Amaraanth hotel review: Art-centric curated luxury lands in South Goa

India’s beach state of Goa is a travel hotspot with a clear divide. North Goa boasts trendy hotspots, while the south offers a slower pace and a more tranquil escape. Amid this landscape, the recently opened Amaraanth is a refreshing alternative to the typical South Goan big resort scene. Taking its name and spirit from the Amaraanth flower, the intimate boutique hideaway has been carefully designed to appeal to those seeking an escape from the urban bustle. Conceived by founder Shradha Binani, the former mansion is now a welcoming escape assembled by a team of India's top talent including architect George Seemon of Stapati Studio. Infusing his signature style, which seamlessly blends vernacular architecture with contemporary sensibilities, Seemon has realised a serene ambience amid the Goan landscape where laterite-clad buildings emerge from the lush foliage, complemented by local materials like bamboo and natural stone. There's also a collection of art from celebrated local artists including Subodh Kerkar and Thomas Louis, imbuing the already tasteful interiors with personality. The National checked in to see what awaits travellers staying at the newly opened escape. Arriving at Goa's Dabolim International Airport, I have a smooth exit and a driver from the hotel is already waiting to meet me. We get in the car and it whizzes past Goa’s ocean-side highways and villages. An hour later, I arrive at the hotel where a sign reads 'Amaraanth: rooted in the real.' My check-in was done in advance, so all I have to do is sign a form as I sip on a cool coconut water and a kokum spritz, a regional favourite. My butler, Surenra, arrives to escort me to my spacious signature suite. South Goa is less populated with restaurants and tourists than its northern neighbour, so it's ideal for those looking for a relaxing break. Amaraanth is walking distance from the little-known Fatrade Beach, one of the cleanest and least inhabited stretches of Goan shoreline. The sea here has gentle waves, perfect for taking a dip, or sitting on the soft sand to catch what can be spectacular sunsets. The capital city of Panjim is only 45 minutes away, offering plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment options for those who prefer more hustle and bustle. Amaraanth is an all-suite hotel with three categories of accommodation: comfort, luxury and signature suites. I'm staying in a signature suite on the ground floor and it's huge – 77 square metres to be precise, with a leafy outside area that boasts a sofa, and small dining table. Cane accents, art by Subodh Kerkar and luxurious fittings complete the look. The bathroom is well-stocked with Molton Brown toiletries and there is a separate bathtub with a bamboo screen. The minibar is also stocked with interesting local snacks like salted banana chips and Goa’s famous cashews. Coffee lovers like myself will delight in the French press and freshly ground beans provided for quiet, contemplative mornings on the terrace. Staff are warm-hearted and knowledgeable. Guests will be delighted to discover that every single suite is assigned butler service and, if the staff are at all like Surendra, everything will be flawless. There’s a lovely pool area next to the hotel restaurant where loungers are submerged in the water for perfect relaxation vibes. The hotel curates some lovely experiences for guests such as a tea ceremony by the lotus pond and a styling session with Saanya Khatwani, a local fashion designer and boutique owner committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. One the same site is the first international outpost of London’s The HVN, a wellness centre that offers innovative massages, scientific facials, and healing rituals. There’s only one restaurant, where chef Ritu Dalmia has mastered the craft of Italian cuisine creating handmade pastas and melt-in-your-mouth pizzas that keep my stomach and soul happy. In addition, Amaraanth Kitchen serves Asian salads and bowls that sing with flavour. I particularly enjoyed the Smashed Cucumber Salad (Dh24) and the Thai Tomato Salad (Dh22). Breakfast here is a delightful affair of top-quality cheeses, cold cuts, freshly baked breads like sourdough, focaccia and croissants, in-house preserves, granola, lemon curd and a made-to-order hot menu, too. Apart from the stellar art and design, having access to the internationally acclaimed The HVN is a big plus for wellness enthusiasts. There’s no specific activities here for children, so if you're travelling with kids it might not be the best pick. If you need some reading material for poolside days, there's a small library in one of the lounge areas where guests are encouraged to take books and leave behind titles they'd like to share with other travellers. There aren’t many boutique hotels in South Goa that offer curated luxury for discerning travellers in the way that Amaraanth does. The combination of good design and quality food make this hotel an attractive proposition while the proximity to a pristine beach is simply the cherry on top. From Dh1,315 plus taxes per night, inclusive of breakfast and one-way airport transfer. Check-in is from 3pm, checkout is by noon. This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future

Amaraanth hotel review: Art-centric curated luxury lands in South Goa

Newly opened 12-key boutique hotel fuses contemporary design with local artistry and a focus on wellness