Goa's Hidden Gem: Luxury Condo in Canacona! (UnigoOne)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Goa's Hidden Gem: Luxury Condo in Canacona! (UnigoOne). I'm talking real review, not some polished brochure speak. Forget the fluff, let's get messy, honest, and hopefully, get you daydreaming about booking a trip.
First off, the name "Hidden Gem" isn't just marketing. It's legit. Finding this place felt like stumbling upon a secret treasure map. Accessibility? Okay, truth time, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give you a complete breakdown from that perspective. BUT, I did see an elevator, and the common areas seemed pretty maneuverable. The description mentions facilities for disabled guests, but definitely call ahead and confirm specifics if that's a primary concern. Don't just take my word for it! (Seriously, call them!).
Accessibility, Internet & Wi-fi: Okay, let's get the basics out of the way. You need good Wi-Fi these days, right? Right! And UnigoOne delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms – YES! Plus, they have LAN access, which is like, old school cool for us old-schoolers…or maybe geeks? Internet was generally solid. No buffering nightmares during my Netflix binge (important!), and I even managed to upload a few Instagram stories without wanting to throw my phone in the ocean. (Important Note: Goa's internet can be a bit… temperamental at times, so don't expect lightning-fast speeds everywhere. But for this place, it was pretty darn good).
Now, for the fun stuff…
Living the High(er) Life (or at least, feeling like it)
The rooms… oh, the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, a bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?), bathtub, blackout curtains (bless them!), closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor view, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
I was lucky enough to get a room on a high floor (the view was insane… more on that later). The decor was modern, clean, and definitely luxurious. I'm talking fluffy robes, a mini-bar stocked with goodies (essential!), and a bed you could practically swim in. Seriously, getting out of bed was a struggle. I was tempted not to! The Daily housekeeping was also something I appreciated; coming back to a perfectly made bed and a magically cleaned bathroom after a day of beach-bumming (or exploring) was blissful.
Is it perfect? Well, no, because perfection is boring! The bathroom phone was a bit… useless, and I swear I got lost in the room once. But hey, little imperfections add character, right?
Pools, Spas, and…Sauna? Oh My!
Okay, let's talk ways to relax. Body scrub, body wrap, Fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor].
UnigoOne is definitely a place to unwind. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. And the pool view is just amazing. I spent an entire afternoon just floating around, gazing at the view, and feeling… well, pure bliss. There's also a Poolside bar! (Hello, cocktails!). I indulged in a few. Okay, more than a few. (Don’t judge! It was vacation!).
I also checked out the Spa/sauna. I’m not a huge spa person, but even I had to admit the massage was heavenly. The sauna and steamroom were a perfect way to end the day, melting away any lingering stress. I left feeling like a completely different person.
Gym/fitness? I planned to go. I swear. But, you know… cocktails, sunshine, and that amazing bed… Let's just say I focused on the relax part of the vacation.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Booze!)
Alright, foodies, listen up! Dining, drinking, and snacking! The dining experience at UnigoOne was a highlight. They had a restaurant with an A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. I’m not a huge buffet person, but even I was impressed. They also provided Breakfast in room (I did this more than once!), and I also got a Breakfast takeaway service on a day I had an early trip scheduled. It was great!
The restaurants offered a variety of cuisines, with a clear emphasis on Western and Indian, allowing for Alternative meal arrangement. I ate Asian one day; the food was just so good! They have a Snack bar which is great if you are just looking for a quick bite. The Poolside bar does great cocktails, with Happy hour!
Is it perfect? Look, I'm not going to lie; I wasn't blown away by every single dish. (Again, perfection is boring, right?). But the overall quality was excellent, the variety was impressive, and the service was top-notch. The Room service [24-hour] option was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring.
Safety First (and Cleanliness Too!)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Cleanliness and safety. You guys, this is important. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I felt incredibly safe at UnigoOne. They took cleanliness and safety seriously. They obviously used **Anti-viral cleaning products, and had *Daily disinfection in common areas,* and all the staff was wearing masks. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was enforced, and the Safe dining setup put me at ease. I noticed rooms were surely sanitized between stays. I saw doctor/nurse on call and first aid kit - the standard for the hotels.
Other cool stuff (and a few minor gripes…)
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Safety/security feature: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
They had a Concierge who was helpful with booking taxis and offering recommendations. The Contactless check-in/out was a breeze. The Air conditioning in public areas was a lifesaver. They have a Convenience store! You can easily have a Food delivery in your own room! All good! Cash withdrawal is easy, no worries on that.
