Goa Family Fun: 2BR Suite Awaits Your Crew!
Goa Family Fun: 2BR Suite Awaits Your Crew!
Okay, buckle up buttercups because this review is gonna be less "polished brochure" and more "lived experience rave." We just got back from Goa Family Fun: 2BR Suite Awaits Your Crew! and honestly? It's a mixed bag. Like, a really, really mixed bag. Let's just dive in, shall we?
Goa Family Fun: 2BR Suite – Our Goa Adventure: The Good, The Bad, and The Definitely-Not-Ugly!
(Let's be honest, that title is way better than the official one, right?)
Accessibility: Ugh, okay, here's where things started to wobble. They say they have "facilities for disabled guests." Great! But specifics? Vague. Like, vague enough to make my grandma's dentures float away. We didn't need wheelchair access specifically, but just a heads-up on exactly what's available would have been killer. The elevator was there, thankfully, because hauling luggage (and a whiny pre-teen) up multiple flights of stairs is a special kind of hell.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Again, the promise is there. We didn't personally test this, thankfully, but the info was thin. Someone on a mobility scooter might want to call ahead and double-check.
Wheelchair accessible: See above. I'm just gonna put a little sigh here.
Internet Access: Okay, here's where it gets interesting.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! Except… it kept dropping out. Like, in the middle of a crucial Facetime call with the grandparents (who, by the way, were expecting daily updates and judging our every life choice).
- Internet: Yes.
- Internet [LAN]: Probably in the business center, which felt like a relic from the late 90s. Remember those?
- Internet services: Generic.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Better, but still spotty. Trying to download directions while standing by the pool? Good luck. You might get a better signal from a passing pigeon.
Things to do, ways to relax: Okay, now we're talking! This is where Goa shines.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Didn't try them. Sounded lovely, but I’m more of a “scrawling aggressively through a book” kind of relaxer.
- Fitness center: Yep, there was one. My husband, bless his heart, actually used it. Said it was… adequate. Translation: The equipment was old, but it worked.
- Foot bath: Huh? Didn't see one.
- Gym/fitness: See Fitness Center.
- Massage: Now this was a highlight! I got a massage (needed, after navigating the flight from hell and wrangling the aforementioned pre-teen). The masseuse was amazing. Pure bliss. I nearly drooled. Worth the upcharge.
- Pool with view: Yeah. Gorgeous. Picture perfect. And the kids spent the whole time splashing and screaming. You know, family vacation vibes.
- Sauna/Spa/Spa/sauna/Steamroom: All there! I peaked in the sauna once. Looked… steamy.
- Swimming pool & Swimming pool [outdoor]: One and the same, folks. Sparkling, inviting (in theory). And the kids spent the whole time splashing and screaming. You know, family vacation vibes.
Cleanliness and Safety: I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was crucial.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Hooray!
- Breakfast in room: Nope.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Nope.
- Cashless payment service: Available, thank goodness. Because who carries actual cash anymore?
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, never used.
- First aid kit: Yes.
- Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Literally. At the entrance, in the lobby, outside the restaurant…you get the idea.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Excellent!
- Hygiene certification: Okay, they say they have it, but I couldn’t see it. Kinda made me squint.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Generally, yes. Sometimes. The pool area… not so much.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: I assume.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: No idea. Didn't ask.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully?
- Safe dining setup: Seemed safe enough.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Fingers crossed!
- Shared stationery removed: Good thinking!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed so.
- Sterilizing equipment: Again, assuming.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Food, glorious food!
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, and the menu offered a decent variety.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Not sure about this.
- Asian breakfast: Present.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, lots!
- Bar: YES! And they made a killer mojito. Okay, maybe two. Definitely two.
- Bottle of water: Complimentary, in the rooms, which is a win.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, and a pretty decent one, honestly.
- Breakfast service: See above.
- Buffet in restaurant: Yup. A bit chaotic at times, but again, family vacation.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Good coffee. I am a coffee snob though (my husband would say obsessive).
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious. Too delicious. My waistline weeps.
- Happy hour: Woohoo! Cheap drinks, what more could you ask for?
- International cuisine in restaurant: Also present.
- Poolside bar: See Bar.
- Restaurants: Multiple – good.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Lifesaver after that long flight.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and crisp.
- Snack bar: Yessss.
- Soup in restaurant: Fine.
- Vegetarian restaurant: YES! (My daughter’s a veggie, so this was a lifesaver)
- Western breakfast: Also available.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yessssss.
Services and conveniences: The practical stuff.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep. Thank god.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn't attend any, but I'm sure they have it.
