I had the opportunity to spend an entire day at the youngest new hotel in Goa, last week. The Grand Hyatt has been around for a few years and is fast becoming a much sought after venue for a destination wedding. With its charming Portuguese architecture, it is the perfect place to kick up your feet and enjoy a long weekend.
Photo: Devika Narain
Here is a low down on all that is awesome and not about this hotel.
I loved that almost half the hotel faces and sea and is designed around the beach. The rooms are categorized by Guest Houses and each has a unique view of the property.
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
Each of its restaurants has a matchless ambience. My favourite was the Pool Bar which opens out into the lawns and pool and has an awesome sea food menu to choose from. The Chulha has to win for the most romantic restaurant with its innovative seating.
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
The pool itself is quite a treat, built on multiple levels with the beautiful hotel façade as its backdrop.
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
The Grand Hyatt has one of the most impressive ballrooms in all of Goa- large, with high ceilings and multiple- with two smaller ones on the first floor, a Grand Ballroom on the ground floor which opens into a large pre function and garden and numerous smaller salons, meeting rooms and a wedding studio- all of which make it a perfect venue for a monsoon wedding. The drawback is, you don’t really come to get married in Goa to be stuck in a ballroom!
The hotel follows the no music allowed outside post 10pm policy and has few outdoor venues to offer, unlike its cousin in South Goa- the Park Hyatt. The beautiful garden and pool are not available for private parties and the wedding lawn (which I must add, is gorgeous!) is right in front of guest rooms and a nightmare for event companies who would want to work overnight.
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
However, if you are willing to pay for it, there is the fantastic club house which opens into its own private lawn which overlooks the ancient chapel and beach.
Photo: Devika Narain
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance of try out the food but more of that later!
Photo: Devika Narain
Photo: Devika Narain
For now, I strongly recommend The Grand Hyatt for average sized Indian wedding- the trick is to block as many rooms as you can, so that you have the hotel all to yourself.