Unwind in Paradise: Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa, India's Hidden Gem
Unwind in Paradise: Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa - My Unfiltered Take (Spoiler: It's Pretty Damn Good)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to dive headfirst into my experience at Unwind in Paradise: Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa, India's Hidden Gem. And trust me, after my whirlwind trip, hidden is definitely the right word. It felt like stumbling upon a secret oasis, far removed from the usual tourist traps. Let me be brutally honest, and messy with my thoughts, just like human beings!
First Impressions & Getting There (The "OMG, Did We Make It?" Phase)
Accessibility is a serious factor for me, and thankfully, the resort is pretty good. Not perfect, mind you (more on imperfections later – because life isn't perfect, is it?), but good. They've got ramps and elevators, but I'd recommend calling ahead and verifying, especially if you have specific mobility needs. The airport transfer, thankfully, was smooth. I'm no fan of haggling, and the pre-arranged pick-up was a lifesaver.
Parking, in general, was a breeze. They've got a car park [free of charge] and plenty of car park [on-site] spots. Even valet parking if you're feeling fancy.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and occasional chaos)
My "sanctuary" was a non-smoking room (praise the heavens!) with air conditioning that actually worked (another win!). I'm a sucker for a good room, and this didn't disappoint. Check this list: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. My first impression? "Oh, HELL YEA, this is the life!" The Free Wi-Fi in the room was a Godsend. The Internet [LAN] was a nice touch, though I used mostly wireless.
Honestly, the bathtub was the MVP. After a long day of exploring, there's nothing like sinking into a hot, bubbly bath with complimentary tea. It's the small things, right? I did notice though that the interconnecting room(s) available option got me thinking… "Hmm, wonder who is living there?".
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly)
The pandemic has made me a germaphobe, so I was relieved to see the resort takes cleanliness and safety seriously. They use anti-viral cleaning products, there's daily disinfection in common areas, and staff are trained in safety protocol. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere. The rooms are sanitized between stays, and you can even opt-out of room sanitization if you want (I didn't). The Rooms sanitized between stays gave me peace of mind. The Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were also big pluses. I also noticed the presence of CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour].
The only small blip was that some of the hygiene certifications displayed were a little… faded. Still, I appreciate the effort. I'd give it an A for effort, a B+ for execution, and a massive sigh of relief.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Adventures)
Let's be honest, the food is a massive part of any vacation. And Pinto Rosario Square? They nail it. It's almost criminal how good it is. I was so excited, I didn't know where to start.
Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants! They have 'em. Asian? Yep. International? You got it. Vegetarian? Absolutely. Western? Sure! It's a culinary world tour, folks! A la carte in restaurant is available and I had a delicious meal from there.
Breakfast is a MUST: I mean, do not sleep on the Breakfast [buffet]. It's epic. The Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were equally enticing, and the Coffee shop was a welcome sight in the mornings. Don't forget the juice!
Snacks and Drinks: There's a Poolside bar (hello, cocktails!), a bar with a great atmosphere, and a Snack bar for those mid-afternoon cravings. Oh and can't forget the Bottle of water which is essential throughout the day. I may have indulged in the Happy hour more than once (no judgment!).
Room Service: The Room service [24-hour]? It's a lifesaver. Seriously. Especially when you're feeling lazy.
My only tiny complaint? It could be a bit overwhelming at times. Honestly, it was like deciding between a million amazing things, I didn't know where to start.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (Mostly)
This is where Pinto Rosario REALLY shines. The sheer number of ways to unwind is staggering.
The Spa: This is where I spent what felt like a solid week. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I'm not gonna lie, I was in a blissful haze for most of it. The Pool with view added an extra layer of serenity. The massage therapist, in particular, was an absolute wizard!
Swimming Pool: Oh, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. The Pool with view is heaven, I went for a swim every single day.
Fitness Center: I tried out the Fitness center… briefly. Let's be honest, I'm a vacationer, not a gym rat. But it was definitely there and looked well-equipped.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've thought of everything. Seriously.
