Goa's BEST Serviced Apartments: Smiley Holidays Awaits!
Goa Bliss: My Wild Ride (and Surprisingly Chill Stay) at Smiley Holidays Awaits! – The Unfiltered Truth
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the chai on my recent Goa adventure, specifically my stay at Smiley Holidays Awaits! – and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster. Forget those perfect travel blogs – this is the REAL DEAL. I’m talking sand in places you didn't know existed, accidentally ordering vindaloo that could melt steel, and a surprising amount of zen thanks to this place.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The "OMG This is Goa!" Moment
Okay, so let's be brutally honest. I'm not exactly a fitness guru, and packing light? Forget about it. So, accessibility is HUGE for me. Thankfully, Smiley Holidays Awaits! gets it. The elevator was a lifesaver (thanks God!), and navigating the common areas with my overloaded suitcase was a breeze. They have facilities for disabled guests too – a big thumbs up! I felt like a VIP, even without the velvet rope.
My first "OMG this is Goa!" moment happened the second I walked in. The reception area was bright, airy, and actually smelled GOOD (a HUGE contrast to some Indian hotels). The staff were genuinely smiley (pun intended, I guess!) and super helpful with luggage. The check-in was express – a lifesaver after a long flight.
The Cozy Cave: My Room & (Okay, I admit it) The A/C
My room? Seriously, glorious. It's hard to believe I'm saying this about Goa, but the air conditioning was EVERYTHING. The Goa heat is brutal, and the room turned into my personal snowy sanctuary. I'm talking blackout curtains, soundproof rooms (essential for noisy neighbors, which I DIDN'T have – win!), and a super comfy bed. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. The complimentary tea and coffee were a nice touch too. I mean, who can resist a cuppa while staring out the window?
Now, the Free Wi-Fi was a godsend. I needed to stay connected to my emails, to show off these pics, and also post on my social media account. (Yes, I'm one of those! 😂). And the internet access – wireless, internet access – LAN was top-notch, so I could work on my laptop in the room.
Gettin' My Grub On: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Curry Mishap)
Okay, food. This is where things got interesting. Smiley Holidays Awaits! offers SO MANY options. They have a restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a vegetarian restaurant. The breakfast buffet was epic. I'm talking the whole hog. Also, you can get breakfast in room if you're feeling lazy (guilty!).
I was particularly obsessed with the poolside bar, the coffee shop, and happy hour – because, well, Goa. 🍹 They also have a snack bar if you get the munchies. They did have the bottle of water. I was happy that the Daily disinfection in common areas was a thing.
My curry mishap? Yeah, that happened at a restaurant down the road, but Smiley Holidays always had my back. If I'd been brave enough to ask for some vindaloo here, I'm sure they would have given it to me, but I'm glad I didn't.
There’s room service [24-hour], so you can stuff your face at ANY time! I loved that this place has staff trained in safety protocol, safe dining setup, and gives away sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They even have individually-wrapped food options to ensure your meal is secure.
Relaxation Station: Spa Days, Pools & Finding My Inner Zen (Maybe)
Right, so, this is where things went from "pretty good" to "absolute bliss". Smiley Holidays Awaits! has a swimming pool [outdoor] pool with view and sauna, spa, spa/sauna, and steamroom. I spent a solid afternoon floating in the pool, pretending I was a mermaid. The gym/fitness was a nice touch, but let's be honest, I mostly admired it from afar. (I did take advantage of the foot bath though – total bliss after a long day of exploring.)
The massage was… let’s just say I almost fell asleep mid-rubdown. And the Body scrub and Body wrap? Pure, unadulterated luxury. They really know how to pamper you here.
Oh, and there’s a shrine. I might have taken a few moments to reflect. (Okay, I was probably just resting my feet. 😉)
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and All that Jazz
Look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Goa can be… well, let’s just say it’s not known for its pristine cleanliness. But Smiley Holidays Awaits! impressed me. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority. They used anti-viral cleaning products, had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were ON IT with the hygiene. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, please! They even offer room sanitization opt-out available This made me feel super safe.
They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, security [24-hour], smoke alarms, and fire extinguisher. Also, a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. I felt incredibly safe there.
The Bonus Round: Services, Conveniences & The Little Things
Okay, so, this place is practically a mini-city. They have Air conditioning in public area, a concierge (who helped me with everything from booking taxis to getting directions), a convenience store (essential for midnight snack runs), daily housekeeping, laundry service, and a safe deposit boxes. Also, cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and luggage storage!
