Casa Susegad
The word ‘susegad’ has had many local meanings, from contemplative to downright lazy. It is a Konkani term, derived from the Portuguese word ‘sossegado’, meaning restful or tranquil. Attempts to define the nature of Goan susegad range from The Guardian’s ‘steeped in a tropical lassitude’ to that on the wall of a cafe in Amsterdam: ‘where Father Time gets lost in the arms of Mother Nature’. During a long drive, feeling lyrical, Norman and Carole settled upon ‘The Art of Elegant Idleness’. The transformation of the property has had this at its heart ever since and they invite you to explore your own interpretation too.
The aerial footage clearly shows the idyllic location of Casa Susegad amongst the forest trees, just 1.3 km from the center of historic Loutolim village.
Casa Susegad is indebted to Jason Taylor for providing us with this video of our Heritage Villa in the jungle.
Poolside
An oasis in the jungle, surrounded by birdsong and the occasional troupe of langurs, the pool enjoys extra wide sun beds for all guests, created from reclaimed, ancient wooden ox-carts. These are dressed daily and are shaded either by trees or by large vented umbrellas that can be pulled back for full sun if desired.
Each room has its own dedicated granite topped table and comfy chairs, for alfresco dining, wifi access and relaxation.
The Gardens
With over an acre of grounds beyond the pool area, guests can use the whole property to explore their own interpretation of Susegad and …the art of elegant idleness.
The yoga floor, under a cathedral-like ceiling of trees, can easily accommodate a dozen people in the most idyllic natural surroundings. Please see the section on whole house bookings for yoga retreats. There are mats available for individual guests and private lessons can be arranged with a little notice.
Beauty treatments and massage are also available in the jungle Jopri from The Casa’s highly qualified visiting Ayurvedic masseuse.
Explore upwards, past a couple of funky sit out areas, into the meditation garden where the sensory feast continues amidst waterfalls, Indian marble sculptures and mesmeric birdsong. The owners have sighted over 60 varieties from the tiny iridescent sunbirds to the magnificent hornbills. They are happy to provide binoculars and bird books and welcome groups of ornithologists; please see the section on whole villa bookings for more information.
Dining
Casa Susegad takes feeding its guests very seriously. From the wide selection of breakfast dishes to the fabulous formal dinners, and all points between, you can taste the love with which meals are prepared. Using the freshest ingredients, the majority of which are sourced within the village, the kitchen prepares Goan, Indian and Continental cuisine of the highest order. From a traditional pork vindhalo, cooked over wood, to the finest hand made pasta there is something to satisfy every taste. Casa Susegad’s menu offers exceptional value for money – pricewise, it sits well below the five stars and a little above a beach shack. With only five bedrooms, it doesn’t have a fixed menu. Food is discussed with, what is effectively, your own private chef at breakfast every day and meals prepared to suit your personal tastes.
The Bar
During the restoration of the property, the room that is now the Host’s Suite was separate from the main building. The space in between has been adapted as the beautiful, atmospheric, house bar. With generous windows and window seats, it makes for a delightful indoor/outdoor room supplying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, poolside during the day and pre-dinner cocktails early evening.
Reception Rooms
Years of experience in interior design and property renovation are evidenced in the vibrancy of Carole’s trademark colour palette, making Casa Susegad a truly unique property. With an eclectic mix of objets and art sourced from within India, and further afield, there is always something to grab a guest’s attention. With the large guest lounge, formal dining room, the balcao and the activities/snooker room, guests have ample space to roam and relax indoors.
The guest lounge has satellite TV but is most usually used for afternoon siestas or lounging with a good book from our eclectic library (spread around the property).
The dining room table will seat a single diner or a party of 16 people comfortably – making it ideal for small conferences, or meetings, as well as formal dining.
The activities room has a 10ft x 5ft snooker table as well as a card and carom table, scrabble, backgammon and chess. Other board games are also available.
Being Creative
There is an in-house supply of semi precious stones, nylon thread and silver findings to enable guests to try their hand at jewellery making. There is also a supply of mirror mosaic and nylon thread for making mobiles, decorative hangings and other mirror work projects. When in residence, Carole is happy to offer free tuition.
There are some small easels, and art supplies are very inexpensive in India compared to many other countries; should you require, staff will direct you to good suppliers.
Access for All
From vehicle to bedroom, to the whole house interior and the front balcao, Casa Susegad is fully adapted for wheelchair access. The Turquoise Room has its own ramp and a fully equipped wet room. Personal care can be made available, by prior arrangement, should clients so wish.
Parking
The property has ample off road parking.