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SSAGAO, a diminutive and pretty Marvel at the beautiful heritage homes laden village in North Goa that rests with bougainvillea and flame colored flowers Apeacefully in verdant hills, clothed in which dot its entire stretch. These archaic cashew groves, exudes an unhurried old- abodes are being restored and are now home world charm. The village gets its name from to these new residents who have given up the Asson trees that abound here. Gifted their hectic lifestyle in the metros and have with the healing power of its organic spring opted to settle down in the tranquility and waters, natural beauty and gentle soothing serenity that offers. Developers have breezes from the Arabian Sea, the village has a also come up with contemporary homes, villas laidback and serene air about it. Assagao has and apartments, offering a host of luxurious tacitly become a chic and upscale residential amenities like swimming pool, club house, area of Goa, with many stately Portuguese recreational and play areas. Assagao also restored homes with ravishing tropical offers premium boutique villas and premium gardens and flowers. Quaint cafes, restaurants, vacation homes on rent for an exotic holiday boutiques, yoga and Ayurveda retreats dot the experience. This trend seems to have picked countryside. up steam lately, with many vacation homes Assagao holds some stunning secrets up its and villas being offered for premium holidays sleeve. Unlike many other villages which are and Airbnb rentals. accelerating to development, the charm of this Walk through the narrow alleys to the village is its casual and slow pace of life, which leafy Badem Road and reach Villa Blanche is attracting a steady influx of new settlers. A Bistro. Yogini, a German lady who owns walk through the tiny lanes of this picturesque the chic little café, serves fresh continental hamlet exposes you to invigorating sights. and Mediterranean food, delicious pancakes

Cheshire Cat Gallery The Changing Face of Assagao A stone’s throw away from the congested and bustling , lies the reticent and captivating village of Assagao. The picturesque village is seeing a sudden influx of new residents, who are moving into the quaint town. The hotbed of new investments now has quaint cafes, yoga retreats, restaurants and boutiques springing up adding to its charm. Join us on a purposeful journey to discover the beautiful hamlet.

TEXT & PICS: ANUJA MAVINKURVE Contemporary Villas, Assagao www.planetgoaonline.com

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Portuguese House St Cajetan Church Traditional Portuguese House

Assagao stands and tempting smoothies in a warm and solutions for various ailments. There are a of handicrafts, beachwear, souvenirs, trinkets, the beach state. out for its strategic cheerful ambience. They also serve delectable few seminaries in the vicinity like the Palloti jewellery, leather sandals, handicrafts, Assagao is in close proximity to the breakfasts. Head to the majestic St. Cajetan Institute, which add to the spiritual-peace fashionable dresses and hats along with and Vagator beaches. The adventure lovers location. Mapusa, the Church, considered to be amongst the ten quotient. organic products, hammocks, innovative lights can head to the beach for fun activities like local market town, best churches in Goa. The church, which One of the newest entrants into Assagao and artisan stalls. The night market features surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, yachting or is just 3 km from the nestles along the Mapusa – Anjuna Road, is the Gunpowder restaurant, alongside a a lively outdoor performance with fire-eaters, dolphin spotting. The cozy hamlet offers a serene village and is an architectural delight. Saint Cajetan sister establishment called People Tree, a jugglers, live bands, dancers, fashion shows slice of everything you can wish for; peace features an authentic is the patron saint of the jobseekers and quaint boutique, offering contemporary and artists performing to an enthusiastic and quietude of village life, pristine beaches of lively large outdoor the unemployed. After a hearty meal and and fresh clothing. Owned and managed by audience, under the starry skies, along Anjuna and Vagator, imposing archaic houses, soothing prayer, head for a bout of shopping Satish Warrier, the restaurant is a branch of with food and liquor stalls. These markets enchanting shops and little restaurants and market every day, to the fashionable upscale boutique, The the famous Hauz Khas, Delhi setup of the symbolize the ethnic culture and heritage of cafes offering delectable cuisines. culminating into Indian Story, run by the Swaika family. same name. A former journalist, Mr. Warrier frenzy, on Friday The boutique offers stylish contemporary has moved to Assagao seeking serenity and Bazaar day. ensembles for its fashion-conscious clientele. quietude. Head uphill on the Mapusa-Anjuna Besides clothes, they sell accessories, paintings, road to the Ghateshwar temple. The unique men’s wear, handcrafted gift items, pots, dark idol of Lord Ghateshwar is a marvel. The tableware and also have an informal café historic temple offers stunning vistas of the where they organize musical soirees and talks. valley below. Another popular haunt is the Cheshire Cat Assagao stands out for its strategic location. Gallery, a high-end jewellery boutique, owned Mapusa, the local market town, is just 3 by Kees Van Andel and Karen Peace. They sell km from the serene village and features an high-end pieces and take orders for custom- authentic lively large outdoor market every made jewellery as well. The couple has trained day, culminating into frenzy, on Friday Bazaar local women to make beaded jewellery, which day. A variety of locally produced vegetables, is a hot-seller. Their clothing line is called exotic fruits, fresh seafood, meat, pickles and Pink , which has a beautiful range of preserves, spices, earthen pots, coir mats, ensembles. The gallery also has paintings and home-made cashew and coconut feni and other artistic artifacts. an assortment of breads are available for Besides the arty, genteel vibe, Assagao also sale. The famous Wednesday Flea Market offers alternate therapies for the weary soul at Anjuna Beach and Ingo’s Night Market with yoga schools, meditation centres and at Arpora are in close vicinity of Assagao Boutique at Villa Blanche Bistro Ayurvedic therapies offering comprehensive village. The market offers a unique collection www.planetgoaonline.com

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