The Loja: Bigger and better

The Loja (shop/store in Portuguese) on the water’s edge was a trading post. Canoas (boats) exchanged salt and tiles for farm produce. Restored, it’s now a self-contained cottage in the same rural waterfront setting, tranquil yet only about 20 minutes from Panjim. It remains a coconut orchard with normal farming activities. It remains the most unique setting in Olaulim. Experience Goa with early morning walks, cycling, or just nature watching. The space The property sits on the edge of a man-made lake, an example of traditional Goan sustainable practices born out of our love for fish, water, and tranquillity. The ruins of the old “Loja” (shop) standing on the property have been remodelled into a one-bedroom cottage for three people. During the day you may have the company of birds, the occasional hornbill, and porcupine, and in the evening there will be fishermen pulling up their nets by the sluice gates. Wake up early enough and you may see mullet breaking surface at the lake. Beyond this, lie paddy fields, village houses, and temples. The Loja sits on 2 acres of an active orchard where fruits and coconuts are harvested. This is the main activity on the property. It entails workers on the property during these periods. Our manager will inform you in advance of such activities. The Loja is a cottage comfortably accommodating 3 people. It has a well-equipped kitchen and an adjacent bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a single bed. The space has been imaginatively designed with a dining/work table fashioned from weathered planks (saved from the old sluice gates) and framed watercolours on the walls. Indoors, you can write, read, and browse the internet. You can have breakfast by the water’s edge and cook your dinner at night (ask the manager for the portable barbeque). The dining-kitchenette area and the adjacent bedroom are air-conditioned. For stays longer than 4 nights, bed and bath linen is changed, and The Loja is cleaned Living/Sleeping space: The Loja is designed with separate living/dining and a bedroom. Three adults can be comfortably accommodated. Storage and internet: We provide a cupboard with hanging space and shelves, a small portable ironing board and a travelling iron. Internet is through a BSNL fibre connection (150 Mbps and 4,000 GB of data monthly). The traditional red-tiled roof of the Loja has been treated with white reflective paint that keeps the Loja cooler than the surrounding areas, with a low carbon footprint compared to standard air-conditioning. All said and done, bear in mind, that Goa has a hot, humid climate. Kitchen/dining space: The kitchen has a fridge, microwave and induction cooker with crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Basic cooking materials (salt, pepper, cooking oil) tea, coffee and sugar are available for short-term stays. We provide breakfast material for your first morning. The manager will tell you where to buy essential groceries. Bathroom: A hot-water geyser, wash basin, shower, hair dryer, hand and bath towels, liquid hand soap, bath soap, and toilet paper are also provided. Municipal water supply is generally reliable. If the main water or power supplies are disrupted, a 1000-litre external tank, pump, and UPS are available. Outdoors: We have provided an outdoor working table, with UPS power points and an internet connection. A hammock to relax in, and on request, some basic fishing lines, and a portable-barbeque. The Loja sits in a coconut grove and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors are allowed to bring one pet. Guest access Local taxi services can be contacted for airport transfers. Keys to the Loja are accessed through a 3-digit locker code. The Loja surroundings are well-lit, and guests are requested to switch off lights and fans when leaving the Loja. Access to the Loja is via a front gate that guests should lock when leaving the premises. There is adequate parking for vehicles. Small children need constant supervision in this natural environment of plants and animals, which includes a waterfront along the entire property boundary. Other things to note Getting to Panjim is easier if you have your own transport or you can hire a self-drive scooter Alternatively, there are two taxis in the village. We have a BSNL fibre connection at 150Mbps and 4,000 GB monthly.