The Deepika Padukone starrer Gehraiyaan was released last week on Amazon Prime to mixed reviews. While some praised the film’s handling of mature topics and the toned-down performance of its primary cast, others have called the film a boring mindless movie with a very weak storyline. Nevertheless, there is one thing that people agree on and that is the beautiful villa in Gehraiyaan. The villa, which is claimed to be in Alibaug in the movie, is actually a sea-facing boutique hotel in our very own Amchem Goa! The sea-facing property, (villa in Gehraiyaan) also known as Ahilya by The Sea, is situated in a quiet corner of dolphin bay, in Nerul. It is the sister property of the renowned Ahilya Fort in central India. It provides guests with a feeling of staying in a family home, surrounded by nature at its best. Ahilya By The Sea Villa offers nine tastefully decorated and welcoming rooms, spread across three independent villas. The three independent villas are Leela’s Villa, Sunrise Villa, and Sunset Villa. It also has a room called Arjun’s Treehouse, perched on the second floor of the tree tower in the property.
“So, the villa in Gehraiyaan is not in Alibaug, but in Nerul”
Leela’s Villa
Leela’s Villa is set in a nice spot overlooking an ancient banyan tree, the sunrise pool, and the Arabian Sea beyond. The villa features the Trindade suite on the first floor, a living room on the ground level, and a wrap-around verandah where breakfast is sometimes served.
The Trindade suite, one of the largest rooms at the property, is the original master bedroom of the house. The suite, which is located on the first floor of Leela’s Villa, has sea views throughout and an ocean-facing step-out balcony. It includes a private seating area ideal for long chats or curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee. The suite comes with a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
It is equipped with amenities like air-conditioned, hair-dryer, bathrobes, safety locker etc. An extra mattress is made available on request for children less than 15 years of age. The rooms do not have a TV to maintain a quiet atmosphere at the resort. However, guests can spend their time surfing the net using the complimentary Wi-Fi provided at the villa.
The Music Room suite, located on the ground floor of Ahilya by the Sea, is slightly larger than the Trindade suite. Its large master bedroom features French doors which open onto a private garden. The suite’s living room is a wonderful place to have your morning coffee, gazing out the laterite arched windows at the sea beyond. It comes with a super king-size bed, an air-conditioner, an overhead fan, hairdryer, bathrobes, safety locker, espresso capsule machine and tea service, and complimentary internet access. It also has an en-suite bathroom with a double shower
Sunset Villa
Sunset Villa offers four charming, individually decorated bedrooms namely, Florentina, Sanyasi, Fakir, and Nascente. The villa also features a common living room and verandah for playing board games, finishing that great novel, or tucking into an evening libation.
Florentina has spacious and light-filled interiors accented with stunning laterite arches and large windows looking out over dolphin bay.
Sanyasi is an ideal room to retire to at the end of a long day. French windows open onto a balcony that stretches the length of this room, bringing in the ocean breeze and setting sun. The room’s private bathroom is across a small corridor.
The Fakir room is located on the first floor of the sunset villa. It has its private balcony which overlooks the endless sea on one side and the sunset plunge pool on the other.
Nascente is a charming room that offers a private and spacious sit-out terrace as well as a step-out balcony overlooking the ocean.
Sunrise Villa
The Sunrise villa offers three beautifully decorated rooms: Barcos, Annalia, and Minestrel. All three bedrooms feature well-appointed en-suite bathrooms and generous sea views. The villa has a large dining room and a shady wraparound verandah for the perfect afternoon sit out.
Barcos, the Portuguese word for ship, was named for the view of local fishing boats one sees through the room’s large French windows. Barcos features high ceilings, east African tribal art, and a private step-out balcony.
Annalia’s light-filled interiors feature a unique barrel-vaulted laterite ceiling, and generous French windows looking out to the vast Arabian Sea. Minestrel’s double-height ceiling and lofted children’s niche make this room feel airy and cozy at the same time.
Arjun’s Treehouse
Arjun’s Treehouse is perched on the second floor of the tree tower, nestled away in the branches of a 200-year-old banyan tree. The room’s cozy proportions and treetop terrace make it perfect for the solo traveller or a couple’s getaway. Guests can relax and rejuvenate themselves with a wide variety of massages and therapies at The Banyan Spa wellness centre, located on the first floor of Arjun’s tree tower.
The property also has two beautiful swimming pools. The Sunrise infinity pool is perfect for a few morning laps or to simply drift about in the afternoon, while the Sunset plunge pool is ideal for a leisurely dip in the shade of coconut palms, surrounded by pink and white frangipani.
The on-site restaurant at the property serves excellent cuisine made from fresh ingredients sourced from local markers. It offers an a la carte menu with elements of Goan, Italian, and French cuisines and a daily prix fixe that highlights the fresh catch of the day. Guests can enjoy dining al fresco at a new spot every night.
The staff at the restaurant are very kind and are always around to help out with anything you may require, all the while ensuring privacy and space. The menu is brief, but each item is lovingly prepared and served. They’re also happy to assist you with booking cabs, suggesting restaurants and making ticket reservations as required.
So, if you are looking for a nice villa to celebrate occasions like your honeymoon or a college reunion party, Ahilya by the Sea, popularly known nowadays as the ‘Gehraiyaan villa’, is the perfect choice to make. Book your rooms now!
