GOA'S NEW LUXURY LANDMARK

In Moira's slow lane, a boutique private member's club and a restaurant inspired by the Silk Route countries, redefines Goan luxury.

- DEEPALI NANDWANI

In the quiet, leafy lanes of Moira—one of Goa's many susegad villages—time moves slowly. Doors are left unlocked, neighbours chat across balustrades, and on warm nights, people still sleep outside on their balconies. It is this sense of community and unhurried living that inspired the Isprava Group to choose the languid village as the home for Solene Moira, a luxurious members-only club that blends heritage architecture with contemporary design and modern hospitality, and a restaurant, Mister Merchant's.

Housed in the carefully restored 115-year-old de Souza family estate, Solene is the Isprava Group's first foray into private clubs. Brothers Nibhrant Shah, Managing Director, and Dhimaan Shah, Executive Director, and co-CEOs of Isprava Group believe there couldn't have been a better debut destination. “Goa has always been known for its sense of community and its slower, more meaningful pace of life. We saw a growing appetite for spaces that go beyond hospitality and become communities in themselves."

A house with a soul

The brothers insist Solene was never about acquiring just any piece of land. They wanted "a space with a soul." The de Souza estate, with its history and legacy, fit perfectly. "The location is steeped in charm, tied to the de Souza family's story. Restoring it was as much about honouring the past as it was about creating a new cultural hub," say the brothers.

The restoration pays homage to the estate's original grandeur. Deep-polished wood, soaring ceilings, intricate wainscoting, and bold prints are paired with bespoke furnishings and vintage finds. "We layered rich textures and handcrafted details, some sourced from the de Souza family and others from local markets," the Shahs explain. The result is a space that feels timeless and contemporary—respectful of heritage yet firmly rooted in modern luxury.

A private sanctuary