Goa's BEST Kept Secret? This Ashvem Beach Townhouse Will SHOCK You!
Goa's BEST Kept Secret? This Ashvem Beach Townhouse Will SHOCK You! – A Review That's Actually Honest (and a Little Chaotic)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on a Goa hideaway that's been whispering sweet nothings in my ear for days now. This isn’t your cookie-cutter resort review; this is a raw, honest, and probably overly enthusiastic dive into the Ashvem Beach Townhouse, a place that almost made me miss my flight home. Almost.
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First Impressions: Accessibility and… (Deep Breath) Everything Else.
Okay, let's be real, finding the perfect Goa escape is like searching for a decent avocado: you gotta kiss a few frogs (and dodge a few stomach bugs) before you find the good stuff. But this Townhouse? It’s different. From the moment I saw the exterior – all sleek lines blending seamlessly with the lush greenery – I knew I was in for something special.
Accessibility: Now, I didn't personally require wheelchair accessibility, but I poked around. The good news? They've got an elevator (a HUGE plus in my book), and while I didn't see a ramp everywhere, the staff were genuinely helpful and seemed ready to accommodate if you needed it. (Accessibility: Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) They deserve a gold star for even considering it – many places in Goa sadly don't.
The "Stuff" That Makes a Difference (or Drives You Crazy):
- Internet, Internet, Internet! Let's rip the bandaid off. (Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Wi-Fi in public areas, Internet services) The Wi-Fi was… reliable. Not lightning fast, not "blow your mind" internet, but consistently usable. Which, in Goa, is a minor miracle. I managed to video calls, upload photos, and actually, gasp, work a little. (My boss might be reading this… pretend I was very productive, okay?). The Wi-Fi for special events option seemed interesting too (meeting facilities and banquets are available, as well).
- Cleanliness & Safety (aka Post-Covid Sanity): (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms) Okay, look. I'm a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I'm also very over the pandemic. But this place made me feel safe. They were ON IT. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked, and the whole vibe was spotless. They are taking this very seriously. Extra points for Daily disinfection in common areas and that doctor/nurse on call, just in case your adventurous side gets the better of you (been there, done that, got the bug spray).
- The Rooms (Oh. My. God.) (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) If you're into minimalist chic, you'll be in heaven. Mine? The "Beach Bliss" room. It was pure, unadulterated luxury. The bed? Cloud-like. The blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver because, ya know, caffeine. The complimentary bottled water was a nice touch, although I still bought way too much Bubbly Water. The Air conditioning was a godsend. Seriously, the best part was the private bathroom, which had a HUGE shower and all the important toiletries. And the robes…oh, the robes. I may or may not have worn one to breakfast. (Don't tell anyone!).
- Quick rant: the bathroom phone made me giggle. Do people actually use those anymore? I should have tried it.
The Good Stuff: Food, Drinks, and (More Deep Breaths) Relaxation.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka Food Coma Heaven): (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Listen up, foodies. This place… it delivers. Breakfast was a buffet of dreams (and possibly calories), with everything from fresh fruit to perfectly crispy bacon (that bacon. Mmm). Their restaurants cater to all tastes, with a good mix of international and Asian flavors. The poolside bar? Essential. Especially during happy hour. I'll just leave it at that. The room service was a god send on the days I simply couldn't be bothered to put on actual clothes. I may or may not have ordered a soup and two desserts at 3 am.
- Ways to Relax (aka Finding Inner Peace and Avoiding Sunburn): (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) Okay, I'm not a spa person. I'm more of a "lie on a beach and read a book" kind of girl. But… the spa at the Townhouse was tempting. And even I, the spa and massage minimalist, couldn't resist a massage. It was… transformative. Seriously. Afterwards, and, oh yes, they the pool with view. The Swimming pool was divine. The Fitness center had modern equipment (I peaked in there but didn't touch a thing). They also have a sauna and steamroom.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff was some of the best I've encountered. Friendly, efficient, and genuinely seemed to care. I am not a fan of small talk, so I appreciated that they are available when you need them.
- Getting Around: (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking) Getting to Ashvem is a bit of a trek, but the airport transfer made it painless. There's car parking available. I rented a scooter, so I made use of the bicycle parking.
