It took a team of some 200 craftsmen from all over India to bring owner Giles’ master plan to fruition. Four villas, inspired by the ‘Tropical Modernism’ movement, are a homage to the works of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Clean lines and open-plan spaces abound, and the indoor-outdoor living spaces give a sense of peace and oneness with nature. It's perfect for couples or families seeking seclusion. Whether in bed, the pool, the dining or living area, you constantly feel connected with the outside world.
The setting? An unexplored stretch of the Konkan Coast framed by swaying palm trees. Save for a few local holiday-makers, the town of Malvan does not attract a crowd, although you may spot the odd parasailor gliding past neighbouring Tarkarli Beach: the place for watersports and diving. There’s no restaurant on-site but after a day spent languishing by your pool, the attentive catering team will come and take your order a few hours before serving it to you in the privacy of your villa. The Director of Cuisine has created a distinctive menu of stand-out dishes, a saving grace as there’s nothing around for miles. And that is exactly why you’d come here. Giles' previous opening, Coco Shambhala in North Goa, has been a runaway success and we predict the same for this gem.
Highs
- Each beautiful 2-bedroom villa has a private infinity pool with panoramic sea views. Need we say more?
- The chef-prepared meals, better than restaurant quality; all-inclusive packages are available
- Great activities on-site include creative workshops, puppet shows for kids, a spa - and lots of nearby watersports
- We loved the simple décor and use of natural materials such as coconut-wood furniture and traditional Mangalorean clay tiles
- Bose speakers, a stocked minibar fridge and kitchenette make your villa feel more like a home than a hotel
Lows
- A 3-hour drive from Goa (Dabolim) airport, but transfers are included in the rate; Manohar Airport is closer (1.5hr away) but served by fewer airlines
- No bars or restaurants nearby, so if you’re after a Goa-style 'scene', this isn't the place for you
- Internet access is patchy, but it's a good opportunity to disconnect from modern-day life
- The nearest beach is a little so-so but there are pristine ones a scenic boat ride away
Best time to go
Open all year round. The south Indian coastline is generally best visited between November and February, when the weather is dry and the temperatures in the low 30s. The Konkan Coast makes a great alternative to Goa's Christmas and New Year crowds. During the monsoon (typically May-August), special screens are erected to protect the villa's indoor-outdoor living spaces. It would be an utterly romantic spot to hole up during the dramatic downpours.
Our top tips
Be sure to pack a good selection of good books (or stock up on your Kindle) for afternoons spent recumbent on a poolside sunlounger. Download all your favourite music beforehand so you can stream it on the Bose speakers (it’s unlikely the internet will be good enough). Bug spray in the evenings wouldn’t go amiss either.
Location
Coco Shambhala Sindhudurg is located on Bhogave Beach near Malvan, in Maharashtra state. The closest airports are Manohar (1.5 hours' drive) and Dabolim (3 hours' drive) in Goa.
By Air:
There is a new airport in Sindhudurg which has direct flights from Mumbai, while the closest international airport is Manohar Airport in Mopa, a 1.5 hour drive from the resort. Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is the region's main airport, and a 3 hour drive away. Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Staff will collect you from Goa airport for a complimentary transfer.
By Train:
From Mumbai, trains to Kudal take 6-8 hours; from there it's a complimentary 30-minute transfer.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com
More on getting to Goa and getting around
Airports:
- Manohar Airport 80.0 km GOX
- Dabolim Airport 123.0 km GOI
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 0.0 km
- Restaurant 0.0 km