The Leela Kempinski

It’s an unusual mix of temple traditions from south India and the definitive design sensibilities of the Portuguese. And there you have it-the leela kempinski, set in a massive 75 acres of gardens and lagoons, with a 12-hole golf course and more importantly, Mobor beach. You’ll have the sands all to yourself here, and it you go further south you can peer jealously at the happy fishing village along River Sal. The royal villas and presidential Suite come with their own personal plunge pools, but if you don’t want to dig so deep into your pocket, you’ll also love the portuguese-themed lagoon suites, which have private terraces to sit and watch the lagoon from.

Dramatically set astride a rock-face and shaded by curving coconut palms, kerala’s largest beachside resort sits coyly between two beaches. Never has the kovalam shoreline looked more beautiful than when you gaze out at, it tanning yourself on the privates sundeck that comes with your beach view room. Or you can choose to surround yourself with coconut groves instead at the sea view rooms, where traditional kerala décor meld with modern comforts and a secluded pool await. Do cocktails over sunsets at the clifftop-perched skybar, where sleek style-a a live tapas kichen does fashionable fusion-meets the sea. Get your chakras in order with Ayurvedic massages at the hotel’s spa, Divya, and follow it up with a lazy swim in the infinity pool, which gently carry you right into the waves.

Tariff Range

Rs. 11,000 for a standard room
Rs. 22,000 for a deluxe room

The Leela Kempinski Goa
Mobor, Cavelossim, Salcete,
Goa
(0832) 287 1234
http://www.theleela.com

Co-ordinates: 15.056210, 73.880310 Nearby Places: Panaji, Mapuca