Goa's Camelot: Your Dream Beach Getaway Awaits!
Goa's Camelot: My Wild Ride Through Paradise (and a Few Bumps Along the Beach)
Okay, so I just got back from Goa, and let me tell you, my expectations of "Camelot: Your Dream Beach Getaway" were, shall we say, HIGH. High like the palm trees, high like the prices of Kingfisher, and definitely high on the promise of pure, unadulterated relaxation. Did it deliver? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because it's a story with sun, sand, and a whole lotta opinions.
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
Let's start with the basics. Getting to Camelot (and Goa in general) is surprisingly straightforward. The airport transfer was smooth – a godsend after a long flight. Car parking [on-site] and car park [free of charge] were a definite plus, especially since I had rented a scooter (essential for Goa exploration, trust me). The hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. However, the specific details on things like ramp access and elevator functionality weren't as clear pre-booking. It felt a little generic - "facilities for disabled guests" can mean anything, right? I'd love to see a more detailed outline on their website.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Stay Safe in a Pandemic
Alright, this is where Camelot shines. Let's be real, the pandemic has changed everything. And Camelot really tried to adapt. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful – almost too plentiful, to the point where my hands felt like they were permanently coated in aloe vera (not the worst thing, I guess). The daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, and I appreciated the staff trained in safety protocol. They even had some seriously intensive anti-viral cleaning products on display, which made the germaphobe in me breathe a sigh of relief. The room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch, showing respect for guests' preferences. Kudos for the team!
The rooms sanitized between stays. I heard this was the case, but seeing it in action is something else! The rooms sanitized between stays definitely showed commitment. However, even with all this effort, I couldn't shake the feeling that it's a battle that you can never fully win. The breakfast takeaway service saved me more than once. The cashless payment service, worked well.
Rooms: My Little Slice of Bliss (and the Occasional Squeaky Fan)
Now, the glory. The rooms are where you build your sandcastle of peace. I opted for a room with a terrace, and let me tell you, that was money well spent. Morning coffee overlooking the lush gardens? Yes, please! The air conditioning was a lifesaver – the Goa heat is serious. I also appreciated the blackout curtains (perfect for sleeping off all the poolside cocktails). The free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly, which, let's face it, is a modern-day miracle.
Regarding the room itself? The bed was comfortable, the shower was decent. The bathrobes were fluffy and inviting. But, and there’s always a "but," the fan in my first room squeaked like a rusty swing set. I am not one for having a bad time and quickly requested a room change. The second room was near perfect and made up for the little issues of the first.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: Connected, But Still Disconnected Sometimes
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes they had that. The promised land was mostly reliable, but I did have a few minor issues. I would have liked more info about the Internet access – LAN, but wasn't in the mood to use it. Regardless, being able to stream movies at night was essential.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Mixed Bag
Okay, food. A serious consideration in Goa. Here, Camelot was a mixed bag. The breakfast [buffet] was extensive, with a decent selection of Asian breakfast options alongside the usual Western breakfast fare. The coffee/tea in restaurant was available, but I'm a picky coffee snob and found it too weak. Coffee shop would have been the right place to do my drinking, but oh well.
The restaurants themselves (multiple!) offered a range of cuisines. The Happy hour was the real deal. The poolside bar was essential. But then there were times when the service was a little, shall we say, leisurely. Having to track down a waiter for another drink can be a mood killer when you're trying to chill by the pool. The bottle of water provided in the room was a nice touch, especially in the heat.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Gone Wild!
This is where Camelot really delivered. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, the pool with a view was definitely Instagram-worthy. And the spa? Oh, the spa!
I signed up for a full spa day. The massage was divine – I almost fell asleep (and I never sleep during massages). The Body scrub left me feeling like a newborn baby. And the sauna and steamroom were pure bliss. They even offer a foot bath which I took because what the heck. The spa/sauna was another highlight.
The Fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped. I even attempted a workout, mostly to offset the calorie intake. It was there, so fair enough.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Camelot offers a ton of stuff. The Concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was efficient, and the laundry service came through like a champ. The gift/souvenir shop was tempting, but I resisted the urge to buy yet another Goa-themed t-shirt (I’m drowning in them!). The security [24-hour] made me feel safe. The front desk [24-hour] was another point for convenience.
For the Kids: Family Fun Times (Maybe)
I'm not a parent, thankfully, so I don't want to pretend to know for sure, but they have the babysitting service, the Kids meal. The Family/child friendly rating feels accurate.
Accessibility Considerations, Continued:
The elevator was crucial for navigating the hotel, and I felt the overall design was pretty thoughtful in accommodating potential mobility challenges. I appreciate the non-smoking rooms but wished they’d designated a specific area for smokers to avoid the stray whiff of cigarette smoke.
The Verdict: Paradise with a Pinch of Reality
So, is Camelot your dream beach getaway? It's certainly a strong contender. It’s luxurious, comfortable in the extreme. The staff is fantastic, and the location is on the right side.
Here's my honest takeaway:
- The Good: Beautiful location, amazing spa, excellent cleanliness, and good security.
- The Okay: Food could be more consistent, service can be spotty at times.
- The Could-Be-Better: Accessibility details could be more specific.
Overall: I'd recommend Camelot. It's a beautiful place to relax, recharge, and soak up the magic of Goa. Just go in with realistic expectations, a healthy appetite, and a willingness to embrace the occasional squeaky fan. You'll have a blast.
Escape to Luxury: DoubleTree Monroe Township - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Camelot Beach Resort in Goa, we're living it. This isn't some pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary; this is the real, sun-kissed, slightly sandy, and definitely tequila-fueled saga of yours truly.
Camelot Chaos: A Goa-dyssey (aka: My Attempt to Unwind and Probably Fail Spectacularly)
Day 1: Arrival of the Glorious (and Slightly Jetlagged)
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown in Goa, Baby! Okay, first impression – the air smells like a potent mix of salt, sunshine, and… incense? I dig it. The taxi driver, bless his soul, is blasting Bollywood at a volume that could shatter concrete. Good vibes already. My luggage, predictably, smells faintly of damp socks and a desperate hope that I remembered deodorant. (I did, phew).
- 11:30 AM: Camelot Check-In – or, the Great Room Hunt: The resort is… well, it's glorious. The lobby is all open-air breezy-ness, with plump cushions begging to be lounged on. Except, apparently, finding my room is an Olympic sport. I swear, I walked past the same bougainvillea bush three times. Finally found it, and let me tell you, the view…the view is everything. Ocean, palm trees, a little patch of sand just begging for my toes.
- 1:00 PM: The First Meal – and Culinary Chaos: Lunch at the beachside shack. Ordered a "simple" fish curry. Simple? This thing is an explosion of flavors! Chilli heat that creeps up on you, then a wave of coconut milk calm. Bloody gorgeous. Except… I think I might have ordered it "medium". My forehead is currently glistening like a disco ball. Water, water, everywhere… and I still can’t get a grip.
- 3:00 PM: Beach Bum Bliss (and a near-disaster): Settled on a sun lounger, ready for some serious chilling. Managed to slap on sunscreen, which, for me, is a victory in itself. Read for a glorious hour… until a rogue wave nearly stole my book, my sunglasses, and my dignity. Managed to save the book, sacrificed the sunglasses. Consider it a tax on paradise.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset, Cocktails, and Contemplation (of my life's choices): Sunset. Oh. My. God. The sky is on fire. Ordered a margarita (because, why not?) and watched the sun melt into the sea. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Then I got to thinking about what I'm doing with my life. This is not what should be happening at all. The end.
Day 2: Exploring the Weird & Wonderful (and probably getting lost)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza (and a Surprising Discovery): The breakfast buffet is a feast! Idlis, dosas, fresh fruit… I’m a carb-loading champion. The best part? Discovering the amazing masala chai. A little fiery, a little sweet - it's liquid perfection. And I think I saw a monkey steal a croissant off a table. The animal life here is already better than my own.
