Where Slow Goa Still Exists. As DAG India celebrates its first anniversary, we return to South Goa, where Coconut Grove offers a boutique escape defined by tropical charm, heartfelt hospitality and the luxury of slowing down.

Goa has always been a destination of contrasts. One side thrives on beach clubs, bustling cafés and nights that refuse to end, while the other reveals itself at a gentler pace, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the tide, mornings begin with rustling coconut palms, and sunsets become the day’s only agenda.

It is this quieter side of Goa that continues to draw me back, not merely as a traveller but as someone who has come to associate the state with some of DAG India’s most memorable journeys.

This visit had already begun as a work-and-leisure trip in North Goa when an unexpected call from our Ed changed the itinerary altogether. While I was wrapping up one assignment, the rest of the DAG India team was already making its way from Pune towards South Goa.

Another destination awaited us, one that would become part of our first anniversary celebrations and, as it turned out, another memorable chapter in our growing collection of travel stories.

Hidden amidst swaying coconut palms and tucked away just a short walk from Betalbatim Beach, Coconut Grove immediately felt different. There was no dramatic entrance, no towering façade trying to command attention and no overwhelming sense of scale.

Instead, the resort welcomed us with something far more appealing, an atmosphere that felt calm, intimate and unmistakably Goan.

In an era where many luxury resorts attempt to impress through size alone, Coconut Grove takes an entirely different approach. It embraces simplicity.

Portuguese-inspired villa-style buildings sit comfortably amongst manicured gardens, open courtyards and winding pathways that invite guests to slow their pace before they have even reached their rooms.

The property’s scale encourages familiarity rather than anonymity, making it feel less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a private coastal retreat.

That first impression would go on to define the rest of our stay.

THE LOCALE

Every memorable holiday begins with the right location, and Coconut Grove enjoys one of South Goa’s finest addresses.

Nestled in Betalbatim, a peaceful coastal village that has retained much of its old-world charm, the resort strikes an enviable balance between accessibility and seclusion. Dabolim Airport is approximately twenty-five kilometres away, while Margao Railway Station lies barely eight kilometres from the property, making the journey remarkably convenient regardless of how you choose to arrive in Goa.

Our own arrival highlighted this advantage perfectly.

Travelling from Morjim in North Goa during the early evening meant negotiating regular traffic, stretching my drive to almost ninety minutes. The rest of our team, however, who had flown directly into Goa before making their way to the resort, completed the journey in barely thirty-five minutes.

It was a subtle reminder that while South Goa often feels worlds away from the state’s busier northern coastline, it remains surprisingly easy to reach.

The final stretch towards Coconut Grove gradually leaves behind the bustle of highways and enters a landscape that immediately begins slowing the pace of travel. Quiet village roads lined with Portuguese homes, roadside chapels, local cafés and endless coconut plantations gently replace commercial developments, announcing your arrival into a very different side of Goa.

The resort’s location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of South Goa. Colva, Benaulim and Majorda are all within a comfortable driving distance, while Margao offers bustling local markets, cafés and shopping opportunities for travellers seeking a more authentic slice of Goan life.

Those interested in local handicrafts will particularly enjoy exploring nearby Benaulim, whose artisan markets remain among the region’s hidden gems.

Yet perhaps Coconut Grove’s greatest advantage is also its simplest.

Betalbatim Beach lies barely a three-minute walk from the resort.

There are no shuttle services to wait for or lengthy drives between your room and the sea. Instead, a shaded pathway lined with tropical greenery gradually leads you towards one of South Goa’s most peaceful beaches, making spontaneous sunrise walks and evening strolls wonderfully effortless.

WARM WELCOME

I’ve always believed that the first few minutes at any hotel often shape the rest of the stay. No matter how impressive the rooms or facilities may be, a rushed check-in or impersonal welcome has a way of lingering in memory.

Fortunately, Coconut Grove understands the importance of first impressions.

As our team arrived, one detail immediately stood out. Although we were visiting the resort for an editorial feature, the staff made no distinction between the guests arriving alongside us and us.

Everyone received the same courteous greeting, the same refreshing welcome drink and the same efficient check-in process. In an age where preferential treatment for media visits has become increasingly common, that consistency was genuinely refreshing.

Formalities were completed smoothly without unnecessary delays, allowing us to settle into holiday mode almost immediately.

The reception area itself reflects the resort’s personality: comfortable rather than extravagant, warm rather than overly formal.

