A year after opening its doors, Gateway Goa, Palolem is quietly making a case for a different kind of Goan escape. Far from the familiar bustle of North Goa, in the green, unhurried landscape of Canacona, the 158-key retreat has found its place among the quieter pleasures of the state. The long afternoons, uncrowded shores, local flavours and most importantly, the luxury of slowing down.
For Ronald Menezes, General Manager of Gateway Goa, Palolem, the anniversary is particularly personal. A Goan himself, Ronald returned to his home state to lead the hotel, bringing with him a deep familiarity with the Goa that exists beyond its postcard image. “Coming back to Goa and being part of Gateway Goa, Palolem has been deeply meaningful to me. Goa is often spoken about through its beaches but there is another side to the state that is quieter and perhaps even more beautiful. Palolem, Canacona and the surroundings offer that sense of space and stillness. Gateway Goa is very close to my heart because it represents the Goa I know. The Goa where people come to breathe, reconnect and simply take a break. In fact, it is wonderful to see Goans themselves choosing the hotel when they need a little time away,” says Ronald Menezes, General Manager, Gateway Goa, Palolem.
That sentiment is at the heart of the hotel’s first year. Here, the experience is less about ticking off attractions and more about inhabiting the destination. Guests can spend the morning exploring Palolem, Patnem and Galjibaga return for a leisurely afternoon by the pool, and end the day at 74° NE, the rooftop bistro, watching the coastline change colour as the sun sets.
In its first year Gateway Goa, Palolem has found its own rhythm that is contemporary yet rooted, relaxed yet considered. It is a reminder that Goa does not always need to be loud or busy to be memorable. Sometimes, the most rewarding Goa is the one that asks you to slow down, stay a little longer and simply be.
