Goa's Hidden Paradise: Devasthali - Valley of the Gods Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Paradise: Devasthali - Valley of the Gods Awaits! - A Review from a REAL Traveler (with a LOT of Opinions!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Devasthali and I'm still unpacking my brain (and my suitcase, let's be real). This isn't your typical dry-as-dust hotel review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, spilling the tea (spiced, naturally – it's Goa, after all) on my experience at this 'Valley of the Gods' they call it.
First Impressions and the Drive There (Accessibility - or Lack Thereof!)
Getting to Devasthali? Let's just say it’s an adventure in itself. The drive, depending on where you're coming from in Goa, can be… picturesque. And by picturesque, I mean winding roads, potential for mischievous cows, and a distinct lack of perfectly paved surfaces. Important Note: If you have mobility issues, call ahead! I didn't see a ton of obvious signs of top-tier accessibility on the road itself, but the hotel does list “Facilities for disabled guests” which is a good sign, hopefully that's more than just a polite nod. I'm genuinely curious about this, and wish I'd have thought to look for it with a more discerning eye. Getting around within the resort once you're there is another story - much more manageable.
(Accessibility Rating: Potentially Wobbly – Investigate Before You Go!)
Arrival & The "Wow" Factor (and the Internet's Mood Swings)
The first sight of Devasthali… yeah, wow. The valley is genuinely stunning. Think lush greenery, that sweet Goan air, and the promise of serious relaxation. The architecture is beautiful, a blend of traditional Goan and modern design. The lobby area is all open space and… well, a bit overwhelming after a long drive. The welcome was warm, though, which went a long way after the journey.
Important Note on Internet: They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless." BUT. Let’s be honest, the internet was a mood. Sometimes it was fast and glorious, allowing me to upload Instagram stories of the pool with the view (more on that later!), other times it was slower than a tortoise stuck in molasses. Internet [LAN] is also an option apparently, but seriously, who's plugging in a LAN cable on vacation? The worst part? No matter how much I tried to blame it on my provider (it wasn't my fault!), the staff were always friendly and quick with a fix. The Wi-Fi in public areas was generally more stable, which helped.
(Internet Rating: Needs Improvement for the Digital Nomads Among Us!)
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
I had a room with a window that opens, thank the Gods, and that extra-long bed was a godsend after those bumpy roads. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, battling the Goan humidity with impressive grace. The blackout curtains were perfect, because, let's be real, I needed to sleep (the pool was calling!). The mini bar was… well, stocked. And, hey! Free bottled water! Gotta hydrate. The private bathroom was sparkling and the shower was glorious, with a decent water pressure! The little things that make a stay great!
There was a desk, which I did occasionally use (though mostly it was a dumping ground for my clothes). The daily housekeeping was efficient and kept the place spotless. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms? Check. Non-smoking rooms? Check. I had Satellite/cable channels – but really, who watches TV when you're in Goa? I did like the in-room safe box, because I had to stash away all the goodies I bought during my adventure.
(Room Rating: Solid and Comfortable, with some minor imperfections.)
Food Glorious Food! (And the Importance of Breakfast)
Okay, let's talk food. Honestly, this is where Devasthali truly shone.
Breakfast [buffet]: This was the most important meal of the day and I'd often opt for the Breakfast in room, after a spa session, just to keep the vibe going. They had everything, starting with the Asian breakfast and moving onto the Western breakfast (so you get the best of both worlds), the coffee/tea in restaurant selection was great, and there was even a few desserts in restaurant, which I took advantage of. It's also important to note that you could get Breakfast takeaway service!
Restaurants & Dining: The main restaurant had a fabulous a la carte in restaurant menu, with options ranging from Goan specialties to International cuisine in restaurant. I went heavy on the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and could not stop ordering from the salad in restaurant menu! It seemed like the hotel also had Alternative meal arrangement, that I never used, which is great! The Happy hour and Poolside bar kept me fueled with cocktails.
Other Options: There was a Snack bar (perfect for those post-swim cravings), and I had a bit of Soup in restaurant here and there. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant option.
They really did a great job, all the way around.
(Dining Rating: A+! Delicious and Diverse!)
Spa, Pool, and Pure Bliss (My Day, My Way!)
