Goa is a paradise for beach lovers, with its stunning coastline, golden sands, and azure waters. It is also a hub for nightlife, with its vibrant parties, music festivals, and casinos. Goa knows how to keep your pulse racing and your spirits high. But there is another side to Goa, a side that is more laid back and cosy, a side that invites you to slow down and unwind. It is the side of Goa that is home to Circle, a 100+-year-old experiential boutique resort run by three childhood friends, Keith Menon, Smriti Ahuja, and Chandy.
Circle is not just a resort, it is a sanctuary. Nestled within 2.5 acres of lush, green landscape, the luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Anjuna, a charming village known for its flea market, hippie culture, and psychedelic art. Circle is a place where you can reconnect with nature, yourself, and your loved ones, in a serene and sustainable way.
I had the opportunity to visit Circle and chat with Keith Menon, one of the co-founders and the creative director of the resort. He told me about the vision and the values behind Circle, and how they are trying to change the hotel experience for the better.
"The concept of Circle is based on nature-first and sustainability. We wanted to create a place that respects and celebrates the environment and also inspires our guests to do the same. We use organic farming, composting, and recycling to minimise our ecological footprint. We also use most of our materials and products locally, from the furniture to the toiletries, to support the community and the economy."
In the aftermath of the 2021 cyclone, Circle undertook a unique initiative by salvaging fallen trees. Leftover trunks were repurposed into handcrafted furniture, including beds, side tables, and a stunning 10-foot console. A 15-foot jackfruit tree found new life as a communal log table, creating a captivating dining experience.
He also showed me around the property, and I was impressed by the variety and the quality of the rooms. From rooms with plunge pools to large sit-out gardens overlooking the lush property, to even pet-friendly rooms, Circle has something for everyone. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated, with a touch of rustic charm and modern amenities.
But what really sets Circle apart is the earthy vibe of the resort, with its all-green grounds and home-grown flora and vegetables. The resort has a beautiful organic garden, where they grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables that are used in their kitchen. The property also hosts weekly volleyball matches, cycle-to-Circle bar nights, acoustic gigs, daily yoga, dance classes, food pop-ups, and much more.
The resort also has a restaurant-cum-bar, a pool and an open library, where guests can enjoy delicious food, drinks, and entertainment while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The restaurant serves a fusion of Goan, Indian, and continental cuisine, made with fresh and organic ingredients. The bar offers a range of cocktails, mocktails, and juices, made with local and seasonal fruits. The pool is a refreshing spot to relax and cool off, surrounded by palm trees and stunning outdoor furniture used by the resort's broken trees and plants. The open library is a cosy corner to curl up with a book, a board game, or a musical instrument.
The resort also organizes various activities and events for the guests, such as live music, movie nights and bonfires. The resort also has a social responsibility program, where they collaborate with local NGOs and schools to support causes like education, health, and environment.
Keith told me that the resort is trying to change the hotel experience, by making it more like a retreat and a relaxing place, where guests can feel at home and at peace. He said that the name Circle reflects their philosophy of harmony, balance, and connection. "Circle is a symbol of wholeness, completeness, and unity. It represents the cycle of life, the seasons, the elements, and the nature. It also represents the bond that we share with our guests, our staff, our partners, and our environment. We want Circle to be a place where people can come together, share their stories, learn from each other, and grow together." Well after staying there for a mere 3 days, I second that. Circle is a place where people can find their circle.
Circle is a place that offers a unique and memorable experience, a place that blends luxury and simplicity, tradition and innovation, fun and tranquillity. It is a place that showcases the best of Goa - the lively, the leisurely, the worldly and the spiritual. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Goa, and with yourself.