I also saw that they had meeting/banquet facilities. Oh, and babysitting service – perfect for families!
Things to Do (and Not Do… Like My "Yoga" Class)
Honestly, Smiley Holidays Awaits! is so comfortable that the hardest thing was doing things. I loved that they had massage, spa, sauna, and steamroom. I did a day trip to the beach, got hopelessly lost in one of the smaller towns, and even attempted a yoga class (which ended with me giggling on the floor). They offer car park car park [on-site], and a taxi service, so that's easier. I think I'll never find a perfect hotel!
The Verdict: Book It! (But Maybe Pack Some Immodium)
Alright, folks. Here’s the deal. Smiley Holidays Awaits! is NOT perfect. No place is. But it comes pretty darn close. It's clean, comfortable, the staff are fantastic, and the amenities are top-notch. It's a sanctuary from the delicious chaos of Goa.
Who should book this place? Honestly, anyone who wants a comfortable, well-equipped, and relatively hassle-free Goa experience. Families, couples, solo travelers – it’s got something for everyone.
My final rating? 4.5 out of 5 stars. I knocked off half a star because, well, nothing’s perfect. And because, let's be honest, I ate something that disagreed with me at a street stall. 😉
My Special Offer for You:
Book your stay at Smiley Holidays Awaits! NOW and get a FREE welcome drink at the poolside bar! PLUS, mention this review and we'll upgrade your room (based on availability).
Just go right now and book your trip! I'm counting on you!
Pro-Tip: If you're planning on exploring Goa's amazing food scene, pack some Immodium. Just in case. 😉
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: 2BR Villa in Pentingsari — Full Board Included!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're NOT getting a boring old itinerary here. This is my itinerary for Smiley Holidays Serviced Apartments in Goa, and it’s going to be a gloriously messy, sun-kissed, and potentially disastrous adventure. Consider this your permission slip into my brain.
Smiley Holidays Serviced Apartments – GOA: The Glorious Mess (and Maybe a Little Bit of Regret)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Chaos (aka “Where Did I Put My Passport?!”)
- 8:00 AM: (Roughly, 'cause let's be honest, my flight's probably delayed). Arrive at Dabolim Airport (GOI). Already sweating. Why is humidity a thing? Pray my luggage actually makes it. Send a frantic WhatsApp to the Smiley Holidays folks (already picturing a frantic, “OMG, I’m lost!” message).
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Customs. Pray for mercy. I'm pretty sure I look far more suspicious than I am. (Seriously, the last thing I did with this bag was shove a half-eaten bag of chips in it).
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Taxi to Smiley Holidays. Pray for a driver who isn’t trying to kill me with their driving skills. Window down to soak in the smells. (I'm hoping for Frangipani, but I'm expecting something else entirely… probably exhaust fumes).
- 10:30 AM: Check-in at Smiley Holidays. Greeted by a beaming face (I hope!). Pray the apartment actually looks like the photos. I have a bad habit of booking things and then realizing the photos are a decade old.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Apartment exploration. Unpack (or attempt to). Realize I've forgotten something crucial. (Probably underwear. Or sunscreen. Or both. DAMN IT).
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a near-by shack. My God, I'm starving! Something spicy, something fried, and something… well, I don't care, as long as it's food.
- Moment of Truth: This is where the real adventure begins. I'm imagining this picturesque shack right on the beach, maybe a salty breeze, the sound of waves. I'm probably going to get lost, end up somewhere that's more rickety and crowded than charming. But hey, that might be even better!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Beach time at, well, some beach. Probably not the "Instagram-perfect" one. Definitely embrace the chaos, the throngs of people, and the inevitable vendor trying to sell me something I don't need.
- 3:00 PM: - 5:00 PM: Nap Time. (Critical. Absolutely non-negotiable. The sun is brutal, and I need to recharge for the night. Plus, I'm probably going to be exhausted from all that… walking).
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: "Sunset" (If the clouds cooperate). Stroll along the beach, maybe grab a Kingfisher. Watch the world go by. (This is the "Zen" part of the trip. Ha!).
- 7:00 PM - late: Dinner at a restaurant, maybe near the Smiley Holidays. Probably get lost again. Eat until I can barely move. Drink something with a funny name. Stumble back. Pass out in bed.
Day 2: A Quest for Authentic Experience and My Own Personal Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: (Maybe… or maybe 11:00 AM, depending on how the night went) – Wake up, groggy, possibly questioning all my life choices. Drink ALL the water.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast (hopefully made by me!). Raid the local market for something… interesting. Pray the ingredients are fresh. And that I don't poison myself.