- Concierge and Front desk [24-hour] - It was a pleasure to be looked after
- Laundry and Dry cleaning: Essential. Essential!
- Cash withdrawal is handy.
- Daily housekeeping is a MUST.
- Business facilities: For anyone needing to work remotely or have meetings, there are Air conditioning in the public area, Business facilities, and Meetings.
- Convenience store: Handy for snacks and essentials.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: If you're hosting an event of some kind, there's the Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events and Wi-Fi for special events.
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Gem
I didn’t have any kids with me, but I noticed they're set up for families. I saw Family/child friendly signage. They have Babysitting service and a Kids meal.
My Recommendation & The Big Offer
Okay, are you convinced yet? I am. Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s an escape. It's a place to unwind, rejuvenate, and maybe, just maybe, discover a little bit of paradise.
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa within the next two weeks and get a FREE couples massage, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, and a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability)! Plus, use the code "UNWINDNOW" at checkout for a 15% discount on all spa treatments.
Why book now? Because you deserve it!
Escape to Paradise: Diya Dahara Resort, Sri Lanka Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa itinerary ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned brochure. This is the unfiltered, messy, and probably slightly disastrous adventure of ME in India. Grab your chai (or maybe a stiff drink, depending on the day), because we're gonna need it.
Pre-Trip Panic & Packing Mayhem (or, How I Realized My Passport Was Expiring Next Week)
- Phase 1: The Fantasy. Pinterest boards overflowing with flowing white dresses, yoga mats, and serene-looking people meditating on the beach. (Spoiler: I hate yoga)
- Phase 2: The Reality. Discovering my passport expires in exactly a week, after my flight departs. Cue existential crisis and frantic calls to the passport office. Praying to the travel gods.
- Phase 3: Packing Apocalypse. Three suitcases. One overflowing with "stuff I might need." Another with "stuff I definitely won't need." And one for the emotional baggage, because, let's be honest, we all have that. I'm pretty sure I brought a sequined jumpsuit for a pool party that never happened.
- Final Thoughts: Am I even prepared? probably not, but YOLO.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Disappointment (Followed by Glorious Redemption!)
- Morning: Sweaty, jet-lagged arrival at Goa. The airport smelled vaguely of curry and impending adventure. The driver (a delightfully grumpy man named Raj) navigated the chaotic roads with a skill I could only dream of.
- Afternoon: Pinto Rosario itself. Pictures online? Lie. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong. But that "romantic ocean view" from the balcony? More like "partial ocean view blocked by a palm tree and a family of squirrels." Initial disappointment. Definitely needing a drink.
- Late Afternoon: Checked in, the room was, however, perfectly adequate and had a cute balcony. Ordered room service: the shahi paneer was a revelation. Melt-in-your-mouth creamy, heaven on a plate. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The sun setting over the Arabian Sea? Suddenly, the squirrels and the partial view didn’t seem so bad. The drinks helped.
- Evening: Wandered around the resort. Found the pool. Dipped a toe in. Bliss! The water was perfect. Saw some people doing yoga. I ran the other way and into the arms of the resort bar. They had a live band playing cheesy Bollywood covers. Amazing!
Day 2: Beach Bliss & A Near-Disaster (the Coconut Incident)
- Morning: Beach time! Ah, the beach. Golden sand, the turquoise sea, the gentle lapping of waves…and a swarm of hawkers trying to sell me everything from sarongs to "genuine" Rolexes. Managed to politely decline while enjoying the sunrise.
- Mid-Morning: Found a beach shack and rented a sunbed. Ordered a coconut water. Took a deep breath and began to truly relax. Pure bliss, until…
- The Coconut Incident: Picture this: I'm lying back, sipping my coconut water, and CRACK. A rogue coconut, seemingly launched from the heavens above, landed squarely on the sunbed next to me. The guy was fine, the sunbed was not. My heart nearly stopped. I’ve genuinely never been so terrified. I mean, death by coconut?! Seriously?! Needed a double gin and tonic after that.