- Business facilities: See Internet [LAN].
- Cash withdrawal: Yep.
- Concierge: Helpful enough.
- Contactless check-in/out: YES! Awesome.
- Convenience store: There’s a tiny one.
- Currency exchange: Available.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent!
- Doorman: Someone to open the door.
- Dry cleaning & Ironing service: Expensive, but available.
- Elevator: See Accessibility.
- Essential condiments: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See Accessibility.
- Food delivery: Not for us.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute, overpriced trinkets.
- Indoor venue for special events / Outdoor venue for special events: They had space, didn’t attend any.
- Invoice provided: Sure did.
- Ironing service: See Dry cleaning.
- Laundry service: Expensive, but available.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities / Meetings / Meeting stationery: Looked like they could do it.
- On-site event hosting: Possible.
- Projector/LED display: Probably, at the meeting stuff.
- Safety deposit boxes: In the room.
- Seminars: Nope.
- Shrine: Didn't see one.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events: See Wi-Fi.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Didn't see this.
For the kids: The real stars of the show.
- Babysitting service: Yes! (Needed!)
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids facilities: Playground, pool…the usual. Everything was pretty standard.
- Kids meal: Yup, there are the usual chicken nuggets and fries.
- Access/CCTV in common areas: Good security.
- CCTV outside property: Yep.
- Check-in/out [express] / Check-in/out [private]:
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Here's a messy, emotional, opinionated, Goa itinerary for Family & Friends Suite 2 BHK Goa, and believe me, this is gonna be less "perfect Insta-vibe" and more "real-life chaos":
GOA WITH THE GANG: A MESSY, LOVING ITINERARY
THE PLAYERS: Let's just say a motley crew of family and friends - the kids (age ranges vary, pray for me), the in-laws (need I say more?), my overly-enthusiastic bestie, and of course, yours truly, the designated planner (aka, the one who's probably going to have a meltdown by day 3).
THE VIBE: Relaxed, chaotic, beachy, hopefully with minimal arguments and maximum memories… and maybe a little too much Kingfisher.
THE SUITE (FAMILY & FRIENDS 2 BHK – I’ll update the details if I get them!) We’re envisioning a place that feels like home… until the kids decorate it with sand and the in-laws rearrange everything. Pray for strong air conditioning.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, BEACH BLISS (AND THE GREAT SANDAL SEARCH)
- Morning (Pre-12 PM): ARRIVAL! Ugh, the airport. ALWAYS a stressful start. Pray the flight is on time. Pray the baggage handlers don't destroy my suitcase. The drive from the airport will be an adventure – try to convince everyone to look outside the car window and appreciate India from the start (before the traffic starts to get to them).
- 12:00 PM: THE SUITE! Unpack, the first time checking if everyone has their favourite essentials, kids start to complain about being hungry.
- 1:30 PM: LUNCH – GOA VIBES BEGIN!
- We're aiming for a quick, yummy lunch near our suite. Preferably somewhere with a sea view and good vibes. Maybe a shack? Fingers crossed for something authentic, not the tourist trap.
- Anecdote: Last time, my aunt tripped over a stray dog on the beach. She yelled. The dog yelped. It was a whole scene. Hopefully this year doesn't start like that.
- 3:00 PM: B E A C H!
- Candolim Beach is the plan. Sunscreen warfare, sand castle construction (inevitably destroyed by a wave within 5 minutes), attempting to get the kids to actually swim instead of just dipping their toes.
- Quirky Observation: Watching a bunch of adults try to build a sandcastle is way more stressful and hilarious than it has any right to be.
- The Great Sandal Search: Someone, always, loses a sandal. It's a Goa tradition. This year's money's on my uncle.
- Candolim Beach is the plan. Sunscreen warfare, sand castle construction (inevitably destroyed by a wave within 5 minutes), attempting to get the kids to actually swim instead of just dipping their toes.
- 7:00 PM: DINNER AT… (TBD, depend on the vibe)
- Seafood? Authentic Goan fare? Somewhere with cocktails? Decisions, decisions… This depends on how much energy everyone has left after the beach. If everyone decides they don't want to go out we can order in.
DAY 2: EXPLORING AND EPIC FAIL (OR TRIUMPH?)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at our Suite:
- Pancakes for the kids, an omelet for the adults.
- 10:00 AM: Fort Aguada Adventure!
- Picturesque views! History! Hopefully, the kids will feign interest for at least 10 minutes.
- Opinionated Language: The Fort better be impressive, otherwise, I'm going to be so annoyed at the traffic getting there.