The twenty-four-hour front office and concierge further enhance the experience by assisting guests with airport transfers, sightseeing recommendations, transportation, local experiences and general travel planning.

Whether arranging a taxi into Margao or suggesting places worth visiting nearby, the team remains approachable without ever becoming intrusive.

Unlike larger chain hotels where interactions often feel transactional, Coconut Grove benefits immensely from its boutique scale. Conversations feel more personal, requests are handled with genuine attentiveness, and guests are never reduced to just another room number.

It is a small difference, but one that quietly elevates the overall experience.

TROPICAL RETREAT

Beyond the reception lies what is perhaps Coconut Grove’s greatest strength. The property hasn’t been built around nature. It has been built with nature.

The moment you begin exploring the grounds, it becomes evident that the architecture has been designed to complement rather than compete with its surroundings. Towering coconut palms provide natural shade across landscaped gardens, flowering plants soften every pathway, and open spaces allow the sea breeze to move freely throughout the resort.

Scattered across the property are subtle reminders of Goa’s colonial heritage, from carefully chosen artefacts to architectural details that quietly reference the state’s Portuguese past. One particularly thoughtful addition is the small Ganpati temple positioned near the reception.

Much like countless Indian households that begin every important journey by seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, the temple lends the property a familiar sense of warmth before guests venture further inside.

The villa-inspired layout replaces enclosed corridors with open walkways that connect different parts of the resort through tropical gardens. Instead of rushing from one facility to another, guests naturally find themselves slowing down, pausing beneath the shade of coconut trees or simply appreciating the peaceful surroundings.

For our team, carrying cameras and production equipment across the property unexpectedly became one of the more enjoyable parts of the assignment. Every corner seemed to present another photographic opportunity.

Whether it was sunlight filtering through the palms, reflections dancing across the pool or colourful tropical blooms framing the villas, Coconut Grove rarely demanded effort to look beautiful.

At the heart of the property sits the swimming pool, undoubtedly its social centre during the day. Surrounded by spacious cabanas and comfortable loungers, it caters equally well to leisurely swims, afternoon reading sessions or simply doing nothing at all.

More than once, our photography schedule stretched beyond what we had originally planned, not because we were running behind, but because the setting itself encouraged us to stay a little longer.

Reliable complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property also proved invaluable during our stay. Between transferring hundreds of photographs, coordinating edits with our editorial team back in Pune, and keeping our social media schedule on track, connectivity remained consistently dependable, without ever disrupting the relaxed atmosphere around us.

There is an honesty to Coconut Grove’s design philosophy that becomes increasingly apparent with every passing hour. It doesn’t rely on grand statements or extravagant architecture. Instead, it quietly reminds guests that sometimes the greatest luxury is simply being surrounded by nature.

VILLA LIVING

Accommodation is often the truest reflection of a property’s personality. While impressive lobbies and landscaped gardens create strong first impressions, the room is where guests ultimately spend the most time, making comfort, functionality and ambience far more important than extravagant décor.

Coconut Grove understands this balance remarkably well.

Instead of rising vertically with endless floors of identical rooms, the resort embraces a more intimate villa-style layout spread across just two levels. The architecture blends seamlessly into the tropical landscape, creating a sense of privacy that’s often missing in larger beach resorts.

The low-rise buildings, connected by garden pathways and shaded walkways, make the entire property feel more like a peaceful residential retreat than a conventional hotel.

The accommodation portfolio comprises Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Super Deluxe Rooms, Twin-Sharing Rooms, and an exclusive Villa, each catering to a different style of traveller.

Our production crew settled into the Deluxe Rooms, and it didn’t take long to understand why they remain among the resort’s most sought-after categories. Spacious enough for short getaways yet thoughtfully planned for longer holidays, the rooms offer contemporary comforts without compromising the property’s relaxed character.

Warm interiors, ample natural light, comfortable bedding and views overlooking the gardens create an environment that immediately encourages guests to unwind.

Having just completed another assignment before reaching South Goa, I arrived with considerably more luggage than I had initially planned. Between my own equipment and an additional set of bags that the team had carried from Pune, the Super Deluxe Room quickly became the obvious choice.

Thankfully, it proved to be much more than simply a larger room.

The additional space transformed everyday convenience into genuine comfort. There was enough room to unpack without clutter, organise camera equipment, work comfortably on photographs, and still enjoy the room without feeling confined.