- Anything Else? Can't think of anything else, and that’s a win.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES! This Ashvem Beach Townhouse? It's more than just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a little slice of paradise, designed for those who crave luxury, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. It’s stylish, it’s comfortable, and… it’s probably where I’ll be spending my next vacation.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea for My Sanity):
If you’re looking for a Goa getaway that’s a step above the rest, book this now. Seriously. Before I do.
And Now, the Offer (Get Ready to Hit "Book Now"!):
Escape to Paradise!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving an escape that combines luxury, relaxation, and the freedom to explore?
We have a special offer for you:
Book a stay at the Ashvem Beach Townhouse and receive:
- 20% OFF your room rate.
- Complimentary Breakfast in Bed during your stay.
- A complimentary spa treatment.
Plus, enjoy all the incredible amenities:
- Pool with a view
- State-of-the-art spa
- Gourmet dining options
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered Goa itinerary. This is real Goa, as experienced, and sometimes fumbled, by yours truly. We're talking OYO Townhouse 031 Ashvem Beach Goa, and we're about to find out if it's paradise or just glorified backpacker purgatory.
The Chaotic Goa Chronicle: (Ashvem Beach Edition)
(Day 1): Arrival and Initial Disappointment (Followed by Hope!)
06:00 AM (ish): Wake up in a sweaty mess on a flight from Mumbai. My hair looks like a bird's nest, I'm pretty sure I drooled, and I'm already regretting deciding to travel solo. The airport feels like a furnace, and all the other passengers, seem to have this secret Goa insider knowledge.
08:00 AM: Arrive in Goa airport. The air is thick with humidity and the sweet, cloying scent of something floral and vaguely incense-y. Find a taxi. Bargaining is a sport here. I'm terrible at it. Pay way too much. Oh well, it's a write-off.
09:30 AM: Arrive at OYO Townhouse 031 Ashvem Beach. The photos online looked… well, better. It’s cleanish, but definitely not the "boutique-chic" they advertised. The lobby smells faintly of bleach and something else, perhaps a hint of mildew? Whatever, I'm too tired to care.
10:00 AM: Check-in. The receptionist looks perpetually bored. I feel his pain. I dump my bag in the room. First impression? It's tiny, but the AC works. Blessedly. I immediately flop on the bed and stare at the ceiling, wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.
11:00 AM: Force myself out. Gotta explore! Walk towards Ashvem Beach. The walk is already a sensory overload: motorbikes zipping past, cows casually strolling, the smell of the ocean battling with the smell of diesel fumes. Feels like I have stepped into a movie set.
11:30 AM: HOLY MOLY, the beach is GORGEOUS. Okay, OYO, you might have redeemed yourselves. The sand is soft, the water is turquoise, and there are some ridiculously photogenic dogs lounging around. Start feeling less grumpy.
12:00 PM: Attempt (and hilariously fail) to order lunch at a beach shack called "Sunset Shack". The menu is indecipherable. Ask for recommendations, and end up with something I can't quite identify, but it tastes amazing! Eat it with my hands, feeling a profound connection to my inner savage.
02:00 PM: Beach nap. Bliss. Wake up slightly sunburnt, but in a good mood.
04:00 PM: Wander along the beach, dodging rogue waves and admiring the sunset. The colors are unreal. The sky is on fire. Take 500 photos, none of which will truly capture the beauty.
06:00 PM: Dinner at a beachside restaurant. The food is good, the cocktails are strong, and I end up chatting with a group of fellow travelers. Turns out, everyone else is also slightly intimidated by the chaos, which makes me feel less like a complete idiot.
08:00 PM: Back to the OYO. The AC is still glorious. I'm exhausted but happy. Scribble in my journal (a barely legible mess) and fall asleep with the sound of the waves lulling me to sleep.
(Day 2): Ashvem Adventures and Unexpected Delights
08:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of… construction. Apparently, someone is building a hotel next door. Great. But the sunshine peeking through the curtains is undeniable.
09:00 AM: Breakfast at the OYO – the free breakfast. Questionable coffee, but the toast is alright. Chat with a guy from Germany who's been traveling for six months. Seriously questioning my life choices.
10:00 AM: Decide to rent a scooter. This is a terrible, terrible idea. I've never ridden a scooter before. The rental place is on the main road, which is essentially a demolition derby. Grip the handlebars, say a silent prayer, and somehow manage to stay upright. Barely.
