A real dining treat, and arguably Sunday’s secret weapon, comes in the form of on-call cook Elsa, who also caters to the rest of the village and even the parish priest (who reportedly won’t eat food made by anyone else). This is understandable since she prepares some of the best Goan-Catholic cuisine we’ve tasted – and living in Goa we’ve tasted a lot.

A simple breakfast is available – puri bhaji or eggs – while the rest of the menu is available throughout the day.

Advance notice is required, so it’s best to plan meals ahead. Ordering is simple: there are menus in the villa with Elsa and son Sheldon’s phone number; you call (or get Rajesh to call), place the order and then Sheldon delivers the food to the villa on his bike.

Elsa and Sheldon tell us they make their own vinegar and grow their own rice, and it’s this closeness to the earth, alongside Elsa’s skill and experience, which accounts for the wonder of the food.

Self-catering: The villa comes with a fully functioning kitchen so guests can cook to their heart’s content. There’s a microwave, oven, mixer/juicer/blender and drawers full of cultery, crockery and kitchen utensils.

However, it’s recommended that you bring whatever you need in terms of supplies as once you’re here it’s hard to get out. There are excellent supermarkets in Mapusa, Anjuna and Candolim, where you’ll find as many, if not more, products as anywhere else in the country.