ITC Grand Goa - a family stay by the beach in India

Southern Goa is filed with luscious greenery everywhere. It’s a real treat after spending time in the dustier north on our family trip to India. In the Monsoon season the rains are celebrated here. People actively look forward to their arrival. We travelled to Goa in July which meant the rains were in full force. They sweep in and cool the air which is always welcome. We spent our time at the ITC Grand Goa. A Beautiful resort on the edge of the Arabian Sea. It was the perfect family getaway with kids and we loved our time here.

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About ITC Grand Goa

The ITC Grand Goa is only abut 20 minutes from Goa International Airport. The closest town is Margao which is great for a wander.

With 246 bedrooms this is a large resort but because of the design (by British architect Simeon Halstead) it doesn’t feel overly large. It is set out as a series of Portuguese villages.

Complete with village squares, fountains and even the little chapel that would have been attached to the village elder’s house. It is characterful and beautiful.

You can wind your way through the resort to the absolutely stunning sandy Arossim Beach at the bottom. Which was unfortunately closed off in Monsoon season when we visited.

With five restaurants, a kid’s club and one of the largest swimming pools in India this is a resort to come and really enjoy.

Sleeps

We stayed in one of ITC Goa’s lap pool suites. This was an amazing space for a family.

We had a large double bedroom with doors onto the pool.

There was a huge bathroom with shower, bathtub, dressing area and outdoor shower.

There was a luggage room and plenty of space for all of our cases.

The lounge and dining area were transformed for the children with extra beds placed for them to sleep in. There was more than enough space for this.

There was also another separate loo that led to an additional outdoor shower.

The best bit was the outdoor lap pool which the children spent hours splashing about in. It was so lovely to be able to sit out on the loungers and watch them play and cool off.

With its own private butler to make dinner reservations or take us around in a little buggy it really did feel like the height of luxury.

Food at ITC Grand Goa

There are five restaurants all around the main village square at the centre of the resort. It’s great that people dining together can eat from any of the restaurants individually.

The Pavilion

The Pavilion is the main buffet restaurant and open for all day dining.

We really enjoyed breakfast here with a great spread of food. There were juices, pastries, an egg chef, pancakes, waffles and so much more. There were plenty of Indian choices too including a whole selection of dosas. We really filled up well here.

We also ate dinner at the Pavilion which again had lots of variety. There were local Goan dishes alongside pasta, Indian staples, salads and pies. There really was something for everyone.

Kebabs and Kurries – ITC Grand Goa

K&K is ITC’s Signature restaurant. We loved the selection of curries here with plenty of vegetarian choices.

It was really nice to try some different tastes that we haven’t come across before. Staff can also ensure it’s as spicy or mild as you like.

I have been craving the dum aloo bharwan – one of the best curries I had on the whole trip. Delicious.

Tempero – Goan restaurant

Tempero is the beautiful Goan restaurant at the ITC Grand Goa. The decor here is stunning.

There are lots of little nods to the local architecture – such as shells being used in the windows and the floor made up of broken tiles as was the tradition in Goa (from when ships would be passing from China back to Europe and would discard their broken pottery).

The food here was delicious. A real mix of tastes and flavours, we loved everything about this meal.

Other restaurants at ITC Grand Goa

There’s also an Italian restaurant and in non-Monsoon season a beach time grill.

There were also plenty of child-friendly choices including pizzas, nuggets and burgers along with plant-based versions too which was fantastic.

The bars

There’s a pool side bar which can give kids a masterclass in making their own Shirley Temples. This was great fun.

There’s also an adult space serving cocktails inspired by all the different regions and cities of India. I absolutely loved my gin with floral tones. It was so good.

The spa

The spa at the ITC Grand Goa is a really special space. Overseen by an Ayurvedic doctor it offers a range of therapies and treatments.

I loved the facial I had which was invigorating and rejuvenating. I really felt my skin was taken care of and it was a great experience.

Mr G had a massage which he also thought was great.

The 16 year old even managed to have a haircut here.

The facilities at ITC Grand Goa

There is so much to do at the ITC Grand Goa that you can be busy all day long if you’d like to be. It was more difficult to try all the facilities in Monsoon season but there was more than enough to keep us occupied.

Ollie’s Kids Club – ITC Grand Goa

For children up to age 12 there’s a fantastic kid’s club. Here they put on a whole range of activities and crafts for the children to enjoy.

There’s also a dedicated section for under fours with toys to ensure they are kept safe.

There’s also a games room all the family can use.

Swimming pools – ITC Grand Goa, India

There are some amazing swimming pools here at ITC Grand Goa. These wind their way through the resort and all interconnect with slides which is brilliant fun.