After spending two days strolling through the local markets and bustling beaches, and enjoying the nightlife in North Goa, I now yearn for a more slow, relaxed getaway. Fortunately, I get that the very next day after checking into Baale Resort. Nestled in the charming village of Arpora in North Goa, shutting out the neighbouring busy atmosphere, Baale is an oasis of calm. As the name suggests, the luxurious seven-villa resort featuring three to four bedroom options has heavy influences from Bali. With its wooden architecture, lush views of paddy fields, and a host of spa and recreational facilities, you feel like you’re enjoying a tropical getaway in Indonesia while in the heart of Goa.
Stay
Opening the door to my spacious three-bedroom villa named Paloma, I feel at ease. Paloma is nestled in the lap of coconut trees that tower over the villa and is surrounded by wraparound balconies framed in wood, leaning out to water bodies below. Spread across two floors, the villa comes with an artsy living room that opens into a private swimming pool (hello midnight dips), a lush landscaped garden, a private kitchen, and three bedrooms with private balconies and garden views–yes, you’ll wake up to the sound of birds chirping.
The highlight for me though are the exotic bathrooms attached to both master bedrooms on the ground floor and first floor. Something as simple as brushing your teeth seems luxurious. But its highlight is the shower facilities. From indulging in some me-time with a lavish bubble bath and a glass of rosé to taking a rain shower in an outdoor setup amidst greenery, Baale’s divine bathrooms became my holy grail.
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Attention to detail is prevalent in every nook and corner. In fact, the founders made trips to Bali about 8-9 times only to explore and source the right materials for it–right from the furniture and lights, jute carpets and Ratan mats used for the ceilings to the stones used for the swimming pool walls. Designed by Chandrika Sawhney, each villa is spacious yet very intimate and comfortable. One of the most attractive pieces in the villa though? The wall paintings made by Rita Chandiok, the founder Mr. Ashwin Chandiok’s mother. The corners of the villa are planned as per vastu shastra to harness feng shui, which is why you’ll only get positive and happy vibes when you set foot in it.
Eat & Drink
At Baale, ditch the regular breakfast in bed for a floating breakfast instead. Whether you want pancakes and eggs or dosas and parathas, the chef will whip up breakfast of your choice and serve it to you in the pool in a boat-shaped basket.
Offering a menu featuring a selection of gourmet fare in multiple cuisine options, the Mandala restaurant has your lunch and dinner sorted—you can either have it in the privacy of your villa or head there to enjoy the poolside ambiance while you eat. Though I liked the Asian and European-inspired dishes, I found myself devouring the Goan thali the most.
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Don’t miss out on the offerings of the resort’s Gong Bar where you can sip on fine wines and handcrafted cocktails in an easy-going, tropical setting. Or even better, order a chilled glass of beer or cocktail to enjoy by the pool in your villa.
Exclusive Perks
Besides being a haven of comfort and seclusion, Baale takes the level of elite a notch higher with its members’ only clubhouse, Club Unravel. The attentive and warm staff serves gourmet cuisine tailor-made to your preferences, while there is an extensive collection of health equipment, and luxurious features and amenities–Baale’s exclusive club lets its members enjoy all the fancy perks! Set to open this year, be one of the first few to enrol for your membership.
