W Goa | Wallpaper*

Colourful seating area at W Goa — (Image credit: TBC)

Away from the formal service of traditional Indian hotel brands like, say, Taj or Oberoi, the W brand is shaking things up with the launch of its Goan property - the first in the country - on the sandy stretch of Vagator Beach.

Against the backdrop of a 500-year old Portuguese fort, the property has been designed by Singapore-based Eco-ID architects to feature a 160 guestrooms, villas and public spaces set over 25 acres of land.

Inside, the Malaysian firm Design Wilkes has created a vibrant, colourful space with a strong sense of place; enormous, perpetually opened doors, adorned with lunar artwork by Subodh Kerkar - a nod to the region’s full moon party culture - sets the scene for the humming open-air lobby which is dressed with colourful low-slung furniture; a ceiling rope installation reminiscent of the local fishing heritage; and a vivid mural, by Indian artist M. Narayan, that celebrates the evocative melting pot of Goa.

The guestrooms - which also comprise a series of villas - are similarly flamboyant with hammered metal furnishings that reflect the kaleidoscope of colours.

Of course, this being a W Hotel, the facilities are second to none, with a state-of-the-art fitness centre; an impressive subterranean Clarins spa - that offers a range of classic treatments - two bars and two restaurants, including the pan Asian-themed Spice Traders and Kitchen Table which serves up Goan sepcialties. We suggest heading to Rock Pool - a hotspot that has fast become a place to see and be seen - where locals and guests sip on cocktails to the beats of the house DJ while the sun sets slowly over the Arabian sea.

Wooden seating area with draping glass beads from ceiling

Outside swimming pool with palm trees behind

ADDRESS

Vagator Beach
Bardez
Goa

VIEW GOOGLE MAPS

Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.