Everything was groovier in the 1960s and early 70s. That’s certainly what Austin Powers made us believe and so did Goa’s first hipsters (they were called hippies back then) who created the original Goa cool. It all began in and around Vagator, Goa’s very own hipster cove. It’s no coincidence that India’s first W hotel cast anchor in this North Goa enclave. It’s not just where ’60s cool converges with 2010’s Yuccie chic but also where a 16th Century Portuguese fort (Chapora) provides the perfect backdrop to the shiny W logo installation at the edge of ocean.
For a brand born out of the chaos of New York City, W pays the ultimate tribute to Goa. This is no sedate getaway where you will hear ‘Susegad’ but a bunch of experiences that are stitched together just like how Goa’s multiple motifs come together. The W Goa has an uncanny psychedelic ability to keep flitting from the past to the present.
“It’s all about the stories that make Goa unique”. Anthony Ingham, the Global Brand Leader of W Hotels Worldwide tells us about how W Goa was envisioned layer by layer by design firm Jeffrey Wilkes. The 4500 sq.m. amphi theatre style club (Rock Pool) that hugs the ocean makes up for the lack of a dedicated private beach while we can’t get over the quirky design elements like the auto rickshaw inspired cushion covers and showstopper chandeliers in some of the well-appointed private villas.
Just in case you need to slow things down, there’s a well-appointed Clarins Spa and the extremely well stocked Woo Bar. The music never stops, this is as close as it gets to Goa unplugged.
