Fenicia Riverside Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? The Fenicia Riverside Resort is one of those places that looks pretty standard online, but when you actually get there – especially if you know Goa well – you realize it’s got this perfect spot that most tourists completely miss. It’s tucked away in Cavelossim, which honestly is where you want to be if you’re trying to avoid the Baga/Calangute madness but still want decent beach access. The resort sits right along the Sal River, and I mean right there – you can hear the water from most rooms, which is actually way more pleasant than it sounds.

The thing about Fenicia is that it feels properly Goan without trying too hard, if that makes sense. The lobby’s got this old-world Portuguese vibe with dark wood and tile work, but then you step outside and there are these massive palm trees everywhere and suddenly you remember you’re in a tropical paradise. The rooms are solid – nothing revolutionary, but the AC works (crucial during April-May), the beds are comfortable, and most importantly, the bathrooms have proper water pressure. I stayed in one of the river-facing rooms and honestly, watching the local fishermen head out early morning with their nets while having coffee on the balcony… that’s the kind of thing you can’t really put a price on. The pool area gets busy around lunch time, but if you’re there by 8 AM or after 4 PM, it’s usually pretty peaceful.

Here’s what locals won’t tell you but should – Cavelossim beach is maybe a 10-minute walk through the village, and it’s one of the cleaner stretches of South Goa sand. Way less crowded than Colva, but you’ve still got the beach shacks if you want fresh kingfish or a cold Kingfisher. The resort’s restaurant is decent enough for breakfast and dinner, though I’d skip lunch there and head to one of the beachside places instead. Parking’s never an issue, which sounds boring but trust me, if you’re renting a scooter to explore (and you should), you’ll appreciate not having to hunt for a spot. The staff’s pretty helpful too – they actually know the bus routes to Margao if you want to hit the market, and they’re honest about timing for taxis to the airport. Look, it’s not the fanciest place in Goa, and the 7.3 rating feels about right – there are definitely newer, shinier resorts around. But if you want that proper riverside setting without paying Taj-level prices, and you appreciate being close to authentic Goan village life while still having resort amenities, Fenicia hits that sweet spot. Just book early if you’re coming during Christmas week – half of Mumbai descends on South Goa then.