Novotel Goa Donna Sylvia Resort
BACKGROUND Donna Sylvia Resort reopened this year on February 27 as Novotel Goa Donna Sylvia Resort after a year-long refurbishment. AccorHotels has partnered with the Alcon Victor Group for its fourth property in Goa after ibis Styles Goa Calangute, Novotel Goa Shrem and Novotel Goa Resort and Spa near Candolim Beach.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Its gabbled roof entrance instantly lends a classic Goa feel to the property. The lobby is open and airy with black and white flooring and spaced out seating. I was welcomed with Portuguese live music and fresh coconut water. I earmarked my bag and was escorted to my room after completing the check-in procedure. Facing the lobby is its expansive pool that I passed and walked on a winding pedestrian pathway surrounded by rooms on each side. Swaying coconut trees, colourful flowers and the occasional statues encompassing Goa’s Portuguese history marked the walk to my Superior room numbered 54 that was housed in a cottage along with another similar room.
WHERE IS IT? In south Goa, by the Cavelossim Beach. The international airport is about 45 minutes away. This is one of the cleanest beaches I’ve visited in Goa, lined with shacks, restaurants and bars.
I could see the Cavelossim Beach from my room and could access it through the hotel’s expansive lawns
ROOMS Accommodation is villa style with a porch attached to each room. I could see the Cavelossim Beach from my room and could access it through the hotel’s expansive lawns. The room is decorated in dark wood, patterned flooring and a piece of art is placed on the headboard. It faces the LCD television, minibar and work desk. A lounger and table was placed beside the window. Charging points beside the bed made it easy for me to power up my phone and laptop at the same time. A wardrobe and safe deposit box are placed inside the marble bathroom with a separate glass shower cubicle. The decor is simple but functional. Wifi is free.
FOOD AND DRINK Seagull is where I had most of my meals including breakfast and bu et-style lunch and dinner. Interactive live counters serve an array of cuisines however, there wasn’t much Goan food on the menu. The chef prepared some fish recheado (traditional Goan preparation) on request, which was quite delicious. Amalia is its bar that’s on the upper level of the lobby. Mama Mia is its poolside grill that serves steaks and fresh seafood by the pool. Kebabs and Kurries is its fine-dining Indian restaurant.
MEETINGS There are four meeting rooms that span 3,200 sqm. The hotel’s lawns are well manicured and make for avant garde meeting spaces with tall coconut trees and grazing seagulls.
LEISURE There is an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and a spa. The hotel organises a host of water sports that include banana boats, jet-skiing and parasailing along with a local company. Bicycles can be hired and there is also an outdoor tennis court.
VERDICT There’s no dearth of hotels in Goa; however Novotel Goa Donna Sylvia Resort is a good option for business trips and family holidays on a budget. Akanksha Maker