Just a quick reply just now but any questions on Cavelossim etc. just ask and don't worry the plantations etc. are in central Goa so almost as close to the South as they are to the North....for a quick nosey at a trip based at Luisa have a nosey at http://www.flickr.com/photos/goanjock/sets/72157602342688440/

Your nearest market will be in Margao town - this is an under cover market. You can catch the bus on the opposite side of the road to Gaffinos into Margao. For more up market shopping try the Saga store alongside Gaffinos. Also try Gaffinos restaurant; we did not get there this time but have always had good meals previously!

Regards
Sharon

Thanks both for the Info! -excellent photos GoanJock! did you like the villas at Luisa? - any other info. when you have a minute greaty appreciated - Thanks Nigel

We loved Luisa By The Sea, I think I posted a review in the review section, it's in a great location as well. To be honest we don't really like Gaffino's so have stopped going, restaurant-wise The River View is in a great location though has changed hands this season, to get to it you exit Luisa by a small gate and then just walk down the lane. Be sure to catch a beach party or two when the tables are put on the sand, there are fireworks/fire dancers etc. and after dinner the shack becomes a dance floor, they do try and get you to order special seafood etc. but you can also just order off the normal menu. For dolphin trips try and go on the first one before breakfast as that is when the dolphins are at there most active. I have a good friend who owns a small hotel and also has 6 seater a/c people carrier for going on trips etc. his website is http://www.palmgroveresidencygoa.com and his e mail and mobile numbers are there if you are looking for a good reliable guy for trips. His nam is Laurence and just tell him Goanjock said he's to give you good rates
Any other questions just ask

I was lazy and never did get round to finishing my trip report for our stay at Luisa but here's a taster of what I did post

Well after getting through the airport in the fastest time ever onto the journey which reminds you just why Goa is so magical, driving down the coastal road past Bogmalo, Colva, Benaulim etc, the sights, the colors, the smells, the cows wandering down the street passed the large church at Benaulim/Varca where the local lads on mopeds dressed in there Sunday bests to impress the girls, on passed the Portugese style villa's and then the huts passed the rice fields and onto Carmona and the fish market on the corner. Finally arriving in Cavelossim passed the Palm Grove and the Haathi Mahal where we spent 4 fantastic weeks last year. We then turned right and into Luisa By The Sea did we make the right choice.......? Absolutely !!!! what a tranquil setting so relaxing we are already in Goa mode. We went for a walk down to the beach saying hello to some familiar faces, lunch at Dom's then back to the pool which is 10 yards from our bungalow. Last night (Mrs Jock turned in we don't sleep on planes) so me and Jnr Jock went to the River View sitting on the pontoon, no music just the lapping of the river, as dusk turned to night and the stars made a glow on the river I looked at Freya and thought "How lucky I am, how many father's get to spend such quality time with there 8 year old daughter in such wonderful surroundings?" How lucky I am

Well having an absolutely fantastic time weather is great even though it's a little humid there is a lovely cool breeze and of course cold kingfisher to cool you down. I'll write a full report when I get back Monday was spent chilling by the beach then off to the River View for lunch before heading to the beach (via Jaans and he says a big hi to Gail and Linda) and a dip in the sea which at this time of year is like a warm bath and of course you have to wait until 7pm to enjoy that gorgeous Goan sunset (which means an extra cocktail ) Went to the Palm Grove for dinner and the food was as good as ever (though me and Laurence toasted life with a nice malt whisky I'd brought him) szechuan chicken wasn't on the menu but they made it any way and it will be returning to the menu for next season ). (there may also be another Jnr Rodriguez in time for next season), A few highlights from yesterday, playing cricket on the beach with the locals Jnr Jock hit some great shots and then at sunset as I was diving through the waves I spotted a couple of dolphins break the surface no more than 20 feet from me they then proceeded to do complete somersaults fully out of the water and with sun turning red in the backdrop , it was truly stunning and no more than 20 feet from where I was swimming. Last nights beach party at Dom's was a great night (more in full report) and tomorrow we are off to Benaulim catching the bus

At the River View (which doesn't have anymore tables but is definitely wobblier than last year) for lunch today,tender beef steak marinaded in garlic ginger and lime paste with baked potato and fresh veg for all of 200 rupees gorgeous oh and kingfisher 50 rps There were a couple of guys fishing from the pontoon they said they are not catching much through the day but they went back at 10pm last night and caught some snappers and cat fish.

