Hi,

We have also booked with 1st choice flying tomorrow from gatwick and they (and the holiday agent direct holidays) told us two different stories.
1st, we are staying at the Oceanic in Palmern, then it was the Oceanique in Colva. We have now got the info through the post and we are now staying at the Ocenique in Colva, as there is no Oceanic hotel in in the same town. I hope this helps. The strang thing is is that there are no details on google when you type in a search "oceanique and goa or colva"

Lets just get there and worry about it if it comes up!!!

See you on the plane if your flying tomorrow

Having just returned from holiday, I thought I'd update this listing. The Oceanique is 'new' resort located around 300 metres away from the heavily congested beach full of local fisherman. (If anybody has stayed at Longhino's in Colva, the Ocenaique is based around 100 metres away).

We were sold this package as a 3 star resort, but in reality as it stands, I would be inclined to class it as a B&B. We were the first group to stay here and if you are planning to stay at this resort soon, please be warned, building works are still going on as the resort has in my opinion a few months to go before it is actually finished. There is no reception area, no restaurant, a very uneven unsightly lawn area by the pool, an unfinished pool and breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on the lawn as the restaurant area is still under development. However, the rooms are adequate, have AC, a celing fan, TV, fridge, a balcony and the staff are very helpful and and curteous. When finished, the resort should be sold as a 2 star and not 3..

The main Colva Circle is around 3-400 metres (10 mins) walk away where there are many shops and places to eat. There is also a Western Union money transfer shop and an ATM within walking distance. The beach itself gets very crowded on the weekends due to locals, but if you walk a few metres southwards, it does get quieter and there are many shacks with sunbeds available providing you purchase drinks and snacks off them.

If you wish to travel into Margao, the nearest city, the cost of taking a three wheeler is just 70 rupees, and don't worry about getting back, there are many 3 wheelers available in Margao to bring you back. Also, we paid 250 rupees to get to Panjim in a three wheeler rather than a taxi which charges around 1000 rupees onwards.

One last tip, when bargaining always knock 60-70% off the asking price and be prepared to stand your ground, also when buying clothes from the stalls etc, buy during daylight as some faded areas do not show up in the dark so well. Also, if you wish to shop for bedsheets, cushion covers, bags etc, try and visit Anjuna market on Wednesdays as you can buy items cheaper. Best time for bargaining is 3-4pm as they market traders are shutting shop for the day. You can pre book a place on a coach to Anjuna from Colva Circle (150 rupees each return, leaves at 0930 and leaves Anjuna at 4.00 pm) but it is advisable to pre book as these buses do get quite full. much cheaper than a taxi...1100rupees onwards.

Hope this info is useful...if you wish to ask any further questions, please reply to this post and I'll try to answer.

Let me qualify your statement: this resort is so new that it is not finished. The reason I know is that I've just come back from there.

There is building work (still) going on, so please check with your travel agent / tour operator for current status before you book.

Otherwise, be prepared to put up with ongoing building work, poorly-trained stuff (among other things), food coming out of building where work is being carried out, to name a few things.

I am sorry but I cannot recommend this resort at this stage. :-/

I hope they get themselves sorted soon.

Keen_Traveller

PS: I also thought I was going to Hotel Oceanic, Palolem. I was very (negatively) surprised when the bus stopped at Colva!!!

The Hotel Oceanique is finished and I would have no hesitation in rcommending it. We stayed there last Decmber for a week. Had a very comfortable stay.

I personally liked it because it was near to all the action of the fishermen on the beach. Get up early in the mornings and enjoy all that happens there. It beats laying in bed.

there seems to be some confusion, is there still building work going on a the oceanique? can anyone else shed any light on this?
I am hoping to go to goa at the beginning of april and have found a good deal with first choice to stay at this hotel. Should I go for it or look for something else?!

pedrogooners post is a one year on. I would imagine you won't have anything to worry about.

ah yes, so it is!! silly me

so has anyone else been to the Oceanique? Any other info/advice would be appreciated.

also, what is colva itself like?

