Goa - Intro and What to Wear When You're There

Palms of Goa

Where? Goa, India
Exactly? The Taj Holiday Village, Candolim www.vivantabytaj.com

When? January 2012

Why? Annual family xmas trip to India

Best time to go? During winter peak season which runs from November to March, the weather is warm and pleasant. You can also go in the summer which falls from March to May, but it can get unbearably hot.

Local knowledge? Thanks to Jade Jagger, Annabelle and Sophia at Greene and Sheppherd PR and Bev Malik at Depths of Field, all lovers of Goa.

Flowers in our garden at the Taj Holiday Village

Packing - What to wear when you're there....

Me outside my beach bungalow wearing a Christopher Kane vest

Goan style is bohemian and eclectic. The vibe? Think laid-back beach looks during the day, wear palazzo or harem pants with slouchy vests, maxi skirts, sari-fabric sarongs and kaftans. For the evening the look varies depending on where you go, if you're heading to beach bars and cabanas you can just stay in your day outfit, it's very chilled out here. But if you're heading out for dinner at a 5 star hotel or going clubbing, the look is much more bling-tastic. Heels are a personal choice, but be warned, many of the streets have pot holes and uneven surfaces, so don't bother if you're going to be walking.

Dinner at La Plage - Clockwise from left to right: Indigo dress - bought at Anjuna Market Goa, Eye shadow Royale – Mac, Lapiz and silver cuff - Ibiza Hippy Market, sunglasses - Bottega Veneta, friendship bracelet - Astley Clarke, Clutch bag -  Buba London, Silver anklet - Anjuna Market Goa, Sandals - Baga Market Goa, Lipstick Fire - Dolce & Gabbana Makeup.

Sightseeing in Panjim - Clockwise from left to right: Pink dress - Rebecca Taylor, Beach bag - Buba London, Crystal bracelet - Swarovski, Pot rouge for Lips and Cheeks Calypso Coral 2 - Bobbi Brown, 08 Purple Passion Pure Colour nail polish -  Estee Lauder, Metallic bikini - Asos, Sunglasses - Prada.

Chilling on Palolem beach - Navy bikini - PilyQ at Beach Cafe, Printed dress - PilyQ at Beach Cafe,  Cats eye sunglasses - Vogue, Sandals - Office, Turquoise friendship bracelet - Satya, Nail Polish fire and ice - Revlon, Turquoise ring - Dorothy Perkins.

Above - Bag - Buba London, Pot rouge for Lips and Cheeks Calypso Coral 2 - Bobbi Brown, Eye shadow Royale – Mac, 08 Purple Passion Pure Colour nail polish -  Estee Lauder,

Beach bag from Buba London

Street Style - What to Wear When You're There

Girls looking bling at a boat party (DepthsOfField.com)

Boho style at Anjuna Market

Bev in a red belted sarong at La Plage (DepthsOfField.com)

Sophie looks chic in a red kaftan

Girls out clubbing at Mambo (DepthsOfField.com)

Me at La Plage