Ruins of this Portuguese Villa in Goa are now a must-visit wine and dine destination
When Portuguese first came to India in 1498, the primary aim was to find a route to bypass the Arabs and Ottoman Turks who dominated the spice trade. But fate had other plans. They stayed in India, and their colonisation outlived their English counterparts until 1961. Their contribution is quite debatable, but they definitely left a map dotted with some of the most mesmerising architecture—one that makes Goa coveted beyond the beaches and nightlife.
Breathing life into one such ruin in Goa is Sanctuary Bar & Kitchen with it’s landscape designed by Kiasma Studio. Once a neglected 200-year-old Portuguese villa, it is now one of the most sought-after places for wine and dining in Goa.
Sprawling roots of a majestic tree snuggles the property. The villa sits at the centre commanding attention but not enough to take it away from the surroundings. The interior is divided into two distinct areas. By day, the kitchen serves as a culinary haven, offering a range of delights in a setting reminisent of a french breakfast in Marseille. As night falls, the space turns into a lively bar where patrons can enjoy a 40-seater cabana and a rustic counter, perfect for socializing and unwinding.
Fifty percent of the plot goes to the preservation of natural landscapes. This commitment not only fosters biodiversity but also serves as a natural sanctuary offering an experience of its kind.
It’s not just the historic structure or the nature’s beauty, but to add to these, there is art. Kiasma Studio has dotted the landscape with curated art elements that enrich the environment and add depth to the visitor experience. Sculptures are strategically placed amidst the foliage, while murals grace the villa’s walls, each piece contributing to the overall narrative.
Goa is the cradle of modern design at the cusp of the past. The new properties surfacing are profoundly entwined with this region, offering experiences uniquely shaped by its spirit. Sanctuary Bar & Kitchen being one of them.
FACT FILE:
Project Name: Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen
Landscape Architects: Kiasma Studio
Principal Architect: Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju
Interior Design: W Design Studio
Gross Built Area: 7,500 sq ft
Location: Goa
Planting consultants: GLL Landscape
Renderings credits: Vivek Eadara
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