- (Note to self: pack water. Lots of water.)
- 12:00 PM: Panjim Exploration (or at least, trying to)
- Trying to find the old Portuguese quarter. Pretty buildings, maybe a little shopping… depending on the attention spans and the willingness of the group.
- Messy Structure: Okay, let's be real. This might involve getting lost. It probably will. And someone yelling at someone else for not looking at the map.
- Emotional Reaction: I really hope we can appreciate the architecture. This is where my passion for architecture and street photography truly come out.
- Trying to find the old Portuguese quarter. Pretty buildings, maybe a little shopping… depending on the attention spans and the willingness of the group.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch in Panjim
- Find the most authentic Goan place.
- The Great Food Debate: Someone's going to want only plain pasta. Guaranteed.
- 4:00 PM: Beach Time (Again!)
- Another beach session, this time maybe a different beach. Maybe.
- Anecdote: Last time, we tried to get a family photo on the beach. It ended in a screaming match, a lost camera, and a whole lot of sand in the eyes. Let's try to avoid that this time.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner & Drinks
- Opinionated Language: Something with a view would be amazing. I need my sunset cocktail NOW.
DAY 3: THE WATER SPORTS RUMBLE (AND THE GREAT SUNBURN SAGA)
- Morning (9:00 AM): BREAKFAST!
- 10:00 AM: Water Sports Extravaganza!
- Jet skis, parasailing, banana boats… the works. (Pray no one gets seasick, especially the kids!)
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I AM SO EXCITED about jet skiing! (and secretly terrified).
- Anecdote: Last time, my brother-in-law fell off the jet ski. Spectacularly. Everyone laughed. Except him.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near the water sports area.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Sunburn Saga
- Messy Structure: Someone will get burnt. Guaranteed. Probably me. Constant application of aloe vera and begging people to stay in the shade.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner!
- Opinionated Language: More seafood! More cocktails!
- 8:00 PM: Stroll
- After dinner, a nice walk by the beach should be good to digest everything!
DAY 4: EXPLORATION OF OLD GOA AND SHOPPING SPREE
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at our Suite.
- 10:00 AM: Churches of Old Goa
- We'll be visiting the churches and convents of Old Goa.
- Quirky observation: "I hope everyone brings appropriate clothing for going to the churches."
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- Messy Structure: After a full morning of exploration, lunch at Old Goa.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping spree
- Exploring the local markets for souvenirs, clothes, and other treasures.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner & Relaxing
- Enjoy the evening. Enjoy the sunset and just relax.
DAY 5: LAST CHANCE AND GOODBYE!
- Morning: Breakfast at our Suite.
- 10:00 AM: Last Beach Hopping or Relaxing
- Some last-minute beach time.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 3:00 PM: Packing & Last Memories
- Time to pack up our bags and make sure nothing is left behind.
- 5:00 PM: Drive to the Airport or Departure
- Emotional Reaction: Goodbye Goa! I hope we can come back again.
THE IMPERFECTIONS & RANDOM THOUGHTS:
- The Weather: Pray for sunshine, but be prepared for rain. Goa in monsoon is a whole other experience.
- Transport: We're probably going to mostly rely on hiring a car or using taxis. Getting around can be interesting… and challenging.
- Food: I am so excited for Goan food. I'm already dreaming of the vindaloo and the seafood.
- The Kids: They will test us. They will whine. They will probably misbehave. But they'll be loved, and someday, the memories will be worth it.
- Communication: Someone WILL get lost. Expect it. Accept it. Embrace the chaos.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING:
- Be present. Put down the phones (occasionally). Laugh a lot. Soak it all in. This is about creating memories. Even the messy ones.
Phew! Wish us luck! Goa, here we come! (And bring the ibuprofen.)
Luxury St Albans Living: Alexandra Palace Apartments Await!
Goa Family Fun: 2BR Suite Awaits Your Crew! - Let's Talk Real, Folks.
Okay, the brochure promised "family fun." My kids? They’re *demons*. What's REALLY the vibe?
Alright, let's be honest. "Family fun" in tourism speak often translates to "mildly stressful with a healthy dose of 'we'll never get that back.'" So, the *vibe*? Depends. If you're expecting a perfectly curated Instagram feed of smiles and sunshine, adjust your expectations. Goa is vibrant, chaotic, and utterly charming *because* it’s both. My kids... well, let's just say one thought the pool was a giant, lukewarm toilet bowl the first day. (He got over it, eventually.) The staff were incredibly patient, despite the interpretive dance he performed with his breakfast omelette on day two. So yeah, demons are welcome. Expect the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. Pack extra wet wipes. You'll survive. And hey, you'll have stories! Better than the perfectly-edited vacation, right?
