Palácio do Deão — Attraction in Goa

A beautifully curated Portuguese villa restored by Mr. Reuben and his wife Celia to give a glimpse of the heritage of the place and village. The villa is located in South Goa village of Quepem and easily available on maps. a lovely drive through the quaint small towns of south goa. The couple have painstakingly taken all efforts to restore the history of the house. Mr. Reuben gives you a tour of the house explaining its history followed by a sit down lunch at this lovely open area in the garden. Lunch is fresh local goan Portuguese food. It is almost a seven course delicious homecooked lunch and thoroughly enjoyable more because of the setting around. If you wish for a bit of a different experience in Goa and enjoy simple things with an interest in history, then this place can make it to the list. A different way of spending an afternoon. Please note Book in advance. This is not a restaurant but a house and they entertain limited guests, so schedule the visit as it makes it easier for the owners as well. Maintain sanctity of the place. since the owners live there going around here and there without permission clicking pictures is almost like an invasion of privacy. be a bit mindful and always ask as to the places and items of which photos can be taken. If you wish to do random touristy things then this is not the place. This place is worth a visit for the experience it offers and a glimpse into the old Portuguese life. Want a different experience, visit here. They also give a tour of the house without lunch. Check the...

Come to see the mansion; stay to meet with Reuben & Celia....

This promises to be a special experience for those who make the journey and I recommend you pre-book the lunch while you are visiting the property. If it's just for a photo-opp then I believe you will miss the point.

Reuben & Celia are restoring it to its former glory with great care and thoroughness. In contrast to other mansions in Goa this one was occupied by Priests and Nuns and is therefore designed and furnished modestly. They have a limited workforce and cater specifically for the visitors that pre-book so you can read up about the house and its history on their informative website and use the time in person for any questions you might still have.

The star is the Indo-Portuguese lunch dished out by Celia. In the setting of those beautiful gardens and Reubens gramophone playing the background you are transported to another time and place - like visiting an old relative around Christmas.

Go with an open mind to experience something non-touristy and with genuine hospitality. The cost of the experience should be considered in the context of touring a private mansion, a hearty meal and supporting the restoration of one of the gems of our past.

I'm glad we went and will treasure the...

We traveled over 55 km from Panaji specifically to visit Palácio do Deão, after confirming our visit with the owner, Ruben. Upon arrival, Ruben completely ignored our calls and later sent a dismissive text stating that the mansion was closed, despite our prior arrangements. Even after explaining our situation, he refused entry and stopped responding to our messages altogether.

It became clear from speaking with local residents that this is typical behavior. Ruben seems only interested in hosting foreign tourists and shows blatant disregard for Indian visitors. This discriminatory and greedy attitude is disgraceful and unacceptable.

Our day was utterly wasted because of this unprofessional, arrogant, and discriminatory treatment. If you’re planning to visit, especially as an Indian, be prepared for the possibility of being treated with complete disrespect. I strongly advise against wasting your time and energy...