Uncover Goa's Hidden Gem: The Olive Nest Awaits!
Uncover Goa's Hidden Gem: The Olive Nest Awaits! – A Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the olive oil-drenched embrace of The Olive Nest in Goa. Forget picture-perfect brochures; this is the real deal, the messy, sun-kissed truth. I just got back, and my tan lines are still screaming, so let's get into it… imperfections and all!
Accessibility: Navigating the Goa Glamour (and the Occasional Cobblestone)
Okay, Goa. Let's be real, the word "accessible" sometimes translates to "well, sort of." The Olive Nest, thankfully, aims higher. (Facilities for disabled guests) are definitely on the radar, which is HUGE. Elevators? Check. Now, I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did see them putting extra effort into smooth paths where possible. Now, navigating Goa itself… that's a different story. The roads can be a bit… let's say "rustic." Airport transfer is practically mandatory; don't even think about trying to haul your luggage after a long flight. And a car park [free of charge] is a blessing because parking around Goa can be a competitive sport.
The Grub: From Breakfast Bliss to Late-Night Munchies (and Maybe a Slightly Overcooked Egg)
Food! The sacred reason for travel, right? The Olive Nest takes it seriously, and I'm here for it. Restaurants, plural! And a poolside bar? Genius!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ahhh, the buffet. My happy place. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast options, everything in between. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver, especially after a late night. Now, I'm just gonna be honest… there was one morning the scrambled eggs were slightly overcooked. But hey, look, breakfast service was prompt, and the sheer variety was amazing. They even had those little pots of yogurt with granola… pure heaven.
- A la carte in restaurant: Dinner was a whole different ballgame. International cuisine in restaurant meant I could pretend I was somewhere other than Goa while I devoured a perfectly cooked steak. The salads were seriously good (Salad in restaurant), and they had a vegetarian restaurant option, which, as a sometimes-veg eater, I appreciated. Desserts in restaurant? Don’t even get me started. Let’s just say I left a slightly wider person.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is hotel perfection. Midnight craving? No problem! Though, pro-tip: order the burger. Just trust me.
- Snack bar: Essential for poolside lounging. I might have spent a whole afternoon getting a tan and eating chips. What?
- Lunch and Dinner Options: While there are many restaurants, I did find that they have some alternative meal arrangement, which allowed me to explore the nearby restaurants
Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Poolside Drifting, and the Search for Inner Bliss (or at Least a Nap)
Let's be honest, we come to Goa to chill. The Olive Nest gets this.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where you'll find me. Pool with view? Glorious. I spent hours just floating, staring at the sky. Happy hour at the pool bar? Sold!
- Spa: Full disclosure: I’m a sucker for a massage. The Spa itself is pretty amazing. The Body wrap was divine, and the Body scrub left my skin feeling like a baby's butt… well, almost. They also have a Sauna, Steamroom, and foot bath. I definitely recommend checking out.
- Fitness center: They have a Gym/fitness. I went exactly zero times. I'm on vacation, people!
- Now, the Massage. Best massage of my life. The therapist was amazing. I am relaxed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sanitized (and Maybe a Little Paranoid, Thanks to the World)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. The Olive Nest took it seriously, which I appreciated.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. They even had Hand sanitizer and Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They definitely encouraged it.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Yup.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? I was impressed with their attempt at this.
- First aid kit? Yes.
- Doctor/nurse on call? Thank goodness.
While I appreciated the safety precautions, the downside is that the world feels a bit like a germaphobe's convention. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Internet: Connected to the World (or at Least Able to Post Insta-Stories)
Essential for staying connected, even in paradise, right?
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! ( Internet access – wireless). It was surprisingly reliable, and the Internet connection in general was fast.
- Internet access – LAN for those who need it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make Life Easier
The Olive Nest is a well-oiled machine. They thought of everything.
- Concierge: Super helpful. They booked me a taxi, recommended a restaurant, and even helped me find a decent shop.
- Daily housekeeping: Nice to come back to a clean room.
- Laundry service and Ironing service: (I took advantage of these).
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Air conditioning in public area and in the rooms: Definitely a necessity.