Okay, this is where I went into full-blown "holiday mode." The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning. Seriously, picture perfect. The Pool with view… need I say more? I spent a ridiculous amount of time lounging by it with a cocktail (thanks, Poolside bar!). The Spa/sauna area was seriously tempting. The Massage was heavenly, and the Body scrub and Body wrap took me to another level of relaxation. I also got to enjoy the Foot bath and the Steamroom, which was very welcome, and the Sauna helped to dry me up a little after my many hours in the pool. They also had a Fitness center, which I may have glanced at. Once. The Spa was the real star of the show. The therapists were skilled, and the whole experience was incredibly zen. Honestly, I might have floated away at one point.
(Relaxation Rating: Paradise Found!)
Things To Do (Besides Swanning Around)
Look, I came here to chill, so activities weren’t high on my list. But! They had the usual suspects:
- They advertise "Meetings" and Seminars but, I'm not sure who's coming here for a corporate getaway!
- I saw a Shrine
- Family/child friendly, complete with Kids facilities, and a Babysitting service
- They have a Gift/souvenir shop.
- Coffee shop.
- There was a Bicycle parking, and a Car park [free of charge],
- And Car park [on-site].
And the Rest…
- Cleanliness and safety: Everything felt incredibly clean. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and had all the necessary safety protocols. The Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays made me feel secure. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Services and conveniences: They had a Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, and a Laundry service. They also featured Invoice provided which made the check-out process a breeze. I saw Facilities for disabled guests, but I wish I'd paid more attention to how these were implemented.
- Getting around: They do offer Airport transfer, which is highly recommended (especially after that drive). They also offer Taxi service.
- For the Kids: They have Kids facilities, which is great for the family!
The Imperfections (Because No Place Is Perfect)
- The Internet's Temperament: I've already whined about this. Consistent Wi-Fi is a MUST!
- The Occasional Mosquito: Pack bug spray. You're in Goa. Embrace it (or, you know, protect yourself).
- Maybe a Little More Personality: While the staff were lovely and attentive, the hotel felt a touch generic at times. It could use a little more spark and local flair.
Emotional Verdict
Devasthali is a truly lovely place. It's perfect if you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing escape. The spa is divine, the food is fantastic, and the views… well, they'll take your breath away. It's a special place, and I would highly recommend it!
**Final Verdict: Highly Recommended (with a few caveats – internet, be gone!), 9.2/10
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a gut-reaction, sun-kissed, mosquito-bitten, "OMG I'm going to miss this" kind of adventure planned for Devasthali – The Valley of Gods Resort in Goa. And yeah, sometimes it's gonna get a little…well, rambly.
Devasthali Debauchery: A Week of Bliss (and Potential Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival – Sunshine, Slippers, and a Slight Panic
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Goa. The air hits you like a warm, wet hug – a good warm hug, not the sweaty kind. Ugh, the airport! The chaos! The heat! Did I remember my sunscreen? Crap.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi ride to Devasthali. The driver's got a playlist of Bollywood anthems that'll be stuck in my head for a week. I'm already swaying in my seat. Already feeling the "Goa vibes".
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Devasthali. HOLY. MOLY. This place is beautiful. Lush greenery, infinity pool… and the receptionist looks about as relaxed as a sloth on a hammock. Good sign.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The room is…wow. That bed. That view! I immediately faceplant onto the pillows, just letting the exhaustion melt away. Oops, it was nap time.
- 3:00 PM: Mandatory pool assessment. Dipped a toe in, then practically cannonballed in. The water is perfect. The sun is glorious. Ordered a Mojito. Life is good.
- 5:00 PM: A stroll around the resort to get the lay of the land. Some of the rooms are closer to that amazing infinity pool than others. But the view from everywhere is great!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. They call it 'fine dining'. The food is good, but honestly? I'm still thinking about that Mojito. I also feel as if my phone hasn't left my pocket. It's already a win.
Day 2: Yoga, Waterfalls, and Trying Not to Fall Over
- 7:00 AM: Attempt (and fail) at yoga. I’m definitely not a morning person. I might have fallen asleep in the lotus position. My friend tried to "help" me by adjusting some of my positions. I was very sore.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I could eat that entire buffet. (And I probably will.)
- 10:30 AM: Road trip to a local waterfall. The "road" is more of a bumpy, dust-cloud-generating adventure. The driver, bless his heart, seems unfazed. Me? I'm clutching the seat like it's a life raft.
- 12:00 PM: Waterfall arrives! Waterfalls are the best. I splashed, I slipped, I almost broke an ankle. But it was worth it. The feeling of the cool water on my skin… pure bliss.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a shack near the waterfall. The seafood is fresh, the beer is cold, and I'm pretty sure I saw a monkey eyeing my plate.
