Goa's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Riviera Hermitage's Secrets!
Goa's Hidden Gem: Riviera Hermitage – My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai beans on the Riviera Hermitage, Goa's "Hidden Gem." And let me tell you, after a week of sun, sand, and questionable decisions, I have opinions. This review isn't going to be some sterile, corporate brochure – it's going to be real. I'm talking warts and all, the good, the bad, and the ridiculously overpriced cocktail I ordered at 3 AM. Let's dive in! #Goa #RivieraHermitage #HiddenGem #TravelReview #IndiaTravel #LuxuryHotel #BeachVacation #GoaHotels
First Impressions & Access (and the Great Wifi Saga!)
Getting to the Riviera Hermitage is a breeze. It's relatively accessible, though, like most of Goa, you'll need to navigate some winding roads. (Pro tip: Grab a car with AC – trust me.) Accessibility for the less mobile? Hmmm, mixed bag. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a plus, and there's a damn elevator. But I didn’t exactly see an army of ramps everywhere.
Now, the Internet… Oh, the Internet. Their boast of "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a bit of a stretch. More like "Free Wi-Fi that sometimes exists and then disappears faster than my willpower near a plate of samosas." We're talking patchy coverage at best. There is also Internet [LAN] in the room, but who carries a LAN cable anymore?! Seriously, the Wi-Fi in public areas wasn’t much better. Prepare to embrace the digital detox… or, like me, spend half your holiday squinting at your phone, muttering obscenities about buffering.
Cleanliness and Safety – Thank God for the Anti-Viral Cleaning!
Look, let's be real, post-pandemic, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. And the Riviera Hermitage delivers here. They've got the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe, which is a HUGE relief. Plus, they were really on top of Hand sanitizers everywhere. The Staff are trained in safety protocol too. Seeing the Daily disinfection in common areas and knowing they use Professional-grade sanitizing services was honestly calming. They've got First aid kit on hand too. And the Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] options were nice. They put me at ease as I walked in.
The Rooms – My Little Beachside Sanctuary (Mostly…)
Okay, the rooms. Mine was lovely. (I'm pretty sure I scored a little upgrade, shhh). Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Additional toilet, Bathroom phone, Bathrobes, Bathtub…all the good stuff. I particularly loved having a balcony to watch the sunset. Blackout curtains are a godsend, especially after a few too many cocktails at the Poolside bar. The Desk, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and the Mini bar were all welcome additions. On-demand movies – yes, please! Safe box? Definitely using that. The Non-smoking policy? Fantastic (although I did catch a whiff of something suspiciously delicious from the balcony next door…). The Soundproofing was solid, so I barely heard the party animals downstairs.
One slight hiccup: the Shower. It’s one of those rainfall types, which are beautiful until you realize the water pressure could barely fill a thimble. I spent half the time trying to rinse the conditioner out of my hair. #FirstWorldProblems, I know. But still. The little things.
Dining - Where the Food Coma Begins (And Sometimes Never Ends)
Food is a huge part of the Goa experience, and the Riviera Hermitage doesn't disappoint, but it also doesn't blow you away. They offer Breakfast [buffet] which is pretty decent – a good mix of Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, and your standard Western breakfast. (They even had decent coffee, thank GOD.) The Restaurants offer a variety of options, from A la carte in restaurant to the Vegetarian restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant is on the menu. I had a fantastic Salad in restaurant one afternoon. They offer Room service [24-hour] which is amazing. I may, or may not, have ordered a pizza at 2 AM. Don’t judge. And the Happy hour at the Poolside bar is a must.
The imperfection, however, is some of the service. One evening, I ordered the soup, and it came out lukewarm. But the staff were incredibly apologetic and replaced it immediately (and gratis!). They also seem to have a wide variety of Desserts in restaurant.
Let's Talk About Relaxation – And My Near-Death Experience in the Sauna
This is where the Riviera Hermitage truly shines. The Spa is divine. Honestly, I think I spent half my trip wandering around in a bathrobe. They've got everything: Body scrub, Body wrap, and every kind of Massage imaginable. And let's talk about that Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view! Just glorious. Floating in the water, staring at the Arabian Sea… pure bliss.