- Doorman/ Security [24-hour]: Made me feel safe.
They also have a bunch of other stuff, like meeting rooms (Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities) and a Gift/souvenir shop. Honestly, I just enjoyed lounging by the pool.
For the Kids: Family Fun? (I Can't Personally Vouch, Though)
While I didn't travel with kids, Family/child friendly is definitely a selling point.
- Babysitting service: If you want alone time.
- Kids meal: Very useful for the picky eaters.
- Kids facilities: I could be missing out on some.
Rooms: Your Oasis (or, Let's Be Honest, Your Sleepy Headquarters)
The rooms at The Olive Nest are pretty darn nice.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Non-smoking rooms: Great
- Alarm clock: Nice
- Bathroom phone: I did not use.
- Bathtub: Very luxurious.
- Complimentary tea: Good.
- Daily housekeeping: Impressive.
- Desk: Convenient if you HAVE to work.
- Extra long bed: A must-have
- Hair dryer: Good.
- Internet access – wireless: Fantastic.
- Mini bar: Necessary.
- Shower: Great.
- Slippers: Amazing.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Another must.
Getting Around: Beaches, Temples, and the Joy of a Scooter
Goa is best explored.
- Airport transfer: Must
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Fantastic
- Taxi service: Available.
Overall Impression: Is The Olive Nest Worth It? (Spoiler: Absolutely!)
So, is The Olive Nest a hidden gem? Absolutely. Is it perfect? No, nothing is. But the staff really care. The food is great. The location is perfect. The overall vibe is relaxed and chill. I had an amazing time. It's the kind of place you want to tell everyone about, but also keep a secret. Go check it out now.
My Offer for The Olive Nest Awaits!
Tired of the Same Old, Same Old? Escape to GOA and Rediscover Yourself at The Olive Nest!
Imagine this: Sun-drenched skin, the gentle sway of palm trees, and a margarita in your hand. It’s not a dream, it’s your reality at The Olive Nest!
Here's your exclusive escape plan:
- Luxurious Room: Soak up the sun in a beautifully appointed room designed for ultimate relaxation.
- Culinary Adventures: Indulge in delicious cuisine at our multiple restaurants, from fresh Asian flavors to international treats.
- Spa Bliss: Massage, body wraps, and foot baths for
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to wade knee-deep into the gloriously chaotic, sun-drenched mess that is my trip to The Olive Nest in Goa. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough mosquito bites to make you question your sanity. This isn't your Instagram-filtered travel guide; this is the REAL DEAL.
The Olive Nest Goa: A Messy, Beautiful Love Affair (Itinerary-ish)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic
- Early Morning (like, REALLY early): Landed in Dabolim Airport, Goa. Jet lag is already a delightful companion. Finding the airport taxi… the first hurdle. Negotiating a price felt like a blood sport. Ended up paying more than I wanted (of course), but at least I survived.
- Late Morning: Arrive at The Olive Nest. Oh. My. God. It's even more charming in person. Bougainvillea spilling everywhere, that gorgeous pool… I briefly considered quitting life right then and there and becoming a permanent resident. This brief moment was quickly shattered by the realization I hadn't packed enough sunscreen (rookie mistake).
- Afternoon: Settling in, unpacking, and immediately deciding I hate my suitcase. It's the wrong size. Always is. Finally managed to locate the pool. Dipped a toe, then chickened out because the water was… actually a little cold? This is gonna be a problem.
- Evening: Dinner at the Olive Nest's restaurant. Food was decent, maybe a bit too "fancy" for my rumbling stomach. Watched the sunset, feeling a weird mix of serenity and profound loneliness. Needed a proper Goan curry. Knew it.
Day 2: Beach, Bites, and the Bitter Truth of Sunburn
- Morning: Determined to become a beach bum. Walked to Palolem Beach (gorgeous, but the walk was further than I thought… should've gotten a rickshaw) Ended up paying someone, way too much for a sunbed. Spent the next couple of hours alternating between pretending to read and covertly judging everyone else.
