Anamiva Goa: Your Dream Goa Getaway Awaits (AM Hotel Kollection)
Anamiva Goa: My Goa Dream (Maybe?) - A Messy, Honest Review (AM Hotel Kollection)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. I'm back from Anamiva Goa, and let me tell you, the experience was… well, it was something. Let's just say this review will be as sun-kissed and slightly chaotic as my actual trip. (And yes, I'm still finding sand in my shoes.)
SEO & Metadata (because apparently, algorithms are people too):
- Keywords: Anamiva Goa, AM Hotel Kollection, Goa Hotels, Luxury Goa Resort, Accessible Goa, Spa in Goa, Swimming Pool Goa, Restaurant Goa, Beach Hotels Goa, Family Friendly Goa, Goa Vacation, Reviews Anamiva Goa, Best Hotels Goa.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Anamiva Goa (AM Hotel Kollection), covering everything from accessibility and restaurants to the spa and those endlessly tempting pools. Find out if this Goa getaway truly lives up to the hype! Read about my real experience by a person's eye!
Accessibility: (The First Hurdle)
Okay, first things first. I'm not in a wheelchair, but accessibility is always something I consider, because, you know, travel should be for everyone. Anamiva claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and they do have an elevator. But navigating the sprawling grounds felt a bit like a treasure hunt, with changes in elevation that could prove challenging for someone with mobility issues. I'm talking cobblestone paths, a few unexpected stairs, and things weren't always clearly signposted. It felt a little like a work in progress. (Rating: 3/5 – Good intentions, some execution gaps)
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I didn't specifically test this, but access seemed passable, but space constraints could become tight, so it's worth checking directly and explaining your individual needs.
Internet Access & Communication (Thank Goodness for Wifi!)
Look, I need my internet. Period. And thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! The signal was pretty strong in the room and the public areas. There was even Internet [LAN] available, but who uses that anymore? Internet services were, well, internet services. Nothing to write home about, but they did the job. Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent. Honestly, I spent a good portion of my time just scrolling Instagram, so I wasn't complaining.
Cleanliness and Safety (A Post-Covid Reality Check)
Right, so the world is a different place now. Anamiva took things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options (more on that later), and Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces, and there were hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt, generally, pretty safe. The fact they offered Room sanitization opt-out available showed a level of respect to any personal needs. First aid kit was there, and thankfully, I didn't need it. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter enforced. The only downside was the slightly clinical vibe sometimes. (Rating: 4.5/5 – Thorough, but just a touch sterile at times.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Foodie's Frenzy)
This is where things get interesting. Anamiva has a whole arsenal of dining options:
- Restaurants: Multiple Restaurants! And Poolside bars! Yes!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Options galore!
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Something for everyone
- Coffee shop and Desserts in restaurant: Essential.
- Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: They have the basics covered.
- Room service [24-hour]: Score!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Very good.
Breakfast (Buffet): The "Interesting" Experience
Let's talk breakfast. Breakfast service had a Breakfast [buffet] with Buffet in restaurant and was a chaotic, but fascinating, affair. The food was, on the whole, decent. The Asian breakfast options were fantastic, the Coffee/tea in restaurant were fine (nothing special, but drinkable). But the layout! It was a free-for-all. People bumping into each other with plates piled high. The individually wrapped portions, mentioned above, sometimes made it feel like a school cafeteria. It had its charm, I guess, but it wasn't exactly a serene start to the day. You’d be queuing up for a dosa with a fruit platter which would have fruit that looked fresh but was in reality, less so. Yet, the food service, was the most inconsistent of the hotel. And I’m not complaining, I liked the buffet and also enjoyed the Bottle of water available. (Rating: 3/5 – Good food. Chaotic execution.)
Restaurants: A Mixed Bag
I tried a few of the on-site restaurants. Some were great. Some were… less so. One evening, I ordered a fancy plate of fish. The presentation was stunning, but the fish itself was a bit dry. It was like a sad Instagram post. I'll be honest, I was a tad disappointed. Still, the setting was nice, and the staff were always friendly. (Rating: 3.5/5 - some hit, some miss)
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras)
Anamiva offers a LOT of services. Too many to list here, so here are some highlights, warts and all. It had Air conditioning in public area (bless). Air conditioning was available in all rooms. It had a Concierge, who was super helpful with booking taxis and giving recommendations. The Daily housekeeping team kept things tidy. There was a Gift/souvenir shop, which was handy for last-minute presents. And yes, they had an Elevator. Invoice provided was easy and a few other things.
