Set like a shining jewel, ever so pleasantly amidst the peace, tranquility and simplicity
of a flower valley--Assagao--in North Goa.
Hotel Astoria
Cool outdoorsOur family-run heritage establishment has been set amidst the peace, tranquility and simplicity of the emerald valley of Assagao in North Goa.
The property nestles in the cool shade of time-matured mango trees and swaying coconut palms, in traditional Goan leisure, on a naturally terraced landscape. Moreover, you are in the lap of nature in a green valley, with the sweet songs of the bulbuls and birds of colourful plumage.
Being connected with the most wondrous sandy beaches in North Goa--Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Candolim, Morjim, Ashvem and Arambol--it's a favoured haunt of tourists, who drop in for lunch or dinner en route to Anjuna beach, and often book a room enraptured by the natural surroundings and traditional Goan hospitality.
Hotel Astoria is situated between the highly popular Wednesday Flea Market in Anjuna and the Friday Bazaar at Mapusa. Transfers from the Dabolim international airport take just about 60 minutes and the Konkan Railway Station at Tivim-Sirsaim is about 20 minutes away.
Flowers, fruits and spice
Hotel Astoria boasts of its own special spice garden, where most of the spices and fruits are grown under the special care of Ida and Edwin Fonseca.
If you are lucky enough, you will find the pink lotus in full bloom. The fig-tree is right in front of the restaurant, and is such a pleasure to watch it.
Stepping out in styleYou will generally find the garden in bloo with a variety of flowers, keeping up the name of the village of Assagao, which is known for flowers. Of course, if there be less of flowers outdoor, you will find them popping up from vases here and there.
Before stepping out of the hotel, one can take a leisurely walk up and down the beautifully terraced landscape, drinking in the beauty of nature.
Assagao: Valley of flowers
Church of St CajetanIn idyllic Assagao you can relax in the lap of mother nature because it is a serene, hillclad green valley. The visitor doesn't have to search for birdwatching sites because it's where one wakes up to the harmony of sweet birdsong, bulbuls, woodpeckers and birds of colourful plumage.
The valley, populated by a Hindu-Catholic mix, is wellknown for its age-old, white-washed church. The Church of St Cajetan is considered as one of the ten best churches in Goa. In the valley too is situated the Palotti Insititute of Philosophy and Oriental Religions.
The two parallel roads are connected by a cross road in a rectangular residential area, with the centre being a cultivable paddy field laced with coconut grooves. Quaint village mansions dot the village, which has a couple of mineral water springs, and a time-worn landmark known as "Cator".
You shouldn't be surprised to find Europeans stepping out from the traditional Goan houses. They have either purchased old ruins and renovated same for holidaying in India or rented for the time being.
Other important institutions in the village: International Animal Rescue, Ayurvedic Massage Centre, El-Shaddai Children's Homes, Ishapreema Old Age Home, Yoga center and birthing center, etc.
Food and beverages
Near the fig treeA well-stocked pub and a multi-cuisine restaurant, specializing in typical Goan food, cooked in the traditional Goan way besides Continental, Indian dishes and often obliging with any particular dish our honoured guest may desire.
Overseas visitors
Evening entertainment includes occasional live bands, it may be electronic music or the typical Goan brass brand that reminds one of entertainment-filled yesteryears.
Goan hospitality
period furniture
Hotel Astoria’s main section comprises of a 200-year-old Portuguese mansion. Basically, it is a very private place with personal attention provided by Ida and Edwin Fonseca, who run the place.
large and comfy
Its modern extension, which comprises of 20 well-appointed rooms, has been built with a tiled-roof complementing the traditional Goan ambience.
We ensure for the guests of comfy rooms with a sitting area, ceiling fan, showers with running hot/cold water for 24 hours, room service, prompt laundry service and a balcony, besides a refrigerator is provided.
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