The Inn Destination – Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Goa

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Goa, Candolim, is set in Goa’s busiest beach belt. Among the few hotels with complete wheelchair access in Goa, it features extensive conference and banquet facilities, ideal for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. The perfect destination for gracious service, corporate retreats and celebrating luxury…  

With its pristine and convenient location near Candolim Beach, we welcome the new Country Inn & Suites by Carlson hotels, previously known as Girasol Beach Resort.

With easy access and in close vicinity to the popular tourist attractions in Goa, guests can enjoy stylish and comfortable rooms with all the luxury needed for an enjoyable stay.

Set on two acres of land, Country Inn and Suites draws its influence in architecture from the Portuguese era. Goan style porticos ensure an original setting and a relaxed aura.

The upmarket property was designed by architect Brian Soares, structured by engineer Raghuvir Salkar with the  interior design by Vikram Khattri. Owner and managing director Harish Navelkar decided to go in for Carlson, a leading global hotel company with over 1000 locations in over 75 countries, which also includes the other well-known brand, Radisson.

The rooms
With a choice of four different categories, there are 96 rooms with all balconies facing the courtyard-like setting of the pool and gardens.

With stylish décor designed to offer comfort, the choices are Standard Superior and Deluxe room or for  more spacious requirements, the Suites which will be completed soon. With its classical yet chic décor and artwork, the hotel exudes a Goan ambience.

The restaurants
With various on-site dining choices, both in-house and non- residential, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine in three different settings. The Mosaic Bar and Restaurant, the all-day diner, serves world cuisines and a variety of exquisite Goan delicacies.

The Lobby Bar is a great setting for an informal gathering and ideal for wine lovers and food aficionados. The Pool Side Barbeque & Bar is the centrepiece of the hotel. Set in the gardens next to the swimming pool, it is a place to enjoy innovative cocktails and inspired cuisine with a relaxing ambience of palm trees with subtle lighting in a tropical setting. Chef  Pravin endeavours to serve delicious authentic food designed to suit every individual’s palate.

The health club
To encourage a healthy balance, the Revive Health Club & Spa boasts of state-of-the-art equipment. The fitness centre is the perfect place to unlock positive energies with a new and refurbished spa nearing completion.

The well maintained swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a separate children’s area completes the perfect setting.

Banqueting & conferences
Country Inn and Suites has a banqueting hall with a capacity of 275 guests in theatre-style seating or it can accommodate 450 guests for social gatherings and official functions.

The hotel’s comprehensive audio-visual technology coupled with its grand banqueting is a sure recipe for the success of any event.

The experience
With its great location, the hotel was easy to find. We were met by a team of friendly staff with a welcoming drink at the entrance-cum-lobby, the pride of the hotel.

Country Inn and Suites is structured in the shape of a courtyard with all rooms facing inwards towards the gardens and pool area, and architecturally, very pleasing to the eye. We were also quite heartened by its complete wheelchair access.

Ensconced in our Superior Room with its classical décor, we were spoilt by the luxury of our setting for the next few days.  With our balcony overlooking the garden, we had a great view of the activities of the whole hotel. During our stay, Chef Pravin was always nearby with recommendations for our meals.

The highlight of our stay was the candle-lit dinner in the beautiful settings of the gardens. Chef Pravin served us a scrumptious healthy balance of antipasti roasted marinated bell pepper salad with melon Carpaccio, tomato basil consommé, grilled chicken scallops with red wine pepper sauce with farm fresh vegetables and a platter of fruit with mint and seasonal mango ice cream.

The Country Inn and Suites along with its dedicated team promises guests an affordable and memorable stay, offering the best of services. Over all, the whole experience was a matchless combination of beauty and serenity.

(Published in the June 2012 issue of Viva Goa)