- Afternoon: Decided to take a massage. I should have paid attention to the reviews. It was… intense. Let's just say the masseuse's definition of "gentle" was not the same as mine. The massage was done and I felt like I had been hit by a bus.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Chicken Tika Masala to die for. Followed by a stroll on the beach. I actually managed to sit and relax.
- Final Thoughts: The beach and food is all I need!
Day 3: Exploring Old Goa & Spiritual Struggles
- Morning: Hired a driver (a different one, fortunately – Raj was still recovering from my luggage) and headed to Old Goa. The churches are breathtaking. Such history, such artistry… but also, let's be honest, I'm maybe not the most spiritually inclined person. Found myself more fascinated by the pigeons than the sermon.
- Afternoon: Explored the local markets. Haggled over a scarf (won!). Got hopelessly lost. Accidentally ate something spicy. Ended up sweating and red faced in desperate need of a cool drink.
- Evening: Back at the resort, found a quiet hammock and tried to read. But the mosquitoes had other plans. Decided the jungle was getting a little too rough, so I went back on the balcony and had another gin and tonic.
- Final Thoughts: I still need some exploring to do.
Day 4: Yoga and the Aftermath
- Morning: Okay, I signed up for the yoga class. Because… self-improvement. Or maybe just because the guy at the front desk was cute. Regardless, it was… challenging. I think I spent half the time trying not to fall over and the other half wondering if I could sneak off and get a coffee.
- Afternoon: The Yoga class left me feeling worse. Sore, grumpy and I needed a nap.
- Evening: Back to dinner. This time I tried the Goan Fish Curry. It was so delicious.
Day 5: Departure Blues & Undeniable Joy
- Morning: The final morning :(. Packing. Saying goodbye. The squirrels were still up to their antics. Took one last walk on the beach.
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. This time, the airport didn't smell of adventure, it smelled of the end.
- Evening: On the plane. Reflecting. So many memories, so much laughter and maybe a few tears. India is the kind of place that gets under your skin. It’s messy, chaotic, beautiful, and I’m already plotting my return.
- Final Thoughts: Did I do it all perfectly? Absolutely not. Did I have an amazing time? Absolutely yes. India, you wild, wonderful, slightly crazy place, I love you.
Okay, spill the beans! Is 'Unwind in Paradise' REALLY paradise? Sounds… suspicious.
Alright, alright, you caught me. “Paradise” is a loaded word, right? But let me tell you, Pinto Rosario Square Resort & Spa in India? It's got its moments. Like, REALLY good moments. I went, expecting Instagram perfection, and what I got was… something messier, more real.
The hotel itself? Gorgeous, yeah. Think colonial charm meets vibrant Indian colors. The pools? Stunning (though I did witness a spectacular dive-bomb from a rogue pigeon into the infinity pool one morning. Almost lost my coffee!). But the REAL paradise? That came courtesy of a truly unexpected combination. A ridiculously friendly staff, the sound of waves, a whole lot of chickpeas (more on that later...) and, okay, maybe a little bit of the local rum. Was it perfect 100% of the time? Nah, not even close. Did I *unwind*? You bet your bottom dollar I did.
What's the deal with this "Pinto Rosario Square?" Sounds… formal.
Okay, the name *is* a bit fancy. Honestly, I pictured a bunch of stuffy old dudes in white linen suits sipping tea. Turns out, the square is more of a charming courtyard-y area, and the "Rosario" part hints at the area’s Portuguese heritage. Expect some beautiful architecture, bougainvillea EVERYWHERE (seriously, like a flowery explosion!), and a vibe that's more relaxed than you'd think.
I remember one evening, sitting there with a book, trying to look sophisticated, and then this herd of monkeys decided to put on a show. They were leaping across balconies, pilfering… well, who knows WHAT they were pilfering. Totally wrecked my "intellectual reader" image, but it was hilarious. So yeah, "formal" it ain't. Thank goodness.
