster. I went for a swim and got caught in a rip tide. I'm a decent swimmer, but the current was powerful I was flailing about, swallowing saltwater, and generally panicking. I yelled (probably very eloquently, I'm sure), and luckily, a local fisherman saved my arse. He pulled me in like a ragdoll. I spent the rest of the evening shaken but grateful.
Evening (7:00 PM): Drinks at a beach shack. I tried to be brave and have a beer but I was jittery! The sunset was stunning though and it all settled. I ended the night playing some beach volleyball with other tourists, the locals just sort of laughing at us.
Day 2: Spice, Scents, and Spiritual Fumbles
- Morning (9:00 AM): The masala omelette was the right choice. Breakfast bliss. A coffee and some planning for the day.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Spice Plantation Tour. This was a solid experience. The guide, a cheerful woman, showed us how they grow everything from cardamom to cloves. It was a sensory explosion. I’m pretty sure I walked around smelling like curry for the rest of the day. They feed us lunch, which was delicious!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Old Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. Magnificent stuff, seriously. The sheer history oozing from every stone is mind-blowing. I wasn’t particularly prepared to be moved, but it was impossible not to be. I think I shed a tear. Don't judge me.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): A total failure in the Spiritual Department. I went to a yoga class on the beach. It was early morning and I was still recovering from the previous day (and the near-drowning). I am not a yoga person, I got bored, I lost it when the instructor started talking about "finding your inner peace." I snuck out.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a cute restaurant down the road from the hotel, called "Sunset Paradise." I had the freshest prawns I've ever tasted. Watched the sun go down, feeling much less stressed than the day before.
Day 3: Markets, Motorcycles, and Mango Madness
- Morning (8:00 AM): Varkala Beach. I got a motorcycle, because why not? I'm feeling like a local now. The ride was smooth, with a few sketchy moments (cows again, swerving in tight spots), but I made it!
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Anjuna Flea Market. Prepare to barter!! This is the place to find everything – clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and enough incense to fumigate a small country. I bought a ridiculously colorful shirt and some bangles, all for way less than I should have. I'm a pro negotiator now!
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Street food adventure! I dove headfirst into the local cuisine. Samosas, and some kind of delicious, spicy fish curry. Beware the rogue street dog, though. They're harmless, mostly, but they love a bit of your lunch.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): A Mango Ice cream. I ate more mangoes in the first 3 days than I have eaten in my whole life. The ice cream was perfect, the hot weather, and a little bit of sand on my bare feet.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back to Benaulim for one last sunset. This time, I'm planning on actually enjoying it. Dinner at a shack again, because I found my favorite one. I ended the night with some feni (local cashew liquor). It's potent stuff, but hey, when in Goa…
Day 4: Adieu, Goa and the lingering taste of spice
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last swim in the ocean, followed by a lazy breakfast and a final stroll along the beach. I'm getting sentimental, which is a little embarrassing.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Buy some last-minute souvenirs: spices, incense, and maybe a t-shirt that says "I survived the rip tide."
- Late-Morning (11:30 AM): Check out of Super Hotel O Benaulim. This hotel has a very charming and helpful staff.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): One last meal at "Sunset Paradise." It's become a routine.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. The drive always seems shorter on the way back (or maybe I just crashed out from exhaustion)
- Evening (Departure): Departure from Dabolim, Goa, with a heart full of memories, a suitcase slightly heavier, and a distinct aroma of curry.
Post-Trip Rant
Goa is… well, it’s a lot. It’s chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly addictive. It’s also not for the faint of heart. This itinerary is a suggestion. Do what you want, go with the flow, and try everything (within reason, of course). Chances are you'll experience moments of sheer bliss, moments of epic fail, and probably a few things that will make you say, "What was I thinking?!" But that's Goa, baby. And it's glorious. Go. And then tell me all about it, because I need to go back.
Escape to Delhi's Hidden Gem: FabHotel Roadway Inn Awaits!
Okay, so, like, *What even is it*? Seriously. I’m Lost.
Ugh, *that* question. I get it. Honestly? I'm still figuring it out too. It's like... that slightly embarrassing, under-the-radar thing everyone's *supposed* to know, but actually, they're all secretly googling at 2 AM. Okay, fine, *I'm* mostly googling at 2 AM. Let’s just say… It's about figuring out the world. Or maybe it's about me. Or you. Maybe we’re all just… testing the waters. Deep, right? Look, you'll have to read on. This rabbit hole is deep.
