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Showing posts from 2021

CURATED CONVENIENCES

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The possession of a home means so much more than a viable investment. At Vianaar , it is defined by an uninterrupted affinity with the natural beauty of Goa and an introduction to stress-free living. Keeping in mind the philosophy that drives us, our meticulous property management system ensures you can enjoy relaxing vacations, while we look into the day-to-day maintenance of your home. Our Property Management Team includes estate managers; who serve as a single point of contact for everything related to your property and also guide the rest of the staff which is constituted of a locally hired and trained housekeeping team, a gardener, an electrician, a technical maintenance engineer, a plumber, 24*7 security, a pool maintenance team and, a deep cleaning team. This team takes care of your home in your absence and ensures that when you’re in Goa, you can truly unwind in your home away from home . Besides the operations team who work to serve your best interests, our dedicated rental

LET’S TALK PATRADEVI

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Locally known as Chira, the Patradevi stone is a defining feature of our homes . Besides their rustic elegance, these stones are also instrumental in enabling us to further our constant endeavour in sustainability. With this post, we bring to light some interesting facts about this resource and we also aim to inspire lifestyles that will pave way for greener days. Patradevi is essentially a laterite stone that offers immense durability, especially in areas that have high humidity. As a result of the porous nature of these stones, they have traditionally always been used for construction in Goa. Patradevi also has great insulation properties which help to retain and control the temperature indoors, making them a viable option for all our current and future projects. These stones have great ecological advantages and additionally, they also cater to aesthetics. As we are able to source them locally, we manage to conserve energy, reduce transportation costs and by using them mainly for the

A NIGHT OUT IN THE GOAN LATIN QUARTERS

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Popularly known as Goa’s Latin Quarters; Fontainhas presents a multitude of options for anyone looking to make the most of their time. As no experience is complete without a night out in the town, this post highlights some of our favourite bars in this delightful locality. Here’s a toast to preserving the old, celebrating the new and exploring the bold.   Miguels- Cocktails and Pesticos, Panjim: The conception of this exemplary art-deco bar is the outcome of a longstanding friendship between Dhruv and Ankush, both of whom have a wealth of experience in the field of hospitality . As it is a trendy new spot in the area, remember to call well in advance for a reservation. The menu comprises a fusion of Konkan and Portuguese cuisine and some of our recommendations include the Gnocchi, Vegeteriana, Ratatouille and all their cocktails. Owing to an incredible open kitchen layout, you can witness the artists at work while they prepare some divine dishes and cocktails for you. Joseph’s Bar, Pan

A CONCOCTION OF CULINARY EXPERIENCES

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Goa has always been a popular holiday destination where the coming together of various cultures has led to the dynamic development of international cuisines! This post highlights some of our recommendations for this season.  Hideaway Just as the name implies, Hideaway is an ideal spot for those looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. You’ll find many like-minded people to talk to, as the cafe and bar accommodates a performance space and hence presents an ideal opportunity to remove yourself to a world of artistic indulgence. Binge on their breakfast menu in the day, sip on sublime cocktails and make sure to stop by to try their Red Snapper, Beef Steak and Riesling Chicken Risotto. IDA Boutique bar and kitchen A garden restaurant will never go out of style! At IDA, you’ll want to spend a while taking it all in. The family-run restaurant in Vagator celebrates sustainable décor by using repurposed and recycled materials to adorn their space. A repurposed boat makes

SLOW LIVING WITH VIANAAR

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“Home isn’t a place, Its a feeling.” – Cecilia Ahern Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and dappled sunlight pouring in through your windows as a leisurely breakfast is being set-up in the garden for you. Take time to reflect and plan your day, as you spend the afternoons by the pool, basking in the sunshine or cooling off with a quick plunge as the beauty of the lush greenery puts your mind at ease. As the sun starts to fade, head up to the terrace to celebrate the magical colours of dusk. Vianaar offers you a wholesome and serene experience as we are central to fabulous restaurants, beautiful beaches and buzzing markets. If you’re in the mood for activity, there is always the option to head out for the day and make sure you explore the gems of Goa . There’s no better feeling than returning home after an adventure, especially when you can soak in the warmth and comfort of your home . And when you turn in for the night, open up your windows for a gentle balmy breeze and let the n

CONSCIENTIOUS COLLABORATIONS

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We believe that to be able to create something unique, one must have the ability to innovate and collaborate. At Vianaar, we spend a lot of time observing our homes so that we are able to furnish them in a way that complements our surroundings. A careful deliberation precedes all final decisions and together with skilled craftsmen and experienced design studios, we create homes that are a perfect balance of visual and physical comfort. Here’s highlighting some of our special partners in our constant endeavour to create homes away from home. 1. Josmo Studios: With a variety of furniture and home accessories on offer, Josmo has managed to create a personalised story for every space. Visit their store in Porvorim or their website, to see the fabulous collection of tables, beds, storage units and lights. We love their unique pieces and recommend Josmo Studios to anyone who has an eye for detail and an inclination for art. 2. Savana Living: Savana Living creates wholly wooden, rustic minima