- 4:00 PM: Back at Devasthali, collapsing on my bed. This Goa life is exhausting.
- 7:00 PM: Another crack at dinner. Tonight, I give in to the temptation that is butter naan.
- 9:00 PM: The most beautiful view of the stars.
Day 3: Beach Bliss & Bargain Brain Freeze
- 9:00 AM: Lazy morning by the pool, nursing a coffee and a sense of profound relaxation. I read a book. I sunbathed. I people-watched.
- 11:00 AM: Beach time! A taxi to Anjuna Beach. The beach is chaos. The water is beautiful. The sun is intense. The vendors are relentless.
- 12:30 PM: My friend finds a great beachside cafe. We eat some amazing seafood.
- 2:00 PM: Bargaining for trinkets. "This is a steal!" the vendor assures me. I probably overpaid. But hey, it's all about the experience, right? Right?
- 3:00 PM: Accidental ice cream overload. Brain freeze! Worth it.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the resort. I decide to go one step further and got an indian head massage. It was amazing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe go to the in-house restaurant again. I miss the infinity pool.
Day 4: The Grand Canyon
- 8:00 AM: The Grand Canyon. I had to see it. I got a taxi and drove.
- 12:00 PM: More amazing waterfalls. Waterfalls are the best. I splashed, I slipped, I almost broke an ankle. But it was worth it. The feeling of the cool water on my skin… pure bliss.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch near the waterfall. The seafood is fresh, the beer is cold, and I'm pretty sure I saw a monkey eyeing my plate.
- 4:00 PM: Back at Devasthali, collapsing on my bed. This Goa life is exhausting.
- 7:00 PM: Another crack at dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Star gazing.
Day 5: Foodie Frenzy and a Bit of a Breakdown
- 10:00 AM: Cooking class! I'm not a chef, but I'm determined to learn how to make a decent curry. Fingers crossed I don't poison anyone.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch (the curry!). It's actually pretty good! I'm surprised (and slightly smug).
- 3:00 PM: Exploring Panjim (Goa's capital). The colourful houses are charming. The traffic is insane. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. The heat, the crowds… I need a breather.
- 4:00 PM: Found a quiet cafe. Coffee and cake. (Cake is essential when you're on the verge of a meltdown).
- 6:00 PM: Back at Devasthali. Stroll through the gardens. This place is seriously therapeutic.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Tonight, I'm treating myself to a cocktail.
Day 6: The Spa, a Final Dip, and the Sadness of Farewell
- 10:00 AM: SPA DAY! I'm getting a massage, a facial, and probably a nap. This is the life.
- 1:00 PM: Final lunch at the restaurant. I'm already dreading leaving. The food is good, the service is excellent. It's tough to leave a place of relaxation.
- 3:00 PM: One last dip in the infinity pool. I swear, I could stay here forever.
- 4:00 PM: Packing. Ugh. This is the worst part. Trying to cram souvenirs into my suitcase.
- 6:00 PM: Final dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the stars, trying to soak up every last bit of this magical place.
Day 7: Goodbye Goa (Sob)
- 8:00 AM: Heartbreaking breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Check out.
- 10:00 AM: Airport.
- 11:00 AM: Boarding.
- 12:00 PM: Goodbye, sunshine. Goodbye, chaos. Goodbye, Devasthali. I'll be back. I have to be back.
This "itinerary" is messy. It's full of imperfections, emotional swings, and the occasional rant. But that's the point. Goa is a messy, emotional, and utterly unforgettable experience. And this, my friends, is the messy, imperfect, and totally honest account of my little adventure. Hope yours is just as good (or even better)! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Mojito calling my name…
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Devasthali: Valley of the Gods - Yeah, It's Something... But Is It *My* Something?
What *is* Devasthali, exactly? Sounds kinda... dramatic.
Okay, so "Valley of the Gods" is a *bit* much, even for marketing hype. Devasthali is basically a secluded retreat in Goa, nestled inland, near (ish) to the beaches. Think lush, green hills, a bit of a river meandering through (that's the "valley" part), and a collection of villas and rooms that *try* to blend in with the surroundings. The vibe? Supposedly, "spiritual" and "rejuvenating".
But honestly? It's... it's a mood. You're either gonna love it or you're gonna be twitching after a day. I swung wildly between the two, let me tell you!
How do I *get* to Devasthali? Because Google Maps is sometimes a liar.