Now, a couple of quirks. I requested Food delivery to my room one night. They delivered the food, but completely forgot the cutlery. I guess I could have eaten my pasta with my hands, but I didn't want to go full caveman. And even though there was a Cash withdrawal service, the ATM was out of service for a long time. (Rating: 4/5 – Generally good, but execution sometimes falters.)
Things To Do, Ways To Relax (Ah, Bliss)
This is where Anamiva shines. This is Goa, baby!
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: They had several pools, all dazzling and begging to be splashed in. (I did, with glee.)
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: The spa! A true oasis of calm. The massage was excellent; hands down, the highlight of my trip. (I'm still dreaming of that body scrub!)
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I saw these, but, uh, I was too busy lounging by the pool. So, I can't vouch for these.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: I indulged. Worth it.
- Happy hour: Essential.
The Spa - My Personal Paradise:
The spa was absolutely phenomenal. I had one of the best massages of my life. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and the whole atmosphere was deeply relaxing. It was a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the resort. I actually considered staying in the spa full time. (Rating: 5/5 – Spa is a must-do!)
For The Kids (Family-Friendly Fun)
Anamiva seems to cater heavily to families but sadly Pets allowed unavailable.
- Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seems they have it sorted!
Rooms (Where You Lay Your Head)
My room was comfortable, clean and well-equipped. It had Additional toilet (a bonus!), Air conditioning, an Alarm clock, Bathrobes, a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, a Desk, a Hair dryer, an In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Minibar, a Non-smoking room, a Private bathroom, Refrigerator, a Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, etc. The Bed/s were comfy. The Blackout curtains were great for those lazy mornings. (Rating: 4/5 – Comfortable and well-equipped, but nothing particularly special. I still slept like a baby.)
Getting Around (The Logistics)
They offered Airport transfer, which was convenient. There was Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. The Taxi service was readily available. This part was easy.
My Verdict?
Anamiva Goa is a solid choice. It's got a lot going for it: beautiful pools, a fantastic spa, and generally good service. It's also trying to
Escape to Paradise: Khong Eyes Villa Resort & Spa, Nong Khai
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this isn't your perfectly curated "Lonely Planet" trip. This is my Goa trip, warts and all, coming at you from… well, the blurry memory of sandy toes and questionable decisions. We're talking Anamiva, the AM Hotel Kollection in North Goa. Let's see if I can still piece this together…
Goa Gone Wild: My Anamiva Adventure (Because "Itinerary" Is Such a Dirty Word)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (The Soundtrack: Queen’s "Don't Stop Me Now")
Okay, so I booked this trip after way too much wine and a relentless Instagram algorithm. Anamiva. Looked gorgeous. Promised bliss. Promised… something. My expectations? Sky high, fueled by those picture-perfect influencer snaps. My reality? Probably going to involve forgetting my sunscreen and crying over the price of a decent mango lassi. But hey, I live for the chaos!
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Followed by Mango Lassi Glory)
- Morning: Flight from… somewhere boring. Arrived in Goa. The air? Thick. Hot. Humid. Felt like wading through a warm soup. Immediately, I thought, "What have I done?" I forgot my phone charger. Classic.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Anamiva. The drive? An explosion of colour, honking, and rogue cows. I feel like I'm in a movie. The hotel? Finally! It actually looked better than the photos. Thank god. Check-in was a breeze, even though I’m pretty sure I mispronounced my name at least three times. Got a room with a balcony overlooking the pool. Instant euphoria. And then… the mango lassi. Oh, the mango lassi. Changed my entire mood trajectory. Worth the flight alone.
- Evening: Explored the hotel grounds – lush, green, and crawling with geckos that gave me the heebie-jeebies. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was good (maybe a little bland), the service impeccable, and the mosquito situation… intense. I learned the hard way that DEET is your friend. Seriously, invest in the stuff.
