Casa Susegad, An Oasis of Serenity in Goa, India

In this small village of Loutolim in the southern coastal state of Goa, India, life continues much as it has for hundreds of years. And at the restored Portuguese mansion turned guesthouse and boutique hotel, Casa Susegad, you can escape the madding crowds of Anjuna and Calangute for a secluded hideaway that is sure to bring peace.

Susegad has no direct English translation, but its many Goan meanings include "contemplative", "lazy" and "satisfied". The owners of this Goan boutique hotel chose this name as a way to offer guests the opportunity to discover their own meaning during their escape to this peaceful idyll. The colonial mansion was completely restored to create this charming, historic four-room heritage hotel. Set on one-and-a-half acres of grounds in the sleepy southern village of Loutolim, Casa Susegad is surrounded by the forest and far removed from the mass tourism of Goa.

A Newly Restored Colonial Mansion

The restoration and conversion to boutique hotel was a labour of love for Norman and Carol Steen, who retained elements such as teak ceiling beams and the 400-year-old mosaic tile floors which are amazing in their intricacy. Each aspect of the hotel is intentional, from the gorgeous antique furniture brought from Rajasthan to the unobtrusive yet pampering staff who are like members of the family. Each room has its own colour theme and is comfortable and inviting, but the whole hotel is at guests’ disposal. Cozy up in a cushioned corner seating area with a good book, lounge by the inviting pool, or stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds to the top of the ridge behind the house, from which the perfect sunset can be witnessed.

Each of Casa Susegad's four rooms is spacious and well-appointed with antique Indian furniture, deep-sprung mattress and en-suite bathroom. The rooms are each named after semi-precious stones which are found in the decorative floor borders, and a colour scheme reflecting the stone. Gorgeous hand-sewn patchwork quilts matching each colour scheme cover the beds. Each of the hotel's rooms opens up to its own terrace area with a table where breakfast or tea may be taken.

Organic, wholesome, home-made meals

The four-course dinners at Casa Susegad are not to be missed. Food is a fusion of Goan cuisine and imaginative continental dishes. Carol Steen often starts her day at the local market, and has worked painstakingly with her wonderful staff to prepare traditional local dishes as well as train them in her own recipes. Everything is organic and prepared in the well-equipped, large kitchen or over a traditional wood fire. You will never have the same dish twice; ask Carol about the Goan chicken or the incredible fish wrapped in a banana leaf. They will also create a meal just for you if you tell her what you fancy. Your hosts will happily lead you on a tour of the kitchen and garden, pulling samples of the many fruits they grow right off the trees or a bite out of something cooking on the stove for you to try.

Lunch is also available for hotel guests, and is usually homemade soups with fresh salads or sandwiches. Breakfast is served on each room’s terraces, and tea is always offered in the afternoons. Local neighbours often join guests and hosts for meals, and after a day or two you will feel part of the charming village. Any meal can be taken in the hotel's sumptuous formal dining room, al fresco on the terrace, in the lounge in front of a movie, or in the guest's own room. Refreshments including beer, wine, juice and soft drinks are available in the communal kitchen on an honour system basis – guests simply help themselves at any time, and write down what they took on a tally sheet.

Casa Susegad's Green Credentials

Casa Susegad uses local staff that live onsite and are part of the family. Most food is from the garden or local market, and all is fresh and organic. The hotel's owners plan to become self sufficient in the production of all their own organically grown vegetables and salad stuffs. Biodegradable waste is used for either feeding neighbours' pigs or our own compost. Metal and glass items are stored for re-cycling with collections being made regularly by those who have made such recycling their primary business. They do not use any water bottles but rather filter all their own water, and use solar tanks for hot water heating. All 'grey' water (from showers and sinks) is collected in underground tanks and used to water the gardens, with an aim to waste as little precious water as possible.

•    The area around Casa Susegad abounds with wildlife, from monkeys swinging through the mango and cashew trees to the extensive bird life. A walk around the property and through the surrounding forest trails, which Norman will gladly direct you to, is always interesting and relaxing.

•    Carol is happy to offer cooking or jewellry-making classes, and avid gardeners are invited to garden alongside your hosts.

•    The main road of Loutolim can be arrived at after a nice fifteen-minute walk down the quiet, tree-shaded lanes. Ancestral Goa cultural centre, small shops and local vendors provide an interesting way to experience south Indian village life.

•    A yoga teacher comes to Casa Susegad every Thursday morning, and guests are invited to practice with Norman and Carol. This is a beautiful setting in which to get some exercise and Zen calm at the same time.

•    The beach is a 20-minute drive away, and is very pristine and quiet. Many guests go for the day and enjoy their own private getaway.

•    A perfect day or half-day trip is to hire a car and discover Old Goa, visiting the historic churches, ports and architecture.

•    South India is known for its aromatic, fascinating spice plantations. A visit and tour to one is a delightful 20-minute side trip, where you can wash or be washed by the elephants.