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: The Great Spice Market Adventure: Okay, so this is my attempt at being "cultured." I've heard about these spice markets, all vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas. I'm envisioning myself haggling like a pro, learning about exotic spices, and becoming a culinary guru!
- The reality? Probably getting overwhelmed, ripped off, and walking away with a bag of something that looks suspiciously like dirt. I can see myself getting lost, getting hot, and probably having a minor panic attack because the crowds are too much. But I'll persevere! (Or I'll hide in a café with a cold drink until the feeling passes…).
- 2:00 PM: Lunch – Find a restaurant that actually has AC!
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: "Explore." (Or, more accurately, wander aimlessly. Maybe find a hidden temple. Get lost. Take pictures of random things. Probably swear a lot).
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Happy Hour. (Always a good idea to mask the impending doom of the day).
- 7:00 PM - late: Dinner and live music. Pray the music is good. Pray the food is better. Pray that I don’t embarrass myself on the dance floor. (I will. I know I will.)
Day 3: Beach Bliss? Doubtful.
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with a throbbing headache and a burning desire for the trip to be over. (Just kidding. Mostly).
- 10:00 AM: (Maybe) – Try to make it to a yoga class on the beach. (Success rate: 10%). Probably end up doing something more along the lines of clumsy sun salutations and accidentally kicking someone.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: "Chill" at the beach. (My definition of "chill" involves me trying to read a book while simultaneously swatting away aggressive seagulls and avoiding sunburn.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beach shack. Order something I don't recognise. Pray I don't regret it.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Attempt to learn how to surf. (Likely scenario: humiliation).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More beach time. Embrace the chaos. Watch the sunset. Accept there will be sand in every crevice for the rest of the trip.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks. (Because, you know, why not?)
- 7:00 PM - Late: Farewell dinner. (Already sad the trip's ending. But also secretly excited to get back to my own bed and civilization).
Day 4: Departure. (And the inevitable post-trip blues)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. (Probably some variation of eggs and toast. Or maybe just cereal. I’m not a morning person). Frantically pack, wondering why I didn't pack lighter.
- 10:00 AM-11:00 AM: Check out of Smiley Holidays. Thank the staff (who likely deserve a medal for putting up with me). Grab a final photo.
- 11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. (Pray I don't get any travel sickness!)
- 12:00 PM: Flight. (Say goodbye to Goa. Feel a pang of sadness mixed with relief. Start planning the next adventure. Already fantasizing about a return trip and how NOT to make the same mistakes.
- Forever: Remember Goa. Dream about Goa. Start looking at photos. Tell everybody to visit.
Final Thoughts (aka My Emotional Train Wreck):
This itinerary is a suggestion, maybe a roadmap. It's more of a series of hopeful aspirations sprinkled with a healthy dose of "reality checks." I anticipate getting lost, feeling overwhelmed, falling in love with the local food, and making a complete fool of myself at least once a day. There will be moments of sheer bliss, moments of crippling self-doubt, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
The point? Embrace the mess. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the chaos. That’s where the real adventure lies. And if I come back with even half the memories I'm already fantasizing about, this trip will be an absolute triumph. Wish me luck. (You’ll probably need it).
Escape to Paradise: Apple Valley Kodaikanal Awaits!
Okay, so, *Smiley Holidays Awaits!*… Are they REALLY smiley? My last "holiday" almost made me cry.
Alright, let's get this out of the way. The name? A tad… *optimistic*. But here's the deal: the Goan people? They're generally smiley. Seriously. They can make you feel like sunshine on a cloudy day. The staff at Smiley Holidays? Well, they try! I mean, they're helpful, but sometimes the "smile" feels a little… rehearsed. Like, they've been told to smile, and they are *trying*. And hey, after the third flight delay, who can blame them if they're not grinning ear-to-ear? But the effort's there, and THAT counts for something. Besides, they're WAY more helpful than the surly receptionist at that dodgy hostel I stayed at in Budapest, who basically glared at me for existing. Now THAT place... that's where smiles go to die.
What's the deal with the "Serviced Apartments" part? Is it like, a glorified hotel room?
