Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada

As a solo traveler, this was my first trip to India. It was also my first solo getaway. I chose Vivanta hotel because of its tight security. I was SO impressed with how well-maintained this property was and how safe I felt the entire time I was there. I LOVED the Jiva Spa and spent every day either getting a massage or taking a private Yoga class. I appreciated the free breakfast included in my hotel fees and also the complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. I HIGHLY recommend this hotel and believe it's perfect for any female traveling solo.

There isn't the option to do so, but we would rate this hotel four and three quarters out of five! We thoroughly enjoyed our three day break here. The welcome on arrival and subsequent check-in procedure was a delight! Our room was as expected and had pleasant views, although from what I saw, I think all the rooms in this hotel have good views. We ate in the Fish restaurant and also the Italian restaurant and the service and quality of food in both were excellent. We loved the situation of this hotel, but were a little disappointed in the beach, which was quite small and mostly very busy, with lots of locally organised boat rides, etc. We didn't spend a great deal of time on the beach, as the sun loungers (and hammocks) available at the hotel were very comfortable and offered great views of the sea. Also we were very well looked after by the poolside staff, who couldn't do enough to help and who deserve a special mention. The outdoor bar is a very pleasant place to sit and also offers great views, as well as a first class selection of cocktails! I would rate our experience there as 4 out of 5, as it was sometimes difficult to catch the attention of the waiting staff (who in some cases seemed to have their own favourite customers). Our particular package at this hotel offered a discount on any food and drink we charged to our room bill. When we clarified this with the hotel reception, shortly after our arrival, they knew nothing about it and the onus was on us to contact the booking agents (who were very helpful) to resolve the situation. Although we were given the discount we were entitled to, I felt that the hotel reception staff should have been more pro-active in resolving the situation. If it wasn't for the slightly negative experiences with the reception staff and some of the outdoor bar staff, we would have rated this hotel a 5. We have already completed feedback directly to the hotel, and it is reassuring that they acknowledged our feedback very swiftly and had clearly read our comments. We would certainly recommend this hotel and would stay here again if we are lucky enough to find ourselves in Goa in future.

Vacation

This place is gorgeous. It's behind a gate, so if you go, you'll be spending most of your time at the resort, or on the sightseeing excursions they offer (there's also a shuttle to the nearby Taj Holiday Village, which has golf and other amenities you are free to use, as the two hotels are run by the same company -- I thought the Taj Holiday Village was more for people with kids, and Fort Aguada was much more beautiful and adult). Fort Aguada (google it!) is built near a giant Portuguese stone fortress that you can walk and climb on. The cottage rooms are exquisite, and have hammocks out front (literally strung between palm trees!) I really loved the combination of historical features with a beautiful modern resort. The place has three restaurants, all of which were pretty incredible, although pricey (I'm a New Yorker, and I kept converting the currency in my head and thinking, "Wow, those are New York prices, almost!") The lentil and crab soup, with buttered naan, at the seafood restaurant was one of the best things I've eaten in my life. Even a simple Goan vegetable curry with peas and mushrooms at Latitudes, the multi-cuisine restaurant, was amazing. The breakfast buffet includes dosa, iddly, and all kinds of interesting new things, although with Western standards. I did have a bit of trouble with my coffee habit (they're not really experts with cappuccino) and my alcohol preferences (specify that you want *European* wine, trust me), but who needs to be highly caffeinated in a tropical paradise? I was skeptical of the Italian place (good Italian in an Indian hotel?), but that, too, was well up to my NYC standards (I had the seafood soup and the pasta carbonara). The spa was very peaceful and in a beautiful Zen-like garden area. The pool overlooks the ocean and the fort, and a beach house/bar right next to the pool was very enjoyable. Most of the people there were Indian couples, many with kids, but the place didn't feel overrun by kids at all -- I found it adult, peaceful, and elegant. Enjoy!

We used this as a "chill out" after a tiring "golden triangle" trip to Delhi, Jaipur, Agra & Varanasi and we found the hotel was a good place to relax. Unfortunately, we had to travel in May and the heat and humidity were a problem but that is not the hotel's fault! Air-con in the room was excellent. A good choice of food in the restaurant. Staff very helpful and courteous. Overall a good stay.

I went to Maripusa Market, drove to shrines and churches and really got to see part of the island for my one day of sight seeing. As a single traveler I felt safe (as a woman), hotel very helpful for suggestions for dinner, for sight seeing and helping me read and relax! Very friendly

Spent a relaxing week at this wonderful property. Its location at the north end of Goa is ideal if you want to just relax although it's easy to get anywhere else. Staff at this hotel were really first rate. We got to know several of the wait staff in the main restaurant and they were delightful. Atmosphere is super friendly yet efficient. Only problem we encountered was with their internet service - had heavy rains just before we arrived and service was a bit sketchy. And expensive as all internet service is in India for some reason. The resort is really beautiful, rooms are spacious, nearby beaches wonderful. Could not have been happier.