The chaos of everyday life was screaming for some calm, comfort and cocktails. With summer approaching and a family celebration on the horizon, the tropics offered an opportunity to exchange the pace of city life for the slower rhythms of North Goa.
Tucked away in the greenery of one such tropic was Westin Goa. My escape for the onset of summer 2026.
As our car rolled into the hotel’s welcoming driveway, the trickling sound of a landscaped water fountain mingled with the warm tropical breeze, instantly setting a slower pace. The first impression was warmly contemporary. Unlike a conventional hotel lobby, The Westin Goa features an unconventional triple-storey open atrium that feels airy, contemporary, and inviting. Vibrant artistic décor and towering asymmetrical shelving create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere where the staff assisted with the check-in.
The highlight of the hotel is the lobby overlooking a tranquil fish pond with adjacent benches and lotuses stretching out to an elegant balcony bar. This lobby soon became one of my favourite places to simply sit back and relax in the company of the fishes.
The following mornings were entertained with the buffet style breakfasts being a lavish affair. The range of assorted freshly baked goods, classic English grills and traditional spice-infused North and South Indian food made it hard to choose what to begin with. The health-conscious counter where fresh juices, fruits, and yogurts were served was competing with the ice-cream and sugared sauces topped waffles and pancakes counter next to it. The on-table servers made sure that the once ordered favourite beverage was already brewing for all my family members when we arrived at the table.
Lunch, more often than not, was sacrificed to leisurely naps. The afternoons and evenings unfolded at an unhurried pace. Evenings were followed by spa in the Heavenly Spa on day one, the open-air pool on the other and reading on the benches (also next to the fishes).
Dinners were either accommodatingly customized to taste by the hotel’s culinary team or was an order delivered by Sanctuary, a restaurant by Sarah Todd. Rich flavours and careful presentation made each dining experience deeply satisfying. So enjoyable were the offerings that we felt little temptation to venture out to Goa’s many celebrity-endorsed restaurants. The food alone was reason enough to stay in and make one guilty yet careless about adding on a few pounds.
In a world that rarely pauses, the property seemed designed to encourage guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be present with hospitality being at peak. Warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, the staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.
By the end of our four-night, five-day stay, I had achieved exactly what I had hoped for when the journey began: peace.
Sometimes, the greatest luxury is not extravagance, but the chance to disconnect from life’s noise and reconnect with yourself.
The Luxury Journalist 