Travel + Leisure India & South Asia brings to you #TLFinds—that will get you a sneak peek into either new or interesting places and experiences across the country and abroad—for travellers to discover. The latest in the series is MansionHaus – a luxury, historic mansion in the beating heart of Goa. By Nupur Sailani
What is it?
A historic mansion and members club in Goa that provides the perfect combination of tranquility and contemporary buzz.
Ideal for:
Private getaways with friends, family, or solo vacations
Review of MansionHaus
Often when one thinks of vacationing in Goa, one pictures lazing around on the beach with families and friends or partying at a club post sundown. But this time, I am struck by its serenity. I land in Goa and find myself transfixed by the lush green landscape, boulevards paralleling the ocean, Portuguese colonies bustling with life, and sandy shores signature to the small state. Making mental notes to explore the landscape later, I head to Goa’s bustling neighbourhood Anjuna. I am at MansionHaus, my stay for the next few days.
MansionHous is an 18th Century family residence that has been restored and turned into a luxurious hotel by Kezya De Bragança, the owner. The moment I enter the premises, I know I have come to the right place to rejuvenate. Getting spoilt on a weekend doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me!
Art in Abundance
Here, conscious luxury finds a home too. The summer room is created by repurposing wood of a 100-year-old ship marooned on the coast of the Arabian Sea. All in-room amenities are glass-bottled by the hotel’s own HausLab. The spaces promise comfort, privacy, and the familiarity of a home that is enriched further by a wealth of history, art, and culture. The walls are adorned with books and paintings that display the history and the local culture of Goa.
MansionHaus combines the essence of old-world Portuguese design with contemporary aesthetics. The geometric harmony and graceful rationality of classical art are evident in the interiors. Features like pillars with Doric columns, thick walls separating rooms, and high and low ceilings with frames are used to reinforce the structure. It is a visual treat, especially for a design graduate like me!
As someone who has an inclination towards art, I find myself gravitating towards the classical antiquity in the interiors. I notice the architecture has remained unchanged over centuries. The restoration has been fashioned with weathered wood, porcelain floors, polished marble, distressed surfaces, and muted fabrics accented by eclectic art on rotation from local artists. The interiors and architecture encapsulate the essence of Neoclassicism, an artistic movement influenced by Greek and Roman arts. These cultures with their traditions and ideal models add to the opulence of the place, making it a luxurious holiday destination.
Rejuvenation and Relaxation
The nine suites at MansionHaus come with pool access, a private pool, or Jacuzzi. Each suite has a private garden or overlooks the mansion’s main garden. For me, however, relaxation meant a dip in the pool. Imagine floating in a pool on a beautiful morning with the light blue sky over your head, with tunes of your favourite music echoing in ear and mimosas in hand. Paired with this is a brunch spread complimenting the atmosphere. My favourite, however, is swimming at midnight. I could swear by this bedtime ritual and make it my new routine!
Besides providing a relaxing experience, the swimming pool is infused with quartz mineral which is believed to align all one’s chakras, and remove physical and emotional negativity. No wonder I’m feeling cool as a cucumber. In a perfect world, I would have brunch by the pool every day.
Instead, I decide to visit Cocktails & Canapés at Summer Room by Chef John De Souza for a quick bite. The Angler or the common area is an experiential bar and bistro that serves as an energy centre for the establishment. Over the course of the day, the chandelier-lit angler takes its guests from coffees to cocktails. Throughout, Chef De Souza offers organic and delicious gourmet cuisine, wherein all the fruits and vegetables are not only organic, but are also sourced locally. His belief in fusing exquisite delicacies with a Goan twist leaves me wanting more.
Additionally, MansionHaus offers sound meditation, Pilates, a private chef’s table with food and wine pairings, a body massage, and a spa. I am blessed with an-hour-long sound meditation by Gideon Crasto. The ancient technique of relaxation uses vibrations to release toxins from the body. During my session, I feel a sense of peace and tranquillity sweep over me. Just to pamper myself a little more, I opt for a full body massage with master masseuse Natalie Zoelorelei the following day. Her passion and her understanding of oils slip me into solace. Homemade scrubs with cold-pressed and essential oils help to detoxify my body, relax muscles, and cleanse my aura.
Final Thoughts
To me, the entire experience is intimate yet luxurious. The aesthetics add to the impression of space, wellbeing, and fluid living. The staff, architecture and muted colour tones create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Plan a vacation with your loved ones, friends, and families, or just have your suitcase ready — I sure will once again!
Address
1263, Gaunvaddi, Anjuna, Goa, 403509
Tariff
Starts at INR 13,680 plus taxes
Contact:
+91 7887886802, stay@mansionhaus.com
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