The Deltin Daman emerges like a hidden oasis, tucked away from all the city action within a swift 2.5-hour drive from Mumbai and Surat. As the only five-star property in this historic coastal city of Daman, Deltin stands as a testament to luxury against the backdrop of Portuguese colonial charm that defines the region. Offering a peaceful retreat away from the usual tourist bustle while still capturing the authentic character of the region, TheGlitz was invited to experience this distinctive haven firsthand.

The Deltin Daman stands as a sophisticated retreat offering a perfect escape from the hustle of Mumbai and neighbouring Gujarat. This elegant property blends modern luxury with the region’s distinctive history, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely refreshing without trying too hard. Having had such a memorable experience at Deltin Suites Goa last year, I was equally thrilled to embark on this new chapter of my Deltin Daman journey.

Walking through the massive entrance doors feels like stepping into another world. The lobby, with its soaring ceilings and granite floors reflecting sunlight from the enormous windows, offers your first taste of the grandeur that awaits. The property sits where history and modern luxury dwell together – just minutes from centuries-old churches, a magnificent dilapidated fort, and ruins of a Dominican monastery with a chapel boasting some of the most intricate carvings I’ve ever seen.

The resort’s architecture itself pays homage to the region’s Portuguese past, with elegant driveways, terracotta rooftops, and subtle red accents that catch the eye against whitewashed walls. You can’t help but feel transported to another era, even as you’re checking in with iPad-wielding staff.

Rooms that Spell Comfort

As I stepped into my Deluxe Suite at this magnificent 176-room property, I was immediately struck by the perfect harmony of luxury and comfort. The sprawling balcony became my personal sanctuary each evening, where I sipped tea and gazed out over the vast pool with the waters glimmering under the fading light.

The room itself struck that perfect balance—luxuriously appointed without feeling stuffy or pretentious. The plush bed truly felt like sleeping on a cloud, cradling me into sound sleep. But the true showstopper was the bathroom—an expansive walk-in area where a lavish bathtub took center stage, transforming an ordinary evening into a spa-like retreat.

I found myself admiring the contemporary wall paintings by renowned designer Krsnaa Mehta that adorned not just my suite but public spaces throughout the property. There’s something deeply satisfying about how the interiors blend modern comfort with thoughtful nods to local craftsmanship—the handwoven textiles and sustainable wood artwork telling stories of tradition in this contemporary setting.

The attention to detail extended to every amenity—from the intuitive tea and coffee maker to the well-stocked minibar. The fresh fruit, cheese, and nuts platter waiting for me felt like a warm welcome, while the fresh flower arrangement added a touch of Eden to the space I temporarily called home.

Whether you choose a Superior room, one of the Deluxe options, or splurge on the Grand Sinatra, Grand Duke, or the truly impressive Presidential Suite, each category offers its own version of grandeur, promising not just accommodation but an experience to remember.

DINING

The hotel spoils you with dining options with five distinctive restaurants and bars that cater to every possible craving. Start the day with a good continental or Indian breakfast at Vegas with its diverse range of delectable multi-cuisine fare that also includes live paratha-pancake counters. The restaurant’s signature Indian cuisine experiences showcase regional specialties that change with the seasons.

Emperor, the hotel’s prized pan-Asian restaurant, leaves a lasting impression with both its food and décor—a blend of cozy canopy-seating that provides ample privacy. The chef presented contemporary dishes including Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls with assorted vegetables and herbs, dumplings with Singapore black pepper chicken, stir-fried lotus roots with peppers and mushrooms, and Korean bowl meals with gochujang sauce, which are just some of the highlights. The menu features a wide assortment of dishes from as far as Burma too.     

For the discerning gentleman with refined taste, the swanky Whisky Lounge Bar with its plush leather seating, soft golden lighting, and scenic vista of the hotel lawn is the perfect place to unwind. Their old-fashioned cocktail is spot on. And for the let-go-all types, The Pool Bar allows you to enjoy your favourite beverages and innovative snacks without moving an inch. Alternatively, you can savour light bites and bar nibbles al-fresco at the chic Sky-High Bar & Grill.

On our second evening, Akash Mathur, the General Manager organized a special poolside buffet featuring live music and a “Maharaja’s Feast” – a Rajasthani thali experience complete with mobile bar cart loaded with the choicest assortment of spirits. The staff was exceptionally attentive making the evening feel like something from a bygone royal era.

CELEBRATIONS galore

Deltin Daman stands out as the region’s go-to wedding venue with impressive versatility at its core. The property houses four banquet halls and ballrooms in various sizes, complemented by a sprawling lawn that effortlessly accommodates anywhere from 200 to 2,000 guests. Taking celebrations to the next level, a dedicated entertainment zone, salon, and spa ensure weddings become truly grand, memorable affairs.

On my last day, I glimpsed the preparations for an upcoming three-day wedding celebration that was transforming the property into something straight from a fairy tale – elaborate floral arrangements that seemed to defy imagination and strategic lighting that turned ordinary spaces into magical environments.

Corporate groups aren’t forgotten either. The fully-equipped business center and meeting rooms offer all the tech essentials executives need, all wrapped in surroundings that naturally spark creativity and meaningful connection – perfect for productive off-site gatherings that break the office routine.

DISCOVER Daman

Daman enchants visitors with its blend of Portuguese heritage and coastal charm. The well-preserved Moti Daman Fort stands as a testament to colonial architecture, its thick stone walls and bastions telling stories of centuries past. The Dominican Monastery, the Church of Our Lady of the Sea, and the old colonial houses have made efforts to restore the remaining Portuguese religious paintings, artworks, and carvings, preserving the richness of their cultural heritage.

The hotel’s attentive concierge team made exploring effortless, arranging a fascinating excursion to the nearby bird sanctuary along with guided beach walks and fort visits. Our guide at the fort shared captivating stories of colonial intrigue and local resistance that you’d never find in standard guidebooks—the kind of authentic insights that made this history buff’s heart race with excitement.

When I climbed the iconic Daman Lighthouse, the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea stretching to the horizon felt scenic. What surprised me most was Daman’s distinctive black volcanic sand beaches. The dark sand is one of the unique characteristics of Daman’s coastline, creating a striking contrast with the blue waters of the Arabian Sea.

SERVICE

From General Manager Akash Mathur, whose gracious presence set the tone for a memorable experience – attentive and effortlessly in command. The rest of the team, from the F&B manager to the marketing head, mirrored this spirit in sync. What’s most remarkable is how the general staff anticipates needs before they’re expressed – a cold towel appearing just as you return from the beach, your favourite newspaper at breakfast without having to ask. Together they elevated the stay from memorable to truly exceptional.

VERDICT

The resort’s thoughtful design complements Daman’s natural beauty, where mornings call for walks along sun-drenched shores, afternoons invite exploration of colonial forts and ancient churches, and evenings unfold with exquisite dining experiences within the property. Whether hosting family celebrations, enjoying time with friends, or creating the perfect wedding backdrop, Deltin provides space to craft meaningful moments rather than merely ticking boxes.

To wrap up my short jaunt, the little extras made a big difference – like the smooth chauffeur service Deltin provided to and from my home, complete with snacks and refreshing drinks. It made the whole experience feel special. And as I mentioned earlier, when it comes to real hospitality, be it Goa or Daman, Deltin truly ranks among the best.

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