Gokarna may not come to mind when you think of a family holiday, but this family home turned boutique property might just make you want to reconsider. Located in the south on a hilltop and overlooking Om Beach, Kahani Paradise emerges out of the lush greenery like a gem. Its imposing architecture is almost impossible to ignore.
The estate spans 20 acres, but for Anthony Bellm, the man behind Kahani Paradise, the vision was to make it feel like a “home away from home.”
“I want the guests to feel at ease. Kahani Paradise has been designed to exude ultimate luxury, but it is not meant to feel stuck up. I want people to feel relaxed when they go back from here,” says Bellm. With only greenery stretching out for miles, unique bird species as regular visitors, and stunning views, the villa ensures exactly that.
The property, which houses eight rooms that open up to spectacular views, was designed by Philip Sybon. Talking about what served as inspiration, Bellm says, “We worked very closely together, and it was a collaboration from the very beginning. Our idea was to fuse Thai and Konkan architectural styles, and that is prevalent throughout the estate.”
In Kahani Paradise, each suite follows a unique theme and houses accents and antiques collected from all over the world. From antique doors to spice mixing table to woodcarved Tamil stallions, Kahani Paradise boasts an eclectic mix of things that will definitely pique your interest. However, the ultimate showstopper is the view of the river and sea meeting that can be seen from every room.
Food
The food at Kahani Paradise is comforting yet indulgent. Expect to be treated to lavish spreads for all three meals, and if you have any special requests, the kind staff is ever-ready to rustle up something for you. The Gokarna-style coconut fish curry is a proven hit.
Experiences
Gokarna presents a unique mix of experiences, and the staff at Kahani Paradise are always happy to help you discover them. Visit the nearby Paradise and Om Beach, where you can try water sports like kayaking too. The estate also lets you rent their vintage Royal Enfield or Jeep that you can take into the town and explore the many temples, the most notable being the Mahabaleshwar Temple. Within the property, you must treat yourself to a massage by the in-house therapist or ask the staff to guide you to their “secret spot” where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset, spend time in the plunge pool while enjoying a glass of champagne, or get a game of tennis or cricket in.
Tariff: From INR 45,000 per night
Getting There: To reach the property, fly to either Mopa or Dabolim Airport in Goa, Hubli Airport or Mangalore Airport. From Goa and Mangalore, it takes approximately four hours by car and from Hubli, it takes three-and-a-half hours.