The food! I’m a foodie. Tell me about the food! (And please, no boring reviews.)
Alright, foodie friend, prepare yourself. The food was… a journey. The resort had a few restaurants, and I have to be honest, some dishes were *mind-blowingly* good. Others… well, let's just say they were adventurous.
The breakfast buffet, though? Oh, my word. Dosas, idlis, curries galore! I swear, I almost choked on a perfect masala dosa the first morning; it was that good. The chef clearly had a soft spot for seafood because everything was done with the most delicate touch (except the chili heat which I think got a little lost in translation). Now, let's talk chickpeas. I swear I ate chickpeas every day, in some form or another. Chickpea curry, chickpea salads, chickpea snacks… by day four, I'd started to DREAM of chickpeas. I even asked the waiter if I could have a bowl of plain chickpeas. And you know what? He brought it! Bless that man. They REALLY cater to your cravings there.
The only food criticism, I guess, it was the constant battle against the urge to eat everything. My waistline may still be recovering.
Is the spa actually good? Because some resort spas are… not.
Okay, this is important. The spa is legit. Like, "I'm going to cry because I'm so relaxed" legit. I had a massage that I am still dreaming about. It was an Ayurvedic massage, all warm oil, and gentle kneading. I swear, my muscles haven't been that relaxed since my last vacation in… well, decades, probably?
The whole spa area is incredibly peaceful. It’s all dim lighting, soft music, and the smell of… something amazing. They have those outdoor treatment rooms, shaded by lush plants. It's the kind of place where you could happily nap for a week. (And believe me, I almost did.) I'm not a "spa person" usually, but the Unwind in Paradise spa? Worth every single rupee.
What’s the vibe like? Is it all honeymooners and influencers? (I'd rather not.)
Okay, good question. I was worried about that too. And while, yes, there were a few couples looking all loved-up, and a couple of *very* enthusiastic Instagrammers, it wasn't overwhelming. It felt far more diverse than I expected. Lots of families, some solo travelers, and even a few (like me!) who just wanted to hide away with a book and a cocktail.
The vibe is generally chill. People are friendly, the staff is amazing, and there's a genuine sense of relaxation. You won't feel pressured to be perfect or to keep up with the Joneses (or should I say, the Kardashians?). It's a place where you can actually, truly, *unwind*. And yes, you can totally get away with wearing your most comfortable clothes. I know I did. There were a few moments, watching someone take a selfie in the pool, or seeing a bride with the most enormous dress, as I thought to myself "Please, just, go away". I think I was getting hangry though.
Were there any downsides? (Be honest!)
Okay, okay, honesty time. No place is perfect, and Unwind in Paradise definitely had a few… quirks. The WiFi? Spotty. Like, "can’t upload your holiday photos" spotty. So, you know, prepare to disconnect (which, surprisingly, wasn’t the worst thing in the world).
And the mosquitos. Oh, the mosquitos. They were persistent little buggers. Bring LOTS of repellent. My room service, in theory, could be slow. I said, "No rush" for my coffee one morning, assuming it would arrive in *maybe* twenty minutes? Nope. An hour and a half later, and after two calls – it arrived with apologies and free pastries. Which I happily ate, because, hey, pastries! The small imperfections are very much part of the charm, I think.
Also, let’s not forget the journey. India is a long way, and the journey from the airport can be a bit… bumpy. But hey - that's what those airport cocktails are for, right? Ultimately, none of these were deal-breakers. They were just… part of the story. The things you laugh about later.
What kind of activities are there besides lounging by the pool?
Okay, so, the pool is definitely a major attraction. But if you're feeling restless, there's plenty to do. They have a few organized activities, but honestly, the best thing to do is just explore.
You can wander into the nearby town. There you will find markets, some amazing street food (Hotels With Kitchenettes
