Marika McAdam
Lonely Planet author---Spotless, secure and pleasant rooms set around a courtyard and overseen by the charismatic Walter and Marina, a helpful Goan-Swiss couple who have kept their finger on the pulse and their heart in the preservation of Coco Banana's authenticity. Coco Banana is a favourite among those fortunate enough to have stayed. Ask Walter his opinion on the changing face o
f Goa and he'll paint a colourful social history of the region and his predictions for its future. This longing for the way things were has found expression in the well-preserved world of Coco Banana. The cottage style rooms are all carefully maintained and set in friendly gardens decorated quirkily but tastefully with statutes and mosaic tiles. The Lobo family's close personal relationship with their Coco Banana baby are evident: the tombstone of Lulu the cat sullenly greets you as you arrive. The Goan tone is set by a sign at reception that requests that the Lobo's not be disturbed before 09:00, and small plaques in rooms commanding 'No S*x' (only one of which is mandatory). Rough Guides---Very comfortable, spacious chalets, all with bathrooms, fridges, mosquito nets, extra-long mattresses and verandas, around a central garden – but no a/c. Down the lane past Meena Lobo's restaurant, it's run by a very sorted Swiss– Goan couple, Walter and Marina Lobo, who have been here for nearly twenty years. A great place if you're a family looking for somewhere with plenty of space for a longish let, say of at least one week. The rooms are huge and well furnished, with fridges, kid-friendly beds and chairs, and basic self-catering facilities, while the house itself is set deep in the secluded fishing ward, behind the quietest stretch of the beach. Reise Blick---Einfaches supersauberes Haus (sechs Zimmer) nahe des Calangute-Strandes in Nord-Goa, geführt vom Goaner Walter Lobo und seiner Schweizer Frau Marina. Footprint India---Spotless rooms with nets, airy, light and comfortable, excellent Goan/Swiss owners, very caring and helpful (when full, Walter will try to find a suitable alternative). Citation du guide du routard---Agréables maisonettes alignées devant un jardin fleuri. Plusieurs chambres bungalow très calmes et très propres, certaines vraiment coquettes, le tout décore dans un esprit assez ludique, au charme rigolo (damiers et mosaiques multicolores). Le drapeau suisse a l'entrée vous annoce la couleur... vous êtes ici chez Marina (zurichoise) et Walter, son mari goanais. Pas le plus économique de la catégorie mais de loin le plus sympa, à tous points de vue. Possédent aussi une petite résidence pour les séjours prolonges, le Casa Leyla.