Day 2: The Beach and a Brush with Greatness (and Possibly Food Poisoning)
- Morning: Ah, the beach. Baga Beach. The first impression ? Crowded! So many people! I envisioned myself strolling on a deserted beach, serenely watching the sunrise. Reality? Dodging selfie sticks and screaming children. Still, the sand was soft, the water was warm, and the sheer energy of the place was infectious. Found a tiny shack serving the most delicious seafood – a plate of grilled prawns that were practically a religious experience.
- Afternoon: Attempted to surf. Let's just say "attempted" is the operative word. I spent more time inhaling seawater than riding waves. Laughed myself silly. Met a ridiculously handsome surfer named Kai. He gave me some tips, and then promptly wiped out in front of me. Validation! Back to the shack for more prawns.
- Evening: Oops! I seem to have eaten one too many prawns. Food poisoning. (Or possibly just my own fault for gobbling them down in a frenzy). Spent the night hugging the porcelain throne. Never romantic.
Day 3: Poolside Recovery and a Lesson in Patience (and Bargaining)
- Morning: Groggily emerged from the room, feeling like I’d been run over by a scooter. Ordered a simple breakfast and nursed my stomach with ginger ale.
- Afternoon: Lounged by the pool, reading and trying to ignore the sun’s burning gaze. People-watching was excellent entertainment. Saw a couple arguing over the proper angle for a selfie. Witnessed a child throw a tantrum because he didn't get enough ice cream. Life goes on.
- Evening: Feeling somewhat human again, decided to go souvenir shopping. Arrived at the markets. Oh, the markets! This place is MADNESS! The first shop owner tried to sell me a beaded necklace for an outrageous price (and then proceeded to haggle with the aggressive expertise of a professional wrestler after I walked away). I found an amazing tie-dye T-shirt for dirt cheap. Triumph!
Day 4: South Goa and the Quest for Serenity (Spoiler: It's Hard to Find)
- Morning: Hired a scooter (after much internal debate about my total lack of piloting skills). The drive? Scary. exhilarating. Everything in between. Headed South!
- Afternoon: First stop at Colva Beach. So much quieter than Baga. Spent a glorious hour napping under a palm tree, the only sound the gentle crash of waves. Bliss. Found a quiet little beach shack where I ate the freshest calamari.
- Evening: Palolem Beach! Oh Palolem. Stunning! I watched the sunset, the sky exploding in a riot of colour, and realized I’d found my happy place. Pure, unadulterated joy. Almost made me consider staying forever.
Day 5: The Great Departure (and a Bitter Farewell)
- Morning: Tried to squeeze in as much beach time as possible. Had one last mango lassi.
- Afternoon: Last minute souvenir purchases. Had to bargain for a few more things.
- Evening: Sadly, back to the chaos of the airport. Goa, you glorious, chaotic, exhausting, enchanting place. You stole a piece of my heart. I will be back. Until then… back home.
Messy Thoughts and Random Observations:
- The Heat: It will melt you. Carry water. Lots of it.
- The Cows: They own the roads. Do not be surprised.
- The Scams: Be wary.
- The Food: Incredible. But eat with caution.
- The People: Mostly lovely. Some… less so.
- Anamiva Hotel: Excellent. Highly recommend. The staff were amazing, and the pool was a lifesaver.
- My Mood: Overall, pure happiness. Even the food poisoning.
Final Score: 8.5/10. Would Goa again. And I'd probably do it all over again, even the food poisoning. Because that mango lassi was worth every second.
Parisian Paradise: Unbeatable Gardette Park Hotel Deals!
So, Anamiva Goa – Is it the beachy utopia the pictures promise?
Ugh, okay, let's get this out of the way. The pictures? Yeah, they're *pretty*. Sunsets spilling across the pool, happy people sipping cocktails... but *real* life, people, is a bit… different. The first thing that hit me? The humidity. It's a *wall* the second you step off the plane. But, yeah, the beach? It's there. And it *is* beautiful. But let's be real, the pictures are taken at golden hour, when everyone looks amazing. You'll find plenty of sand, sun (duh), and, most importantly, a *goddamn* amazing vibe. Maybe not *utopia*, but definitely a good starting point.