11:00 AM: Drive through Goa on my scooter. The wind whips through my hair. I almost get taken out by a cow. Laughing so hard I almost crash.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a random roadside shack. Discover the best butter garlic prawns of my life. The place is run by a family. The kids run around, the grandmother stirs the pot, and the entire experience feels so authentic.
02:00 PM: Drive to Arambol beach. It's a proper tourist hot spot. Stumble upon the very cheesy drum circle, and try a bad attempt at belly dancing - feeling every ounce of self-consciousness.
04:00 PM: Drive back to Ashvem. I'm starting to feel a little bit confident on that death machine.
05:00 PM: Swim in the sea. The waves are bigger today. Get tossed around a bit. Swallow a mouthful of saltwater. Worth it.
07:00 PM: Attempt to find a fancy “yoga” class. Get hopelessly lost. Discover a tiny, hidden beach bar instead. The bartender makes amazing cocktails. Spend the evening there, laughing with locals and other travelers. Learn some basic Konkani phrases, butcher them horribly, and get corrected constantly.
09:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I can't even remember the name of. Don’t care. The food is delicious, the company is great.
(Day 3): The Day That Changed Everything (Or, at Least, My Perspective)
09:00 AM: After a late night, I'm still exhausted. Feel like I've lived in multiple countries after just a few days - too many thoughts and too many sensations. Try to get up and leave, but I can't bring myself to.
10:00 AM: I sit on the balcony of the OYO. I notice the small things that make the place special. The sun setting, the smell of salt, and the sounds of beach life.
12:00 PM: I decide to revisit the shack on the beach. I realize that a familiar face will make the experience more rewarding.
01:00 PM: I sit at the shack, watching the waves. I sit next to the owner, and we talk. I realize that Goa will teach me how to survive, and it will teach me how to enjoy life.
03:00 PM: I go back to the OYO and give the room a good clean. I feel relaxed and at peace with the world.
05:00 PM: I'm on the beach, dancing, and playing. I feel like I can do anything. At night I sit under the open moon and share my stories with other tourists.
(Day 4): Goodbye Ashvem, Hello… Wherever!
07:00 AM: Wake up, feeling oddly refreshed. The construction noise is still going, but I don't even notice it.
08:00 AM: One last, glorious breakfast at the shack. The owner gives me a hug. It feels like a real goodbye.
09:00 AM: Check out of OYO. The receptionist is still bored, but for some reason, I don't mind.
10:00 AM: Catch a taxi to the airport. Spend the entire ride staring out the window, replaying the past few days in my head and taking notes on the world.
12:00 PM: Flight. I'm leaving India. I realize that I'm so grateful for the chaos, the mess, and the glorious imperfections of Goa.
…: Where do I go next? Who cares, as long as I can bring the chaos with me.
Final Verdict on OYO Townhouse 031 Ashvem Beach:
It wasn't perfect. It wasn't luxurious, and the walls probably aren't entirely soundproof. But it was a home base. A place to crash after a day of madness. And, perhaps most importantly, it was a launching pad. A place to start an adventure. And for that very, very flawed reason, I'd recommend it. Just, you know, bring earplugs. And maybe a good book. And a sense of humor. Because in Goa, you're gonna need all three.
Manila's Chicest Minimalist Studio: PGH, DLSU, & CSB Await!
So, I have absolutely NO CLUE how to cook. Like, can I even boil water? (Seriously, don't laugh)
Okay, deep breaths. Look, everyone starts somewhere. My first attempts at cooking? Disaster. Utter, scorching, smoke-alarm-triggering disasters. I once tried to make toast and set the bread *and* the toaster on fire. (Don't ask, it involved a rogue crumb and a moment of existential dread.) The good news? You're not alone! The even better news? You ABSOLUTELY can learn.
Start small, okay? Seriously small. Mastering scrambled eggs is a victory. Learning to cook a simple pasta sauce without burning the garlic is a goddamn triumph. Don't try to be a Michelin-star chef overnight. Baby steps, my friend, baby steps. Watch some YouTube videos. Seriously, even I did. (Okay, most of my learning was from those, but I'm not ashamed!)
Where do I even START? Like, seriously, what's the FIRST thing I should learn to cook?