- Late Morning: PANIC. Sunburn. Holy moly. My back feels like it's on fire. Found some aloe vera in my first-aid kit (thank god!) which I'd found in my suitcase, and which I immediately regretted, but it was too late.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a beach shack. Ordered fish curry, and it was heaven. Spilled it down my shirt. (Grace and elegance, ladies and gentlemen, that's me.) Spent the next hour plotting revenge on the rogue curry.
- Evening: Tried to be cultural and visit a spice plantation. It was… okay. Lots of enthusiastic descriptions of things I didn't really understand. Got a massage, which was amazing until a particularly insistent mosquito decided my ankle was a gourmet buffet. Back to aloe vera. Contemplating moving to India, specifically to avoid mosquitos.
Day 3: The Great Motorcycle Mishap (and the Healing Power of Food)
- Morning: Decided to be a "modern" tourist and hire a scooter. The ride was, let's say, "adventurous." I nearly ran over a cow. (Sorry, Bessie! I've never handled a motorcyle!) Also, spent 20 minutes trying and failing to find a helmet that fit my head.
- Mid-morning: Went to a market in Mapusa. Overwhelmed. The smells! The colors! The aggressive haggling! Bought some sarongs and a souvenir that I'll probably regret later.
- Lunch: Lost. Utterly lost. The scooter was a disaster. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place and ordered whatever the locals were eating. It was, hands down, the best meal of the trip. The flavors exploded in my mouth. Suddenly, all my scooter-related woes vanished. I am in love with this country.
- Afternoon: Scooter back to the hotel. More Aloe Vera.
- Evening: Ordered room service at the hotel. Comfort food is vital. Watching TV and feeling a strange sense of content. Feeling like I'm finally, actually, relaxing.
Day 4: The Spiritual Search (and the Accidental Detox)
- Morning: Yoga at The Olive Nest. Okay, maybe I'm a little too enthusiastic. I'd always wanted to try yoga, but I realized I had no balance and no flexibility. My attempts at the Warrior Pose ended up looking more like the Impotent Puppy Pose. Decided to keep going, felt a little better.
- Mid-morning: Went to Arambol Beach. It's… well, I'm not sure. Kind of hippie-ish? Lots of people playing drums on the beach. Found a chai tea place and it was amazing.
- Afternoon: Attempted to "detox" (i.e., didn't eat much). Failed miserably. Had a delicious pineapple.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Food, perfect. Feeling good.
Day 5: The "Do-Nothing" Day (and the looming shadow of departure)
- ALL DAY: Actually, truly, did nothing. Read a book. Swam (finally, the water was warm!). Napped. Stared at the sky. It was glorious.
- Evening: Packed (the worst part). Ate the last dinner. Feeling a strange mix of melancholy and excitement. Goa, you magnificent, messy, beautiful chaos. I'll be back. I might even come back with a suitcase that's the right size. Maybe. Probably not.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable experience. Goa, you have stolen a piece of my heart. I'm going back, and I encourage you to go, too. Just bring enough sunscreen. And maybe mosquito repellent. And a sense of humor. You'll need it.
Unbelievable Royal Inn Deal: New Orleans Luxury Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* The Olive Nest, exactly? Is it a hotel? A treehouse? Am I going to be roughing it?
Haha, good question! "Hotel" doesn't quite capture it. It's… an experience. Imagine a kinda rustic, incredibly charming guesthouse nestled in the Goan jungle. Think less "polished marble lobby" and more "sun-drenched verandah overflowing with bougainvillea." It's honestly a little slice of heaven. You're definitely *not* roughing it, unless you consider "having to stroll a whole ten seconds to the pool" tough. The rooms are simple but beautiful, with cool stone floors and dreamy mosquito nets. Okay, confession time: the first time I went, I was expecting something... less polished. And I was *so* wrong. It blew me away!
Tell me about the food! Is there a Michelin star chef hidden in the kitchen, or am I ordering from a menu that’s been around since the 80s?
