If you think this sexy new villa is in Goa, you’re close

This majestic villa is an unlikely new resident in the peaceful temple town of Gokarna, discovers Andrea Pinto.

Gokarna

Gokarna doesn’t quite conjure up images of plush villas, English breakfasts or swanky marble bathtubs. Frequented by pilgrims, backpackers and seekers of the spiritual way of life, this coastal town in Karnataka is known for its meditation centres, temples, beaches and hippies. But for luxury? Not so much.

So imagine my surprise when I waltzed through the massive wooden doors of Kahani Paradise, perched on a hilltop overlooking the sparkling sea. It was like nothing I’d ever expected to see in Gokarna—swanky marble bathtub included. The easiest way to get here is to fly to Goa and take a cab for the 3.5-hour drive to the villa. Or, fly by helicopter; the property has a helipad that on most days doubles up as a cricket pitch for friendlies between hotel guests and locals.

The architecture and interiors evoke the regal air of a Rajasthani palace as well as the serenity of an ashram in Kerala. The décor is subtle but striking, and all the rooms are decorated with exquisite treasures from across the country. Fans that were once aeroplane propellers, ceiling panels made from old rafters, rugs woven using yarn from recycled plastic bottles, antique doors sourced from artisans in Maharashtra and Gujarat—everything here has been handpicked by the owners.

Photo: Rahulnath

The six-bedroom villa lies in the midst of 20 acres of lush gardens and forest land that’s home to palm trees, paddy fields and over 4,500 types of plants. The infinity pool gives you a stunning view of all this vivid greenery, as well as a glimpse of a little stretch of beach extending into the deep blue of the Arabian Sea. Despite the note in my room warning me to be wary of monkeys, the only wildlife I encountered on the property was a gorgeous peacock. And even he scrammed before I could get one of him for the ‘gram.

Owned by a British family who came to India in 2005, the villa feels in every way like a private residence. Each of its six large rooms was designed for a member of the family. Pro tip: wildlife lovers can choose between the elephant room or the peacock room, decorated with carvings and tapestries inspired by the creatures. The outdoor dining area, with its enormous teakwood table, is ideal for big family meals flowing with wine and conversation, interrupted only by an adorable beagle begging for scraps.

Photo: Rahulnath

On call here is a certified healer who lives in Gokarna and is available for yoga by the pool or deep-tissue massages and meridien bodywork in the spa room.

A steep, five-minute walk from the villa will take you to Paradise Beach, where the night is lit up by the magical, bioluminescent glow of the sea. You can also rent one of the villa’s Royal Enfield bikes or the restored vintage jeep for a zip around town. You would do well to make friends with a local fisherman and sail along the coast spotting dolphins. Maybe even go ashore at Om Beach and Half Moon Beach—this is where the cool kids hang out. If you’d like to explore on foot, head inland and trek up to Yana Rocks for a glimpse of the magnificent black stone formations. Gokarna is a town that cannot be rushed. Things happen as they will, and time passes slowly. I found myself thinking: Kahani Paradise really is the last place you’d expect to find in this simple, sleepy town. But once you’re here, it all makes sense. Its old-world charm fits right in.

Kahani Paradise, Paradise Estate, Gokarna, Karnataka. Doubles from Rs25,000. Website

Photo: Rahulnath
Photo: Rahulnath
Photo: Rahulnath
Photo: Rahulnath
Photo: Rahulnath
Photo: Rahulnath
Enjoyed reading this article? To receive more articles like this, sign up for the Condé Nast Traveller Newsletter
Follow Us

ASSOCIATE SITES :

GQ India | VOGUE India | Architectural Digest

Global Presence

© 2024 Condé Nast India