Large windows let in plenty of daylight, while the thoughtful layout created an airy atmosphere that made returning after long shooting days genuinely refreshing.

Sometimes luxury isn’t defined by expensive furnishings. Sometimes it’s simply having enough space to breathe.

The Twin Sharing Rooms, meanwhile, found their ideal occupants almost immediately. Our interns wasted absolutely no time claiming them.

It was their first travel assignment with DAG India and, unsurprisingly, the room itself rarely held their attention for very long. Cameras were picked up almost as quickly as the room keys, and before sunset they had already disappeared towards Betalbatim Beach with plans that involved photography, laughter and the occasional chilled beer overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Watching their excitement was perhaps a reminder of why travel remains so rewarding. Every assignment is somebody’s first.

Across every room category, however, one thing remained remarkably consistent. Coconut Grove doesn’t attempt to overwhelm guests through excessive luxury or flashy interiors. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals absolutely right.

Comfortable mattresses, efficient air conditioning, clean bathrooms, practical furniture and well-maintained spaces create accommodation that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.

There was only one room category we couldn’t fully experience. The property’s exclusive Villa was occupied by members of the resort’s senior management during their scheduled visit, limiting us to a brief walkthrough while photographing the interiors.

Even during those few minutes, however, it became evident that the Villa offers a noticeably more premium experience. With generous living spaces and apartment-style planning, it appears perfectly suited for larger families, extended holidays or groups travelling together.

If that’s the experience you’re after, it would be wise to enquire directly with the property before planning your trip, as availability understandably remains limited.

For everyone else, though, Coconut Grove’s existing room categories already deliver exactly what most travellers come to South Goa seeking: comfort, privacy and the reassuring feeling of returning to a room that feels more like home than a hotel.

BEYOND COMFORT

Boutique resorts often focus heavily on aesthetics while overlooking the facilities that genuinely enhance a guest’s stay. Coconut Grove, however, quietly manages to strike a thoughtful balance between leisure, wellness and practicality.

At the centre of the resort lies its inviting swimming pool, arguably the liveliest corner of the property during daylight hours. Framed by tropical landscaping, spacious cabanas and comfortable loungers, it effortlessly becomes a gathering point for families, couples and groups alike.

Some guests preferred soaking up the afternoon sun with a book in hand, while others alternated between the pool and nearby Betalbatim Beach. Our schedule, unsurprisingly, revolved around cameras, but even then, the pool repeatedly tempted us to extend breaks beyond what was originally planned.

It possesses the kind of atmosphere that gently convinces you there is absolutely no reason to hurry.

Guests looking to slow down even further can head towards the property’s wellness facilities. The in-house spa complements the resort’s relaxed personality beautifully, offering treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind after long sightseeing days or simply as an indulgence during an otherwise leisurely holiday. Whether choosing a traditional massage or a wellness therapy, the experience aligns perfectly with the slower rhythm that defines South Goa.

One particularly thoughtful addition is Coconut Grove’s culinary experience, allowing guests to go beyond simply tasting Goan cuisine and learn to prepare it alongside the resort’s chefs. From understanding local ingredients to recreating traditional recipes, the experience offers travellers something far more memorable than another restaurant meal.

Interestingly, Coconut Grove also caters remarkably well to business travellers. Its fully equipped conference facility accommodates up to eighty delegates in a theatre-style configuration while offering high-speed internet, modern presentation equipment and a balcony overlooking lush coconut groves.

It’s difficult to imagine a more pleasant setting for a corporate workshop, training programme or strategy meeting.

The adjoining banquet hall further expands the property’s versatility, comfortably hosting everything from birthdays and anniversaries to conferences, private celebrations and corporate gatherings.

Supporting these larger facilities are the conveniences that often make the biggest difference during a stay. Airport transfers. Car hire. Sightseeing assistance. Twenty-four-hour concierge services. Ample parking. Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi.

Coconut Grove may not boast the longest list of amenities in Goa, but every facility feels carefully considered rather than added simply to fill a brochure.

And that restraint, much like the rest of the property, ultimately works in its favour.

TABLE TALK

Travel introduces us to destinations. Food introduces us to cultures.

Goa has long been celebrated for its rich culinary heritage, and Coconut Grove embraces that diversity by presenting a menu that comfortably balances authentic regional flavours with familiar international favourites.

