Goa's Paradise Found: Salida Del Sol Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEAD FIRST into the sun-kissed, potentially sand-filled, and definitely potentially chaotic world of Goa's Salida Del Sol Hotel. "Paradise Found" they say? Let's see if the treasure hunt is worth the trek. This is going to be less a polished brochure and more a brutally honest travel diary. And trust me, with me, you're gonna get the warts and all version.
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First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Question (Because It Matters!)
Finding the hotel, that's step one. I'm imagining, after reading reviews, driving into Goa, the traffic… well, it's Goa traffic. Let's hope the Airport Transfer they offer is smooth, because after a long flight, the last thing you want is a haggard taxi driver negotiating a price that makes your wallet weep.
Accessibility: Alright, the biggie. Accessibility is HUGE these days, and it SHOULD be. I'm going to assume they've got some Facilities for Disabled Guests, but HOW accessible? Are the elevators working regularly? Are the rooms truly Wheelchair Accessible? I'd be calling the front desk ASAP before booking to get VERY specific. Don't just take the website's word for it. This is Goa – things… well, things happen. We'll be holding our breath that there are Wheelchair Accessible routes. I hope the Front Desk [24-hour] can communicate well, that they have a Doorman.
Rooms: Your Sanctuary… Or Your Prison?
Okay, let's get to the rooms themselves, the little forts we come back to after being scorched by the sun or drowning ourselves in cocktails. They claim to have Non-smoking rooms (thank the lord!). Fingers crossed you get a good one, with Blackout Curtains (essential for those midday naps!), Air Conditioning (Goa in the summer, people!), and a Window that Opens (for that fresh sea breeze… if you're lucky enough to be near the sea). I'm also looking for a Safety/security feature, a Room sanitization opt-out available and Rooms sanitized between stays, because this is India. Hopefully, there are additional toilets
- Available in all rooms: Okay, the bare bones. Air conditioning, Alarm clock (who actually uses these?), Bathrobes (a touch of luxury!), Bathroom phone (seriously?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting (pray it's not too stained!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (a plus!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (views!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (great for families!), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (because wrinkles!), Laptop workspace (if you must work), Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (useful for a lazy afternoon!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (gulp!), Seating area (hopefully comfy!), Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing (a godsend!), Telephone, Toiletries (hopefully nice ones!), Towels, Umbrella (rain is possible!), Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Internet (Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!): The Holy Grail of Modern Travel
They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! But let's be real, how good is it? Is it a reliable connection, or will you be battling dropped calls and buffering videos? I need to send emails, video chat with my family, and, you know, research the best vindaloo in Goa. Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services – gotta have it all. And how about Wi-Fi in public areas? Crucial for those poolside Instagram moments.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun!
This is where things get interesting, or, potentially, disastrous. Restaurants are a must. And what kind of restaurants? Do they cater to every taste bud?
- Restaurant Variety: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement (crucial for dietary restrictions, praise be!), Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant (YES!), International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Foodie Factor: I'm hoping for a killer Asian breakfast. I'm craving some authentic Indian flavors. And oh, the Poolside bar! Imagine, sunshine, a cocktail, maybe a little chat with a stranger. However, Happy hour is essential.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: The Pursuit of Bliss
This is why we come, right? To ditch the stress, soak up the sun, and pretend we're not slaves to our emails. Pool with view? That sounds promising. Swimming pool? Essential. Swimming pool [outdoor] (check).
- Relaxation Station: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
My Confession of Perfectionism or Not
I have to admit I don't usually do body scrubs, body wraps, or steamrooms. They are very high maintenance and also, in a place like this, you need to wash the sweat off of you. But the Massage? Sign me up! After a day of sightseeing (or, let's be honest, lying on the beach), a good massage is pure bliss. The Gym/fitness is a nice touch for those who are trying to beat the heat with some exercises.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Neat Freak's Nightmare
This is where the rubber meets the road. Especially in these times. A hotel can LOOK beautiful, but if it's not clean, it's a no-go.
- Safety First: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Luxuries
We all want a little pampering, don't we?