Now, about the Sauna… I love a good sauna. But their sauna? Let's just say, it's HOT. Like, "I'm pretty sure my internal organs are starting to simmer" hot. I started seeing spots. Briefly considered calling for the Doctor/nurse on call . I finally stumbled out, gasping for air, feeling like a deflated balloon. Lesson learned: Pace yourself. Thankfully, their Steamroom, was gentler. I do love a Foot bath.
Things to Do – Beyond the Beach (If You Can Drag Yourself Away)
Okay, so the beach is right there. That's the main thing. But if you're feeling ambitious, the hotel offers a few other options. They have a Fitness center (which I glanced at on my way to the bar). The Gym/fitness is very good to look at, but I skipped it. There are plenty of excursions you can book through the hotel, like sight-seeing. The options are endless.
Services and Conveniences – They've Thought of Almost Everything
The Riviera Hermitage is genuinely well-equipped. They have a Concierge, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Luggage storage. They even offer Cash withdrawal. The Daily housekeeping keeps the place immaculate. Need a souvenir? They have a Gift/souvenir shop. The Front desk [24-hour] is always there to help. They have all the Essential condiments.
Now, the Sales Pitch (Because You Deserve This!)
Okay, enough rambling (for now!). Here’s the deal: The Riviera Hermitage is more than just a hotel. It’s an escape. It’s a chance to shed your responsibilities, soak up the sun, and recharge your soul. Yes, the internet is a bit dodgy. Yes, the shower pressure could be better. But the stunning location, the impeccable cleanliness, the dreamy spa, and the genuinely friendly staff make it all worthwhile.
Here’s the actual offer:
Book your stay at the Riviera Hermitage today and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of chilled Prosecco upon arrival (because you deserve it!) – a perfect way to start your Goa adventure.
- A free 30-minute aromatherapy massage at the spa (because you really deserve it!) – to banish all those work-related stress knots
- A guaranteed upgrade (subject to availability) – because who doesn't love a better view?
- Early bird discounts on bookings made at least 60 days in advance (because planning ahead is totally worth it).
Why wait? Stop scrolling, start dreaming. Goa’s Hidden Gem – the Riviera Hermitage – awaits! Click the link below to book your stay and start packing your bags! You deserve this escape so badly! #BookNow #EscapeToGoa #RivieraHermitageDeals
Byron Bay Beach Houses: Kokos 3 Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to get the real Riviera Hermitage Goa experience, warts and all, in a travel itinerary that's less "precision-timed clockwork" and more "slightly-tipsy afternoon nap on the beach." Don't expect perfect, expect…me.
The Riviera Hermitage Goa: My Imperfectly Perfect Adventure (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Dal Bhat)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coconut Caper
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrive at Dabolim Airport (GOI). Ugh, airports. The universal breeding ground for overpriced coffee and existential dread. The flight was fine, mostly. Survived the screaming toddler (bless her tiny lungs, she's probably having a worse day than me). Pre-booked a transfer – thank God, because navigating Goan taxi chaos while sleep-deprived and cranky is a recipe for disaster.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check into Riviera Hermitage. Holy moly, the view! Instagram-worthy, even with my horrendous photography skills. The room? Decent. Bed's a little…firm. Let's call it "character-building." Unpack, briefly consider actually using the iron (nope), and vow to conquer my jet lag.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Beachfront restaurant at the Hermitage. Immediate regret at not brushing up on my Hindi. Tried to order a "fresh coconut water," gestured wildly, got the gist across…and then, the coconut arrived. Behold, a glorious, ice-cold sphere of deliciousness. DRANK IT. Didn't realize there'd be a whole other meal inside. Struggle with the scooping tool. Humph. That's not how they do it in the movies. Messed up my shirt, get some sand on my feet, decide to embrace the chaos.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach exploration! Walked along the soft sand, the waves were so chill, tried to collect some seashells, was interrupted by a cute dog. Got distracted by the street vendors, bought some ridiculously overpriced sunglasses with sparkly bits. Regret, but, maybe, they will be cute on me.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunset on the beach. Mind. Blown. The pinks, the oranges, the sheer, unadulterated beauty of it all! Almost teared up. Don't judge me.