Minor Gripes: The lighting in the bathroom was a little dim, but hey, that's just me being picky
Escape to Paradise: De Hug Hotel & Residence Awaits in Chiang Rai
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is MY trip to a condo in Canacona, Goa, at that fancy-pants "UnigoOne" place. Let’s see if I survive, shall we?
Goa: The Unplanned Extravaganza (with a condo as a base!)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (aka, "Where's the Toilet Paper?!")
- Morning (or Whenever the Hairspray Wore Off): Landed in Dabolim. The Goa air… it’s like a warm, fragrant hug followed by a slap in the face (humidity, you magnificent beast!). Figured my luggage had probably gone joyriding to Mumbai, but miraculously, it arrived. Praise the travel gods!
- Afternoon: Transfer to UnigoOne in Canacona. Beautiful drive, lush greenery, cows lounging like they own the place (which, let's be honest, they probably do). Finally get to the condo. Okay, it's gorgeous. Modern, sleek… and woefully lacking in the aforementioned toilet paper. Panic sets in. "The apocalypse is starting" I thought. And it may have.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: A mad dash to the local market. The sheer vibrancy of it all… the smells, the colors, the cacophony of sounds… It's overload! Find a shop selling essentials (including the elusive TP). Also, bought a mango. Ate it right there, juice running down my chin. Unapologetic.
- Evening: Crack open a Kingfisher, sit on the balcony. The sunset… breathtaking. Pure, unadulterated sunset perfection. But what to expect for dinner?
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a near-death experience with a coconut)
Morning: Morning swim in the condo pool! The water was refreshingly cool. I nearly got lost in my own thoughts and the calm waters.
Late Morning: The big one! Agonda Beach. Oh. My. God. Golden sand, gentle waves… Paradise found! Took a swim, got a bit too cocky with the waves (nearly swallowed half the ocean), and then… the coconut! (More on that later!)
Afternoon: Lunch at a beach shack. Grilled fish. Spicy, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Spent the afternoon sprawled on a sunbed, reading a book (got distracted by the ocean every five minutes). Pure bliss.
Evening: Back at the condo. Ate dinner at a restaurant in the area.
The Coconut Incident: Okay, so it’s more dramatic than it sounds. I was walking along the beach when a coconut, a legit coconut, decided to detach itself from a palm tree and come hurtling towards me. I ducked, narrowly avoiding decapitation. I would hate for that to be my end. Now it’s all fun and games. Still, the sheer improbability of it! I'm pretty sure I'm the only person ever to almost die by coconut in Canacona. Should I put this on my resume?
Day 3: Culture Shock (and a Scooter that hates U-turns)
- Morning: Decided to rent a scooter. Bad idea. More on that later. First, the spice plantations! The aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves… intoxicating! Learnt about the different spices, even tasted some.
- Afternoon: Scootering Adventure (a.k.a. near-death experience #2). Decided to explore the local area on the rented scooter. Turns out, I am TERRIBLE at scooters. Especially at U-turns. Ended up doing a rather spectacular (and embarrassing) maneuver in the middle of the road.
- Late Afternoon: Visited a local temple. The colors, the incense, the chanting… it was overwhelming yet beautiful. Respectfully.
- Evening: Back at the condo for a much needed rest. Watched the sunset. Ordered pizza because I was too exhausted to move.
Day 4: Finding My Inner Yogi (and Questioning My Life Choices)
- Morning: Gentle yoga session on the condo balcony. Well, gentle until I tried a headstand and nearly fell off. The view was amazing, I swear.
- Lunch: Tried a restaurant. They had a great fish.
- Afternoon: Rest, read.
- Evening: Trying to have a casual dinner at a restaurant. The table next to me was a screaming match.
Day 5: Water Sports Warrior (and a Moment of Zen)
- Morning: Decided I was brave enough for more adventures.
- Afternoon: Spent the rest of the day swimming and reading.
- Evening: Dinner followed by a movie.
Day 6: Farewell Feast (and a Heavy Heart)
- Morning: Packing. Ugh.
- Afternoon: Shopping for last minute gifts.
- Evening: Last sunset, packing. The day had come to close. Everything had to go.
Day 7: Leaving (and a Vow to Return - Eventually)
- Morning: Last look at the condo, the beach, the palms.
- Afternoon: The flight. The airport. The inevitable post-holiday blues. The real world.
- Evening: Home - with a suitcase of memories, a tan, and a ridiculous coconut-related story.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable trip to Canacona. Goa, you magnificent, chaotic wonder. I'll be back. But next time, I'm bringing my own TP. And maybe hiring a scooter instructor.
Hanoi Hideaway: Uncover the Magic of My Little Dong Mo Villa
Okay, so, I'm unemployed. Now what? Seriously. WHAT. NOW?!