Okay, here's the gospel, according to me: Learn to make a *good* scrambled egg. Not just edible, but *good*. I'm talking creamy, fluffy, maybe with a little bit of cheese or chives if you're feeling fancy. It's deceptively simple, but it teaches you crucial things: heat control, recognizing doneness, and the importance of not overcooking. Trust me, overcooked scrambled eggs? They're the culinary equivalent of a bad breakup. Hard, dry, and depressing.
Once you've conquered the egg, move onto a really simple pasta dish. Something with just a little bit of sauce, some veggies, and maybe some parmesan cheese. Pasta is forgiving. It's your culinary safety net. (Unless you overcook the pasta. That's a whole other tragedy.) Then, perhaps try a pan-fried chicken (with the skin on, let's be adventurous!), you will suffer a bit with the clean-up for sure, but you'll be proud of yourself in the end, I promise!
I keep burning things! What am I doing wrong?!
Oh, honey, we've all been there. The burning things club is a big one. First, check your heat settings: Are you cooking on a nuclear reactor? Because that's what it sounds like. Turn it DOWN. Seriously. Low and slow, baby. That's the mantra. Second, pay attention! Cooking requires focus. I know, I know, the phone is distracting and Netflix is calling, but put the phone down, switch off the TV, and actually watch what's happening in that pan. Burnt food is one of the most awful thing to taste. No exceptions!
Also, consider your equipment. Do you have decent cookware? Cheap, thin pans are the enemy. They heat unevenly and burn things faster than a caffeinated squirrel. And finally, and this is the big one, taste as you go! If something's starting to get a little too brown, lower the heat even further, add a splash of water, or take it off the heat completely. Experience is the best teacher on this one. And don't be afraid to fail a few times. We've all burned our way to culinary greatness.
Help! My food is bland! How do I add flavor?
Bland food is the ultimate insult, isn't it? It's like your food is saying, "I don't even care." The key to flavor is layers. Start with salt and pepper. Seriously. It's the bedrock. Season the food at every stage of the cooking process, not just at the end. Then, add herbs and spices. Don't be afraid to experiment! Rosemary, thyme, garlic, oregano... the world is your culinary oyster. (Unless you're allergic to shellfish. Then, maybe stick with the basil.)
Think about acids: a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, a dollop of yogurt. Those brighten up flavors instantly! Don't be a shy person! Then, consider aromatics: onions, garlic, ginger. Sauté them in oil or butter to unlock their flavor magic. (And yes, burning those is a classic cooking error. Refer to question #3.) And if it's still bland, well, you can always add a little bit of something you LOVE. Honestly, a little salt in the food does solve some problems from time to time.
I'm terrified of knives. Any advice for a klutz like me?
Knives are intimidating, I get it. They're sharp, shiny, and can definitely inflict a world of pain. And you DO need to be careful! The best advice I can give you is to learn how to *properly* use one. A good, sharp knife is actually safer than a dull one. (I still don't get it, but apparently it is.) Take a knife skills class if you can! Or, watch some YouTube tutorials. There are tons. Practice with vegetables that won’t ruin your bank account if you make some mistakes.
And NEVER, EVER try to catch a falling knife. Just… don't. Let it fall. It’s okay. Seriously. It's better to have a knife on the floor than in your foot. And invest in a cut-resistant glove for your non-dominant, holding hand. Trust me, it's worth it. I've had… a few close calls. Let's just say that.
What's the WORST mistake you've ever made in the kitchen? Spill the tea!
Oh, man. Where do I even start? Okay, I'll admit, I once tried to deep-fry a turkey. *Inside*. In my apartment. The sheer audacity! It was Thanksgiving. I was feeling ambitious. It was also a complete and utter disaster. I ended up with a kitchen covered in oil, a burnt turkey that was somehow still raw in the middle, and a traumatized cat. The fire department showed up. It was a whole thing. (We eventually ate pizza.) Looking back, it's hilarious, but at the time, I was just devastated. Moral of the story: Don't deep-fry turkeys indoors. Or, you know, maybe just don't deep-fry turkeys at all. Stick to the oven.
I'm tired of cooking. Seriously. Are there any shortcuts I can take?
Yes! Absolutely! Life is too short to spend all day in the kitchen. Frozen veggies are your best friend. Pre-cut veggies? Even better. Canned beans? Don't be ashamed! Seriously, use those shortcuts. They are there for a reason. AndHotel Safari
