About 5 kilometers west of the 'the cultural capital of Goa'- Margao, lies the charming Homestay called Stain Glass Cottage. The Dabolim airport, Goa's only airport, is hardly a 30- minute drive from here. The vivacious host of Stain Glass Cottage is Maria Vaz. After having worked in the Middle East for nearly two decades, Maria returned to her hometown in South Goa, recently. The Old-Goa Portuguese style bungalow that Maria and her husband Antonia built for themselves is furnished with teak-wood interiors, built-in wardrobes and Four-Poster beds. The Portuguese styled roofing with a high ceiling ensures natural ventilation and lets in plenty of the sea breeze. The Homestay offers 3 air-conditioned and 2 non air-conditioned rooms for the guests. Along with, comes a large living room, a dining room with patio, a large courtyard and a bar
Maria, who speaks fluent English, Portuguese, Konkani, and Hindi, is well-versed on the history of Goa and its diverse culture. She loves interacting with her guests and making them feel at home. Maria helps her guests in chalking out an itinerary that would help them in experiencing the sights and sounds of Goa. Whether it is hitting the sun-kissed beaches of Goa or checking out some of the hottest night-spots in town, Maria sees that a guest coming to her homestay gets to see the very best that Goa has to offer. Maria who has a lovely voice has participated in many choir and musical groups on Goan folklore music. She loves music and dancing and can guide guests to hotspots- not very far from her homestay, where they can enjoy a local convivial experience. Being a food aficionado, Maria can also provide her guests with some very useful pointers on the variety of Goan cuisine
Colva which happens to be the longest beach in Goa is hardly 3 kilometers from here. Adventure buffs can take a banana boat ride or go jet skiing and parasailing here. Margao which has an old-worldly charm about it because of its colonial bungalows and Portuguese churches is only 5 kilometers from here. Those looking for a laidback holiday in Goa with a dose of the warm hospitality of a gracious host like Maria Vaz are sure to find Stain Glass Cottage to their liking
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