Review of the 4* Bogmallo Beach Resort Goa India  

(5* Goa standards)

by DGC Holiday Travel  December 2006

Photographs from our visit to the Bogmallo Beach Resort

Surroundings:  Excellent, well maintained couples oriented hotel running all-inclusive as well as B&B and half board.

Location: On the Beach.  Central to Bogmalo, a short taxi ride to Vasco de Gama and 4km from Dabolim airport.

Food:  I think we probably enjoyed the food here more than any place we have stayed recently.  International cuisine as well as local,  Minor irritations in that the buffet foods was nearly always cold unless you were early and dishes were different according to the chef on duty and not always as per the menu.  My husband enjoyed that but when I find a favourite dish I like it to be the same every time. 

Not that either of these small niggles were a problem.  Food was readily changed if not to taste and a la carte always available at no extra cost (AI) freshly cooked.  Our favourites were Prawns Reginella, Tournedos Rossini, Thicken Lababdar, Chicken Salad Juanita which came in half a pineapple, and tomato soup with ginger.

Service:  Absolutely 5*.  We preferred the lobby bat where the waiters were even more attentive, especially the young trainees.  Yes we know that staff always have tips in mind, that's true of anywhere, but we felt that the staff here made every effort.  Davesh and 'Ricky' went out of their way in quiet times to tell us about their culture and local places of interest.  In the restaurant again the staff were exceedingly helpful.  On the odd occasion I didn't like my meal, it was willingly changed.  My husband says I'm too picky - his Tournedos Rossini was gorgeous, it just wasn't quite like the ones we'd had earlier that week - but as I said -willingly changed and anything adjusted to taste eg curries, mild, spicy, hot, more tomato etc.

Entertainment:  Very low key but pleasant.  Mostly bands and duets playing for the 'older' market.  Just what you'd expect giving the gorgeous peaceful setting.  Different music at the Coconut Grove and the lobby bar.  Fire-eaters/dancers one night a week - very entertaining. 

Rooms:  126 rooms all with sea view. Deluxe rooms come with balcony, tea/coffee and all rooms have air-conditioning, a fridge and telephone. The rooms are excellent value for money, very spacious, clean and well equipped with hairdryer and toiletries Free safe available in the lobby.  A discount is available for non-refurbished rooms although these still have a sea view and are very spacious, there is no balcony.

All Inclusive:  Compared to other all Inclusive resorts we've stayed at, the food and service at Bogmallo Beach was excellent.  Staff at the Coconut Grove maybe not quite as attentive as elsewhere but then they were busier.  A small charge extra to eat there but the entertainment and drinks is still part of the AI even if you don't eat there.  We preferred the Nautilus - not as romantic as the outdoor Coconut Grove overlooking the sea and beach (see right) with the live music but we liked it.

Is it 4*?  Yes it is and it wouldn't take much for this hotel to be 5*.

Fitness and Treatment Centre:  Use of the gym which is more than adequate is free of charge.  With massages and treatments at extremeley reasonable costs.

Niramaya Ayurveda Village:  Belonging to the Bogmalo Beach Resort is the Niramaya Ayurveda Health Resort where you can experience all sorts of massage and treatments supervised by Dr.  H. Saleem Javid B.A.M.S.  You can also stay here instead of the hotel. We had a course of ayurvedic massages, my husband with attention to his arthritis, including back and neck pains, myself with Nasyam treatments for sinus relief.  Both gave impressive results. Contact Doctor Saleem Javed at the Niramaya Ayurveda Village for more information.

Finally:

Well managed hotel with air conditioning, very efficient.

Wardrobe space was more than adequate.  Pet hate of mine is not having enough space but no problems here.

The beds are comfortable and the maid service excellent.

The pool is great plenty of room with towels provided.  A few step to the beach and a warm sheltered bay to swim in.

Diving:

We didn't get to try the diving due to a chest infection but there is a the diving centre at the Bogmallo Beach.  Try a discover Scuba course or maybe even something a bit more adventurous.  We will review this when we return in March 2007

Goa Diving at the Bogmallo Beach Resort.

Would I go back to the Bogmallo Beach Resort?

Absolutely - again and again.  Watch for our additional comments March 2007

Bogmallo Beach Resort   Their website
P.O.B. Bogmallo, Goa 403806
Tel :0832-2538222 to 35
Fax :0832-2538236

Location

Set on Bogmallo Beach; south of Zuari River; 5km from Goa airport

Facilities

Pool with spa bath; sun terrace; Nautilus restaurant with buffet and a la carte; Sunset lobby bar; Coconut Grove Goan Shack; lounge area in lobby; 24 hour reception

Activities

Two tennis courts; table tennis and board games; squash; electronic casino with bar and pool table; scuba diving down the beach; Ayurvedic treatments; massage; sauna; steam room; daytime and evening entertainment

Rooms

Air conditioned deluxe rooms have two single beds or one double bed , seating area, satellite TV with movie channel, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, bathroom and balcony with sea view.  Standard rooms (non-refurbished), without  tea and coffee making facilities, are available at a reduction.

All Inclusive, What's Included:   (Thomas Cook)

• Buffet-style breakfast and buffet-style or a la carte lunch and dinner (excluding tiger prawns, king prawns, lobster and king crab) in the Nautilus restaurant
• Snacks and ice cream served at selected times between meals
• An unlimited amount of hot, soft and alcoholic drinks (excluding international brands, diet coke etc.) served till 11pm.
• Activities usually include: darts; football; table tennis; tennis; volleyball; waterpolo
• Frequent daytime activities and evening entertainment usually include beach games; cookery demonstrations; walks; live music.