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Shanti Morada: Old World Charm in a Glorious New Avatar
Sublime, surreal and serene are the words that jump into your mind the second you cross the threshold of Shanti Morada (translation: Peace at Home), an extremely elegant new boutique hotel in Goa.  Nestled in the Eden-like village of Saligao, this property has already won the ‘Best Boutique Resort’ award in Goa by NDTV and Brands Academy – no small feat considering it hasn’t even had its first birthday yet.  Its six-year old sister concern in Delhi has also earned several awards including TripAdvisor’s ‘Best Small Hotel’ and ‘Best Service in India’, as well as NDTV and Brands Academy’s ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Delhi’.
The charming owners, Rajat and Sanjana Verma, had a vision of restoring the century-old Indo-Portuguese home to its former glory. They did their utmost to ‘enhance the authentic architectural nuances’ of the property.  Some examples of their attention to detail in this heavenly abode are original tiles that were remade in Spain, wrought iron grills – discovered during excavation – redone in Belgaum and ancient pillars and archways that have been recreated especially for the resort.  The old foundation cross from the 1897 house was also found and this now takes its pride of place on a pedestal within the property. The Vermas chose not to cut the lay of the land so as not to disrupt the landscape and so, painstakingly, built along the angle of the hill.
Shanti Morada, from concept to inception to completion, has been true to the landscape and heritage of Goa. The resort’s architecture and design are quintessentially Goan, flowing seamlessly with local traditions rather than against them.
View of the Old property
Each of the 20 uniquely named rooms (Indus, Ganga, Cinnamon, Bombay Masala) is bears the theme and fragrance of their name, their large bay windows overlooking Goa’s only Ozone pool – crystal clear water sans chemicals where you can float your worries away.  A trendy Jacuzzi bar, with immersed bar stools, is ideal for intimate sundowners. The ornate dining venue set in a candle-lit gazebo, the Lantern, serves delicious tandoor food exclusively to in-house guests.  The bathrooms complete the feeling of paradise on earth, with exquisite copper claw foot bathtubs and walk-in rain showers… Bliss.  Heritage pieces greet you inside the resort and have been handpicked by the owners; art by iconic artists, sparkling chandeliers, antique clocks and furniture, including a 300-year old intricately carved bed flown in from Macau.
A view of the rooms facing the pool
After the visual feast and satiation of taste buds, it’s time for tranquillity to envelop your soul at the Mandala, where rejuvenating yoga sessions and soothing massages await you amid a garden setting.  But in case you’re in the mood to just chill out, there are several cosy lounges sprinkled all around the property that are ideal for switching to the lazy mode. There’s Boat Lounge with its maritime theme, the Cue that’s equipped with a pool table, Shiva Lounge that stocks smoking pipes and even a lounge on the roof which would be perfect for meditation.
Shanti Morada has obviously been a labour of love for the Vermas and that’s why they attract a discerning clientele, the kind who appreciate the finer things in life. Shanti Morada provides the truly world famous traditional hospitality that India is famous for. Peace.
The building before renovation
For further information, visit the website
www.shantimorada.com
.  Address: 8/123, Bairo Alto, Vaddo-Saligao, Goa 403511;
Tel: +91 8322278888.