Taj Exotica Goa’s New Bar is an Ode to the Romanticism of Portuguese Poet Luís de Camões
In an exclusive preview, SOH explores Adega Camoens at Goa’s Taj Exotica—a bar inspired by Hollywood’s golden era and the legacy of a Portuguese poet—where the spotlight is on a
Legacy Cocktail Menu that pays tribute to the Taj’s iconic hotels across India and the world.
By Deepali Nandwani
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, IHCL’s sprawling, indulgent haven on the scenic Benaulim beach stretch in Goa, with views of the Arabian Sea and expansive spaces, has long been a tropical haven. Its latest jewel, Adega Camoens, which adds a layer of vintage swagger—a cigar and cocktail bar that blends old-world sophistication with contemporary mixology. This isn’t just a bar—it’s a portal to an era of elegance, where every sip feels like a scene from a classic film.
At SOH, we are the first to bring you a look at the vintage glamour and inventive cocktails that define Goa’s newest bar opening. It is named after Luís de Camões—celebrated as Portugal’s greatest literary voice and often compared to Shakespeare and Homer—spent time in Goa during the 16th century. Centuries ago, the poet stood on Goan shores, his verses inked with longing and the rhythm of the sea. It was here, historians believe, that he penned parts of ‘Os Lusíadas’, his sweeping epic that immortalised Portuguese exploration and empire. Today, that same spirit of discovery, elegance, and poetic expression finds new life at Adega Camoens. This is not merely a bar; it’s a mood, a mise-en-scène, a toast to timelessness.
Timeless Exotica contains Chivas 25, Glenfiddich 26, and red wine — and is layered, luxe, and made to linger. Global Voyage is a wildberry tea and milk punch made with Monkey 47, Martini Bianco, fresh apple juice and Masthia.
Cocktail Charm meets Modern Mixology
‘Adega’ translates to wine cellar in Portuguese—an apt prelude to the curated collection within. Walk in, and you’re greeted by the glamour of the 1920s and 30s: dark, polished wood panels, plush leather seating, gilded lighting, and walls adorned with black-and-white portraits of cinema legends like Greta Garbo and Clark Gable. It’s a space suspended in time—seductive, smoky, and cinematic.
And then there’s the alfresco lounge: an open terrace framed by lush gardens and ocean breeze. Here, the Arabian Sea provides the soundtrack, and every sundowner feels like a scene from a lost classic.
Step into the glamour of the ’20s and ’30s—where dark polished wood, plush leather, and gilded glow set the mood for a decadent pause.
Charcuterie, the Adega way. Rustic cuts, bold pairings, and just enough drama—these boards are a love letter to old-world indulgence with a Goan-Portuguese soul.
Taj Hotel’s 121 Years: Distilled into Crafted Cocktails
But what truly sets Adega Camoens apart is its Legacy Cocktail Menu—a storytelling-led beverage programme that charts the Taj’s 121-year journey through a series of artfully constructed cocktails. Take ‘The 1903’, for instance—named after the year The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai. With Chivas Regal 12, Demerara, and a bespoke bitters mix, it’s bold and nostalgic.
‘The Golden Triangle’, inspired by India’s famed tourist circuit, sparkles with Monkey 47, blueberry, vegan foamer, and a hint of edible shimmer—fit for royalty. Then there’s ‘The Southern Onset’, a nod to Taj’s coastal expansion in the 1960s, featuring kokum-infused rum and Volanchi chilli sour.
Perhaps most decadent is the bar’s signature serve, ‘Timeless Exotica’, celebrating Taj Exotica’s 25-year legacy. Served in a gleaming silver goblet, the mix of Chivas Regal 12, Glenlivet 12, red wine, milk, honey, and lime juice is opulent, layered, and unforgettable. It even arrives with a 999-carat silver keepsake.
Whispering Waters is a serene blend of lychee, lime, and Monkey 47 — inspired by Lake Pichola’s reflective calm.
The 1903 honours Jamsetji Tata’s vision—the birth of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. This cocktail blends Royal Salute 21, Demerara, and a bespoke bitters mix. Golden Triangle with blueberries, edible dust, and Monkey 47 is a gilded nod to India’s royal routes.
Intuitive Bartending, Mindful Mixology
There’s something deeply intuitive about the bartenders here—less mixologists, more mood readers. They’ll happily personalise your drink, swap spirits, or even go completely off- menu. And for those leaning teetotal, the mocktails are equally expressive. Yet, Adega Camoens isn’t just about drinks. The food menu is thoughtfully designed to complement the bar’s elevated aesthetic. It spans global classics and inventive bar bites, but gives special attention to Portuguese and Goan flavours.
From port wine-glazed chorizo and peri-peri prawns to poee sliders and crispy tempura, the food strikes that elusive balance between indulgence and intrigue. Whether you're settling in for an evening of slow sips or simply stopping by for a sunset aperitif, the culinary offering ensures there’s no compromise.
In the words of General Manager Sheetal Singh, “With its poetic nod to bygone glamour, immersive beverage storytelling, and a setting that’s both cinematic and intimate, Adega Camoens isn’t just opening—it’s debuting, like a star taking centre stage in Goa’s luxury nightlife.”
And like any great debut, it leaves you wanting more.