Okay, THIS is important. Forget those cramped hotel rooms where you can practically hear the couple next door fighting over the remote. Smiley Holidays gives you SPACE. Real, actual *living* space. Think proper bedrooms, a kitchen (even if you only use it for making instant coffee – guilty!), and sometimes, a balcony overlooking… well, it depends on the building, but hopefully something scenic. I stayed in one place with a view of a mango tree. I swear, I ate so many mangoes that week, my skin turned slightly yellow. And the service? It's decent. They clean the place regularly, replace towels, and are usually happy to help with anything – like, desperately trying to figure out how the gas stove works (which, let's be honest, is a skill I clearly lack). It's not five-star butler service, but it's a massive step up from a shoebox hotel room. Seriously, the space makes a HUGE difference. I could actually breathe!
Location, location, location! Where are these apartments actually *located* in Goa?
This is where things get a little… *varied*. Smiley Holidays has apartments in different areas. You've got your North Goa options, usually closer to the beach party scene (Anjuna, Vagator – loud, lively, and full of people trying to sell you… things). Then you've got South Goa, which is generally more chilled-out, with quieter beaches. I’m personally a South Goa girl. I stayed at one place near Colva, and it was absolute bliss. Waking up to the sound of the waves… Ah, memories! But be warned: "near the beach" can mean a 10-minute walk, or a 20-minute scooter ride. Always double-check the exact location and how far you are from the beach, food, and supermarkets, before you get your hopes up. I learnt that the hard way – once I ended up in what felt like the middle of nowhere, and all I had for dinner was biscuits and a very grumpy cat.
Are they family-friendly? I've got small humans in tow.
Okay, listen up, brave parents! Some apartments are definitely family-friendly. Look for ones with a pool (essential for keeping the little monsters entertained), and ideally, a fully equipped kitchen. Honestly, cooking breakfast in your pajamas while the kids are still half-asleep is a level of awesome that can only be achieved in a serviced apartment. Some apartments might have cribs or high chairs, so be sure to inquire. However, be wary of places directly next to a raging party spot. No one wants screaming kids and bass thumping until four in the morning. I took my niece with me, and it was glorious. That is until we discovered the pool was out of order. That turned into a whole… *thing*. But hey, at least we bonded over shared misery, and eventually, a trip to the beach fixed everything!
Okay, so, the *downside*? What are the things I should be prepared for?
Alright, let's get REAL. Nothing is perfect. Expect some minor imperfections. The Wi-Fi might be spotty (welcome to India, darling!). The hot water might take a while to appear, or sometimes, vanish altogether. You might find a rogue gecko casually hanging out in your bathroom (they're harmless, mostly). And, God forbid, the air conditioning might decide to take a nap in the middle of the night. And the biggest, and worst thing, sometimes they can be a bit… *basic*. Don’t expect designer furniture or luxury finishes. You're paying for the space, the convenience, and the location, not necessarily the opulence. My advice? Pack your patience, a good book, and embrace the Goan chaos! You're there to have fun, not to live in a palace, right?
I heard something about scooters. Is it true? Do I need to rent one?
Oh, the scooter! It’s… a whole experience. And yes, it’s pretty much essential for getting around Goa. Smiley Holidays might not *offer* scooter rentals directly, but they can definitely point you in the right direction. You’ll see them everywhere – little shops overflowing with colorful scooters just begging to be ridden. Here's the thing: the roads are… interesting. Chaotic. Full of cows, stray dogs, and daredevil scooter drivers. If you're not comfortable on a scooter, maybe stick to taxis or ride-sharing apps. If you *are* brave (or perhaps a little bit crazy, like me) then GO FOR IT! Just wear a helmet, practice defensive driving, and be ready for anything. My first scooter experience? Epic fail. I ended up in a ditch (don’t ask!), but eventually, I figured it out, and it became the best way to explore Goa. The wind in your hair, the freedom… pure bliss! Just… be careful. Seriously.
How is the food? Any recommendations? My stomach is already rumbling!
Oh, the food! A highlight, for sure. You'll find everything from fancy restaurants to tiny, roadside shacks serving the most incredible seafood. Smiley Holidays might provide some basic cooking facilities in the apartment, but trust me, eat out! Explore! Try the Goan fish curry (divine!), the vindaloo (fiery!), and the bebinca (heavenly dessert!). Local recommendations would include Fisherman's Wharf (a bit touristy, but the setting is gorgeous), and any of the beach shacks serving fresh grilled fish. Don't be afraid to try something new. I stumbled upon the BEST little place near Anjuna Beach, run by a lovely old lady who spoke only a few words of English. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was pure Goan magic, and the whole experience just… *made* the trip. That kind of local experience is what it’s all about!
So, overall… Would you recommend Smiley Holidays AwaWallet Friendly Stay