The food... oh, the food! Forget stuffy Michelin stars. It's all about authentic Goan cuisine with a fresh, flavorful twist. Think plates piled high with fragrant curries, grilled seafood that practically melts in your mouth, and *the best* vindaloo I've ever tasted in my life. (Seriously, I still dream about it.) And the breakfast? Forget what you think you know about continental mediocrity. Fresh fruit, eggs, homemade bread... pure bliss! My only regret? Not eating *more* of it. There was one time I inhaled a whole plate of the prawn curry - I'm not even sure I chewed.
Is it family-friendly? I have a gaggle of kids who can demolish a room faster than you can say "chaos."
Hmm, family-friendly… well, it depends on your *definition* of family-friendly. The vibe is definitely more relaxed, more chill than a screaming water park. There's a good-sized pool and plenty of space for kids to run around and explore. The staff are wonderfully patient and kind, and the food is kid-friendly. I saw a little girl with a face full of mango juice, the happiest kid in the world. Honestly, my inner child was jealous. But it's not a resort with a kids' club and scheduled activities. More like a place to unwind and reconnect as a family. You know, if your gaggle of kids isn’t a total tornado of destruction! (Please, for my sanity, keep me updated). But be warned, if your kids are super fussy eaters, pack some snacks..
What about the location? Is it near the touristy madness, or is it truly a secluded escape?
It's a brilliant balance. The Olive Nest is tucked away in a peaceful corner of Goa, far enough from the crazy beach parties to feel truly tranquil. But it's also close enough to, you know, actually *see* the beach if you want to. You can easily hop in a taxi or hire a scooter and explore the nearby towns, beaches, and markets. That’s the thing, it’s so well-situated… you're pretty much in the heart of everything, without feeling overwhelmed.
What kinds of activities are available? Do I need to bring my own entertainment?
The best activity? Doing absolutely *nothing*! Okay, okay, I’m exaggerating. The pool is a major draw. Lounging around with a book, ordering cocktails... pure bliss! They also offer yoga classes. The staff can arrange scooters for exploring the area. Plus, you can stroll through the local markets, beaches, even visit a spice plantation if you're in the mood for some exploration. Honestly, I didn't *need* entertainment. Just the sound of the birds chirping and the rustling leaves was enough. (Though, a good book and a comfy chair are always recommended!). I once tried to paint in a sunset, after a cocktail, well, let's just say the local lizards had a new, very colorful, friend.
Okay, the downsides... What's the catch? Is there a monsoon-sized mosquito problem? Wi-fi from the stone age?
Alright, let's be real. No place is perfect. The Wi-Fi is... well, let's just call it "rustic." It's there, but don't expect to stream movies. Embrace the digital detox; it’s liberating! The mosquitos are present, so pack some repellent. The music at night can sometimes be... a bit loud, depending on if there's a party going on in the general vicinity. Oh, and once, I got a tiny, itty-bitty lizard in my room. I may have screamed. Possibly fainted. Okay, I didn't faint. But I did call reception, very dramatically. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. The charm of The Olive Nest far outweighs any small inconveniences.
How much does this paradise cost? My bank account is currently weeping.
It's definitely not "budget backpacker" territory, but it's also not "sell your kidney to stay here" expensive. It's a good value for what you get. Comparing all this - the serenity, the food, the unique experience - I’d say the price is really pretty reasonable. Check their website for current rates, as prices fluctuate with the season. But honestly, I’d happily pay double! Maybe even triple! Okay, maybe not *triple*. But you get the idea.
How do I book? And, more importantly, *should* I book? I'm easily swayed.
You can usually book directly through their website or through various booking platforms. *Should* you book? YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! Unless you absolutely despise sunshine, delicious food, and being surrounded by beauty. Then, by all means, stay home and watch paint dry. But if you're looking for a getaway that's more than just a place to sleep, a place to *feel* something... book it. Seriously, do it now. Don't even think about it. Just book it. I'm half-tempted to book another trip myself right now.
Okay, so tell me about your BEST experience. Like, the one single moment that sold you?
Oh man, this is a tough one. Every moment was pretty amazing. But, okay... here's the thing. It wasn't one *moment*, it was a whole afternoon. I was sitting by the pool, reading a book (the Wi-Fi went out, so I was *forced* to be unplugged! Heaven!) when this HUGE storm rolled in. The sky turned this crazySearchotel