Wow wow and wow what a fantastic trip so far too many highlights to mention will give full update when we get back (sorry about lack of reports but I used to post early morning at the Haathi last year but the cafe' doesn't open until 9am by which time Mrs and Jnr Jock are up and the daty is beginning) This morning we went up to Margao (dropped Freya at Laurences to play with Anna-Lee) and it is as fantastic as ever, the noise, the traffic, the horns what a buzz it should certainly be called by it's other name MADgaon. We visited the dentist (excellent and more later) then breakfast at Tato's mixed bhaji, puri (puffed pancakes) milky coffee followd by a fresh lime soda. Then off to the warren that is Margao market, I keep expecting a Goan Artful Dodger or Oliver Twist to be ducking and diving through the passage ways. Then off to Longhuino's for a seat by the window a cold drink and a bit of people watching and just watching the world go by, a little more shopping before fitting in a cold beer in the Venice Garden restaurant, it's amazing sitting in a peaceful garden as the madness goes on just on the other side of the wall. A Tuk tuk back which weaves in and out of the Margao traffis going through gaps which I swear aren't there. The driver was crossing/blessing himself everytime he passed a large church I was crossing myself everytime he overtook (joke honest;-) ) Now back at Cavellosim and ready for a relaxing afternoon on the beach we'll watch the sun go down then head back for a shower before going to the beach party at Dom's tonight (It's changed to a Tuesday this season and Dom's has moved from last year too) Heading back to Benaulim tomorrow (Hawaii really is a great shack with a lovely laid back feel to it and a great menu). Spice Plantation elephant wash and Children Walking Tall on Thursday, Friday evening planning going to see the new musical/light fountains in Margao (will report on them when we get back) before going to Laurences house for a meal, Hope to update soon and full report when I get back, Falls/Chandor etc. etc

Mrs and Jnr Jock are having a long lie we danced, talked and laughed at the beach party last night till 0130 a great night and Freya really enjoyed the dancing, fire-works and Dom has two excellent Russian fire-dancers this season.
A quick add on to yesterday's post after leaving the cafe' we went for a dip in the pool before going to the River View for a late lunch as I sat I couldn't help but think this sums upthe magic of Goa, this morning we were in the manic market town of Margao and now we were sitting on the pontoon a couple of local lads were fishing from the wall, a small Goan boy grinning from ear to ear as a small fish got reeled in, a fishing boat was just coming in to port further downstream, there were a couple of kites flying above, that lovely chestnut colour as they tilt there wings and the sun reflects off there backs, the lovely white egrets on the other shore and then as I looked up the river view a kingfisher was just flitting across the water before landing on a rock to eat it's catch the contrasts in Goa truly are wonderful. Oh and the food was fantastic

Thanks for the update sounds fantastic reading that - I can just picture being back in Goa -..... 0nly two weeks next Thursday - cannot wait will make sure I post a report when I get back but not sure it will be as descriptive!!!! - your not a secret travel writer are you

Thanks for the tips ref trips, there are 8 of us going total so we may need two taxi's for any excursions etc.
cheers again!

Nigel

HI
ANYBODY BEEN HERE OR GOIN AT THE SAME TIME WE FLY FROM MANCHESTER ON TH E8TH CANNAT WAIT
AND CAN ANYONE GIVE US A FEW TIPS WHERE TO GO FOR A GOOD NIGHT OUT FOOD AND DRINK AND GOOD ENTERTAINMENT AND ON A FEW GOOD TRIPS
CHEERS MARKANDPAULINE

To the forum MARKANDPAULINE sorry I cant help you as I have never been to the hotel but we have some friends who have went a few times and they love it there ..colleen

Hi Mark&Pauline we were at Cavelossim in Dec , not at the Dona Sylvia but near by at The Hatthi Mahal our 3rd visit.
we stay 2 weeks in Candolim then Cavelossim at the end to crash out,we normally go on Betty,s boat trip
but had a change this time and had an excellent time on Chris cruises we had a super day[book this at Mikes Place]
the meals there are really good to,also try The Goan Village and River Cove both fab have a wonderful holiday
annx to the forum

MARKANDPAULINE welcome to the forums but please don't post with your caps lock on. Many thanks

thanks for that ann would you recommend the elephant trip
cheers

Sorry we have not done the elephant trip so cannot help]
annx

Hi M&P

Cavelossim is only a small place but has some excellent easy to find restaurants which you will enjoy searching out, try the Jazz Inn they often have good entertainment in the way of music one turn is Graham from UB40 the food is very good too, at the back of the Jazz Inn there is another river side restaurant just opened last season can't remember its name they put on Indian dancing and music well worth a visit, further afield is Palm Grove family run excellent food it's on the way out of the village
and Bettys brilliant karoaky night and the food is good their speciality is sizzlers and fish dishes.

Hope you enjoy your visit

Tush

What is the name of the restaurant down the road by the Saga store, on the left before you get to Mike's Place?

Hi Mobor 1

I think it's called Get Down

Tush

Thanks Tush. I don't know how many times I've looked at it, and the name hasn't stuck. Does anyone know if it is any good?

Its not the best but we have never had a bad meal