WINTER ONLY - The Mello Rosa Hotel overlooks open countryside and paddy fields just over a mile from Baja Beach. Goa was once ruled by the Portuguese and still has many influences left today. The local markets have a bustling atmosphere where you can haggle for local silk, spices, fruit and vegetable`s, souvenirs, jewellery, carpets and carvings. The local cuisine uses rice, fish or coconut to make great delicately spiced curries, and fine seafood dishes.