Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Quill Residence in Candolim!
Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Quill Residence in Candolim! – My Honest, Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Unbelievable Quill Residence in Candolim, and I'm still sorting through the Goa glow. Forget those perfectly polished hotel reviews – this is the real deal, the messy, honest, and frankly, hilarious take on this place. And trust me, it’s a LOT to unpack.
First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confused
Landing in Goa is always… something. The chaos! The colours! The scooters zipping past like angry bees! Finding the Quill Residence was surprisingly easy, thankfully – no epic detours or lost luggage debacles. Accessibility wise, it’s pretty good. There's an elevator, which is a LIFE SAVER after a long flight (and all that delicious food!). I didn't need a wheelchair, but the facilities for disabled guests seemed thoughtfully considered. The entrance is clearly accessible, although some of the areas around the pool might present some small challenges.
The first thing that hit me, before even the mandatory "wow, it's hot" comment, was the design. This place is gorgeous. Think minimalist chic meets tropical vibes, with a touch of quirky charm. (They’ve definitely nailed the "Instagrammable" aesthetic, by the way). My room? Stunning. Let's just say, the air conditioning was a Godsend. And the blackout curtains? Absolute heaven for a sleep-deprived traveller. The free Wi-Fi was a LIFESAVER, because you know you need to update your status, and the fact that there's Wi-Fi in all rooms!! and Internet [LAN] is also a huge bonus!
But listen, it wasn’t perfect. Little things – like the handle on my shower almost falling off (fixed promptly, to their credit!) and the slightly wonky door lock. Human. And… that’s part of the charm, isn’t it?
Room for Raving (and Ranting): The Rooms Themselves
My room was a masterpiece of comfort. The bed? Seriously, I could have lived in that thing. And the pillows…oh, the pillows. I needed the bathrobes and the slippers too. The in-room safe was a nice touch, but to be honest, I'd have felt safe leaving my passport on the bed. The mini bar was well-stocked (essential for late-night cravings), and I loved the coffee/tea maker. The complimentary tea was a sweet touch. And the free bottled water? Cru-cial for staying hydrated in the Goa heat. The mirror and hair dryer helped me look presentable, and a socket near the bed is a must. So yeah, basically, room perfection with a view. And on top of all that convenience, there's plenty of toiletries!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we travel: food! The Quill Residence delivered. Big time. The Asian breakfast was a game-changer (seriously, their dosa was incredible!), and the Western breakfast was equally satisfying. The breakfast buffet was an absolute feast! The buffet in restaurant gave a lot of choice and the salad in restaurant was fresh! The coffee/tea in restaurant was fine. They also had a snack bar.
One evening, I decided to splash out and ordered room service [24-hour]. And I'm not exaggerating when I tell you it was one of the best meals I had on the trip. I ordered soup in restaurant and it was delicious! (And yes, I may have polished off a bottle of wine while I was at it. Don’t judge.) Their international cuisine in restaurant will get you hooked! They even had a vegetarian restaurant, for my friend! There was also a poolside bar, for all your drinking needs! They served desserts in restaurant too! The a la carte in restaurant was amazing!
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa Days and Poolside Bliss
The swimming pool [outdoor] is a stunner, surrounded by lush greenery. Lounging there with a cocktail was pure, unadulterated bliss. They also have a pool with view! I spent a glorious afternoon at the spa, indulging in a body scrub that left my skin glowing. The spa/sauna was pure heaven. The massage was divine. They have a fitness center if you’re feeling energetic! And a foot bath if you need to refresh yourself!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Feeling Good
Okay, let's be real: in the current climate, safety is paramount. The Quill Residence gets top marks here. They have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. Plenty of hand sanitizer. The daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. They use anti-viral cleaning products. They're all about hygiene certification. All rooms sanitized between stays! and the staff trained in safety protocol, which makes me feel extremely safe! Honestly, I felt completely safe and well-protected.
The Real Gems: The Little Things
What really sets the Quill Residence apart is the service. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. They're not just going through the motions; they actually seem to care. The front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I was stuck on the wrong side of a language barrier. They also have a concierge, and a doorman. The daily housekeeping was spot-on, and the laundry service was a godsend after a few days of sun, sea, and… well, you know.
