Goa's Hidden Paradise: Fenicia Riverside Resort Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Paradise: Fenicia Riverside Resort Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Review That's More Honest Than a Tourist's T-Shirt
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Fenicia Riverside Resort in Goa. This isn't your average, polished TripAdvisor review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, sprinkled with a healthy dose of my own neuroses, of course. Let's dive headfirst, shall we? And yeah, I'm covering everything, because that metadata list… well, it's basically my new life's purpose.
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First Impressions & The Accessibility Gauntlet:
Okay, so the website photos promised a tranquil oasis. And, to be fair, the resort is pretty. Nestled on the river, the views are undeniably gorgeous. But let's get real – getting to the tranquility can be an adventure.
Accessibility: This is where things slightly stumble. The website says accessible, and yes, there’s an elevator (thank god!). But navigating the resort with a wheelchair (or even just a creaky knee, like mine) feels like a treasure hunt. Some walkways are a bit uneven, and a few ramps seemed designed by someone who isn’t entirely familiar with physics. I'm giving them a solid 7/10 for effort. Seriously, the intention is there, but execution needs some tweaking.
For the Kids (and Us Grown-Up Kids):
Family/Child Friendly: Absolutely! They have a babysitting service (score!), and the kids facilities seemed decent enough, though I didn't have the chance to fully test those out (personal preference: I left the children with their parents at home). But definitely family-friendly.
The Room - My Sanctuary (Most Of The Time):
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Mine (and I’m guessing, Available in all rooms) featured air conditioning (THANK YOU, sweet baby Jesus), a comfy bed, and a slightly wonky window that opens (always a bonus for the fresh air, even in humid Goa - though I kept it bolted most of the time). The Internet access – wireless, aka Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, actually worked (a miracle!), and I could internet access – LAN, if you REALLY wanted it. The desk was adequate for a bit of work, and there were complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker (essential for my caffeine needs).
The bathroom, with its separate shower/bathtub, was generally clean and the towels were plentiful and the hair dryer worked and the bathrobes felt luxurious. Did I mention the additional toilet? Luxury! Though I did stumble over my own feet a couple of times trying to find it in the dark.
Now, the imperfections – and this is where I get real. The carpeting in my room was a bit… well-worn (but let's be honest, who's staring at the carpet in Goa?). And for some reason, the mirror seemed determined to make me appear slightly more tired than I actually was. Not ideal, but hey, it's Goa! Embrace the imperfections.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes Over-Seasoned):
The restaurants were plentiful. I experienced the Asian cuisine in restaurant and the international cuisine in restaurant, both of which were mostly good. The Asian breakfast was a particular highlight – those dosas were chef’s kiss. The breakfast [buffet] was a decent way to start the day and there was a coffee shop (thank goodness!).
The Downside: The consistency of the food varied. One night's dinner was sublime, the next, the spices were… enthusiastically applied. It was a roulette game of "which flavor profile will I get tonight?"
The saving grace?: Happy hour at the poolside bar. A few cocktails by the water, watching the sun set – that's what holidays are all about.
Things to do, Ways to Relax (And My Own Personal Drama):
Here's where Fenicia really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with that pool with a view that you see in all the Instagram shots.
Ways to Relax:
- Massage: Absolutely. Had a massage. Bliss. I fell asleep halfway through and woke up when the masseuse patted my head to indicate she had finished. Not my most dignified moment, but the knots were GONE. A definitive 10/10 on the relaxation scale.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Spa: I indulged in all three. The steamroom was a little… steamy. I accidentally yelped when I tried it at first, almost burning my skin off. The only negative of my spa experience; I think I may need to get used to the heat. But the spa experience in general? Pure heaven.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm a firm believer in "holiday calories don't count," so I used the fitness center once. Which, I would like to add, was incredibly well-equipped. I think I'll stick to the massage, though.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did They Survive COVID? (Almost):
Okay, this is important. Fenicia really seems to be taking safety seriously.
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely.
Plus the doctor/nurse on call gave me peace of mind, and the first aid kit in my room gave me a good laugh.