Two-bedroom suite – sounds fancy! Is it cramped? Are we gonna be tripping over each other’s luggage?
Honestly? The suite was… decent. Not palatial, not a shoebox. Think: comfortable. My wife, bless her heart, unpacked everything the second we walked in. It’s a gift and a curse. The bedrooms were a good size – my kids, a tornado and a gentle soul, had room to spread out. The living area's a reasonable size, and the balcony? Essential. Morning coffee, evening beers, staring at the stars trying to remember what day it is... all crucial to sanity. You won't be tripping over luggage, but the kids will probably leave a trail of half-eaten cookies and abandoned toys. That's just the way it is. Don't expect perfection, expect… livable. And that's what matters.
Beach time! What are the beaches like? Are they crowded? Safe for little ones?
Beaches… ah, Goa beaches. They're beautiful, they're bustling, and they're… well, they require a bit of supervision. Some are crowded, with vendors hawking everything from sarongs to jet ski rides. Others are quieter, more secluded. We spent most of our time at [Name of Beach], which was *relatively* calm. The water, though? Be mindful. Waves can be strong, even if they look gentle. My youngest, bless his heart, got swept up in a rogue wave. Scary, yes, but mostly because he thought it was hilarious to be "surfing." We learned to camp out near the lifeguards, keep a hawk eye on the kids, and slather on the sunscreen. Pack those water shoes, too. The sand can get HOT. Oh, and the occasional stray dog? Part of the charm (and the kids will probably try to smuggle one home).
Food! I have picky eaters. What's the deal with the food scene?
The food. This is where things get… varied. Goa has a *fantastic* food scene. Authentic curries, fresh seafood… heaven. But picky eaters? Bless you. My oldest lived on fries and the hotel's bland pasta. The youngest? Anything with sugar in it. The good news? Plenty of options. The hotel almost certainly has a kids' menu (brace yourself). You'll also find restaurants catering to Western palates, so you can usually find something to appease even the most discerning palate. But – and this is important – *encourage* them to try new things. Even a tiny bite of something new is a victory. One day, my daughter, who hated anything "spicy," accidentally ate a piece of vindaloo. Guess what? She loved it! Miracle. Or maybe the fries had finally run their course.
Activities! Aside from the beach, what is there to DO? My kids are attention-deficit dynamos.
Oh, the activities. You’ll need a plan. Beach bumming only lasts so long. We did a spice plantation tour (surprisingly hit, even though I expected eye rolls). We went dolphin watching (worth it, even though the kids were more interested in the boat than the dolphins). There's exploring old Goa, which is fascinating (but hot). You'll probably find a kids' club at the hotel. Use it. Even if it's just for an hour! That hour of peace is GOLD. Don't over-schedule. Build in downtime. And be flexible. If the kids are over it, ditch the plan. Go back to the pool. Have ice cream. That's okay. It's all about managing the chaos (and your own sanity).
Is it *actually* relaxing? Be honest!
Relaxing? That's a loaded question, isn't it? Did I leave feeling completely refreshed and stress-free? No. Did I spend all day lounging by the pool with a cocktail and a good book? Absolutely not. Did I have moments of pure, unadulterated joy watching my kids laugh, play, and discover new things? Absolutely, yes. Goa is a trip, and it’s a trip with kids. Relaxing is achievable, but it's a different kind of relaxing. It's the relaxing of lowered expectations, of embracing the mess, and of finding the joy in the everyday chaos. It’s more about creating memories than achieving nirvana. And honestly? That's enough for me. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just give me a double rum and coke when I get there, okay?
Hidden Gems? Anything you wish you'd known beforehand?
Hidden gems… Okay, this is where I get personal. Number one: Pack more insect repellent. Seriously. Number two: Learn a few basic Konkani phrases (it’s fun, and the locals appreciate it). Number three: Don't be afraid to step outside the tourist bubble. Explore the local markets! The chaos is a sensory overload, but it's a glimpse of authentic Goa. We found this tiny little shack serving the *best* fish curry I’ve ever tasted. Even the kids liked it (miracle number two)! Number four: If you see a coconut cart, stop. Fresh coconut water is a lifesaver in the heat. Be prepared for power outages – they happen. Embrace the imperfection and don't be afraid to wander. That's where the *real* Goa, the memorable Goa, lies. And finally, remember, it's okay to be a tourist. Just… be a respectful one. And tip generously. They deserve it.
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