It is rare to find a pristine beach and location that is accessible yet secluded. Deep in South Goa is the Cabo de Rama beach with the Cabo de Rama fort close by. The beach has small rocky hills facing the sea, white soft sand and almost feels like you have been cast away in bliss. Located here is Cabo Serai perched on a height of 100 feet and overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. The access to Cabo is through a coconut grove and is a short walk downhill and over a stream that connects with the sea during high tide. Once you cross over, a golf buggy will take you to the main lounge, though walking along the path has its own magic.

At this small boutique property, the accommodation comprises seven cottages and luxury tents, elegantly designed to complement their tropical surroundings. All are sea-facing while being nestled in the privacy of flourishing forests and are quintessential barefoot luxury. Each cottage comes with an expansive decked balcony, whereas the tents have a large private deck perched prominently over lush greenery and looking out over the sea. Both are spacious, airy, and luxuriously designed with luxury amenities that offer the utmost comfort to guests and offer the experience of waking up amid treetops, a sense of being immersed in nature – with panoramic views of the surrounding forest, cliffs and the Arabian Sea.

The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, a beverage station with organic tea and coffee, outdoor lounging areas as well as space for working on laptops. On request, a fridge, an in-room safe and additional mattress can be provided for both tents & cottages. A golf buggy is available on the property to get between the rooms and public spaces.

Dining

Dining at Cabo Serai is a fine experience; in the day enjoy a languid, breezy hilltop brunch with fab sea views. The evenings are magical with inky blue star-studded skies and candlelit dinners to the musical sounds of the waves lashing on the shore and rocks. The carefully crafted menu is tailored to dietary preferences woven with local organic ingredients. Selected fruit, vegetables and herbs are sourced from the in-house organic garden. Other fresh produce such as grain and seafood are sourced from local fair-trade suppliers who ensure the freshest produce in its most wholesome and natural form. A wellness-focused menu is also available and based on Sattvic philosophy. Throughout the property there are private nooks and serene spots that are perfect for picnics, high tea and sundowners.

Cabo Serai’s wellness experiences are thoughtfully designed to bring mind body and soul together in perfect balance. Yoga & Ayurveda are available and both can be uniquely curated to accommodate every guest’s individual needs. The trails at Cabo Serai are many; past secluded beaches, winding streams, through dense forest and hidden caves. These walks promote a feeling of wellbeing, a closeness to nature and reveal many surprises worth exploring and photographing. The ideal time for these delightful walks is sunrise and sunset. Cabo Serai is home to an extraordinary abundance of birdlife with over 85 different species of forest and marine birds. The virgin forests that surround the property provide an ideal spot for early morning of healing by soaking in the sounds, smells and sights of the virgin surroundings.

The Cabo De Rama beach, a short walk away, is a pristine stretch of white sand flanked by a coconut grove and steep cliffs, making this an extraordinarily picturesque beach and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins that surf the surrounding waves. For those interested in history, the nearby 19th century Portuguese fortress awaits offer intriguing exploration and the ramparts offer breath taking views of the Arabian Sea as well. Further afield are Agonda and Palolem for those keen on discovering the other beaches of Southern Goa. A fishing village tour, river swimming, wellness cooking classes, an afternoon with a native gardener to learn about soil enrichment and seasonal farming are some of the other activities that can be arranged directly with the property.

Cabo Serai is a holiday destination onto itself or can be combined with a stay in Anahata Retreat another barefoot luxury RARE escapade on Ashwem beach in North Goa. 

Perfect For

Couples and families. It is apt for those who interested in yoga and wellness with scenic and wonderful spots to practice yoga. There are plenty of walking trails and picnic spots and a great place to observe nature. With an almost secluded beach nearby, children can spend time building sand castles or frolic in the waves under supervision. A Bird & Butterfly walk on one of the nature trails with a naturalist or a cooking class to learn how to make sweet treats can be arranged.

Operational status

Cabo Serai is open all year

“Travelers these days seem to be more conscious about protecting the environment, and we see more and more people choosing eco-friendly resorts as their holiday destination. This is very encouraging, and I hope that more hotel companies adopt a sustainable approach.” – Riad Fyzee, Owner of Cabo Serai.

No Single Use Plastic: No plastic is used at the property. Safe filtered water is available in glass jars and copper pots. Loose tea, coffee and sugar are stored in glass jars. Bathroom amenities come in refillable dispensers and soap and shampoo bars are offered that eliminates single use plastic.

Safe Garbage Disposal: Waste is segregated and wet waste generated is converted into manure. Recycling measures are in place.

Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting is actively practised and two wells are constructed for this purpose. Grey water is reused for irrigation purposes.

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficient lighting and appliances are used. The common spaces are open and being close to the sea are naturally cool with the breeze.

Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Cabo Serai has been built amidst a coconut grove with many other local species of plants on the hillock. While building, no trees were uprooted and in the surrounding areas more were planted.

Local Community Engagement: 30% of the staff are hired from the local villages. Produce and groceries are sourced locally. At the time of building, local craftsmen were hired.

Light Footprint Tourism: Food is cooked with 100% organic produce cultivated by local farmers. A conscious effort is made to use green cleaning supplies and detergents. The entire property is built using materials such as wood, laterite stones and earth that are locally sourced and with techniques that create minimal impact. Toiletries are made using coconut oil from the in-house coconut plantation. Natural fabrics are used in the rooms.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: Set away from the crowds of Goa in the deep south, Cabo Serai is a destination by itself. The experiences and activities are largely non motor and the beach although a public one, is secluded and rarely crowded.

Human Touch: The staff is well taken care of at Cabo Serai and it extends to stray dogs as well. While a couple are adopted, the neighbouring stray dogs are also looked after.

The RARE Sustainability Quotient is a self-audit tool that is used by our hotel partners to measure, document and assess their planet and people friendly practices and is based on the RARE Touchstones.