Life In Flow Motion

Cocktails and cruises make for an intoxicating weekend at The Park Baga River in Goa

- Pooja Naik

It was a little past 6 p.m. as we set sail along northern Goa’s Chapora River. Palm trees dotted the shore and ferries bobbed along the waves. I was on the Baga River Cruise, organised by The Park Baga River, the luxury boutique hotel I stayed in over a summer weekend. After settling into the ferry, I made acquaintance with the eight other travellers on board. Peppy music blared from speakers as platefuls of bruschetta and quiches did the rounds. The crew helped us to chilled beer bottles, while I indulged in a glass of urange, the hotel’s signature cocktail made with the Goan urak, coconut water and orange juice. The cloudy concoction struck my palate with a pungent flavour, as a burning sensation glided down my throat, growing on me with each sip.

As the sun began to set, we made a quick pit-stop at an unnamed private island. The caramel sandy patch appeared sparse, but I was enticed at the prospect of dining to the symphony of a warbling river. The sky turned from glistening gold to sorbet pink, mirrored in the river as we approached the shore.