Mahatma Gandhi once said “happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”, and that is the philosophy behind the concept of The Highland Heritage, a truly unique homestay experience set in the heart of North Goa which is unlike any guesthouse or hotel in the state. Surrounded by the lush greenery of wooded foliage and distanced from the commotion of city life, the twin villas of The Highland Heritage welcome you to take a walk into the past, when the colors of nature were vivid and pure, and the songs of birds were commonplace.
Stepping into the past
With a vision to recreate the bygone Portuguese era, Devadas Y. Naik, owner of The Highland Heritage has shaped a realm where all manner of modern grandeur is set aside in favor of the allure of the erstwhile Indo-Portuguese styling, which provides a sense of comfort and opulence, complimentary of that memorable time period. From the crystal chandeliers that adorn the ceilings of the main villa foyers, to the carefully selected antique hand-crafted wooden furniture in every room, the stories of yesterday have been made a part of the present. Constructed on a vast 2.5-acre property located in the serene village of Porvorim in North Goa, The Highland Heritage is surrounded by more than 10,000 square meters of landscaped gardens and a remarkable tended forest which houses nearly 30 different species of trees. While wandering down the natural paths, searching for your own spot of solitude, it’s hard not to be captivated by these age-old trees that flower and bear fruit with the changing seasons, while also attracting various species of birds that make this sylvan nirvana their sanctuary.
A home that could have been
The Villa Sonhos and The Villa Amor comprise seven and four rooms respectively, of which three are twin bedded, while the remaining eight are double bedded. These rooms offer a view of either the landscaped gardens in the front or the pool and natural tended forest behind the villas. Necessities such as WiFi, Air Conditioners, and Flat Screen Televisions are common to all rooms, so are attached bathrooms equipped with 24hours hot water. At The Highland Heritage, guests will find unlimited complimentary tea and coffee at the common pantry in each villa, with access to the house fridge for storing personal beverages. The idea is to make guests feel like they’ve found their second home here in Goa.
Food fit for kings
The Highland Heritage aims to bring you a taste of Goa’s rich culinary heritage through forgotten recipes, cooked with passion by native Goan chefs who have honed their skills in their own home kitchens over generations. Be it the spice of the ‘Vindaloo’, the tanginess of the ‘Ambot Tik’, the richness of the ‘Sorpotel’ or the robust ‘Cafreal’, it goes without saying that the menu boasts the true flavor and refinement of Indo-Portuguese cuisine.
Unlike a hotel, meals at The Highland Heritage are shared in the lavish dining rooms that are appointed in each of the Villas, Sonhos and Amor. Guests are encouraged to meet new people and make friends while breaking bread and sharing stories that will hopefully turn into memories. One of the special luxuries is the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor barbeque in the serene tended woods behind The Highland Heritage, complete with the choicest meats and seafood in a variety of preparations. Though their specialty lies in serving the very best in Indo-Portuguese cuisine, guests can also request other Indian or continental dishes that are not on the menu, and the chefs will be more than happy to oblige.
If you’re looking to create a holiday experience like no other, in a setting that feels like a home away from home, then you’ll definitely find your space at the Highland Heritage. For bookings and, you can call 9822120925 or 8411951199, or you can mail them on [email protected].
