The stuff of dreamy, late night adventures on the sands of Goa

With resorts spreading across beaches in Goa, the texture of life in the villages is seeing a sea change with good restaurants in the vicinity of shores, serving good food till late night to customers hopping out from their luxurious resorts for unlisted adventures.

“Apart from one or two restaurants frequented by locals, life on beaches used to sleep to the sounds of water hitting the shores soon after sunset as there was nothing much to do,” recollects Xavier as he walks his canine friend along the shoreline.

“We are seeing a societal change, a change in attitude since the start of resorts along this coast. Hotel guests, searching for adventure at night, have pushed the locals into starting new ventures that are open late at night,” he explains.

With most beaches lit by high masts, walking is no more a threat, and with negligible robberies being reported, a stroll with a lover, parent or friend, ends up as exercise for sound sleep at night.

Insam and his beloved are strolling along the coast to a restaurant closest to their luxury resort. Both, wearing formal boots, walk past the shoreline on their night out on the first evening of their honeymoon.

Their talk is about the wine they are going to start with along with the seafood to go along with it. “Let’s not have it spicy,” she tells her hubby, explaining that she finds the masala in Goa different from the one at home.

“This is the time of the year for honeymooners. And, closer to October, this becomes a paradise for people coming to tie the knot. The whole of Goa turns into a wedding destination from October,” says Ingress who works for a luxury resort.

“We are not yet full, but occupancy is good. Things are sustainable now and there is no going back,” she says.

“We have clients who look out for dancing places at night and though there are not many in the South, the one on the beach (Southern Deck) leaves our guests with good memories. Plus, they do not need to hire a taxi,” she adds.

Though many restaurants serving Goan food are clubbed on the main beach in Benaulim, it is the restaurants flanking the sides that draw guests residing in hotels.

“Most of our guests are from different states of India and they have exceptional tastes. They love seafood and have a good palate for wine. Plus, we sell a lot of champagne in mornings and night,” shares Nishan who stewards in a restaurant.

“I am new to the place, but since most of our guests are high flying, the tips are reasonably good,” he shares, as he presents a bill of Rs 100 for a fresh lime soda.

Families, friends and couples walk leisurely on the beach after dinner, with romance printed on the sand. For many, walking on the beach is a luxury that will be missed when they return home.

“Walking barefoot on this sand has been the best thing that has happened after long. I sleep well and get up fresh. It is the magic of the sea and the kindness of the locals that have made my first visit alone, special,” confesses Vidya, who claims she is fitting a puzzle that needs her to be alone – even if it means on the beach.

As the beach prepares for the night, visitors like Vidya amble around searching for the lost, hidden in the sands of Goa.