- Dinner (7:00 PM onwards): Restaurant. Tried to order some seafood. Picked something that looked good, totally misjudged the spice level. Sweating. Eyes watering. Glorious. Ended up loving it. Dal Bhat. My new best friend. Attempted to pay with Google Pay and failed. Swiped my card, it was fine.
Day 2: Exploring the Local Flavor, or My Failed Quest for Inner Peace
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up late, because, jet lag. Grabbed breakfast. Tried the "Goan Pao," which is essentially a fluffy, amazing bread round. Might become addicted.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hired a scooter (nervous laugh). I'm basically a hazard on two wheels. Decided to explore the nearby town but got lost. Twice. Ended up down some dusty lanes, saw some cows chilling in the middle of the road (classic), and felt a moment of pure, unadulterated, "this is Goa" joy.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Found a small, local eatery. The kind of place that looks slightly sketchy but smells amazing. The food was incredible. Seriously, I'm eating better here than I do at home. Asked for a mango lassi. Sweet, creamy, and a near-religious experience.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Attempted a yoga class. Found a beachside teacher, a true wise one. Struggled with the "downward dog". Decided to take a nap under a tree.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Walk, stroll on a busy street. Witnessed some street magic. Bought some spices as a souvenir. Tried and failed to bargain.
- Dinner (7:00 PM onwards): Went to a local restaurant, again. Order the fish curry. Amazing!
Day 3: The Great Anjuna Flea Market Gamble (and the inevitable sunburnt shoulders)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Anjuna Flea Market. Prepare yourselves. It's a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and "buy this, buy this!" Come armed with your best haggling skills, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a strong aversion to anything too sparkly. *Bargained like a seasoned pro…or at least, I *thought* I did.* Ended up with a ridiculously large piece of tie-dye fabric that I'll probably never use.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a little cafe. Had the most delicious iced coffee. The best reward.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Beach time at the secluded Anjuna Beach. Soaked up the sun, and forgot the sunscreen.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunset cruise in a small, rickety boat. The sunset was spectacular, AGAIN. Saw dolphins! Feeling pretty lucky.
- Dinner (7:00 PM onwards): Tried a fancy restaurant. The food was amazing. Met some fellow travelers.
Day 4: Farewell, Goa (and the Promise of Returning)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast at the Hermitage. Slightly sad to leave, but my liver is screaming for a detox. Did a last walk on the beach.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Packed my bags.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Transfer to the airport.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Said goodbye to Goa and promised myself I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is more of a suggestion. Embrace the chaos. Say yes to the unexpected. Eat everything. Drink more than you think you can handle. Get lost. Make friends. And remember, the "perfect" vacation is the one that's perfectly imperfect. Goa isn't about ticking off boxes; it's about letting go and letting the magic wash over you. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally master that downward dog on my next visit.
Bibione Beach Bliss: HUGE Terrace Apartment Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Riviera Hermitage's Secrets! (And Maybe Your Own)
Okay, okay, the Riviera Hermitage... sounds fancy. Is it actually hidden? Like, do I need a treasure map and a machete?
Haha! Not quite that hidden. But let me tell you, finding it felt like stumbling onto a secret. It’s tucked away, that's for sure. No flashing neon signs, no screaming crowds. Google Maps can be your friend, but even with that, consider this a heads-up: I got spectacularly lost the first time. Wandered down a dirt track, asked a local who looked at me like I’d sprouted a second head, and *finally* found it. Embrace the adventure! The payoff is totally worth the detour. Think less 'Indiana Jones' and more 'slightly-clumsy-but-determined tourist'.
What kind of place *is* it? Rustic? Luxurious? Somewhere in between that smells faintly of incense and existential dread?