- 9:30 AM: Attempted Culture – or, Me and a Scooter (A Love Story): Rented a scooter! I'm a danger to myself and the local wildlife, but hey, the wind in my hair is exhilarating. I’m attempting to navigate to the local markets. I’ve spent like 20 minutes working out how to turn the bike on. I’m not even sure how to stop; I’m going to be here a while.
- 11:00 AM: The Market Maelstrom (and the Art of Negotiation): Holy cow, the market! A sensory overload in the best possible way. Spices, fabrics, jewelry… I'm in heaven (and possibly, bankrupt). Attempted to haggle for a scarf; failed miserably. Paid far too much, but it's beautiful. Plus, the guy gave me a tiny shot of something that tasted suspiciously like rocket fuel. I'm buying all the things, I'm never going to leave.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch with a View (and a Bit of Regret): Found a little shack overlooking the beach. Ordered a prawn thali. It was… delicious. And then I saw the bill. Apparently, I accidentally ordered the "king prawn" version. My bank account is currently sobbing.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Beach (and a Close Encounter): Back to the beach for some much-needed chill time. Watched a group of kids playing cricket, the rhythm of the game weaving into the gentle crash of the waves. Feel slightly better, until I saw a rogue cow eyeing my beach bag. I legged it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Drama (and a Lesson in Patience): Dinner at the resort restaurant. Ordered a steak. Medium-rare, please, because I’m fancy. Apparently, "medium-rare" in Goa means "still mooing". Sent it back. Twice. Finally, after much gesturing and a very apologetic waiter, got a steak that was… edible.
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing and Self-Reflection (or, the Truth About Sand Flies): Sat on the beach, staring at the stars. The sky is just inky black, dotted with so many glittering diamonds. So lovely. Until the sand flies decided I was a personal buffet. Now covered in itchy bites, scratching furiously and regretting every decision I've ever made.
Day 3: The Sun, Sand, And a Soppy Heart!
- 9:00 AM: The Best Breakfast Ever: Pancakes, pancakes, and more pancakes! Got to love it.
- 10:00 AM: Morning Yoga: So, the yoga instructor told me that she was going to get me to do yoga, I was already in a bad mood because it was the day I was leaving. I told her, 'Hey, if you want to see me fail, I am very good at failing'. I think I ended up sitting on the chair.
- 11:00 AM: Shopping!: A last dash of shopping, I got myself a souvenir, then it was time to get back to reality.
- 1:00 PM: Bye Bye Goa :(`: I'm off, and there is nothing I can do about it.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea for More Sunscreen):
Goa, you glorious, chaotic, and slightly terrifying place. You've stolen my sunglasses, my wallet (a little), and my heart (a lot). I'm leaving with a tan, a suitcase full of trinkets, and a profound appreciation for strong cocktails and the sheer awesomeness of a cold shower after a day in the sun. See you again, Goa. Just… maybe next time, I'll pack more bug spray. And learn how to haggle. And maybe, just maybe, remember my sunglasses.
Jakarta Luxury: Your Dream 2BR Kebagusan City Oasis Awaits!
So, Why Sparky? Why a Dog at All?
Ugh, alright, let's just rip off the band-aid. It wasn't some grand, philosophical decision. "Oh, I need a companion to learn about responsibility!" Nope. More like... I was lonely. Seriously. College was a vortex of lukewarm coffee and existential dread. And my roommate's goldfish, Gerald, wasn't exactly a conversationalist. Then, my best friend got a puppy. This fluffy, perpetually-happy creature… And there it was and there was a part of my heart that really fell in love with that animal. I wanted *that*. I started wearing down my parents. Sparky’s name? Pure unadulterated convenience. It was the only name the shelter used... and it kind of fits. Because he *sparked* something. Maybe just the need for someone to clean up after.