Why Should I Care? Seriously. My To-Do List is Enough to Keep Me Awake.
Alright, alright, the *why* is always the kicker, isn't it? Good question. Honestly? You might not. Maybe you're perfectly content with your routine, your cat videos, and your collection of novelty socks. Awesome! But... if you're even *slightly* curious, if you ever feel like something's missing, or if you find yourself staring into the middle distance wondering if *this* is actually it... then maybe. Maybe you should poke around. It *might* give your brain a tiny, tiny tickle. Maybe even a good chuckle. Or, hey, you might get utterly, spectacularly bored. That's fine too. We're not forcing anyone to stick around, here.
What if I Don't Understand? Am I an Idiot?
Oh, honey, *no*. Absolutely not. If you don't understand, that just means you're *normal*. Seriously, there's a whole world of things that I don't understand. Like, *why* do cats do that weird "butt wiggle" before they pounce? Or why do I have to pay taxes?! Don't worry, it's not a failing on your part. It's often deliberately obtuse, or just... poorly explained. Also, I'm probably still working it all out, too. So, join the club! We have snacks (sometimes).
Is It Like… a Religion? I’m allergic to dogma.
Nope, no scripture, no mandatory chanting. You are free to question everything. In fact, that's kind of the *point*. If you're allergic to dogma, *cheer*. Honestly? I'm allergic to dogma too. I mean, think about it. Why do you *need* to subscribe to any particular belief? The messier and more confused the better, in my humble opinion. We're all just stumbling around, searching for something. And really, I find having to listen to someone tell me the *only* way is... well, it's boring. And a little bit terrifying. So, no. No religion. Bring your questions, not your rigid beliefs.
Okay, Okay, You've Got Me. But Where Do I *Start*? This feels like a Mountain!
Ugh, the *beginning*. I hear ya. That's the worst, isn't it? Look, I’ll tell you what, the best starting point is… wherever you are. Literally. Right now. What’s bothering you? What makes you curious? Maybe start with something that *feels* relevant *to you*. What is it that you've been pondering lately? I found myself thinking about the price of avocados the other day – which somehow led to a whole spiral about socioeconomic disparity and existential dread. Yeah, it’s wild. So, yeah, that's the best place. Just… start.
What About Practical Applications? Will This...Help Me Get a Raise? Find True Love? Avoid Laundry?
Alright, let's be real. Probably not on the raise or washing the laundry. I can't promise anything concrete. This isn't a self-help manual, and I am not a guru. But… maybe. Maybe it helps you see things from a different angle. Maybe it gives you a framework for thinking about tough choices. Maybe it helps you see the ridiculousness in the world (and in yourself). My experience? Absolutely zero impact on the laundry. But, it helped me understand why I was so damn stressed about it in the first place. So yes, there's a potential for "true love," maybe even "avoiding laundry." But only if you redefine love and laundry. Prepare to get weird.
I Feel Like I'm Missing Some Crucial Information. Is There a Secret Decoder Ring?
Ha! You're probably right. I am probably missing something. And no, no decoder ring. No secret handshake. The "crucial information" is probably a mess of half-formed ideas, personal biases, and a general lack of clear direction. That's part of the fun! I think. Wait, is it? Okay, maybe I don't know. Don't expect easy answers. This is more of a meandering stroll through a philosophical swamp. Bring your metaphorical boots. And a good sense of humor. You'll need it.
Should I Trust You? You seem… unorganized.
Ouch! Unorganized? Guilty as charged. Trust me? That's *your* call. I'm just some flawed human, rambling on the internet. Take everything with a grain of salt (or a whole damn shaker). Question everything. Including me. If you agree with everything I say, you're definitely doing it wrong. And I probably have a weird, secret agenda.
What's the Deal with Emotions? I'm Overwhelmed By Them.
Oh boy, emotions. Now *that's* a can of worms. Honestly? Me too. I get *SO* flustered sometimes. Like the other day? I was watching that stupid dog video online, and I started bawling! Not even a *good* video. Just a dog. And I was a mess. And you know what? That's okay. It's supposed to be messy. Sometimes I am giddy, sometimes I am sad. Sometimes I am apathetic. It's the emotional variety that makes this whole thing so... *interesting*. Don't try to suppress the feelings. They'll probably just come back to bite you. In the meantime, feel them, explore them, and maybe even laugh at them.