MAKING THE MOST OF THE MONSOON

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The scorching summer sun leaves us in eager anticipation of the monsoon and when it arrives, we’re greeted by heavy rains and lush velvety landscapes that glitter in the light of the sun. Despite days of persistent rainfall, the rainy season in Goa is quite a poetic experience. It allows for many moments of introspection and weather permitting, you can also venture out and explore your adventurous side. This post highlights a few things that you must try when you get the chance. Hiking: Not many have discovered the joys of the undulating Goan landscape; the hills that characterise Goa are a haven for walks and hikes. There’s plenty of rewarding waterfall treks and if you really want to beat the monsoon haze, don’t hesitate to explore the uphill trails and tropical jungles as the views are always well worth it. If you’re looking for something more structured, check in with Off-trail, Goa. Cycling: Though cycling may not always get you to the top of a hill, it brings you through scenic v

A ROOM FOR REST

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If I want to be alone, some place I can write, I can read, I can pray, I can cry, I can do whatever I want – I go to the bathroom – Alicia Keys It’s no longer uncommon to hear people say that it’s a bathroom that makes or breaks a place. At Vianaar , our bathrooms are set up with a keen eye for detail. In fact, we’ve frequently been complimented on our efforts. This is one room where you can be truly alone so it’s essential that you always feel at ease and have ways to enjoy your own company. An abundance of space accompanied by a sense of calm defines each of our bathrooms. As we are driven by the philosophy of maximum comfort and minimum effort, we maintain a clear distinction between the wet and dry areas. Gracious use of white and natural colour palettes complement the filtered light that pours in through the frosted windows. Besides the beautiful white walls in most of our bathrooms, we also occasionally use IPS, which provides a modern yet versatile appeal. Furthermore, the Portu

LA SIERRA ILLUSTRATED

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As you wander through the gates of La Sierra , you’re greeted with white flowers that hang shyly off the pergolas. Lush pathways, adorned with tropical creepers guide you to your home. Once inside, you are instantly seized by the tranquillity that resides. Located in Vagator, this delightful estate comprises fourteen modern contemporary villas. Each complete with 3 en-suite bedrooms, an abundance of living spaces and absolute privacy. The configuration of all the villa’s emphasises the characteristics of light, ventilation and a seamless interaction with the natural environment. As the Vianaar way of life represents sustainable living , these aspects together define who we are and enable us to create the signature Vianaar experience for you. The design features include floor to ceiling glass windows that slide open and extend your living space into a garden with a private pool. Our custom-designed handmade terrazzo tiles embellish the floors and a classic spiral staircase brings you

A SPACE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

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“Every room has a mood or personality… and it is this that one desires to develop.” – Eleanor Brown Great design is not just an appeal to the visual sense, rather an experience that enables us to interact and engage with our surroundings. We plan our interiors keeping in mind the spirit of the space, the essence of the environment and its influence on how you feel as you enter your home away from home . Eleanor Brown also speaks of how if one has to develop the true personality of a space, it is essential to respect the past, accept the present and look with enthusiasm to the future. As our homes employ Modern-Contemporary or Indo-Portuguese techniques in their architecture , we make sure that our interiors represent the exterior aesthetics, while simultaneously complementing the natural environment. An important aspect of our design sensibilities is that of comfort; while being aesthetically pleasing and interactive are essential, these ideals are held up by the elements of functiona

AN UNDOUBTEDLY NATURAL APPROACH TO LIFE

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A light hearted tea time catch-up with Shankar led us to enquire about his experiences and his perceptions of the world. With an inherent concern for our environment, he contributes greatly to Vianaar’s philosophy of sustainable living . He identifies with our core values and strives every day to make sure he has done justice to his job. Shankar tends to and nurtures the plants and trees at multiple Vianaar project sites . Through what he does, he brings our beliefs to life. Previously, he worked with the Taj and shares how the times have changed. However, what has remained constant throughout his journey is his interest in plants and how, as he watches them thrive; his personality too comes alive. He believes that he could happily spend his entire life working this way. When asked about the year he’s spent with Vianaar , he describes it to be a great work environment where collaborating and working together towards a common goal is everyone’s top priority. Nobody hesitates to ask ques