Oh, the existential dread *is* a vibe, I won't lie. But mostly, it's a beautiful, bohemian mix. Luxurious in its simplicity. Think whitewashed walls, breezy balconies, and views that will actually make you exhale and *feel* your tension melt away. It's not a glitzy mega-resort. There's character! And a lot of charm! It's the kind of place where you can actually *hear* the waves, and the only "room service" is the sweet, salty air. You know?
The food! Tell me about the food! Because let's be honest, that's a HUGE deal, right?
Okay, HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS. The food… is an experience. Forget bland hotel buffets. They source locally, and the dishes are incredible. I'm still dreaming about the grilled prawns. (Seriously, I would go back just for those prawns). But there's more than just seafood! Their Goan curries - oh my GOD, the curries! - are bursting with flavour. And the breakfast… the breakfast is a delightful, messy affair. Forget any pretense of being elegant. You're on vacation! Eat with your hands if you want! Though, a word of warning: the spices... are real. Bring your Pepto-Bismol. (Just kidding… mostly).
Is it family-friendly? I've got kids, and "bohemian" often translates to "nightmare" in my world.
Hmm, that's a good question. I saw some families there, but... honestly? I'd say it's more suited for adults, or families with older kids. It's not a place with a dedicated kids' club or a splash park. It's about relaxation, peace, and quiet. Not a place to unleash your inner screaming toddler, okay? So, consider that.
What's the deal with the beach? It's Goa, so I assume it's *the* thing, right?
Oh, the beach. Now here's where it gets interesting. The Hermitage is right on the beach, and not just *any* beach. It's a beautiful, relatively undeveloped stretch. Golden sand, clear water, and far fewer sunbathers than you’ll find down the main tourist drag. You can actually *relax*! Seriously, I spent an entire afternoon just staring at the waves. Bliss.
**BUT!** And there's always a "but," isn't there? The sea can be a little… lively. Sometimes the waves are perfect for swimming. Other times, they're, well, a bit intimidating. I almost got clobbered by a particularly rogue wave one day. It was hilarious at first, then just… wet. Respect the ocean, people! And maybe check the tide times.
Okay, sounds great... but what's the vibe *really* like? Are we talking yoga retreats and silent meditation or what?
Okay, the vibe... is chilled, but not aggressively so. There are definitely yoga sessions, which I embarrassingly skipped because I’m still trying to touch my toes, but it's not all kale smoothies and chanting. People are generally there to unwind, to enjoy the beauty, and to get away from the usual hustle. You can do as much or as little as you like.
I spent one afternoon just lounging in a hammock with a book (which, BTW, I actually *finished*!), and another evening chatting with some other guests over some drinks. It's what you make it. But I'd say, bring your chill pants. You're gonna need 'em.
And no, not everyone is a super zen yogi. I saw plenty of people enjoying cocktails, talking, and generally being… human.
What are the rooms like? Clean? Cozy? Or "characterful" in the sense of "mildew and questionable plumbing"?
Oh, the rooms! Okay, so the rooms are a highlight. Remember, it's not a sterile, cookie-cutter chain hotel. It's got… well, character. They're clean, airy, and beautifully designed. Think simple elegance. The beds are comfortable. The balconies offer stunning views. I had a balcony right on the beach. It was pure magic. Every morning the sunrise would greet me in the most gorgeous way. I felt like I was literally IN the ocean.
The plumbing worked! (Thank goodness!) You *might* find a tiny, insignificant imperfection, the kind that adds to the charm, honestly. (Like maybe a very slight wobble in the shower head). They're not *perfect*, but they are *perfectly lovely*. And the aircon? It's a lifesaver in the Goa heat.
And the price tag? Am I going to need to remortgage my house to stay there?
Compared to some of the mega-resorts in Goa, the Hermitage is a bit of a bargain. It's not dirt cheap, mind you. It's a comfortable splurge, a treat for yourself. You're paying for the experience, the location, the service, and the overall feeling of peace and tranquility. It's *worth it*. Trust me. I would go back in a heartbeat. I would sell all my possessions to spend a week there. Maybe. (Okay, probably not, but you get the idea).
Anything I should pack that I might not think of? Any insider tips?
