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Tuesday, 19 June, 2018, 15 : 17 PM [IST]
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Dapoli The idyllic beach beauty
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Akshay Nayak
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If one is eyeing for a weekend getaway, in the vicinity of
Mumbai and Pune to a serene coastal location on the Western
Ghats of Maharashtra, then Dapoli is an idyllic place for the
escapade. I stayed at The Fern Samali Resort, which is the
next place to rejuvenate from the horizon-less cityscapes,
for its strategic positioning on a hilltop over-viewing scenic
views of the Arabian Sea, and a valley.
Starting in the dawn of Saturday from Mumbai, we paved
our roadway through, with three breaks, until we checked into the resort
at four o’clock in the evening. Being stressed and hungry with the long
journey already, the scrumptious lunch at Zhilan – The multi-cuisine
restaurant of the property, a quick shower at the Magnolia cottage, and
the revitalising massage at the Zion Spa, de-stressed and charged our
batteries momentarily; soon we were set to spot the beautiful sunset
and exciting water-sports at the Ladghar beach, by 5 pm, which is just
a 15-minute drive from the resort. Barely had we spent some time there,
the sun had set, and dusk had heavily fallen over the large landscape.
We returned to the property to witness the folk dance performance by a
group of locals at Jasalina - The Amphitheatre. However, the night didn’t
fade away in the soothing melodious performance, but, in fact, stretched
till midnight with songs echoing from the loudspeakers, flashing lights,
dance, and beverages pouring in, at the open lawn next to the amoeba
pool – Azzure.

The second day started well with a wake-up call by the helpful staff at
the resort, at 6:45 am sharp, after which we started again to the Ladghar
beach at around eight o’clock, but this time, a tad bit away from the
shore on a small motor-driven ferry, inside the sea, to experience the
marine beauty.
Q What guest segments are you looking to tap into your
resort? What special features does the resort exhibit for
MICE, Weddings, Corporate & social events segments, and FIT
travellers?
Dapoli has been embellished by its tranquil nature, scenic landscapes,
virgin beaches, local culture, Konkani Cuisine, and options for
various adventure activities. Thus, this place has
a huge potential to attract guests from different
segments.
We are the only resort in Dapoli which can
accommodate 140 Pax Residential Conferences.
Non-Residential Annual Conference/ Meetings/
Weddings/ Exhibitions / Social Events can be
accommodated up-to 450-500 Pax. We also
provide event management services wherein all
arrangements such as Audio Visual, Decorations,
Set-ups, etc. are entirely done by the Resort.
We are equipped with Air-conditioned as
well as open-banqueting spaces to suit guest
requirements.
We offer an array of activities that connect our
guests with nature as well as local culture.
The blend of geographical location and
uniqueness of the Resort’s architecture makes
it the best place for pre-wedding photo shoots,
weddings, honeymoon couples, and families
travelling with elders and pets.
Q How is Dapoli suited as a location for The Fern Samali Resort
to attract different types of guests?
Numerous sightseeing/ activities options are available depending
on guest’s preferences such as Beaches (white sand beach, virgin
beaches like Palande/ Anjarle/ Velas, etc., beaches with sports
activities like Murud/ Ladghar), Pilgrimage places (Chandika
Devi Temple/ Kadyawarcha Ganapati/ Parshuram Statue, etc.),
Coastal Forts, Panhalekaji Caves, Hot water springs etc. All of these
attractions are within reach and easily commutable. We also assist
our guest in arranging the transport facility and guides for their
convenience.
ood lovers can indulge themselves into the delicacies offered in
Konkan region. Dapoli is famous for fish auction at Harnai Beach,
Alphonso, Cashew & Coconut farms, etc. Guests may bring their
freshly procured fish, which we can cook for them as per their tastes.
We also have a mango orchard of our own where during the season
the guests may pick, pluck, and make Mango Basket for their own
which can be bought at lucrative rates.
We are beautifully placed on the Mumbai-
Goa Coastal Highway which fascinates
Adventure Tourers such as Bikers, Cyclists,
and Back-packers.
Q Throw some light on the various
accommodation types and services like
Spa, Restaurant, etc. at the Resort.
We are the only facility in Dapoli which
provides five different categories of rooms
ranging from Cottages to Suites. Our USP
is ‘Lillian Cottage’ which has all modern
amenities and an open-to-sky bathroom that
extends to a Lillian pond.
A Multi-cuisine restaurant Zhilan and
In-room dining offering Local, Indian,
Continental, Chinese cuisine, and a bar
lounge. For relaxation and rejuvenation, we are
equipped with Swimming pool, gymnasium,
separate Kid’s Pool, and Zion Spa which offers
traditional as well as modern treatments.
Also to ensure that our guests are occupied with different activities,
we have Kid’s Play area, Volley Ball Court, Badminton Court, Indoor
gaming Zone (Pool Table/ Carrom/ Air-Hockey/ Table Tennis).
Xara Gift shop has local delicacies, antique/ local jewelry, clay/
wooden artefacts which facilitates our guests to easily buy Konkan
Souvenirs. We also welcome guests with pets to enjoy Pawfect/
Purrfect holidays. For our in-house guests, we provide complimentary
Nature-trail, Yoga Session, Karaoke, Nature films, Finding flora and
fauna, Cooking with the chef, and Bullock cart ride. On request, we
can also arrange for folk dance, magic shows, babysitting facility, DJ
set-up, Orchestra, etc.
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Following the memorable gaze, we returned to the resort for breakfast.
However, being so close to the coastal belt, we were longing to visit a
beach again, so now we headed to the beach at Murud, but the high tide
left our “walk by the beach hope” shattered. Here the jet ski and the
banana boat ride came to our rescue. To address it that way, “who feels
sad on a jet ski?”

After being wilfully layered with sand, salt water, sun-tan, and
memories, we returned to the property where a shower felt so good, like
never before. The bags packed, and swaying a good-bye to the Magnolia
Cottage, I headed to Zhilon for the lunch before checking-out from the
resort. The aromas unfolding from the steaming-hot cuisine had got my
taste buds craving for more of the Goan fish curry and the moong dal
halwa, but stuffing beyond limit is detrimental before a long road trip
back to home.
To sum it up with a little more ink, the picturesque lush green setting
of Dapoli and the long coastline with close vicinity of the location, is a
destination to not miss out on, and not to forget The Fern Samali Resort’s
quintessential hospitality, both clubbed together are an experiential mix
to be lived in real, and preserved in reel!
akshay.nayak@saffronsynergies.in
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