- Essential Services: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator (a must!), Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (If You're Brave Enough to Bring 'Em)
Babysitting service
KL Sentral's ICONIC Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is gonna be a Goa explosion, Salida Del Sol style, and trust me, it's gonna be anything but boring.
Goa-ing Off the Rails: A Salida Del Sol Diary (aka, My Brain Dump)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (aka, 'Where's the freaking beach?')
- 11:00 AM: Landed in Dabolim Airport. Already sweating buckets. I swear the air conditioner in the taxi was just a suggestion. The driver was a wild one, blasting Bollywood tunes and weaving through the streets like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious sequel. My stomach did a few flips.
- 12:30 PM: Arrived at Salida Del Sol. Okay, breathe. The lobby is actually… gorgeous. Think breezy white linen, vibrant bougainvillea, and a faint whiff of… something exotic. Jasmine? Frangipani? I’m already obsessed. Check-in was smooth, but then I realised I'd only packed one thing for the entire trip, a terrible mistake.
- 1:00 PM: Room: okay, the ocean view? Stunning. Like, postcard-worthy. My initial thought: "This is it. This is paradise. I'm never leaving." My second thought: "Where the hell am I going to find a decent beach chair?"
- 1:30 PM: EXPLORATION! Found the pool. Slightly crowded, but the water is crystal clear. Took a tentative dip. Instant bliss. Watched a little kid try to steal a slice of pizza with the pool boy.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant (the food here is a godsend). Ordered the fish thali. Spicy. Delicious. Ate it way too fast. Probably gonna regret that later.
- 3:00 PM: Beach! Officially found the beach, finally. It's a short walk from the hotel. The sand is like powdered sugar, the waves are gentle, and the sun… well, the sun is a relentless, glorious furnace. Spent an hour just staring at the ocean, feeling that initial wave of euphoria. My skin already feels a bit crispy, but worth it.
- 4:00 PM: Disaster. Tried to use the beach chair. Realized I never knew how to set one up. Then had to ask for help from a very attractive, very amused lifeguard. Humiliating.
- 5:00 PM: First coconut water. Yes. Just… yes. Pure, refreshing heaven.
- 6:00 PM: Walk along the beach. Watched the sunset. Spectacular. The sky exploded in a riot of colors. Feeling a surge of gratitude, and a touch of melancholy, which is a weird combo.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a beach shack. Fresh seafood, cheap beer, and the sound of the waves lulling you into a state of utter contentment. Managed to spill a little beer on my skirt. Classic move.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed, completely exhausted. This whole "vacation" thing is surprisingly tiring. Already fantasizing about tomorrow… and a long nap.
Day 2: The Search for Serenity & a Questionable Massage
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to the most beautiful sunrise ever. This hotel is delivering on the views. My view is the first thing I see, which is great until the sun hits it and I have to close the curtains.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast. Fruit, yogurt, and a surprisingly good cup of coffee. Seriously, the coffee here is better than my daily Starbucks back home. Consider this a win.
- 9:00 AM: Decided I needed a yoga class. Hired a tuk-tuk driver. He drove like a maniac, but we made it. The class was… interesting. The instructor was very zen, but the mosquitoes were relentless. Ended up swatting more than stretching.
- 10:00 AM: Post-yoga session, my body is feeling good, except for the 10 mosquito bites I acquired during the yoga class. I wanted a massage.
- 11:00 AM: Massage. The "masseuse" was a little too enthusiastic with the oil, and a little too shy with the actual massage. Left feeling vaguely sticky and slightly violated. Definitely not the peaceful zen experience I was hoping for.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and a book. The food is consistently excellent, which is good because I'm starting to forget what "healthy eating" means. The book… well, I'm only halfway through, but it turns out it is very sad.
- 1:00 PM: The sun, again. It's hot, but a good hot. The beach is getting more crowded, and I'm starting to feel claustrophobic.
- 2:00 PM: Pool. Found a spot under an umbrella. Read some more.
- 3:00 PM: Snack. Mango smoothie. Yes.