What's the vibe like at Anamiva? Party central or chilled-out sanctuary?
Okay, here's the deal. It's… a chameleon. I went in the off-season, so it was more of the chilled-out sanctuary vibe. The pool was blissfully empty most days (score!). BUT, I heard whispers (and maybe a few *very* loud late-night conversations from the balcony next door) that during peak season, it's more of a "let's dance on the tables" kind of situation. So, depends on when you go and what you're looking for. Just be warned: bring earplugs if you value sleep.
The Rooms: Tiny shoeboxes or luxurious havens? And what’s with the AC?
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Mine was perfectly adequate. Not sprawling, mind you. Think… cleverly designed. The important part? The AC. *THANK GOD* for the AC. Because, seriously, the humidity is brutal. Now, here's a little story for ya. One night, the AC in my room decided to stage a dramatic, very sweaty, protest and die. The room turned into a literal sauna. I called reception (multiple times, I was practically *howling*), and they were, bless their hearts, incredibly helpful. They fixed it, eventually. (And gave me a free breakfast the next day! Score!) But yeah, check that AC, people! You'll want it working.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the grub like at Anamiva? Any recommendations?
The food… Ah, the food! This is where Anamiva *shines*. The breakfast buffet? A masterpiece. Okay, I might have eaten my weight in pancakes one morning. Don't judge me. The Goan curries at the restaurant? Divine. And the seafood? Fresh as anything. I recommend *everything*. Except maybe trying to re-create the curry in your tiny Airbnb kitchen later. Trust me on that one. Oh! And go for the sunset dinners on the beach. Magic.
The Pool: Instagrammable or a chlorine-soaked nightmare?
The pool... It's the heart of the Instagram feed, no doubt. And yes, it's beautiful. The water is clear (usually – I did see a stray leaf or two) and refreshing. I spent hours just bobbing around, sipping cocktails (yes, I know, cliché!). But, and this is a big but, it can get crowded. Seriously, be prepared to fight for a sunbed during peak times. And, yeah, there's chlorine. It's a pool. What did you expect? But overall? Totally worth it.
Service and Staff: Are they saints or do they need a vacation themselves?
Okay, this is where Anamiva *really* impressed me. The staff? Mostly absolute *angels*. They were friendly, helpful, and always went the extra mile. Seriously, I left my phone charging adapter in my room (idiot, I know!) and they actually mailed it back to me! Above and beyond, people! Of course, there were a few minor hiccups (that AC incident, for one), but overall, the service was excellent. Don't be afraid to ask for anything. You’re on holiday. Be demanding! (nicely, of course… mostly.)
Location, Location, Location: How's it *actually* located?
The location? Fantastic. Right on the beach. Literally, you walk out of the hotel and… sand! You can hear the waves crashing. Perfect for those sunset strolls. Getting around? Rickshaws are plentiful and cheap. Taxis are available. It’s easy to get to nearby towns like Vagator or Anjuna, but prepare for some traffic! Be patient. Embrace the chaos. Part of the Goa experience!
Value for Money: Did it feel like you got what you paid for?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Was it worth the money? This is tricky. It's not *cheap*, let's be honest. But, considering the location, the quality of the food, and the generally lovely vibe, I’d say… yes. I mean, you’re paying for the experience, the convenience, the access to the beach, all that jazz. It’s not a budget holiday by any stretch, but it’s definitely a worthwhile splurge. And honestly, after the year I'd had? I deserved it!
Any major downsides people should know about? Spill the tea!
Traffic. Goa traffic is… intense. Plan your trips accordingly. And there's always the chance of a power outage. Apparently, it's Goa. The AC saga, as I mentioned! But honestly? Nothing that ruined the trip. Just keep low expectation and the experience will be awesome!
Would you go back to Anamiva Goa? In a heartbeat?
Okay, here's the real, emotional answer. Yes. Absolutely. Even knowing the potential for AC drama or the occasional power outage, I would go back. Because despite the small imperfections, Anamiva Goa gave me *exactly* what I needed: sun, sand, delicious food, and a chance to just… *breathe*. Maybe I’d pack a better charger next time, or, you know, learn to say 'no' to that third pancake. But yeah. I'dStay Finder Blogs
