After sampling some of the new dining spots in the vibrant area of Assagao, Goa, I decided to continue my tropical escape by moving towards a more serene location. Heading to Ashvem – the more tranquil side of North Goa – I was greeted by lush greenery, a welcome sight, but the hot and humid weather was draining. This discomfort was swiftly replaced with a sense of calm upon reaching KAIĀ, a sea-facing boutique retreat. I was welcomed with a refreshing, chilled Kokum drink, which was just what I needed to beat the heat. The hotel’s simple, raw, and rugged interiors in the quaint village of Ashvem immediately set a relaxing tone for my stay.
Discovering KAIĀ
Situated directly opposite Ashvem Beach, KAIĀ invites you to experience Goa’s roots before its nightlife took over. This boutique resort features ten rooms, a four-bedroom villa, an all-day dining bar and restaurant, and a spa with ocean views. Managed by Chrome Hospitality, known for Mumbai restaurants like Kyma, Eve, and Demy, KAIĀ is their first venture into the hotel industry, with celebrity Bhumi Pednekar as an investor.
Interiors & Stay
KAIĀ’s design is inspired by Tulum while preserving the essence of Goa. The foundations use chira stone and locally sourced bamboo, showcasing sustainable craftsmanship. Materials like rattan, cane, and jute dominate the décor, with palm trees and other plants adding a tropical vibe. KAIĀ Village has 10 rooms spread across two floors. The ground floor houses 5 cottages designed for rest and rejuvenation, featuring beautifully crafted stone bathtubs and cozy sleeping areas. An upward slope leads to the first floor, where a small café setup offers freshly brewed coffee, perfect for catching up on work, socializing, or enjoying the views of the backwaters and the sea.
Luxurious Glasshouse Rooms
Moving further, you’ll find 5 glasshouse rooms, including the one I stayed in. These rooms feature clean, minimalist aesthetics and spacious luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing ample natural light. A strategically placed tall mirror by the window provided the perfect spot for selfies. The room’s color palette includes chrome yellow, white, and navy blue, with sail-like fabrics above the bed adding a nautical touch. The room has a sofa, two large raffia lamps hanging from the ceiling, a coffee table with chairs, and a bar kit complete with a perfume spray. The bathroom, painted entirely in white with earthy accents, seamlessly complements the room’s design.
KAIA Villa for Groups
For larger groups, KAIĀ Villa across the road offers minimalist design in a 4-bedroom haven with a tall glass facade overlooking a beautiful swimming pool aligned with the backwaters and shore. The villa provides a peaceful escape where you can wake up to the gentle sea breeze or the soothing sound of the ocean.
Eat & Drink
KAIA features a stunning hourglass-shaped bar headed by Sanjay Darnal, who creates unique cocktails from gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. Guests can even try their hand at mixology under Sanjay’s guidance, as I did with a drink named Man…Gone Going, which includes Raw Mango Tequila, Spiced Raw Mango & Mango Leaf Liqueur, Lime, and a spiced rim. This experience turned me into a proud amateur bartender.
Culinary Delights
Chef Mohit Savargaonkar’s menu at KAIĀ blends traditional Goan cuisine with global dishes. Known for his work with nutritional meal plans, Mohit offers healthy options like the Nourishing Porridge Bowl for breakfast. I enjoyed the Pesarattu dosa both mornings of my stay. Chef’s Specials such as Beetroot Borani, Kerala Beef Ularthiyathu Bowl, and Braised Lamb Shank in Red Wine Jus are must-tries. The Harmal Chilli dipping prawns and Chicken Pepper Fry were also delightful. Although the rooftop restaurant was closed due to rain, it’s set to open soon.
Healing & Wellness
KAIĀ offers various experiences to recharge your mind and body, from cycling in Ashvem village to canvas painting and guided meditation. We chose sound healing with yoga trainer Sina Siav, who started our day with sound healing meditation (Nada Yoga) using hand pans, flutes, and bamboo instruments. This practice, known to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, left me feeling lighter and more energized. Sina, also a musician, teaches the hand pan and has his own recording label, Navakanu. We attended a workshop where we learned to create soothing tunes on this metal instrument.
Additionally, KAIĀ offers a Bio-Energy Meridian Massage, targeting acupuncture points with low-frequency electric signals to enhance blood circulation and balance energy flow, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Location: Kaiā Goa, Ashwem Beach Road, Ashwem, Morjim, Goa
Insta: Here