Okay, Okay. THE First Week. What Was It *Really* Like? And be Honest.
Honest? Okay. Imagine a hurricane... but instead of wind and rain, it's… puppy pee and strategically-placed poop. The first night? Barely slept. Sparky whined, then barked, then *howled* like a baby wolf lost in the wilderness. I'm talking a tiny, furry banshee. I'm pretty sure I only got an hour of fitful sleep. The next morning, I woke up to a chewed-up shoe, a puddle next to his bed, and this look of utter, unadulterated innocence that *totally* guilt-tripped me. I spent the next several days on a rollercoaster of joy and abject failure. He was cute, but I felt like the worst dog owner ever. I cried. Twice. Once because he ate a sock.
Training! Easy, right? (Cough, cough)
Hah! Training. The word itself is a joke. I envisioned us... you know... *Bonding*. Like, cute little head tilts while he diligently followed commands. The reality was… a slobbering, distracted fluffball who thought "sit" was a suggestion, and "stay" was an invitation to sprint full-speed into the nearest bush. I watched YouTube videos. I read dog-training manuals. Nothing worked. I tried treats, bribery, positive reinforcement… He just seemed to delight in my frustration. Remember the chewed-up shoe? That wasn't an accident; that was Sparky's declaration of war on my sanity. Eventually, we found a trainer. That helped a *little*.
What About the Mess? I mean, it's a Dog; It Has to be Dirty! And the Smell!
Ugh, the mess. Prepare yourself. It's a constant battle. First, I thought I was immune to the dog smell. I *loved* the dog smell! Nope. Eventually, it seeped into everything. The furniture, my clothes, my *soul*. I became a cleaning machine. Vacuuming daily, strategically placing air fresheners. But it was never enough. Muddy paws on clean floors were a daily occurrence. And the shedding! Oh, the shedding. I swear, a whole new dog appeared inside my apartment every week. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it. (Mostly. Okay, the shedding still drives me crazy. But I make the mess for that love.)
What About the Food? Is it Expensive?
Expensive? Let’s Just say it added a massive dent in my budget. I went through a few different brands. And then he decided he didn’t like some of them. Sparky was a picky eater! And let's not even *talk* about the vet bills. Those are for sure terrifying. Especially when I didn’t realize that “a little bit of chocolate” equals a trip to the emergency vet with a panicked phone call to my mom. Don't give your dog chocolate. Seriously, don't.
So, What's the Best, Honestly, Truly Amazing Part?
Okay, prepare for the sap. Here it comes. The best part… is the *unconditional*. It’s impossible and it is probably the biggest thing to make me love my dog. It's the way he greets me at the door, tail wagging like a helicopter. It's the goofy cuddles on the couch, even when I'm stressed. It is being his person, and never having to worry if he's judging me. It's the comfort. The loyalty. The feeling that, no matter what, I have a friend. Even when I'm covered in dog hair, and he's stolen my favorite sock, it's worth it. And even when I yelled at him for peeing on the carpet. I wouldn’t trade that for basically anything. Okay, maybe a lifetime supply of pizza. But that's it.
What’s the Worst Part? (Because it Can’t All Be Sunshine and Rainbows!)
Oh, man. This is easy. The *worry*. The constant, low-level hum of anxiety about his health, his happiness, his very existence. Every weird cough, every off-day appetite, sends me spiraling. It’s a constant, nagging fear that something bad might happen. Plus, the guilt! The guilt when I have to leave him alone. The guilt when I don’t walk him enough. The guilt when I yell. It's exhausting. And also, the mess. I'm not over the mess. It’s still annoying.
So, Would you Do It Again? Knowing Everything You Know Now?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Even with the chewed-up shoes, the endless clean-up, the worry, and the tears. Sparky may have been a lot of work, but he brought so much joy into my life that I never knew I was missing. He definitely "sparked" something inside of me. Maybe he even saved me. He's my best friend, and the mess is, well, a small price to pay.
