| We first stayed at the Club Mahindra Resort in Goa, in November 2003 as a charter guest from the UK. We sourced the resort through Jewel in the Crown Holidays via the internet. They are an independent Tour Operator and specialise in holidays to the Goa. Their brochure and website were very comprehensive and we considered both the North and the South.
As a couple, we prefer quiet areas of natural beauty and like to combine beach relaxation with visits to local sites, in order to experience the country, its culture and people. Based on this, staying in South Goa seemed to meet our requirements perfectly (as stated in the brochure).
The idea of being able to walk along miles of uninterrupted white sandy beaches, fringed by coconut palms seemed idyllic and one that became a reality.
Our normal hotel requirements are a 4/5 star resort, close to the beach and with well-maintained grounds. Club Mahindra met our requirements on paper and our first stay endorsed this having travelled to many other resorts worldwide.
Our initial welcome was very friendly including a 'Welcome Drink'. We had a choice of rooms and selected one overlooking the swimming pool. We settled in very quickly and found the staff helpful and accommodating. It was always service with a smile and nothing was too much trouble.
During this visit, a representative approached us from the resort who explained what becoming a member of Club Mahindra would mean to us. He discussed our trip, our lifestyle and our holidays with us. There was no pressure put on us to become members and we felt confident in signing up to Club Mahindra long-term. The RCI affiliation was also a very important factor for us as well as the strong reputation of Club Mahindra.
We initially purchased a Studio apartment in order to gauge the service. The enrolment was straightforward, professionally administered and open and honest.
We had a fantastic holiday and did plenty of relaxing as well as sightseeing. We fell in love with Goa and the unspoilt charm of the southern coastline.
March 2004. Club Mahindra Members, 1st holiday in the Goa resort.
On our return to the UK, we immediately booked our next holiday via an email. Confirmation was prompt. We flew back in March 2004 and utilised our membership allocation of two weeks for the first time. The 'Welcome back' was fabulous and personalised. It was like going home!
The staff remembered us and friendships developed.
We felt Club Mahindra cared about its members and took on board all the feedback given in looking at the resort's new facilities and future development.
In 2004, the resort was being developed with a new restaurant shack and body & soul centre being built on the dunes.
The meal and facility discounts offered to members were good value and we took advantage of these.
The level of service was just right for us and not too overpowering.
The resort exudes relaxation and at the same time it has a personality and energy about it through its staff and facilities. This was why we became members and we know it was a wise decision for us.
November 2005. Club Mahindra Members, 2nd holiday in the Goa resort
After a long gap, we arrived in November and it felt like we hadn't been away. The familiarity with the resort and seeing old faces was heart warming.
Booking had been via email again and was extremely straightforward.
During this visit we have spoken with many more native Indian members and were impressed by their accounts of some of the other Club Mahindra resorts. This and other factors influenced our decision to upgrade to a one-bedroom apartment. This will enable us to invite family and friends to stay with us and to give us a greater choice of resorts worldwide.
At the moment we are happy to explore other parts of India through the Club Mahindra resorts. It is such a big country and we have only seen such a small part of a very rich and diverse culture.
The reciprocal alliances that Club Mahindra now have with other established resorts worldwide, increases the countries that we can visit through the Mahindra group rather than perhaps utilising the RCI affiliation.
We would like to thank Milagres Fernandez for inviting us to become members of Club Mahindra in Goa.
Why South Goa and Club Mahindra: 12 Good Reasons
1. South Goa is one of the most relaxing places we have been to in the world
2. Idyllic location
3. Very friendly people
4. Unspoilt charm
5. The South is still not over commercialised
6. Welcoming and hospitable resort
7. Club Mahindra cares about
its members
8. Considered development programme for the resort
9. An authentic Indian resort
10. Quality accommodation
and facilities
11. Not just European clients
(an interesting mix of Asian and European)
12. Superb Ayurvedic massages at the resort
Club Mahindra and South Goa have become a part of our lifestyle and long may it continue!
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