Ishavilas is a luxurious villa in Siolim, Goa, and is Neemrana’s first fully-serviced noble home. The gorgeous, almost decadent Portuguese-colonial style house is cocooned in the middle of a tropical oasis. It is situated on the periphery of Siolim, in the middle of the lushest garden I have seen in this part of Goa.
The private property has been set up by two owners and truly gives the feeling of a private home and not one of a cookie-cutter villa. A team of 11 staff members – a villa manager, front office manager, ground staff for pool and landscaping, head steward, villa attendant for laundry and housekeeping, security guard and private chauffeur- look after each detail of your stay and pamper you.
There are 4 lavish bedrooms and a large dining room, as well as al fresco dining areas that overlook the pool. There is a suite on the terrace, which is connected to the lower floors via a spiral staircase.
The Ishanya Cottage comprises of 2 rooms opening out onto a private pool, and guests can utilize the verandah as an al fresco dining option. The Ish room follows a blue theme and a large four-poster bed whereas the Anya room boasts white and green interiors. The cottage also houses a kitchenette and laundry area ensuring that guests never have to leave the heavenly premises. The common lounge area has a large flatscreen TV that serves as the link between antiquity and modernity.
The Surya Garden Cottage is possibly my favorite part of Ishavillas. It reminded me a lot of Mary Budden in Binsar where airy cottages are surrounded by greenery on all sides. While it is a 1-bedroom cottage, independent of the rest of the property, including the sofa beds, the cottage can actually sleep 4-5 people. Here, too, the verandah serves as the perfect place to dine- the dining table here seats 4 people. The décor is tasteful and oriental in style and guests have access to either the Ishavilas pool or Ishanya pool (provided this is not already occupied). Guests here are served by the main kitchen and staff.
The Peacock Room is the most regal, a bit too rich for my personal taste, but reminiscent of the Maharaja’s of the 1920s. Besides the large peacock installation above the bed, the room is replete with a crystal chandelier and other royal accents. The Kailash Room is almost antithetical to the Peacock room but is far from being barren or stark. Dedicated to the holy mountain Kailash in Tibet, the mother-of-pearl almirah elevates an already very beautiful room. Both rooms open out into the dining room and offer access to the kitchen.
The Oriental Cottage flaunts plenty of religious Hindi motifs from both India and Thailand. The lyrical bodhisattvas at the entrance are eye-catching- every corner of Ishavilas looks like it has been painstakingly curated! The cottage is situated right next to the placid pool making it ideal for waterbabies like me.
The Terrace Suite overlooks the pool and the tops of the tropical trees. The large 4-poster bed, as well as antique wooden furniture lend the room a very warm feeling. The terrace can be used for alfresco dining, or for watching the sunset/sunrise or basking in the moonlight.
The Ishavilas pool is absolutely stunning, flanked on two sides by marble and brass figurines; it truly feels like we swam in the pool of the Maharajas. Even if you don’t want to swim, the views from the verandah and sundeck are breathtaking, too.
The food is all freshly prepared and homemade but tastes like food you would eat in a great restaurant. The staff takes extra care to accommodate allergies and preferences, so long as they are informed in advance. While the area around Siolim has no shortage of eating joints, the food at Ishavilas offers stiff competition. I had the best fish curry during my stay at Ishavilas and cannot recommend it enough for the delicious food.
The Spa is exclusively for residents and is extremely intimate in its setting. It is open from 9am-6 pm and provides an array of Ayurvedic treatments, sound healing, Reflexology, EFT, Deep Tissue Massages, or Yoga classes (every morning). I had a lovely sound healing session with the facilitator that left me feeling grounded and less stressed in the weeks that followed.
During the lean season, Ishavilas’ rates are an absolute steal considering what they offer. Rates spike up during the high season and are available on request. However, if you are looking for a marvellous, yet elevated home experience, do book a night or 2 at Ishavilas. You are in for a treat!
Verdict- it’s a beautiful space for a holiday far away from the noise and the madness. The staff to guest ratio here is excellent ensuring unparalleled service. The food, is wholesome, delicious, and the chefs can cater to your dietary requirements. Ishavilas is a great place for a group booking or if you are looking for a place to host your own yoga/wellness retreat. The calm and quietude will ease frayed nerves, soothe the soul and allow you to truly reconnect with yourself. Ishavilas comes highly recommended and we cannot wait to be back.
For more information, head over to the website here.