Mornings begin with an elaborate breakfast buffet that immediately sets the tone for the day. Fresh fruits, cereals, Indian classics, South Indian favourites, baked selections, eggs prepared to order, and continental staples together create a spread that caters to almost every palate.

Whether you’re someone who enjoys a light breakfast before heading to the beach or believes the first meal of the day should be the most indulgent, the restaurant ensures there is little reason to leave hungry.

For us, after days filled with travelling, photography and the occasional late evening conversation, breakfast became something we genuinely looked forward to each morning.

Lunch and dinner transition into an à la carte format, allowing guests to explore a menu that reflects both Goa’s multicultural influences and broader international tastes.

Fresh seafood naturally takes centre stage, accompanied by authentic Goan preparations that celebrate the state’s coastal identity. Alongside these sit comforting Indian favourites, Asian dishes and classic pasta selections, ensuring enough variety even for guests staying several days.

There is, however, one observation that deserves an honest mention.

Service during lunch and dinner was noticeably slower than expected. Meals consistently took longer to arrive, particularly during busier dining hours. While the quality of the food itself justified the wait, guests dining at the restaurant would be wise to place their orders a little in advance or simply embrace the slower pace by enjoying a relaxed walk around the property while the kitchen prepares the meal.

During our stay, this appeared to be largely due to a relatively compact kitchen team rather than any lack of intent or hospitality. It is also the sort of refinement that naturally improves with time as operations evolve.

Importantly, the waiting time never translated into compromised quality. If anything, the freshly prepared dishes reinforced the impression that the kitchen preferred taking a little longer over serving something hurriedly.

One small enhancement that would further elevate the experience would be a dedicated in-room dining menu. Although meals can certainly be enjoyed inside the rooms, the current process requires guests to place orders directly with the restaurant before collecting them. It’s by no means inconvenient, but introducing a more structured room service system would make an already pleasant stay even more seamless.

For those celebrating a special occasion, Coconut Grove also curates personalised dining experiences beside the pool or in specially arranged outdoor settings. These intimate meals beautifully complement the property’s boutique character, transforming an ordinary dinner into something considerably more memorable.

Ultimately, dining at Coconut Grove reflects the resort’s philosophy. Nothing feels rushed. Everything encourages you to slow down. And perhaps that’s exactly how a holiday in South Goa should be.

LIQUID EVENINGS

There is something rather special about evenings in South Goa. Unlike the vibrant energy that defines much of North Goa after sunset, the southern coastline chooses a different rhythm altogether. Here, evenings aren’t measured by loud music or crowded beach clubs. They unfold gradually, almost effortlessly, allowing travellers to slow down with the setting sun.

Coconut Grove embraces that philosophy beautifully. As daylight begins to fade, the resort takes on an entirely different personality. The swimming pool reflects the warm hues of the evening sky, pathways glow under soft ambient lighting and conversations gradually replace the bustle of the day. It’s a subtle transition, yet one that quietly reminds guests they are exactly where they should be.

Occupying a prime position beside the pool is the resort’s open-air Tequila Bar, an inviting space that perfectly complements the property’s relaxed atmosphere. There are no extravagant mixology theatrics here, just well-crafted cocktails, an impressive selection of international wines, draught beers and premium spirits served in an environment where nobody seems to be in a hurry.

Whether you’re celebrating the beginning of a holiday or simply unwinding after a day exploring South Goa, the bar naturally becomes one of the resort’s most enjoyable gathering spaces.

Our evenings rarely followed a fixed plan. Sometimes they began beside the pool. Sometimes they ended on the beach. Occasionally, they stretched long enough for both.

And perhaps that spontaneity became one of the most enjoyable aspects of the stay.

Beyond the bar, Coconut Grove offers lounge spaces that cater to different moods. Some guests choose to remain by the pool, while others migrate towards quieter corners where uninterrupted conversations continue well into the night.

It is this understated approach that ultimately defines the property. Rather than attempting to entertain guests every minute of the evening, Coconut Grove simply creates spaces where good company becomes the entertainment itself. For many, that may well be the more memorable luxury.

BEACH WALKS

Every resort has one defining feature. For some, it’s an extraordinary swimming pool. For others, it’s a world-class spa or a celebrated restaurant.

At Coconut Grove, however, the greatest luxury lies beyond its gates. Barely three hundred and fifty metres away sits Betalbatim Beach, one of South Goa’s most peaceful stretches of coastline and, without question, the property’s finest companion.