The Negatives (Because We're Being Honest Here!)
Okay, here's the very, very minor gripes:
- The internet connection sometimes. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't always lightning-fast. Still, they do offer Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN.
- The location, while amazing, is a bit out of the thick of it. But then again, that's also part of its charm. It's a sanctuary.
- No pets allowed.
Things To Do:
The hotel can help with airport transfer!
Why You NEED To Book the Unbelievable Quill Residence
This place isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a haven of tranquility, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Here's the Deal: Your Exclusive Goa Getaway Awaits!
Book now and get:
- Complimentary airport transfer: Start your vacation off stress-free!
- A free spa treatment: Relax and rejuvenate with a complimentary treatment at our spa.
- A welcome cocktail on arrival: Cheers to your unforgettable getaway!
- 15% discount on all food and beverages!
But that's not all!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Stay connected and share your amazing experiences.
- 24-hour room service: Indulge in delicious meals at your convenience.
- Access to our stunning outdoor pool and spa facilities: Unwind and recharge in paradise.
- Unforgettable Views: Breathtaking scenery to create lasting memories.
- A warm welcome, friendly service, and so much comfort.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience Goa at its finest!
Click here to book your stay at the Unbelievable Quill Residence in Candolim today! (and before I book it all up myself!)
P.S. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. And if you see me there, buy me a cocktail. I'll tell you all about it. You won't be disappointed!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Diamond Suite Koreatown, Ho Chi Minh City!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't gonna be your sanitized travel brochure. This is a deep dive into my glorious, imperfect, possibly-slightly-hungover Goa adventure from my temporary HQ, the Quill Residence in Candolim. Prepare for some real talk.
Goa Gone Wild (and Sort of Organized) - My Quill Residence Ramble
Day 1: Arrival… and Existential Dread (aka Goa Time)
Morning (ish): Landed at Dabolim Airport. The air hit me like a humid, spicy hug. Immediately felt like I was sweating. Glorious. Transfer to Quill Residence. The taxi ride? Let's just say the driver was a very enthusiastic whistler. Scariest part: the tuk-tuk weaving through traffic felt like a video game I was desperately losing.
Afternoon: Check-in. Quill Residence is charming. A little more 'rustic-chic' than I expected, which, honestly, is perfect. I'm greeted with a welcome drink, a refreshing (and necessary) lemonade. Immediately hit the pool. Bliss. First thoughts? This is it. This is the life. Later, I realized the pool furniture was a little hard… but hey, can't win 'em all.
Evening: Wandered down to Candolim Beach. The sunset? Unreal. Legit choked up a little bit. The sand felt like it was made of actual gold. Ordered a seafood platter at a beach shack. The prices were insane - in a good way! This old man who served the food, I swear he’d lived a thousand years. He winked at me. I have no idea why. Felt like I'd stepped into a postcard. Didn’t help I was completely delirious from jet lag. Found myself questioning the meaning of life while watching a couple build a sandcastle. It was… profound… and I can't even build a damn sandcastle..
Day 2: Beach, Bikes, and (Un)Expected Epiphanies
Morning: Attempted to be productive. Woke up, got some coffee and headed to my writing desk. My writing desk made of wood was nice. I attempted to plan the next few days, which I promptly lost. Then, rented a scooter (I named her Betty). Gasp. First time driving a scooter in India. Utter chaos. Somehow, survived.
Afternoon: Scooted to Baga Beach. Too crowded for my liking. Decided to hit up Anjuna Beach. It was cool. I found a random vendor selling bracelets and got one with my name on it. Then, spent an hour people-watching. Witnessed a very dramatic marriage proposal, a toddler having an epic meltdown over a lost ice cream cone, and two old ladies arguing in German. Felt like I needed to write a novel. My phone died. I needed to write a novel with no photos?
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant near Quill Residence. They said it was "fine dining." It was… fine. Ate every single bite though. The staff was very nice, but the food… not even a stand out, but they had an amazing view, and I met this couple from Berlin and we talked for hours. Now I have more story plot points, and more photos to go off of.