- 5:00 PM: Exploring the local area. Found a little market, full of colorful fabrics and trinkets. Managed to haggle for a scarf. Felt like a total pro.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner back at the hotel restaurant. Chicken tikka masala. The waiters are super attentive.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Still buzzing from the day. Maybe I'll actually sleep tonight.
Day 3: The One (And Only) Time I Fell in Love…With Vindaloo
- 7:00 AM: I woke up with a new sense of purpose. Breakfast, and then…
- 8:00 AM: …the beach, again. This time I found the perfect spot. Peace. Quiet. Bliss… until the beach vendors started their "friendly" sales tactics. "Madam! You buy bangle? Dress? Massage?" Seriously, just let me relax.
- 9:00 AM: Coconut water, obviously.
- 10:00 AM: A long, delightful swim in the ocean. I felt like a mermaid.
- 11:00 AM: Vindaloo. Oh, sweet, fiery vindaloo. The food. The sauce. I'm not even kidding-- it was possibly the best thing that's ever happened to me. I think I actually fell in love. It brought tears to my eyes.
- 12:00 PM: Stroll. I tried to retrace my steps from yesterday, but I got lost. What's new?
- 1:00 PM: Nap, the only thing saving me from the heat.
- 2:00 PM: Beach again
- 3:00 PM: One last swim. Getting ready to go home is such a pain.
- 4:00 PM: Packing begins.
- 5:00 PM: The day is going to end soon.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Chicken.
- 7:00 PM: The next day is coming.
- 8:00 PM: The day is coming.
Day 4: Departure & the Bitter Sweet
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at Salida Del Sol. The sun is shining, the ocean is sparkling, and I'm already missing this place. This hotel. This moment.
- 9:00 AM: One final walk on the beach. I bought a necklace.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. The staff is so friendly; it's almost painful to say goodbye.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The driver is a different guy this time, but he still drives like he's in a race.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. The chaos is starting. This is what I am getting for going to an airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight. It starts! Bye Goa, bye adventure. I will be back.
Post-Trip Reflections:
Goa was amazing. The Salida Del Sol was a dream. The vindaloo changed my life. I laughed, I cried (sometimes because of the spice), I got sunburned, and I definitely made some questionable decisions (that massage, eek!). But most importantly, I actually disconnected and relaxed. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just need to work on my beach chair setup skills before next time.
P.S. Bring more sunscreen. Seriously. And maybe a phrasebook. And definitely book a better massage. But, most importantly, be open to everything this crazy, wonderful place has to offer. You might just fall in love, too.
Milan's Chicest Hideaway: VFH Boutique Apartment (City Center)!
So, Salida Del Sol, eh? Sounds...fancy. What's the vibe?
Fancy? Well, alright, let's unpack *that*. Imagine a sun-drenched lizard, lounging dramatically after a particularly epic fly feast. That's kinda the vibe. It's not *stiff* fancy, thankfully. Think more "effortlessly cool" with a healthy dose of "beach bum chic". You know, the kind of place where flip-flops are practically a dress code requirement, and cocktails are a moral imperative. I actually arrived there with a total disaster of a travel outfit - I blame the airport heat! - and still felt like I belonged. Seriously, they just get it... relaxed luxury, without the pretentious baggage. That said, don't expect the Ritz. More...rustic charm with a healthy dose of luxury sprinkled in. My room, for instance, initially smelled a bit like fresh paint...and dampness. Minor detail! It dissipated after a few hours. You know, living the dream.
Is the beach *really* as good as the pictures? Because, let's be honest, those photos are often deceptive.
Okay, *deep breath*. YES. The beach. Oh. My. God. It's not just good; it's borderline life-altering. Picture this: powdery white sand, the kind that squeaks under your toes. Turquoise water that's so clear you can practically see your own existential dread (don't worry, the cocktails help with that). And palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, whispering sweet nothings into your ear. It *is* real. I kid you not. Honestly? The pictures don't do it justice. They *underrepresent* the beauty! I spent an entire afternoon just... staring. I swear, I almost got sunburned just from the *reflected* beauty. And the sunsets? Forget about it. Pure, unadulterated, tear-jerking glory. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic; I cried once, after the most astonishing sunset I have ever seen...and then, after a terrible argument with my boyfriend, who was *totally overreacting*. He said I was staring at the ocean like a lovesick calf. He apologized though. Beach magic.