The Quirky Details (Because Every Resort Has Them):
- The resident doorman: Always greeted us with a smile and a slightly-too-enthusiastic "Welcome to Fenicia!" Bless him, he was trying so hard.
- The shrine – I'm not religious, but it was peaceful.
- The terrace: Perfect for a sundowner.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things that Make a Difference:
They had all the basics covered, including air conditioning in public area, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, elevator, and luggage storage. The dry cleaning was a lifesaver (thank god!) and the laundry service was surprisingly efficient, though a little pricey. The convenience store was… convenient. I stocked up on snacks.
The Verdict - Would I Return?
Okay, so, the Fenicia Riverside Resort is not perfect. There are minor issues, the inconsistent food. But, honestly, you know what? I loved it. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The location is beautiful. The spa? Divine. The pools? Amazing.
Overall: Fenicia Riverside Resort is a great option. It's clean, safe, generally accessible, and packed with amenities. It’s not flawless, but it’s got character, charm, and a whole lot of heart. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in Goa, I'd say go for it.
Rating: 8/10. Would return for the massage, the pool, and the chance to accidentally embarrass myself in the steam room again.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the swirling chaos that is my Fenicia Riverside Resort, Goa itinerary. Fair warning: this isn't your meticulously curated travel blog; this is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover truth. Let’s see if I even remember half of it…
Fenicia Riverside Resort, Goa: My Chaotic, Beautiful Debauchery (and Maybe Some Relaxation)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sunstroke Scare (aka, "I forgot sunscreen!")
- Morning (ish): Landed in Goa. The heat hit me like a… well, like a hot, humid, Indian train. Seriously, it’s a different kind of heat, the kind that seeps into your bones and makes you immediately crave a Kingfisher. Checked into Fenicia. Beautiful place, palm trees swaying, the river shimmering…I was instantly sold. Except for the slight issue of forgetting my sunscreen. Cue the drama.
- Afternoon: Poolside bliss! Or so I thought. I mean, I tried to be sophisticated, ordering a fancy cocktail with a tiny umbrella. Then the sun hit. Oh, the sun hit. Turns out, my porcelain skin is not built for Goan sun. Sunstroke alert! Managed to stumble back to my room before I fully melted. Lesson learned: sunscreen is your best friend. And maybe a giant hat.
- Evening: Recovering in the air conditioning. Ordered room service – veggie thali, because apparently, my body was screaming for something healthy after the sun-induced trauma. Watched some Bollywood on TV (no idea what was going on, but the dancing was amazing!). Later, ventured out for a quiet stroll along the river. Beautiful, even through squinty, sunburned eyes. Thought I saw a crocodile? Probably the heat. Definitely the heat.
Day 2: The Beach, the Bargain, and the Birth of a Shopping Addict
- Morning: Okay, this time: SUNSCREEN! Headed to Palolem Beach, a short taxi ride away. The ocean was a glorious turquoise, the sand, pristine. Spent a good hour just staring at the waves, feeling all zen. Then the vendors arrived. And the bargaining began.
- Afternoon: The bargaining. Oh, the bargaining! I walked away with three sarongs, a handmade bracelet, and a bizarre seashell wind chime. My wallet wept, but my soul… my soul sang a siren song of retail therapy. Ate fresh grilled fish at a beach shack. The best seafood I've ever tasted. Truly. It's a memory I'll cherish.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food was delicious, but I was still reeling from my spending spree. Seriously, I might need a second suitcase at this rate. Contemplated my life choices over a large glass of wine. Maybe I was a tad bit too aggressive with the shopping. Or maybe… just maybe… I am meant to be a Goan shopaholic.
Day 3: Yoga, River Cruise, and the Quest for the Perfect Mango Lassi
- Morning: Attempted yoga on the resort grounds. "Attempted" being the operative word. Let's just say my flexibility is… lacking. But hey, the view of the river was stunning, and I felt vaguely virtuous. Then, a swim. Beautiful pool.