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/india/goa/colva/oceanique-hotel/

Charlie. Have a decko at the link above-- I wrote a brief review of the Oceanique.

If you got a cheap deal-- my advice is to take it.

As regards 'building work'. It looked all finished to me. OK, First Choice state that it is 3/4 star. I would not agree with that.

If you want to know anything more specific then just ask or send me a PM.

We are going again next week.

cheers pedrogooner! I booked last night, going on 3rd april...can't wait

just a note to say hi to everyone - im new at this forum - i have been to goa for the last 3 years running staying at the heritage village arrisom beach which has been ok. I am going out to goa on feb 28th with first choice from manchester along with my son(20) staying at oceanique in colva. Looking at mixed reviews? any hints/tips about manchester airport/oceanique would be helpfull cheers...party pete

Any questions on the Oceanique then just fire away.

Partypete, you just be on same flight as we are. can't help re colva but be prpared at MCR for shps to be closed and only one bar open. as afr as I can see on the flight departure board there is a flight somewhere at 20.30 and the next is ours at 00.30, so most shops ,restaurants etc will close earlyish.
I know they did last year but that was terminal 1 not 2
del949

thanx for that - i believe flight leaves at 00.30 but not sure wether it is direct or not yet? i will have visa for goa but not sure if you need anything else if there is a stop somewhere? im travelling down from dundee, scotland - where are you coming from del?

I'm traveling from bradford, yorks.
it's supposed to be a direct flight. even if not ,if you land at intermediate airport you get a transit visa, no cost or problem
wifey is planning on putting a sandwich together for us as it can be difficult getting veggie food when most things are closed (maybe take a 4 pack as well )
del949

Del. Are you going 'topless' on the flight? lol

partypete.

The Oceanique is only a short walk to the beach. It will take you past quite a few fisherman's huts-- be prepared for the smell of the fish drying.

Try at least once to get up early and stroll to the beach at about 0645am. Lots of activity etc of the fishermen.

For eats I would recommend the Silver Spoon shack. Straight onto the beach and turn right and it is the second(i think) shack along. They have a red carpet leading into the shack!! Say hello to Menino , the owner and Sheek his number 2. tell them they have been recommended. They will look after you.

Nice to be there about 4.30pm onwards as they put tables out close to the sea in order to watch the sunset. Perfect setting with a 'sundowner' in hand. tandoori chicken and chicken tikka masala to be recommended.

To be fair , I would say most beach shacks are pretty good anyway but we particularly liked the Silver Spoon.

I have also heard that the Sea Pearl restaurant is good also. haven't been myself. Out of hotel and turn left . Instead of walking to the beach turn left at the road juction. it is a short distance along on your left.

Autorickshaws from centre of Colva to Oceanique about 20 to 30m rupees.
Very regular bus service to Margao, Benaulim and Cavalossim. Nice walk to Benaulim along th beach. Colva is mostly an Indian tourist resort with lots visiting from Margao on the week-end. Saturday night was a really nice time.

if you have English food withdrawal symtoms( we didn't) go to Jimmy and Pat's bar up by the main cross roads before the church. it is on your right.
http://www.colvatavern.com. Nice place for a beer and a chat anyway.

BBQ in the Oceanique every Monday evening followed by local dancers etc and a Karaoke in the bar. Good evening. Costs about 300 to 500 rupees depending on what sort of BBQ you choose. Personally we enjoyed the evening but thought the food was very average indeed. Good atmosphere though.

They have added a 'tailors shop' to the hotel and he has a place in margao as well with a web site.

http://www.mir-silk-house.com./mir_silk_house.htm

Anything else, just ask. Have a great time.

Pedro , not topless but maybe legless
del

thanx for that pedro! im getting met at airport by the taxi driver i have had for the last 3 years called tony - i have met his family & we keep in touch - he is priceless when it comes to local knowledge & he is reasonable with his rates. Your sandwiches sound good! wot time you at terminal? regards pp

Could we keep this to talk about the hotel please. Perhaps you could pm one another?