Ugh. I’ve BEEN there. Picture this: me, a comfy office chair, and a perfectly good latte… then BAM! Email. The dreaded "restructuring" email. My first thought? "But…I just bought those ridiculously expensive Italian loafers!" My second? Probably a string of expletives I’m not going to repeat here. The *now what* stage? Brace yourself. First, you'll likely cycle through denial ("This can't be real..."), anger ("They did WHAT?!"), bargaining ("Maybe if I send one last amazing cover letter...") and, finally, eventually, acceptance (maybe with a full mug of Ben & Jerry's). Prioritize breathing. Seriously. Then, figure out the immediate stuff: unemployment benefits, COBRA, maybe call your mom (she'll send you a care package and a slightly condescending pep talk - it's a package deal).
How do I even *tell* people? The shame is...real.
The shame. Oh, the glorious, gut-wrenching SHAME. Trust me, I get it. It's like you're wearing a neon sign that screams "FAILURE!" My advice? Be honest, but *own* it. Don't apologize. People are weirdly understanding. You might have to swallow your pride and explain this to a cousin at a family gathering, like I had to. "Yeah, the job thing... well, it didn't work out." Then, pivot. Quick! Talk about the weather, your cat, anything! You'll find out who your true friends are now. The ones who are more concerned about your well-being than that you lost your job? Those are keepers. The ones who look down on you? Honestly, ditch 'em. They're not worth your time, or the energy it takes to fake a smile.
The job search is...soul-crushing. Help!
Oh, honey. The job search. I've spent hours staring at application portals like I was auditioning for a starring role in the "Existential Dread" movie. Rejection emails? They're the new confetti. Here's a secret: It’s a numbers game. Apply, apply, apply. Tailor your resume (even though it feels like an eternity) to each job. Network! (Ugh, networking. It's like forced socializing, only with the added pressure of needing a paycheck.) Take breaks. Walk away from the laptop and do something, anything, that makes you feel LESS like a failure. Read a book, binge watch a show, scream into a pillow. Also, consider this: the perfect job might NOT be the one you expect. Keep your eyes open to different opportunities. You might find something even better.
How do I avoid going completely broke during this "transition?"
Budget! Ugh, I know. The B word. But seriously, you HAVE to. Track your spending. Figure out what's absolutely ESSENTIAL (rent, food, paying the electricity) and what's...not (those aforementioned loafers? Yeah, probably going back to the store). Cut back on non-essentials. Cancel subscriptions, sell unused stuff (that guitar you never learned to play), learn to love ramen again. Consider a temporary, lower-paying job. It’s humbling, sure, but it keeps the lights on. More importantly, it will help stave off the crushing despair. Also, see if you can get some help with your bills. Most people are surprised at how much help is available when they ask.
How do I deal with the constant nagging feeling that I'm worthless?
This is the kicker, isn't it? The job loss isn't just about money; it's about identity. It's about, "who the heck am I now?" I've learned a thing or two on this matter. First of all, you aren't worthless. You are, on the contrary, a person who can move mountains! You’re a survivor because you’re still here reading this. Allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay to be sad, to be angry, to feel lost. But don't let those feelings consume you. Find something, anything, to give you a sense of purpose. Volunteer. Learn a new skill. Start a hobby you always wanted to pursue. And for the love of all that is holy, talk to someone. A therapist, a friend, your cat – anyone who will listen without judgment. Because this feeling? It passes.
What if I have NO CLUE what I want to do next?
Dude, that's *normal*. Seriously. The majority of us stumble around blindly, hoping we find something that doesn't completely suck. This can be a time for introspection. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? What do you *wish* you were good at? Don't pressure yourself to have all the answers right now. That's not only impossible, but it's also totally boring. Try exploring different avenues. Take some online courses. Talk to people in different professions. Consider this: this is a chance to redefine yourself. Embrace the ambiguity. You're not just unemployed; you're a blank canvas. Paint something. You have all the time in the world. Okay, maybe not *all* the time but you get the vibe.
Okay, so, what about relationships? Is this going to destroy them?
It can. Sometimes, it does. Financial stress is a relationship saboteur. But it doesn't *have* to be. Communication is key. Talk openly and honestly with your partner, your family, your friends, about your situation. Don't hide it. Don't pretend everything is fine when it's clearly *not*. Share the stress. Lean on each other. If your relationship crumbles under the pressure… well, that's a whole different set of problems, but you can deal with one thing at a time. The ones that last? Those are golden. The ones that don't? You’re probably better off. You deserve someone who will be there for you, even when you're struggling.