- Afternoon: River cruise! Oh, it was idyllic. Cruising along the river, passing lush greenery and tiny villages, spotting birds and… wait, was that a dolphin? Or a very optimistic fish? Anyway, the views were amazing, the breeze was divine. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Evening: The GREAT MANGO LASSI QUEST BEGINS. I'm on a mission to find the perfect mango lassi. Tried three different places. Still searching. Each one was good, but NONE, and I repeat, NONE measured up to the heavenly concoction I tasted in my head. Dinner at a local restaurant. Spicy, delicious, left my taste buds tingling.
Day 4: The Dudhsagar Falls Pilgrimage (or, "Did I Seriously Just Hike Through the Jungle?")
- Morning: Epic misadventure alert! We booked a jeep tour to the Dudhsagar Falls. The jeep ride itself was an adventure: bumpy, dusty, and utterly exhilarating. The views! The waterfalls thundering down. Truly awe-inspiring.
- Afternoon: Hike! The hike to the top of the falls. This is when I truly found out how out of shape I am. It was hot, it was humid, and my legs screamed in protest. I stumbled, I cursed (mostly under my breath), and I sweated like I'd run a marathon. But when I finally stood before the falls, all the pain just… vanished. Majestic. Worth it.
- Evening: Exhausted but exhilarated, we limped (literally) back to the resort. Ordered a massive pizza and crashed. Sleep. Needed.
Day 5: Resort Life, Last-Minute Souvenirs, and the Sad Farewell
- Morning: Blissful morning at the resort pool. Sunscreen, check. Cocktail, check. Reading a book, check. Letting the heat soothe my aches.
- Afternoon: Panic-buying souvenirs. Somehow, despite all my careful shopping, I still needed "just a few more things." Wandered the shops searching for the perfect gifts, which I'm sure people will love.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at the resort. Reflections. Goa is magical. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s a little bit crazy, and it's absolutely beautiful. Saying goodbye was harder than I expected.
Day 6: Homeward Bound… and the Mango Lassi Dream
- Morning: Last breakfast at the resort. One last mango lassi (still searching for THE ONE), one last lingering look at the river.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Already planning my return trip!
Quirky Observations and Emotional Ramblings (the good and the bad):
- The Monkeys: Freaking adorable, but also sneaky little food thieves. Keep your snacks close!
- The Heat: It's an experience. Embrace it. Sweat. Enjoy the moment.
- The Food: Oh. My. God. The food. Spicy, delicious, and will haunt my dreams (in a good way).
- The People: The Goan people are incredibly warm and welcoming. Always greeted with smiles.
- The Sunset: The sunsets over the river. I just stared at them. Beautiful.
- The Beach Dogs: Adorable. So many dogs! I miss them.
Imperfections (and let's be honest, there were many):
- Sunburn. (See Day 1).
- Overspending on sarongs.
- Not finding THE perfect mango lassi.
- Slightly judging other travelers.
- Didn't get to visit Old Goa.
- Didn't even attempt to learn any Konkani.
Final Verdict:
Goa, you magnificent, messy, sun-drenched, shopaholic's paradise. You stole my heart (and a significant portion of my bank balance). I'll be back. And next time, I swear I'll find that perfect mango lassi. Until then… namaste (and pass the sunscreen!).
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Fenicia Riverside Resort: Unveiled (Maybe A Little Too Much) - Your Burning Questions Answered!
Is Fenicia Riverside the Dream or a Haze? (aka, What's the Vibe?)
Okay, lemme be real. "Dream" is a strong word. It's more like… a captivatingly imperfect postcard. Think Instagram-worthy sunsets over the Chapora River, *but* with a healthy dose of Goa's lovable chaos thrown in. Expect relaxed. Expect friendly. Expect… occasional power outages, and the persistent hum of cicadas. That, honestly, adds to the charm. You gotta embrace the "Goa Time" thing, ya know? I, for one, loved it.
One day, I was lounging by the pool (gorgeous, by the way), and a monkey just waltzed right past, eyeing my fruit platter. Didn't grab anything, thankfully, but it was a perfect encapsulation of Fenicia's vibe: a little wild, a little unexpected, and utterly unforgettable. Like my first relationship when I was 20.
The Rooms: Are They Worth the Rupees? (And Do They Have AC? Important Question.)
