Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort: Tales from Goa

Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort is one of Accor group’s latest five star offering in India and within the last one year in Goa they have built a great name for themselves. Located close to the Candolim Beach, its a beautiful and cozy property perfect for a weekend excursion for families as well as business gatherings.

Here is my review from my recent visit Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort.

Swimming pool at Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort

I was in Goa last in May when sun was strong and rains were nowhere in sight. Everyone we knew had suggested that it was a bad time to visit Goa but the trip reinforced the fact that a trip is made by the people and experiences and often weather has little to do with it. I had a blast with the hot sun breathing fire on us just because I had such fun people with me.

So when it was time to visit Goa in the monsoon, I was excited once again. I had tasted the monsoon flavour of Goa last year, and now wanted to take a full bite :)

Stories from Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort

Very conveniently located close to one of the most popular beaches of North Goa, Candolim, the resort is difficult to miss. Unlike other properties of Goa, it is not built over acres of land, but over a surprisingly small patch of land and that’s why it feels extremely intimate. The intimacy is not just seen in the space but also in the attitude of the staff. In the two days that I spent there, I got to know most by faces, and many by their first names as well.

My room!

Let me share my experiences of Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort through a series of stories, because that’s how my stay was - a collection of unique stories. 

Swimming pool overlooking the paddy fields

This was perhaps my favourite spot in the entire property. It’s not just beautiful to look at, but also great to swim in. In my two days at Grand Mercure, I could only swim once, but it was a wonderful swim. I had my bottle of chilled corona even as the soft drizzle made sounds all around me in the pool and looked out at the paddy fields for a while, mesmerised by their natural beauty. No matter which season you plan for a visit to Goa, do not forget to carry your swimming trunks - they always come handy!

Grand massage at Grand Mercure

No matter how unbelievable it may sound, I have never had a spa experience before. I have stayed in some of the most luxurious five star properties in the country with some of the best spas, but I always considered spas as vanity and never even thought of trying them out. However, the rains in Goa made sure that I had some extra hours to kill and so finally decided to try out one of the signature massages at the spa. It was a one hour long session with an expert masseur and I was complexly relaxed after it got over. No, this does not mean that I will jump with joy at the sight of the next spa, but I will certainly be more open to trying it out :)

The Spa

The Library

The cute little corner near my room is actually not even seen till you actually walk right into it. It’s an open library where you can sit, enjoy you coffee and browse through books. I had ample time in the morning and spent some of it looking through the books which I sipped on my coffee.

The Library

Yoga with a guru!

Before I start this section, I must confess that I am yet to get into the Yoga mode and skipped it at the hotel also. It wasn’t because I was lazy to get up in the morning (I was up much before it started), I was just more interesting in taking pictures at the times. However, if you are a Yoga fan, you must try it out. The Yoga hall is actually an open area with just a beautiful wooden roof and paddy fields on the side. There is almost no sound there, except that of the birds, and I think the space is quite conducive for meditation.

Early morning Yoga session 

Food at Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort

I am a sucker for punctuality and almost always came for meals even before it was time. This allowed me some interesting interaction with the staff and also allowed me to actually see the workings of the kitchen on the last night of my stay at the hotel. The food is quite good, but if there is one thing that I can recommend, then it would be the ‘Saraswat Thali’ for dinner. The thali is a treat for fish eaters, but can be avoided by vegetarians as there is very little they can eat in it.

Saraswat Thali

What is Goa like in the monsoon?

But why would you visit Goa at all during the monsoon? The state is most well known for it’s beaches and these become completely inaccessible during the monsoon season due to unsafe seas. So what happens in Monsoon? Actually lots, and when I was in Goa I tried out a few things which I had tried before and loved them both. I can personally recommend you these for your Goa trip :)

Drive, drive, drive!

Goa is never as beautiful as it is in the monsoon. The entire state turns this gorgeous green which is not seen at any other time of the year and any visitor can fall in love with it at first sight. Driving through the state between North and South you can experience the natural beauty of Goa like never before. The best way to do this would be on a motorbike, but even cars are great as they provide some protection from the rains

Heritage Homes of Goa

Well, you can actually visit the heritage homes of Goa in any season , but during the monsoon season there are such few visitors that any visit to these homes is like a personal tour of history. I visited two such old homes in South Goa and interviewed their owners and I must confess that the visits left a lasting impression on me. I learnt so much about the sentiments of the past generation of Goans who have lived both under the Portuguese as well as Indian governments. They tell you about a very different world, a world which still exists in these houses but fast disappearing outside. More stories on these visits will certainly follow soon.

House of Mrs Braganza 

Charpora River Cruise

During the peak tourist season all trailers are so focused on the beaches that the rivers of Goa almost get ignored and live in shadow. However during the monsoon the rivers come alive and its a great time to experience Goa in a different way. I did the river cruise on Charpora river in North Goa and even swam in the river. In case you were wondering about any encounters with the legendary Goan crocodiles, no such meeting took place!

A fisherman at Charpora river

Disclaimer: I was in Goa on invitation from Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort. However, all views expressed here are unbiased and completely my own.