So, I agree with John Lennon that life happens when you are busy making other plans. I was planning my drag of a week, much like traversing a tunnel with promises of light at the end.
Until, life spontaneously took me to Goa, yet again! But, this trip ended up being different, perhaps better than many of my previous ones. I tried something unusual this time.
I am talking about my nights at the Deltin Royale, and Deltin Jaqk cruises docked at the Mandovi River.
Let me start at the beginning! My sister and I with our dandy strollers checked into the Deltin Suites. Voila! That was when it all started to get better. They had us set up in a gorgeous suite, which was not too heavy on our pockets.
You know how one only expects stellar service at uber five star hotels - we experienced that at Deltin Suites. There was not one thing the staff didn't have an answer for. And, we never had to request them to do anything for us twice.
Once we were all checked-in, we decided to try out the Deltin Royale cruise, open 24 hours. To our surprise, the hotel arranged a taxi till the dock and a small boat later that sailed us to the cruiser.
Inside, the Deltin Royale was nothing short of a Vegas casino. Believe me! I have been to many. I don't really play, but it was beautiful walking around on those floors. Given, we took the VIP pass; there were enough activities to keep us entertained in the middle of the river, with sublime vistas all around.
Again, what pleasantly surprised me was their quality of service, food and drinks. Just FYI, regardless of the kind of pass you buy, the food and beverages (including alcoholic drinks) are on the house. Also, they had the stage set for a live performance, and the officials made sure we all rigorously followed the COVID-19 safety guidelines.
There was a sumptuous buffet and a live wok counter, which I absolutely loved. However, to ensure minimal surface touch, I simply pointed out the dishes I wanted to try, and an attendant filled up my plate as many times as I liked.
The genius is in the details, and the Deltin Royale made sure, it was replete with them. Not for a moment did I feel unsafe or unsanitary on this cruiser.
My sister had thought we would stay for a couple of hours but ended up staying for twice that amount of time - simply because there was so much to do.
On our way back, Deltin ensured we got to our suite safe and sound to wake up in time the next morning for their incredible breakfast.
Can I say this again? Deltin Suites serves phenomenal breakfast. Even if you don't stay at the Deltin Suites, do try it. It is to die for! With a sublime range of items from pancakes to poori bhaji to omelette stations and dosa counters - they have it all.
After a luscious meal, we rented a car and drove to the Arambol beach for the day. After lazing around and swimming in the ocean for, what must have been 4 or 5 hours (intermittently, of course), it was time to head back and spend the night away at the Deltin Jaqk.
The Deltin Group owns both the Royale and the Jaqk, and after the enthralling experience at the Royale, we wanted to give the Jaqk a shot. Lo and behold! It turned out to be just as luxurious, if not more than the Royale.
Sprawling with magnificent Christmas decorations, leather couches, open-air restaurant, the Deltin Jaqk was instantly likeable. We ate, drank and made merry for as long as we could.
Pro Tip: try the Whiskey Sour at the Deltin Jaqk. You won't regret it.
Much like bad things, all good things also come to an end. We thought it best to call it a night around 2 am, and the Deltin management made sure we got back safely.
The next morning, we had to leave, but not before one final early morning swim at the beach. Candolim is only 3kms away from the Deltin Suites. After the swim, it was time for their stellar breakfast, and we pigged-out for sure.
After breakfast, we checked out and headed towards the airport. The Deltin Group has managed to capture our attention - something that doesn't happen that often!
Safe, sanitized, and worth the money, I will return to stay with them and revisit the Royale and Jaqk.
If you are planning a trip to the Deltin Suites, Deltin Royale or Deltin jaqk, but are unsure about the kind of packages they offer, log on to www.deltin.com
