in search of darn good digs

We’ve asked a group of professional travel writers and popular travel bloggers to nominate their all-time favorite small hotels, b & b’s, and hostels with rooms under $150, and our second guest post is by Shelley Seale, the author of The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India. Shelley has written for National Geographic and the Seattle Times, along with many other travel magazines and online publications. She has chosen to nominate Casa Susegad, a small historic heritage guest house in Goa, India:

What makes Casa Susegad so darn good? Casa Susegad attains the perfect balance between as much relaxing alone time as you want, and interaction with other guests and village neighbors or short treks to nearby activities. But more than that, the incredible architecture and furnishings of this amazing 400-year old mansion – and the warm hospitality of the hosts – make this a getaway in beautiful coastal Goa, India like no other.

Location: Set on one-and-a-half acres of grounds in the sleepy southern village of Loutolim, Casa Susegad is surrounded by the forest and far removed from the mass tourism of Goa.

Rooms: This colonial mansion was completely restored to create this charming, historic four-room heritage guest house. The restoration was a labor of love for Norman and Carole Steen, who retained elements such as teak ceiling beams and the 400-year-old mosaic tile floors which are amazing in their intricacy. Each aspect of the home is intentional, from the gorgeous antique furniture brought from Rajasthan to the unobtrusive yet pampering staff who are like members of the family. Each room has its own color theme and is comfortable and inviting, but the whole house is at guests’ disposal. Cozy up in a cushioned corner seating area with a good book, lounge by the inviting pool, or stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds to the top of the ridge behind the house, from which the perfect sunset can be witnessed.

Each of the four rooms is spacious and well-appointed with antique Indian furniture, deep-sprung mattress and en-suite bathroom. The rooms are each named after semi-precious stones which are found in the decorative floor borders, and a color scheme reflecting the stone. Gorgeous hand-sewn patchwork quilts matching each color scheme cover the beds. Each room opens up to its own terrace area with a table where breakfast or tea may be taken.

Food: The four-course dinners at Casa Susegad are not to be missed. Food is a fusion of Goan cuisine and imaginative continental dishes. Carole Steen often starts her day at the local market, and has worked painstakingly with her wonderful staff to prepare traditional local dishes as well as train them in her own recipes. Everything is organic and prepared in the well-equipped, large kitchen or over a traditional wood fire. You will never have the same dish twice; ask Carole about the Goan chicken or the incredible fish wrapped in a banana leaf. They will also create a meal just for you if you tell her what you fancy. Your hosts will happily lead you on a tour of the kitchen and garden, pulling samples of the many fruits they grow right off the trees or a bite out of something cooking on the stove for you to try.

Vibe: Susegad has no direct English translation, but its many Goan meanings include contemplative, lazy and satisfied. The owners chose this name as a way to offer guests the opportunity to discover their own meaning during their escape to this peaceful idyll.

Keep in mind: The beach is a 20-minute drive away, although there is a lovely private pool with large, comfortable sunbeds.  No restaurants or nightlife are within walking distance or nearby.  Also, be aware that there are six dogs and several cats on the property, so if you are not keen on animals it might not fit your style.

Thank you Shelley for nominating your favorite digs!

We would love to hear from more savvy travelers about their all-time favorite independently owned hotels with rooms under US$150. Nominate them now (or simply sign up for our quarterly newsletter) and have a chance to win a ROUGH GUIDE of your choice!