What's the food like? Because "resort food" often equals bland disappointment.
Alright, food. The *crucial* part, right? Okay, *here’s* where Salida Del Sol really shines. It's NOT bland. It's NOT boring. The food is...*divine*. Think fresh seafood, bursting with flavor. Think spicy curries that will make you sweat (in a good way, mostly). And think breakfast buffets that are so ridiculously tempting that you'll end up eating three times your usual amount... every. single. day. My god, those pancakes were the undoing of my diet. I swear, I gained five pounds just from the breakfast alone. But WORTH IT. Absolutely, unequivocally WORTH IT. My friends were skeptical...they'd stayed in resorts before with terrible food. Not here. They were converted. I distinctly remember one friend, a notorious food snob, literally moaning with pleasure over a grilled snapper. It was a beautiful moment. And the staff? Smiling always, always ready to get you more coffee.
Are there things to do *besides* lying on the beach and stuffing my face? (Though, admittedly, that sounds pretty good...)
Yes, yes! There's a world beyond the delicious lethargy. First, the beach itself provides *plenty*. You can snorkel (totally recommended!), paddleboard (tried, failed repeatedly, but fun!), or just swim 'til your fingers wrinkle. The hotel also offers yoga classes (which I attempted, with varying degrees of success...mostly just falling over laughing), cooking classes (amazing!), and excursions to explore Old Goa and the spice plantations (do it, they're beautiful). I even tried a massage...a little intense. I didn't realize I carried so much tension, apparently, and ended up actually falling asleep half-way through! But I woke up feeling like a new woman...mostly. There’s all sorts of stuff, but honestly? I probably spent 80% of my time just…chilling. No regrets.
What's the service like? Do they actually care, or is it just going through the motions?
This is where Salida Del Sol really, REALLY earns its stars. The service? Impeccable. Not in a snooty, pretentious way, but in a genuinely friendly and helpful way. The staff are absolutely lovely. They remembered my name, my coffee order, and the fact that I was slightly terrified of the ocean (judging me? Perhaps. But they never let on!). They're attentive without being intrusive. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and they're always ready with a smile. I actually managed to lose a small piece of jewelry - a tiny little chain - while I was there, and the staff went out of their way to help me look for it! I never found it, of course...but the effort! It was the little things, honestly, that made the difference. Like, the fact that the pool attendant always remembered to bring me fresh towels. Little things, HUGE impact. I made friends with several of the staff. They were just THAT lovely.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, okay, let's get real for a moment. Nothing is perfect. And Salida Del Sol is no exception. First, the WiFi... it can be a little... spotty. Which, honestly, is a blessing in disguise, because it forces you to actually disconnect and enjoy yourself. But still, if you're addicted to your phone (guilty!), it can be a bit frustrating. The rooms, while lovely, might not be the *newest* and the most *modern*. They have charm, character, yes. But the bathroom... well, let's just say, the hot water took a while to arrive. And there was a slight incident with a gecko in my room on the third night. I screamed. A lot. It was harmless, but it did require a late-night call to the front desk. And finally, the prices. Goa is generally pretty affordable, but this is definitely on the higher end. But honestly? I’d pay *double* for the sunset views. And the pancakes. Especially the pancakes.
So, should I go? GIVE ME THE FINAL VERDICT!
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, go. Don't even hesitate. Book it. Right now. Stop reading this and BOOK IT! Salida Del Sol is one of those places that seeps into your soul. It’s a place where time seems to slow down and the only thing that matters is the next glorious sunset. It's where you can completely relax. So, yes, go. You absolutely deserve it. Just...bring insect repellent. And maybe a book. And definitely an appetite. And don't forget to pack your "I'm on vacation" face. Digital Nomad Hotels
