We're excited to be in Goa. The last time Sue and I were here was 18 years ago in 1993 when we stayed at the Leela Beach Hotel (now the Leela Beach Goa Hotel) in Mobor, south Goa, after a golden triangle tour of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

But this is now and we can already sense the slower and more relaxed pace. As we drive along the coastal road we can get glimpses of the ocean through the dense and lush vegetation. The journey to our hotel, the Aldeia Santa Rita, takes just over an hour and we're ready to relax!