Day 3: Lost in Translation (and Delicious Food)
Morning: Decided to REALLY live like a local. Found a place that served authentic Goan breakfast. Asked for "Chilli Chicken" in my terrible Hindi… which resulted in a plate of something involving very spicy chilies. My mouth was on fire. Worth it. The look on the server's face when I gestured for more water? Priceless.
Afternoon: Went to the local market in Candolim. Holy moly. Bartering skills were put to the test. Left with a ridiculously patterned scarf and a lingering smell of incense. Also, almost got run over by a cow. More of a close call than I wanted.
Evening: Cooking class! My favorite thing to do. It was with this incredibly hilarious Goan chef named Maria. Learned how to make vindaloo (and realized I’ve been making it completely wrong my whole life). The laughter? Non-stop. The food? Divine. The resulting stomach ache? Also, divine (in a slightly less positive sense). We ended up drinking a lot of wine. It was a blast. I think I was everyone's favorite.
Day 4: The Quiet, and the Clatter of Life
Morning: Actually woke up early FOR ONCE. Sat by the pool and read. Birds chirping, sun warm, perfect. Tried to meditate. Failed miserably. My mind was a whirlwind of to-do lists I'd promptly forgotten.
Afternoon: More beach! This time, a quieter one. Palolem Beach, south Goa, was on the cards, but I didn't have the energy to go through with it, which was a shame. Instead, Candolim, which I did. Found a shack that served the most incredible fresh coconut water. This old guy was making them, he was so nice, I still think about the coconut water. I think I might have a problem.
Evening: Farewell dinner at the Quill Residence. Did not want to leave. Said goodbye to my new German friends with promises of visiting them in Germany (still haven't). Thought about writing a thank you note to the chef and other staff. I just went to bed instead. The memory card from my camera was full.
Day 5: Departure (and a Sudden Yearning)
Morning: Last breakfast at the Quill. More coffee, of course. Checked out. The lovely woman at reception gave me one last hug, which almost made me tear up again. Transfer to the airport. More enthusiastic whistling from the taxi driver.
Afternoon: Back in the real world. Landed at home. Ate my usual cold sandwich. And I already? Already missing the chaos, the flavors, the sheer joy of being in Goa. And Betty. And the sand. And the old man with the wink. And the cooking class. And the… okay, I’m getting a bit emotional.
Final Thoughts:
Goa, from the perspective of Quill Residence, was messy, wonderful, and perfectly imperfect. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, the scooter was scary, the food was heavy, I sweat a lot, my camera died and I missed a lot of great photo opportunities. But that's the point, isn’t it? The real magic in the travel comes from the unexpected, from the moments that make you laugh (and sometimes cry a little), and from the people you meet along the way. It’s a place that will get under your skin, make you question everything, and leave you craving more. I will be back. That's for sure. Maybe with a better map and a less frantic need to see and do everything. (Maybe.)
Unbelievable Kuching Staycation: Dayang's Metrocity Condo Awaits!
Goa's Unbelievable Quill Residence in Candolim: A Messy Truth (FAQ)
Okay, Spill: Is the Quill Residence *really* as amazing as those Instagram pics make it look?
Ugh, Instagram. Right? Let's be honest, everything looks airbrushed and perfect there. The Quill? It’s... complicated. It's BEAUTIFUL, don't get me wrong. Picture this: lush greenery, the pool sparkling like actual liquid diamonds (when the sun hits it at the right angle, which, let's be real, is about 20% of the time in Goa), and this colonial charm that just oozes history. I mean, I walked in and genuinely gasped. Twice.
BUT... and this is a big but, the pictures gloss over the fact that the "butler service" sometimes translates to "that guy who's *probably* going to show up at 3 PM instead of 10 AM." And the "quiet, serene location"? Well, it *is* quiet... unless the neighbor's goat escapes, which, spoiler alert, happened to us.
So, amazing? Mostly. Perfect? Absolutely not. And thank God for that, honestly. Makes for a better story.
The Location: Candolim – Is it a good base for exploring Goa? Or am I just stuck near… what, a beach?
Candolim… hmm. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, darling. Yes, you're right by the beach (which is gorgeous, especially at sunset when the waves are just *glowing*), and yes, it’s got a decent amount of restaurants and beach shacks to keep you fed and watered. But it’s also… touristy. REALLY touristy. Like, expect to be hassled by souvenir vendors every five minutes.
