Avataara Resort and Spa serves tranquillity in Goa’s party hub
Located in the heart of Anjuna in Goa, Avataara Resort and Spa encompasses the luxury of a premium hotel, along with the principles of a sustainable, wellness retreat.
The Anjuna beach in Goa is known for its nightlife. With streets lined up with high energy bars and cafes, the stretch is a party heaven for tourists. And yet, Teams Hotels and Resorts decided to open their first Goa property, Avataara Resort and Spa–a sustainable and wellness resort, in the heart of Anjuna.
Why? YS Life asks.
“We are five minutes away from the top party and event places, and our resort provides a tranquil and peaceful environment. We want our guests to experience the best of both worlds–an exciting nightlife and peaceful surroundings that help them relax the next morning,” says Ranjan Chopra, Managing Director of Avataara.
YS Life visited the property to understand more about what Chopra meant by experiencing the “best of both worlds.”
In the lap of nature
Opening its doors to customers in mid-October last year, Avataara can be a little challenging to locate. But that is mostly because the resort is spread over three acres of land, right in the heart of Anjuna–a unique proposition in itself.
Every guest at Avataara is greeted with options of two welcome drinks–fresh coconut water and a beer–already setting the ‘best of both worlds’ mood in place. Still early in the day, I picked the former. Soon after, I was guided to my room.
The pool-side delux room at Avataara Resort and Spa, Goa
Pune’s cult pub Elephant & Co aspires to be Goa’s next favourite neighbourhood bar
Seated under a canopy of jamun and mulberry trees, Avataara is like a breath of fresh air in the party jungle. Adorned with cane structures and decor, and covered in lush greens, the resort houses 60 elegant rooms, accommodating 120 guests at any given point of time, a relaxing and rejuvenating escape. The design aesthetics, Chopra informed me, were based on a ‘Balinese Goan theme’–the coming together of Bali and Goa’s aesthetics.
At the centre lies an expansive pool, and on its sides lay daybeds and couches, perfect for a lazy day by the pool. While I was immediately tempted to jump into the emerald pool, I controlled my excitement to check in first.
Surrounding the pool are duplexes, each housing deluxe and executive rooms. I was allotted a pool facing deluxe room that features a king-size bed, and a patio with lounge chairs for guests who prefer soaking in the sun instead of dipping in the pool.
Guests who like the green more than the blue can opt for garden-facing rooms as well. Spread over three acres of land, the owners of Avataara have made sure that they paint every corner green with plants.
“We believe that the time spent around natural elements is linked to lower levels of stress, improved immune function, and better mental health,” Chopra tells me.
Home away from home
What truly sets Avataara apart is its top-notch services and the thought the owners have put into making sure that each guest feels close to home.
A long night of partying calls for a fulfilling breakfast the following morning. While many hotels and resorts restrict their breakfast timing until 11 AM, Avataara ensures that their guests get a good night’s sleep and wake up to an abundant breakfast spread that is served, complimentary, from 8 AM to 2 PM. Even for non-party guests, this provides a good window to start the day by enjoying the mesmerising view of the property, without having to rush.
The artisanal Greek and Italian restaurant at Avataara Resort and Spa
Taking things a notch further, the resort also offers complimentary high tea. If cocktails are not one’s thing, guests can indulge in a cup of premium tea for a sundowner, along with the sides of cakes, cookies, Goan snacks, and sandwiches, every evening between 4 PM and 5 PM.
Many visit Goa with the sole purpose of rejuvenation and relaxation. To ensure that one is able to feel as comfortable as at home, each room at Avataara comes with a television loaded with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+Hotstar subscriptions, to have the weekend of one’s dreams!
Additionally, each room also has a complimentary mini bar, offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, nuts, candies, and chocolates–perfect late-night snacks while one binge-watches the weekend hit.
Avataara also has an in-house gym, health and wellness centre, a play zone and park for children. The Oriental Senses spa is serviceable between 10 AM and 7 PM, offering an array of massage therapy, facials, and body wraps.
Betting on sustainability
Avataara bets big on sustainability. One of the first things that I noticed on entering my room were glass water bottles, snacks in glassware, and toiletries in refillable dispensers. As I explored more, there was no trace of plastic in the entire resort. In fact, the property has also given up on sugar and salt sachets and provides them in glass containers.
“The construction and designing process of the property has been carefully optimised for energy efficiency, and all our materials are responsibly and locally sourced,” Chopra later tells me.
Kafa, the in-house restaurant offers an array of cuisine to select from. The breakfast ranges from crispy dosas, to chole bhature, and from muesli and yoghurt to pancakes and croissants. For lunch, one can indulge in local Goan sea food, biriyani, and kebabs, or opt for an Asian spread. While holidays call for the luxury of room service, we suggest you head to the restaurant for at least one meal.
Kafa’s decor adds to the overall experience of Avataara. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork, and the overall atmosphere is warm, cosy, and inviting with soft lighting and comfortable seating.
The kitchen is functional almost all night, offering a limited but delicious selection of gourmet food for after-party cravings! YS Life’s personal favourites were the Alio e olio pepperocino, chicken club sandwich, and tiramisu.
Those who want to skip the bar hopping for a cosy night in should explore the artisanal Greek and Italian open-fire restaurant behind the pool area. With a Santorini blue-and-white theme, this restaurant serves dishes cooked in an open fire using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. We recommend you must try the fresh pizzas, along with a wine of your choice from the in-house bar. The bar also serves refreshing cocktails by the pool during the day.
At the end of my stay, I was tempted to extend my vacation to experience the abundance that Avataara offers. Avataara’s personalised services’ app built on WhatsApp ensures that one never has to worry about picking up the phone to book a spa service, order a coffee, or call-in room service. The staff seems to be committed to making sure each customer feels valued and appreciated, and are always a call away.
While Chopra’s statement holds true, I feel one should spend a day or two in Avataara, without worrying about stepping out of the resort.
Edited by Megha Reddy