Skip to main content

Cows on the Beach in Palolem, India

By Jodie Kharas Oct 3, 2016 9:22 AM

As the sun slinks off to the other side of the globe we fully intend to chase it. This year, The Manual suggests a well-deserved respite from the winter gloom in sunny Goa. The Southerly, lesser-known town of Palolem offers delicious, health-conscious food in abundance and a laid-back beer-swigging vibe all around.

PLAY

Palolem beach — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Palolem beach is a hub of entertaining activity. Frequented by local fishermen, cows, dogs and friendly hawkers, people watchers will never be short of action. As the sun sets, make your way to Monkey Island, on the far right of the beach. Seeing the charcoal rocks, visiting jellyfish and ocean view in the evening light is an experience you won’t forget.

SHOP

SONY DSC — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The days in Palolem are dreamily slow so be ready to take it down a few gears. The Manual recommends browsing the many shops and stalls that line the Palolem main road for artisanal gifts and wares. Look out for handcrafted leather footwear and the awesome Tibetan blanket scarves that most of the stores stock – and don’t be afraid to put your bartering hat on.

EAT & DRINK

Café Inn, Palolem — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The walk from the resort to the main town is around twenty minutes but it’s a pleasant one. Beeline for a hearty, healthy breakfast at Café Inn. The staff are super friendly and the food is a little slice of the café culture we’ve all become accustomed to. You’ll be dreaming about the poached eggs in exploded tomatoes until lunchtime.

Recommended Videos

For dinner, The Manual recommends the tasty wood fired pizza at Magic Italy. The menu is endless and the beer is shockingly cheap – roughly a dollar a pint when we visited. End the night at the Silent Noise Disco at Neptune Point. The rocky area to the South of the beach provides a suitably awesome backdrop to the end of a truly memorable day.

SLEEP

Café Inn, Palolem — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though compact, the summer season sees the opening of infinite accommodation options. The Manual suggests investing in a little me time and booking into your very own cabana at the Bhakti Kutir resort. Gauge yourself on the town’s most prolific organic fare at the in-house restaurant and shower amongst the palms in your bamboo-enclosed En Suite.

Jodie Kharas is a style, art and culture writer who lives in London. She has contributed to the online platforms of POP… Read Full Bio

Derek Jeter Goes All In With ALUM— And the New Venture Looks Like a Home Run

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter has an extensive business and investment portfolio. He founded a successful multimedia company (The Players’ Tribune) and launched Jeter Publishing in 2013 under the umbrella of publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster. He also serves on the board of directors of numerous business ventures. The list goes on and on for the former New York Yankees captain.

The overarching theme in Jeter’s approach is familiar to those who watched and admired his legendary career: Whatever he attaches his name to, there’s undoubtedly a clear vision. He surrounds himself with smart, driven people and groups, which explains his success on and off the diamond.

Under-the-radar culinary destinations worth traveling for

World Equestrian Center - Ocala

Travel and food are two of my biggest passions in life. And any time I get to combine those two passions into one mission — I get especially excited. As travelers like myself continue to seek out more meaningful, experience-driven getaways, some of the most exciting culinary discoveries are taking place beyond the world’s traditional foodie capitals.

From hidden wine regions and coastal towns celebrated for their seafood traditions to unexpected resort destinations blending luxury hospitality with authentic local flavors, we’ve complied a list of some of the best under-the-radar culinary destinations you won’t want to miss. These destinations give travelers a chance to eat, drink, and experience a destination like a true local. Don’t miss these upcoming events taking place across the country, geared towards foodies like us.

This thoughtfully designed pop-up at Ocean Casino Resort is worth the visit

Ocean Casino Resort

There’s no question that Ocean Casino Resort is the nicest Atlantic City hotel & casino resort — and most Atlantic City regulars would agree. While there are other hotels I love for different unique reasons, Ocean Casino Resort is an overall great choice for the majority of visitors. You just can’t beat the vibes of Ocean Casino Resort that remind me more of Vegas than any other hotel resort in the area. From the taller ceilings to the modern rooms, the entire stay experience here is designed to feel a bit more luxury than was once associated with Atlantic City. Plus, you can’t beat those incredible ocean views you get from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms.

Though I’ve been to Ocean Casino Resort many times in the past, my most recent visit made me fall in love with this resort all over again. Every time I come back here I find something new to explore — whether it’s the Enomatic wine dispensers at Bottled Wine Bar or Ocean’s 18 mini golf, this hotel is the spot to be for guests who want a different experience every time they visit Atlantic City. Sure, there’s something to be said for going back to your favorite restaurant or playing at the same blackjack table you always win on. But, frequent visitors like myself want something new to look forward to during every visit. It’s clear Ocean Casino Resort understands this, especially after checking out their most recent innovation: America’s Birthday Bar.