THE COLOUR OF SUMMER

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‘Those who say that the colour of summer is not yellow are those who failed to see mangoes’. – Zephyr Limns. While the popular time to visit Goa is considered the winter, don’t forget that summer too, has its highlights. Though the increasing warmth of the days can often lead to a certain frenzy, one cannot dismiss the satisfaction that overcomes you after months of eagerly anticipating the divine flavours of the Goan mangoes. As the crowds line up at the fruit markets to collect the best of the Mankurad, Mussarat and Hilario, it appears as though they have been influenced by a certain MangoMania. The era of mangoes was ushered in by the invasion of Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1498. Once the Portuguese influence was established, the value of growing mangoes was also truly understood. As the plantations of flavourful new varieties spread across the region, so did the excitement for the summer season. Don’t be confused by the names though, they came about with relation to where they were g

A CURIOUS CONCOCTION OF CULTURES

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A myriad of cultural influences is interwoven into the fabric of Goa. As a result, the Goan way of life involves accepting and understanding traits that are not native to their culture. This is what has always made Goa a unique place; and it is this distinctive character that makes it particularly exciting to explore. Having been a Portuguese colony for about 450 years, European traditions, cultures and practices percolated through many layers of the Goan heritage. The foreign influences led people to understand new ideas and find ways to adapt them into their own existing traditions. This influence culminated into new styles of architecture, cuisines and even festivals. Besides the acclaimed architecture and diversity in food, Goa also has some very interesting festivals. Sao Joao – The celebration of this festival signifies how exhilarated John the Baptist felt at the news of Jesus's birth. The festivities are unique to Goa and people make sure they don't miss out on all the

THE MAGIC OF GOA

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All our lives are defined by a pursuit of love, freedom and adventure and despite our differences, we have at least that in common. As these emotions are relative to our state of mind, there’s a number of things that we can do to ensure that we are able to enjoy wholesome and fulfilling experiences that add meaning to our life. While the rush and the adrenaline of city life works for some, for those who wish to slow down and interact with nature; an escape to a land of happiness and health awaits. Being a paradise of verdant nature, sumptuous food and golden sands, Goa has always posed as the perfect vacation destination. Goa allows us to open up our minds and look beyond what we immediately see so that we can take pleasure in the simple things in life. Time spent here enables us to ask questions, seek and find answers and gradually, our outlook on life evolves into a reflection of all that we see around us. The fulfilling feeling of the balmy Goan sea breeze and the sand in your feet.

NEGOTIATING THE NEW YEAR

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 Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change” - Jim Rohn Named after the Roman God Janus, the month of January symbolises new beginnings and gateways to a fresh start. As we collect our thoughts and pave the way for all that 2021 brings with it, let’s prepare ourselves to realise our personal versions of success using the knowledge and resources that 2020 equipped us with. While resolutions have commonly defined New Year’s Day, insights from the previous year have revealed a new approach this time around. Perhaps it’s time to emphasise good practices and healthy habits that characterise who we are as individuals and also who we are as a part of a community. Together, let’s put in our best every day to help create new improved realities for us all. At Vianaar , we wish to enable our community and all those who we interact with to take a step back, appreciate and savour the delicate details of life and revitalise their connection with nature . To help make this a po

PEOPLE; THE PILLARS OF OUR FOUNDATION

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There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” - Margaret J. Wheatly As the year 2020 draws to a close, we realise the worth of the lessons we’ve learnt from these difficult and testing times. With the opportunity to slow down, each of us has been able to evaluate and identify our priorities, truly understand what matters and whom we relate to. The emergence of these aspects of our personality have brought us closer together with the vision of working collaboratively towards a year that’s bigger and better. At Vianaar , we believe that it is our relationships that accurately define who we are. The people we regularly associate and communicate with, are the people who will help us to actualize our goals as an organization. As the personality of each individual collectively constitutes the character of their community, every team member at Vianaar maintains a culture of respect for the environment and for one another. Simultaneously, we aspire to

TREE MATTERS

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A famous mural by the artist Gustav Klimt paints the tree as the force behind all life and growth. It’s no surprise that this renowned work of art, alongside numerous theologies, philosophies, and mythologies uses the tree as an important symbol. After all, they give us shade, shelter, and stories; all of the things that make life happier and healthier. With a deep-rooted interest in the environment, the team at Vianaar believes that planting trees gives birth to new hope and tree transplantation helps keep that hope alive. To successfully transplant a tree, one needs to be equipped with the necessary technical know-how. The process of tree transplantation involves checking whether a tree is healthy enough to be moved and then pruning the roots to get it ready. This delicate but purposeful technique goes hand in hand with the right tools and a lot of effort. Furthermore, a tree that has been uprooted needs to be moved to its new home within an hour. After it is replanted, biochemicals