We have been back a few days now, but just didn't know where to start. We have posted a hotel review, in the appropriate section, but now for a few more words regarding our first trip to Goa.

Well we flew Monarch Premium to Bogmalo Beach Resort with Cosmos - on a B/B basis. I have previously posted regarding tickets for our flight, which were issued with the incorrect baggage allowance. Despite having a confirmation fax from Cosmos about the correct allowance, sure enough Monarch check-in wanted to charge us excess baggage at Gatwick.

Had to get the Monarch supervisor and Cosmos agent involved. An unnecessary and unpleasant start to the holiday that could have been avoided by either Cosmos issuing the correct tickets or Monarch Check-in staff realising that premium passengers all receive 30Kg allowance and not being so petty, pedantic and bloody minded.

Our flight left about 1 hour late and we booked champagne, prior to our dinner. This was offered to us about 8 hours into the flight just before breakfast (we decilned). Seating uncomfortable, service indifferent - will never fly Monarch again for long haul - even with upgrade (seats and service well below the standard of many economy class scheduled services). Flight back, little to recommend it - check in (security) diabolical.

Arrived in Dabolim about 40 minutes late and despite the bad stories about the airport, we had our luggage, had passed through immigration and were ready to transfer to the hotel approx 20 minutes after landing. Took a taxi (120Rps) and was in the hotel some 30 minutes after landing.

The hotel appeared clean and tidy and the staff helpful (despite arriving at 07:10 we had a room ready for us in less than 30 minutes!). Our impression of the general cleanliness and staff helpfulness never changed!

On the second evening we decided to go to Delhi Durbar for a meal. We had our first meeting with Tanaji Kavelekar, a taxi driver, who was so helpful friendly and reasonably priced that we stayed with him throughout the holiday. The whole evening was a success. A guided tour by the driver to Panjim and back (waiting time about 30Rps per hr) and the food most enjoyable.

We decided to venture into Vasco de Gama the following day, as my wife wanted to buy some spectacles. We had a rough price from Optilabs (recommended by the rep), but Goa Optics were about 1/3 the Optilabs price. Wife highly delighted and bough 2 pairs!.

Vasco we found to be fascinating. A working town and port - not catering for tourists, the markets, dockside and shops were so much cheaper than in Panjim or at the resort and the colours, sights and smells were an assault on the senses. A great few hours.

Using our taxi driver / guide we ventured out to Old Goa (disappointing), Ponda (a few interesting temples) and the Spice Farm (an interesting well paced visit - recommended).

We also went down to Mobor Beach, to an outfit called "Betty's Place". We took a boat trip with them, out of the River Sal estuary dolphin spotting and then back, up the river, watching the various birds (Ospreys, Kingfishers etc.) and wildlife, fishing, shipbuilding etc., that was taking place on the river. We had lunch of garlic prawns, BBQ Kingfish and fruit and all drinks were provided. I don't remember the cost, but it was modest and I would thoroughly recommend the trip (about 5 1/2 hours).

Back to Bogmalo. We were very pleasantly surprised by the lack of beach hawkers and hassle in the village. The beach was about 1000m long in a gentle crescent and we were never troubled by hawkers. In the village, whilst the shopkeepers would always try to persuade you into their stores, they were always friendly and polite - taking 'no' for an answer. Indeed, once we had been there a few days we were just exchanging greetings in the evening - all very friendly and polite.

There are several restaurants in Bogmalo (outside of the hotel). In the small 'square' next to the hotel itself are 3 or 4 restaurants immediately accessible, the most popular being the 'Full Moon', immediately adjacent to the hotel (The giant prawns and milk coffee took a lot of beating).

There is a yellow supermarket 'Sebliz' in the square which I cannot recommend. The first time we went in there we were served by a young girl and bought several things at a low price. We returned the following day to buy some shampoo and shower gel and were served by an older woman, who doubled the price of the goods (same stuff on offer just outside the hotel at 1/2 the price). Needless to say we didn't go back - and this was the only time that we felt that someone was taking us for fools!

Two restaurants worthy of note are Joet's (standard menu items - Indian, Chinese and some western??) where the food was always good and which offered good value; Coconut Creek (behind Joet's) which offered Indian and a more international menu in extremely civilised surroundings at a remarkably modest price. Also worthy of note are Claudios Corner (on the back road to Coconut Creek), John's Seagull (cheap food, good music) The Beach Club (tasty, extremely cheap lunch dishes) and Sea Cuisine - which many people liked, but which we found ordinary.

Our Impression -
Hotel - good value, good service - but avoid the food
Beach - beautiful crescent of sand, no trouble from hawkers
Village - laid back, quiet and friendly
Food - good, inexpensive, plenty of selection
Evening Entertainment - almost non existent.

Did we enjoy our holiday? - Immensely
Would we go back to Goa? - Yes
Would be stay at Bogmalo Resort? - Yes
Would we travel Cosmos? - Possibly
Would we fly Monarch long haul? No!

Thanks to all who gave help and advice before our trip. Please feel free to pm me for any advice that you feel I can give

Peter