But the Quill itself? It's set back enough to feel a bit removed from the chaos. You kinda get the best of both worlds: easy access to the beach and some nightlife, but a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to. It's a good starting point. Just be prepared to venture out if you want a more authentic Goa experience. We rented scooters, which was the best (and most terrifying) decision we made. Dodging cows, potholes, and rickshaws added a certain… *je ne sais quoi* to our vacation. (And a healthy dose of fear.)
The Rooms & Amenities: Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag?)
Okay, the rooms. The rooms are where the Quill *really* shines. We stayed in a suite (splurge for the suite, seriously, it's worth it, unless your budget is tighter than my jeans after Christmas, which fair enough). The bed? Cloud Nine. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. The bathroom was enormous, with a clawfoot tub that I never actually used because, honestly, I was too busy exploring (and avoiding the goat).
The amenities… There's a pool, which is lovely. A spa, which I heard mixed reviews about (didn't try it, too busy chasing that previously mentioned goat). Breakfast is included, and it’s… fine. Don't expect Michelin star quality, but it's a decent spread of eggs, toast, and fruit. The real MVP is the complimentary afternoon tea. Free tea and tiny sandwiches? Yes, please! I lived off those things.
Is it worth the price? Financially, it's still a bit much. But, emotionally? Yes. The place has a certain *je ne sais quoi*. A certain magic that makes you feel like you're living in, like, a slightly disorganized but utterly fabulous movie.
Service & Staff: The Goa Factor – Are they helpful, or just…well, Goan?
Ah, the service. This is where things get…interesting. The staff are generally very friendly and well-meaning. They're lovely! But "Goan time" is a real thing. So don't expect things to happen at lightning speed. Your luggage *will* take a while to arrive. The internet *will* go out. The butler? See answer above.
But here's the thing: I found their genuine friendliness and, let's be honest, slightly chaotic nature, part of the charm. They're accommodating, if a little slow. Just relax, order another Kingfisher, and embrace the mellow vibe. It’s Goa, after all. You can’t fight it; you just have to go with the flow, and sometimes, that flow involves waiting a while for your laundry.
My biggest issue was one waiter, who *insisted* on calling me "Madam" even when I asked to be called by my name, but… it became a running joke. So, it all depends. It’s not always perfect, but it's rarely rude.Any Hidden Quirks or Annoyances I *Need* to Know About? Spill the Tea! (or in this case, the Kingfisher!)
Okay, buckle up, because here comes the messy truth. First – the noise. While the Quill itself is quiet, it’s still *in* Candolim. Prepare for honking scooters, barking dogs (especially at night), and the occasional Bollywood music blasting from a nearby party. Pack earplugs. Seriously.
Second: the wildlife. We saw monkeys (adorable!), lizards (less adorable, especially when they're on your balcony), and… the previously mentioned goat. Oh, and the mosquitoes. Stock up on repellent. And expect a few ants in the bathroom. It adds to the authentic feel, right? Ugh.
Third: The Wi-Fi. It's…iffy. Plan to disconnect, or at least temper your expectations.
My BIGGEST annoyance? The air conditioning. Yes, it works. But it blasts directly onto the bed. I woke up every morning with a crick in my neck. I’d recommend checking out the AC settings before actually settling into your room. Also, I’m pretty sure the Goat was stalking me, just saying.
Would You Go Back? The Final Verdict.
Okay, so… despite the noise, the goat, the iffy Wi-Fi, and the air conditioning situation, YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. I'd go back to the Quill.
Why? Because it’s…memorable. It's a little slice of paradise with a healthy dose of reality. It’s got that special something, that old-world charm, that makes you forget about the small annoyances. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and gives you a feeling that's difficult to replicate. And let's be real, the memory of the goat chasing me around the pool will live rent-free in my head forever. Maybe I'd stay in a different room. Maybe I'd bring earplugs and a personal mosquito swatting squad. But I’d go back. Yes, I would. Because Goa, even with its imperfections, is pure magic, and the Quill Residence captures a big part of that magic.