The walk itself is part of the experience. Leaving the resort behind, a shaded pathway gradually opens towards the Arabian Sea, the sound of crashing waves growing louder with every step until the coastline finally reveals itself. There are no elaborate entrances or commercial distractions announcing your arrival, only an uninterrupted horizon waiting patiently beyond the palms.

Unlike several beaches across Goa that have gradually surrendered to commercialisation, Betalbatim continues to preserve something increasingly rare. Silence. Or at least, the closest version of it the coastline can offer.

The beach stretches endlessly in either direction, inviting long walks without interruption. Couples stroll hand in hand, children build sandcastles near the shoreline, and the occasional fisherman quietly prepares for another evening at sea. There is movement everywhere, yet nothing ever feels rushed.

For our team, it quickly became more than just another photography location. It became our pause button.

Between shooting schedules, meetings and endless conversations about layouts for the anniversary issue, we often found ourselves returning to the beach simply because it offered something no itinerary ever can: perspective.

One evening, as the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon, cameras that had been working all day tirelessly were quietly lowered. Nobody asked for a photograph. Nobody suggested another angle. For a few minutes, everyone simply watched.

The Arabian Sea reflected shades of orange, pink and deep violet as the sky gradually surrendered to dusk, reminding us that some moments are better experienced than documented.

That, perhaps, is Betalbatim’s greatest gift. It encourages you to stop trying to capture every moment and simply live it instead. For anyone escaping the relentless pace of city life, that feeling alone justifies the journey.

OUR TAKE

Boutique resorts are often judged against standards they were never trying to achieve. They aren’t built to compete with sprawling luxury hotels that offer endless attractions within their grounds. Nor are they designed to overwhelm guests through sheer scale.

Coconut Grove understands this remarkably well. Rather than chasing extravagance, it focuses on delivering something far more meaningful—a stay rooted in comfort, authenticity and genuine Goan hospitality.

Its greatest strengths aren’t hidden behind grand architecture or lavish interiors. They reveal themselves gradually through thoughtful details. The warmth of the welcome. The intimacy of its villa-style accommodation. Landscaped gardens that encourage leisurely walks instead of hurried shortcuts. Evenings spent beside the pool rather than inside crowded lounges. And, above all, the privilege of having one of South Goa’s most peaceful beaches only a few minutes away.

The resort certainly isn’t without opportunities for improvement. Faster restaurant service during peak meal hours and a more streamlined in-room dining experience would elevate an already enjoyable stay. Yet these observations never overshadow what Coconut Grove consistently delivers well. In fact, acknowledging them only reinforces the credibility of an experience that otherwise remains overwhelmingly positive.

Perhaps the property’s biggest surprise, however, lies in the value it offers.

With room rates starting at around ₹2,700 per night, depending on the season and accommodation category, Coconut Grove offers an experience that feels remarkably honest in today’s hospitality landscape. At a time when beach holidays can quickly become prohibitively expensive, finding a resort that balances comfort, location and hospitality without demanding an extravagant budget feels increasingly refreshing.

It is equally suited to honeymooners seeking privacy, families planning a relaxed coastal holiday, small corporate groups combining work with leisure or even solo travellers hoping to experience a quieter side of Goa.

But long after the rooms have been checked out, the photographs edited and the drive back home has begun, it isn’t the swimming pool, the architecture or even the beautifully maintained gardens that remain strongest in memory.

Instead, it is a feeling. The feeling of slowing down. Of waking up to birdsong instead of traffic. Of walking to the beach without checking the time. Of allowing conversations to last longer than schedules usually permit.

Some properties are remembered for their opulence. Some for impeccable service. Some for spectacular locations.

Coconut Grove will be remembered for reminding us that the finest luxury isn’t found in excess. It’s found in simplicity.

As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, I realised that South Goa has quietly become much more than another destination on DAG India’s editorial calendar. Over the years, it has transformed into a place we instinctively return to whenever we wish to rediscover the Goa that existed long before crowded itineraries and endless checklists became the norm.

This anniversary journey simply introduced us to another address we’ll happily return to. Long after the bags are packed, and the drive back home begins, it isn’t the room, the pool or even the beach that stays with you. It’s the feeling of having slowed down. And in a world that’s constantly asking us to move faster, perhaps that’s the finest luxury Coconut Grove has to offer.

IMAGES

Images: Sachin Kawankar