Alright, buckle up. Getting there involves a bit of a drive. You'll likely be coming from the airport or a beach. That means winding roads. And *trust me*, Goa roads are an experience. I'm talking potholes you could lose a small dog in, cows casually strolling across the asphalt, and scooters weaving with a death wish.
I'd recommend hiring a car and driver. Taxis are an option, but they can get pricey, especially if you're further from the coast. The directions are... well, they’re there. But keep your eyes peeled for tiny signs. Trust me on this!!
And when you *think* you're there? You're probably not. Ask someone. Find a friendly local, a chai stall owner... anyone. They'll know the secret route. One time, I swear, we drove through a field of, like, sunflowers. That's how confused GPS got us. (Side note: the sunflowers were beautiful, even though we were lost).
What's the accommodation situation like? Do I need to pack my own oxygen tank for the "spiritual journey"?
Okay, so the accommodations range. You've got villas, some with private pools (fancy!), and then you have rooms that are... simpler. They’re aiming for a rustic-chic vibe, think natural materials and lots of wood. You know, that whole "back to nature" thing.
The quality of the rooms can be variable. I stayed in one villa that was absolutely breathtaking. The view was insane, the bed was HUGE, total luxury. Then I peeked into a friend's room, and well, let’s just say it felt a bit more *basic*. There were some minor issues with the AC (we're talking Goa, humidity is a given).
So, do your research! Look at the photos *carefully*. Read reviews – and read the *bad* ones. Don't expect the Ritz. Do however expect a beautiful experience, the grounds are very well kept.
Okay, "spiritual" and "rejuvenating." What does that *actually* mean in terms of what you *do* there? Is it all yoga and kale smoothies? Because I'm allergic to both.
Alright, deep breaths. No, it's not *only* yoga and kale smoothies. Promise. Thank GOD. There's yoga, yes – but it's usually optional. There are massage treatments and spa stuff. There's a communal pool, a restaurant, walking trails.
The "spiritual" aspect is... gentle. If you're into meditation, you can do that. They might have a guru or two floating around from time to time. I saw a couple of people doing Tai Chi, but I’m not sure if that was a regular thing… There’s a definite emphasis on slowing down and being in nature.
The best bit? The food. The restaurant makes some amazing, delicious Indian food, and everything is fresh. They'll also have decent, standard dishes and cocktails to sip. And that, my friends, is the true path to rejuvenation, I tell ya! *Mmmmmm, cocktails...*
Is it suitable for families? Or is it more of a couples'/soul-searching type place?
Hmm. Tricky one. It's *possible* for families, but I wouldn't say it's ideal, and I would rather you avoid it if you have small kids. There isn’t a ton of structured kid-friendly activities or a specific kid's club, which is pretty standard. The pool is a good shout, but then again, you'll want to keep an eye on them.
It's much better suited for couples, groups of friends, or solo travellers looking for a bit of peace and quiet. If you're there for a romantic getaway, it can be beautiful, really. The villas are good for privacy, and there are plenty of quiet corners to snuggle up in. The vibe is undeniably… chill.
I'd say read the reviews, consider the children and decide how best to proceed. But personally? I'd say leave the rugrats with the grandparents. You deserve a break!
What's the food scene like? Because I need to eat, and my stomach is a very expressive organ.
Oh, the food! This is where Devasthali mostly shines. The in-house restaurant is pretty good. They offer a mix of Indian and international dishes. The breakfast buffet is *essential*. I could live on their masala omelets and fresh fruit for days.
The restaurant is a real highlight. The cocktails, especially during sunset, are just divine. They also have a good wine list, which is always a bonus. The service can be a little slow, but that's Goa for you. Embrace the chill and order another drink!
However, you are limited within the confines of the place and the valley. No food stalls, no street food. Not in the immediate vicinity, at least. So factor that in. Personally, I found it manageable. The food quality was high enough to keep me satisfied.
Okay, the big question: should *I* go to Devasthali? Is it worth the hype (and the potential potholes)?
Here's the brutally honest answer: It depends.
If you're looking for a super-luxe, five-star experience with round-the-clock service, you might be disappointed. If you're after a party atmosphere, go to the beach. If you want to do the most, go to the beach. But,
If you're seeking peace, quiet, and a connection with nature (and you don't mind a bit of a journey), then Devasthali could be magical. I found it to be a wonderful experience! It's a place to unwind, rechargeComfort Zone Inn
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