Founder of Pink City Prints, Molly Russell, shares her insider guide to Goa.
Molly Russell splits her time between Goa, Jaipur, and London, but tell us “Goa is my happy place. I love the pace of life, it helps me to slow down and get more balance.”
Here, she spotlights the best places to dine and bed down, also making time for beach days, ginger martinis, and a spot of dancing into the night.
Essential items to pack?
Very little: a couple of block-printed kaftans for the day; a cotton mini for the disco; yoga gear; a sarong; and bikinis.
The best time to visit Goa is…
It’s coolest and driest in December and January.
Our first pitstop should be…
Kala Bahia for a sunset cocktail.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Casa Jaali. It’s surrounded by palm trees, with views of the sea, and serves the most delicious breakfast.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Yoko Swami’s incredible yoga sessions in his garden shala.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Zest Agonda for smoothies and chia pudding.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Talpona Beach is deserted and the best for sunbathing and swimming. The beach shack there – Dipshikhas – has the best prawn fry and coconut curry.
And for dinner with friends?
You’ll usually find us at Casa Jaali. Try the curry leaf and ginger martini to drink, followed by the blackened tofu, cucumber, coconut and chilli salad to eat. Then it’s time for a good boogie and bed by midnight. The perfect night.
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A must-try spot for date night?
Splash out at Ourem 88 for the most delicious beetroot carpaccio and sea bass with caper butter.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Acupuncture and breathwork with Shiran Michaeli and reiki with Natalie Matos.
Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…
Patnem Beach and Talpona Beach.
The cultural spot to rave about?
On 3 December there is a festival to celebrate Saint Francis (the God of Goa) at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Panjim where you can see his remains.
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For great shopping head to…
India Love Goa on Patnem high street is an amazing curation of Indian knick-knacks and handcrafted goodies. A joyous shopping experience.
The one place only locals know about…
The Santosh fish shack on Galgibag Beach.
For the best views head to…
Boom Shankar cocktail bar.
Great day trips include…
Take a taxi up into the Ghats though vivid green rice fields and the coconut jungle. The wild life is extraordinary: I came very close to a very long king cobra, a mongoose, and giant lizard on my last trip. Stop off for a thali lunch at Mangaal Farmstay.
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Where should we go to unwind?
Bamboo Yoga Retreat on the secluded Polem Beach.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Doing nothing on Talpona beach.
In a word, Goa is…
Magic.
Any Questions or Tips to add?