Forget the overhyped beach destinations. Forget the crowds and noise. If you are looking for a beach getaway that exudes peace and bliss, check out Sindhudurg, a hidden gem on the coast of Maharashtra. Here, the Arabian Sea stretches out in an endless expanse of turquoise, the beaches whisper secrets in the rustling of palm trees, and time slows down to a gentle, tranquil rhythm.
And then there is Coco Shambhala, a resort that takes this tranquil experience to a whole new level. This is not your typical beach hut setup. Coco Shambhala is where simplistic luxury meets barefoot chic. Think private villas, each with their own infinity pools overlooking the endless blue horizon. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves and the salty taste in the air, stepping onto your private deck for a sunrise yoga session with the Arabian Sea as your backdrop – pure bliss.
The villas themselves are a haven of contemporary design with a touch of local flair. Clean lines, soothing palettes and floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the boundaries between your private sanctuary and the breathtaking views. But the real showstopper is the personal pool in every villa. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring, sipping a cool cocktail as the sun sinks below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery colours.
However, luxury at Coco Shambhala is not just about beauty. It extends to impeccable service. The staff, led by the warm and always courteous General Manager Lumen D’Souza, is as attentive as they are invisible. Your every need is anticipated and met with a genuine smile. It’s a level of service that is unobtrusive yet ensures an impeccably personal experience.
Speaking of personalization, one of the highlights of my stay was the cooking masterclass at the villa. Their in-house chef, a local legend with a twinkle in his eye and a passion for Konkan cuisine, took me on a wonderful culinary journey. I learnt the secrets of the region’s signature dish – tambadi bhaat, a tangy red curry flavoured with kokum, dried red chillies and fresh coconut. As I learnt the art of tempering the spices, the chef told me stories of local traditions and the cultural significance of Konkan cuisine. Needless to say, eating the meal we cooked together while looking out at the infinity pool and the endless sea was an experience that was far beyond a simple dinner.
But Coco Shambhala isn’t just about relaxing by the pool (although, let’s be honest, that’s a perfectly acceptable way to spend your day). The resort offers plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can go on a dolphin-watching cruise, explore the historic Sindhudurg Fort, a majestic marine marvel built by the great Maratha king Shivaji, or simply get lost in a good book while swinging in a hammock among the palm trees.
For those seeking more adventure, there are snorkelling and scuba diving facilities, offering glimpses of the underwater world filled with colourful fish and coral reefs. And when it’s time to really relax, the in-house Shambhala Spa beckons. Here, amid the melodious sounds of nature, a team of expert therapists pamper you with a menu of rejuvenating treatments that are as effective as they are pleasurable.
Leaving Coco Shambhala was a bittersweet experience. It is a place that gets inside your skin, a place where the rhythm of the ocean lulls you into a state of total relaxation. It is proof that true luxury is not just about opulence; it is about creating an experience that pampers the body as well as nourishes the soul. So, if you are looking for a place that is both luxurious and untouched, where the sound of the waves is your constant companion, there is no better place than Sindhudurg and the paradise of Coco Shambhala. It is a hidden gem that is yet to be discovered, and once you discover it, it will leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.