Yes, *they have AC*. Honestly, that's almost job one in Goa. The rooms themselves? Largely depend on which one you get. Some are sleek, modern, with river views that’ll make you weep. Some… are a little less so, and potentially require a little… persuasion with the AC remote. My first room, bless it, had a leaky shower that I swear I could have swum in. But, hey, the staff were incredibly helpful (more on them later) and moved me immediately. And honestly? Even in the less-than-perfect room, the balcony views (especially at sunset) were worth every penny. Just… maybe pack some earplugs because the sounds of the river at night can be… robust.
Food Glorious Food (Or Not?): What's the Grub Scene Like at Fenicia?
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The on-site restaurant is… decent. Not Michelin-star material, but perfectly acceptable for breakfast (those pancakes!), lunch, and dinner. The seafood is generally fresh, and they'll happily customize dishes to your liking. BUT… and this is a big but… venture outside! Go explore! Goa food is a treasure trove. There are some fantastic little shacks and restaurants dotted along the riverfront, offering authentic Goan cuisine that'll blow your mind. Don't confine yourself to the resort. You'll miss out on the best part! I literally ate at a place called "Mama's Kitchen" that was a total hole-in-the-wall, but the fish curry... I still dream of the fish curry.
The Pool: Heaven on Earth or Just… Wet?
The pool is bloody gorgeous. Seriously. Infinity pool overlooking the river? Yes, please! It's the kind of pool you can spend hours just floating in, losing all track of time. I practically lived there. There are sunbeds, umbrellas… the whole shebang. The only minor issue (and this is being nitpicky) is that sometimes, children are involved. And they splash. A lot. But hey, it's a resort, not a silent retreat. And honestly, even the splashing couldn't ruin the sheer bliss of that pool. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. That, or you can just start splashing back. I can’t promise I didn’t do that a few times.
Location, Location, Location! Is Fenicia Riverside Isolated or Convenient?
It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Fenicia Riverside is nestled right on the bank of the Chapora River, so it's away from the hectic beaches of Baga and Calangute. That tranquility is definitely a plus. You'll need transport – scooter (highly recommended!), taxi, or Uber – to get around. It's not walking distance to the action, which can be frustrating if you crave immediate access to bustling markets or nightlife. But the peace and quiet are worth the extra travel time, in my opinion. Plus, scootering around Goa is an adventure in itself! I did almost fall off a cliff once, but that's besides the point. Mostly.
The Staff: Angels or…? (aka, Service Quality)
The staff are genuinely lovely. Seriously, some of the friendliest, most helpful people I've ever met. They’re patient, accommodating, and always, *always* willing to go the extra mile. They even helped me order food delivery in a language I didn’t understand at 3 am after a minor… incident involving a particularly spicy vindaloo. They're the real MVP of Fenicia Riverside. The service is generally pretty good, but remember the "Goa Time" thing? Sometimes, things might be a little slower than you're used to. Embrace it. Have another Kingfisher. Relax.
Activities: Beyond the Sunbed. What's There To *Do*?
They offer boat trips, which I highly recommend. Sunset over the river. Incredible. Also, you're perfectly positioned to explore the beaches of North Goa: Vagator, Anjuna, Morjim (for the Russian crowd). Go see Chapora Fort (the "Dil Chahta Hai" fort - iconic!), rent a scooter and drive around. Go clubbing. Go shopping. Go find a yoga class. There is *stuff* to do, don't just sit in your room!
Hidden Costs and Annoying Surprises? (aka, Watch Out!)
The usual suspects, really. Drinks can add up. Mini-bar prices are probably a little inflated. Taxis can be a bit of a negotiation (haggling is a must!). Laundry services are charged extra. But honestly, nothing that should ruin your experience. Just be aware and budget accordingly. And tip generously! The staff deserve it.
The Most Important Question: Would You Go Back?
Absolutely. Bloody yes. Despite the leaky shower and the occasional mosquito bite, Fenicia Riverside Resort has a certain… magic. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin. It's not perfect, it's not flawless, but it's real. It’s charming. And I’m already dreaming of going back, mostly to float in that pool withComfort Inn
