Paula
No I was on such a high because the visa had come It did not even registar till a bit later. Hubby says he might though.

Hello...

We stayed at the Holiday Inn November 2003. Hotel was fine but we didn't use it for anything more than sleep and breakfast. Had all our evening meals either at local restaurants just outside the hotel or in Cavelossim, lunch at one of the beach shacks. Did a few tours, Anjuna Market, Waterfalls/Monkeys, Spice Plantation, Margao (I didn't like that but hubby did) and (best yet) Betty's Boat Cruise. The boat trip was our favorite, little jaunt looking for dolphins, cruise down the river, wonderful on board bbq of kingfish, garlic prawns etc, drinks included. Great day out. As you come out of the hotel onto the beach, to the left is Mike's Shack. Great pps, great food, good fun.

We're heading back to Goa 7th April, again to Varca Beach but this time we're staying at the Ramada-Caravella. Found a great deal with Thomas Cook months and months ago albeit thanks to an error in their brochure!! Can't wait, can't already taste the fresh fish and don't get me started on the prawns!!! yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Doodle if you go out on the 7th thats the wee before us we fly on the 16th from Manchester monach flight staying at the holiday inn we will defintley do ettys river cruise see you there maye!!!

Hi Nessa

You could very easily see us there whether it be on the river cruise, at the beach shacks or out for an evening meal at one of the local places. I must have been having one of those brain dead moments when I said, "to the left is Mike's". To the right is Mike's Beach Shack, the place to the left is one we frequented regularily and I'm ashamed to say I cannot remember the name of the place!!! How bad is that?!?!?! Can I blame it on my age???

We too are flying with Monarch, out of Gatwick. Last time out we travelled with First Choice and after that experience, we opted for the Premium Cabin upgrade this time around. Don't think it matters who you fly with, cramped is cramped and we decided to pay the extra. Will also do the same next time we fly back to my home country of Canada if we use a charter service!!

Anyway, have a lovely holiday!!

Nessa,

I remember (of course after looking back at photos)!!! It's called Sam's!!!! He also has restaurant in Cavelossim. Well, not right in the village but on the edge. We'd never have found it if not for our taxi driver.

Actually have a few pics on the puter if you want to see any. Not alot mind you, couple of the pool, a few of the beach area. Beautiful beach it is, as you shall see. Pm your email if you like and I'll send them to you.

Deb

Off to Club Mahindra at Varca Beach in 10 days time. First time in Goa. My wife is worried about Security - Malaria - The Weather,pretty much everything really! Any advice for first timers gratefully received. Cheers.

HI,

Apparently you have picked well, I am first timer to South goa in Jan 06, we're staying in benaulim (next beach to Varca) Varca beach is supposed to be gorgeous and my friends stayed at mahindra last year they loved it, staff were excellent and made their stay really special. security I don't think is a problem as the hotel is very good. However I will still put my essentials passport bulk of cash in the safes at the hotel we are staying in. Varca is a more up market beach with less hawkers, I'm sure you will have a great time. as for Malaria some people decide not to take the tablets some people do there is a wealth of information on malaria I suggest doing a search of the threads for the info.

take care
Arl

Hi Jeff
take a look at this thread on malaria
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=23265

and here for weather
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=34031

Thanks very much for info. We both feel a lot happier now. Hopefully it will only rain between midnight and 7.a.m.

Hi, we went to Club Mahindra November 2003 (we were Goa first timers) The hotel is spotless and all the staff friendly and helpful.
You do get hassled on the beach by vendors but just tell them that you will buy on your last day and only one thing and they'll leave you alone.
eat at the shacks outside the hotel. they may look basic but the food is freshly prepared and delicious
Don't miss sunset on the beach - the light is magic
Have a great hols and hope you have enjoy yourselves as much as we did

Hi everyone . I'm hoping to go down south for a week on my next visit to Goa. Does anybody know of any good restaurants and shacks to visit at Varca beach, or, nearby? I'm normally in Candolim, so, this will be a new area for me Any information would be great, thanks

you will love the south , Varca is a great base there is a good store where you can get all your toiletries and sun creams + various other shops and a bank I think , but I cant remember the names of any good restaurants there , not actually stayed there but been to the shops there a lot , but as I said its a great base you will be a short distance by bus or taxi or we actually walked it to Benaulim where Johncy's restaurant is which is very good and we also have htr,s meet ups there on Sundays ,

the next beach after varca is colva which is worth a visit the prices are lower there because a lot of Indians visit and there are lots of great restaurants and good fresh fish , there is a community of fishermen living and working there .

going in the opposite direction from Varca the next beach will be Cavelossim this is our home turf so to speak and the best restaurants in our opinion this season were Mikes Place , The Goan Village and a small one called Coconut Palms run by a lovely lad called Vinney who does the best fish chips and mushy peas we have ever tasted he also does a steak night as well as all the usual indian and goan food.

you must also try a visit to Margao which used to be the capital of Goa and is now the second most important town in goa there are great restaurants to visit in the evenings and great shops and a market to see during the day .

all the places I have mentioned are easy to get to from Varca there is a good frequent bus service for no more than 12 rupees and taxis a couple of pounds or rickshaws / tuc tucs for a bit less than a taxi .

sorry to go on but its not often people want info on the south and I love to talk about goa anita

Try Joecons beach shack in Varca it's nearer benaulim than varca Joecon's also have a big indoor restaurant and it's beautiful, they have live entertainment there and when I went it wasn't karioke style they had african dancers and acrobats. Joecon's indoor restaurant is a bit expensive but well worth the visit. Joecon's beach shack is great they have sunbeds too. a little further up is a hotel call varca le palms beach resort, (ex Resorte de Goa) that's also nice for meal. if you ewant tailors try Diana Tailors and also Diana Jewellry in Varca tell Farook Arlene & Bill Say Hello.

Try Glorias beach shack at Varca for the best Naan Bread, Pereira's restaurant also at Varca outside the Radisson is good with live music most nights.

Just wanted to say thanks to you all for all the information! I think I'll just take a photocopy and take it with me! My brain won't remember all that information in that hot sun Thanks again. Now all I have to do is wait.

The waiting is horrible isnt it Ev But will make you enjoy it all the more when you get there

Go for Mike's Place, really good. Also go on Bettys boat trip, it's brilliant, 750 r's for a great day out on the river, all you can drink, plus a fantastic lunch.

Hi Steve 9 can you tell me more about bettys boat trip please
where do you get it ......how long are you on the boat cus me and boats do not go too well together but if it only a few hours I will go :glynis.....gemma33 ....put this on the list haha

Irishcolleen You took the words from my mouth! I was just going to put a posting in saying the boat trip sounds quite good
Need to find out more info and then add it to the list of things to do!!!!