At Ronil Goa, JdV by Hyatt’s first property in India, a unique experience awaits you as Sachin, also known as Rocketman, warmly greets guests lounging in the cabanas with a free shot. Strapped to his back is a large canister filled with the drink of the day, ensuring that every guest feels special and pampered from the very moment they arrive. Rocketman, who stands guard by the lively Energy Pool — one of the two pools on the property — is part of the many delightful touches that transform Ronil Goa from simply being a formal hotel into a relaxed, fun-filled holiday retreat. Observing the cheerful reception of Sachin’s gesture while sipping on an apple-cinnamon slushie, you can already sense the laid-back atmosphere that pervades this charming resort.
The center of social activity, the Energy Pool, features a swim-up bar that serves a variety of cocktails and mocktails, further enhancing the holiday spirit. Established 37 years ago, Ronil Goa has recently undergone renovations, balancing its historic Indo-Portuguese design elements, like the sloping terracotta roofs, with contemporary touches that appeal to modern travelers. While the resort retains nostalgic charm to delight its long-time patrons, it’s also designed with minimalistic and functional decor, brightened with pops of color, making it a perfect haven for today’s holiday seekers.
Spanning 135 rooms, this boutique resort is nestled on the bustling Baga-Calangute Road, catering to both party-goers and those looking for a peaceful retreat. The Energy Pool pulses with music played by an in-house DJ until the early hours, though the volume decreases by 10 p.m. The DJ customizes the playlist based on guest preferences, allowing guests to enjoy live music while indulging in barbecues and wood-fired oven pizzas. Despite its lively core, Ronil Goa is also an oasis of tranquility. General manager Pratiti Rajpal explains that the resort’s goal is to ensure both young and older guests can find their niche. She elucidates, “We see susegad [a Goan cultural concept derived from the Portuguese word ‘sossagado’ meaning quiet] as a state of contentment. For some, this might mean experiencing the vibrant party scene, while for others, it’s about unwinding in a quiet space.” Hence, rooms around the Energy Pool are complemented by those near the more serene Tranquil Pool.
Ronil Goa introduces guests to a delightful farm-fresh breakfast to start their day, served at the bistro.
. Chef Pankaj ensures the menu caters to a wide range of palates, serving an assortment of cuisines from Goan delicacies to South and North Indian staples, and even touches of Italian and Continental fare. The culinary team is currently experimenting with Asian cuisine additions, showing the resort’s dedication to providing a varied and enticing dining experience.
Understanding the true charm of travel lies in savoring local specialties, Chef Pankaj recommends trying the cafreal, a traditionally chicken-based dish composed of a tangy tamarind marinade mixed with a blend of spices and fresh coriander. However, the bistro is versatile, offering a vegetarian version with mushrooms. For an authentic experience, pair the cafreal with the local poee bread, a chewy wheat flour bread akin to pita pockets. Guests should also sample the vegetarian Goan xacuti, featuring assorted veggies cooked in a rich coconut milk base, with a hint of vinegar and spices, perfect with steamed rice. The dish highlights the integrity of the vegetable textures while delivering a harmonious blend of flavors.
As the sun sets, guests can enjoy barbecues or the resort’s signature wood-fired oven pizzas, made with a crunchy sourdough base that perfectly complements the melted toppings. While the dessert section might be limited, it still offers enticing options, such as warm churros dusted with cinnamon sugar served with chocolate, and a refreshing pistachio gelato.
The aesthetic of Ronil Goa strikes a balance between elegance and vibrancy. Contrasting off-white exteriors with terracotta browns, the resort is punctuated with colorful wall art and a large mural near the Tranquil Pool, which transitions from abstract to figurative art celebrating contemporary femininity.
For those traveling in groups and looking to host gatherings, the Ronil Studio or The Loft provides an ideal blend of formal and relaxed seating arrangements. The garden area offers an alternate venue for outdoor events. Additionally, the Soul Station lounge area offers guests noise-cancelling headphones to escape the music and catch up on reading in peace.
A whimsical highlight to the breakfast spread is the option to have a Bloody Mary, embracing the spirit of vacation from the very beginning of the day. Pratiti Rajpal cheekily remarks, “A spirited holiday can begin at dawn if the guests want to. Imagine being at a friend’s luxury holiday home.”
(The writer’s visit to Ronil Goa was facilitated by invitation)
