Wrapped In Nature’s Bounty

Prerna Lamba Jun 14, 2021

Goa is popularly known for its beaches in our country and is a top choice amongst today’s travellers. But with the ongoing crisis, the expectations and demands of travellers have changed. They are more inclined to stay at a property which is far away from the crowds and is surrounded by nature. Hilton has established one such jewel in its bucket for travellers to experience the ‘less explored’ side in north of Goa.

Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, Double Tree by Hilton Goa – Panaji is the perfect getaway property for families and couples. Situated amidst the lush forest and tranquil view of the beautiful Mandovi River, the hotel is in close proximity to Panjim city and is an hour away from the airport.

Wrapped in nature’s bounty, the property is a reflection of a true blend of culture and aesthetics, offering an authentic Goan experience to its guests. While visiting the property, BW HOTELIER interacted with the General Manager of the hotel, Shiv Bose who believes that safety of the guests is their top-most priority. He said, “In these unprecedented times, the main concern now for the hotel industry is the safety of the guests and in ensuring they have a seamless stay experience.”

“DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji aims to abide by all the recommended safety protocols for the welfare of its guests and team members. In view of the prevailing situation, guests can check-in before arrival and skip the front desk altogether for a touchless experience,” he added.

CLEAN STAY WITH A VIEW

With an inventory of 160 nature and river view rooms, the hotel features nine suites out of which seven are one-bedroom suites, one premium suite and a presidential suite that comes with a terrace, Jacuzzi and is overlooking the Mandovi river, old Goa and Panjim city. Be assured that whichever room you choose, you will have a nature or river view spacious rooms, designed thoughtfully with Goan touch and modern amenities. The rooms have attached balconies where the guests are served oftenly served breakfast to enjoy in their comfort zone and take in the beautiful views of Mandovi River and nature.

From check-in to check-out, Double Tree by Hilton Goa – Panaji follows the brand’s ‘CleanStay’ programme throughout its services. The hotel has disinfecting stations with wipes and hand sanitiser available, both public and private areas are cleaned at scheduled intervals, including hourly maintenance of high-touch areas like elevators and gymnasium. All associates are well-trained to follow social distancing and guides the guests keeping the protocols in mind. For minimum contact, the hotel has digitised the whole check-in, check-out and dining services.

To understand the standard operating procedure of front office and housekeeping, BWH talked to the Director of Rooms, Amar Albuquerque, who believes that the industry moved away from the desk long time back, and now it is moving away from the lobby too. He explains, “There is bigger involvement of front office now than ever, it is only the time of the involvement that has changed. A lot of emphasis now goes on pre-arrival by getting in touch with the guests to get their photo identity cards and all necessary details so that when the guest is in the hotel, they walk straight to the room. Even for check-out, we share the bills a day prior with the guests and make the payment through provided card details.”

Albuquerque further opined that housekeeping plays a major role with Clean Stay now. He explains that each room is sanitised thoroughly and pre- defined high touch points are given extreme attention. “Once the room is fully sanitised, cleaned and ready, we seal the rooms which are opened by respective guests,” he stated.

EXPERIENCES

The infinity swimming pool is airy and modern from where the mesmerising view of the green and blue nature can be enjoyed. The adjacent kids’ pool is where the children can enjoy. The hotel offers fun activities in the pool area for both kids and adults which are supervised by professionals. It is a perfect place to entertain kids or enjoy a refreshing dip whilst you soak on the views of the Mandovi River.

For all the fitness enthusiasts, the hotel has got you covered with its fitness center which is equipped with treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercycle and dedicated weight section with a stretchzone.

One of the major attraction of the property is its 130-year-old Double Mango Tree under which a food stall has been placed where all the guests can enjoy tea and snacks every afternoon.

The hotel has tied up with a travel experience curator company, ‘Soul Travelling’ that specialises in offbeat tourism and aims to break the myth of the notoriously popular concept of what Goa is and give the travellers some of the most local experiences steeped in history and full of the true Goan flavour.

FINGER LICKING F&B EXPERIENCE

Double Tree by Hilton Goa – Panaji has spectacular restaurants and bars, namely Comida, Feliz and Rio Salao.

Portuguese for ‘food’ is ‘Comida’ – this modern all-day dining restaurant is inspired by Portuguese architecture and Goan lifestyle. With live cooking stations of Western, Indian and Asian cuisines, the restaurant is located one level below the lobby and features a large outdoor terrace for an al-fresco experience.

The restaurant serves a varied breakfast buffet and delicious à la carte options for lunch and dinner. The menus are a combination of all the elements of world cuisine and local specialties represented in a truly international way, with innovative live cooking elements to give a creative atmosphere and focus on fresh products and innovative presentation of the meals. The adjacent bar right before the outdoor area with its picturesque views comes alive in the evening and offers an extensive menu of cocktails and spirits.

Enthused by the tranquil mood of Goa, Feliz offers a relaxed ambience and a refined touch. With an outdoor-only seating overlooking the pool and the Mandovi River, Feliz serves a selection of Coastal, Goan and Mangalorean cuisine. The menu incorporates sustainable seafood, prime cuts and exotic vegetables expertly prepared over an open-flame charcoal grill for intense aroma and flavour. The bar by night, Feliz showcases a selection of unique cocktails, an open air ambience and trendy lounge music.

Overlooking Mandovi River, Rio Salao – the lobby lounge is also a great meeting space for socialising and enjoying traditional afternoon tea. With a focus on local and international teas and coffees as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, the lounge offers an assortment of sandwiches, fresh confectionery and a small bites menu for lunch and dinner. Rio Salao is the perfect oasis to relax over drinks while taking in Goa’s magnificent sunset views.

Commenting on the F&B services, Bose stated, “A must try is the Goan platter at “Feliz”, our speciality coastal restaurant. The platter takes you through a culinary journey and has an array of dishes for guests to relish. Since the resort offers a perched view of the Mandovi River, ‘Comida’, the quintessential restaurant and bar serves a befitting location to sip a cocktail in the midst of nature.”

MEET AND GREET

At a distance of 28 kms, the hotel is the closest property from the Dabolim International Airport and is an ideal venue for hosting meetings and events. The hotel’s convenient location, stylish venue, team of experts and warm services makes it perfect setting for creating new memories. The grand ballroom accommodates upto 400 guests while the sunset lawn is ideal for a gathering of 150 guests.