Nandini grew up moving between cities — Kolkata until she was ten, Gurgaon through her early teens, and Bombay for her high school years. When the pandemic hit, her family relocated to Goa, and over time, what began as a temporary shift turned into home.
She went on to earn a BSc in Economics and Business Economics from the University of Amsterdam, graduating in the fall of 2024.
After returning to Goa last year, Nandini joined her family’s real estate business and, in April 2025, took charge of the hospitality division. With property rentals becoming such a big part of life in Goa, handling things in-house felt like the natural next step — a way to care for each villa with the attention it deserves.
Her goal is to build a brand that’s trusted and thoughtful, one that reflects the beauty of these homes and ensures every guest experiences them at their very best.
What makes Baia villas unique from other villas in Goa?
Baia Villas was conceptualized as a set of six mini resorts within one resort. Each villa looks and feels like a resort in itself. The design, colours, and the concept of having a pool in the middle of the house provide for a fascinating backdrop for shutter-happy vacationers. The exquisite and comfortable furniture and layout makes for a wellness resort experience. A couple of my favourite details are the two master bathrooms which are adorned with mosaic and terrazzo details. The colours are playful and highlight the greenery during the monsoons. It makes people feel as though they are somewhere new.
Additionally, Baia is in a gated community and our diligent security personnel ensure that safety and security are well taken care of. Baia Villas pays a homage to Mandrem itself. It is a safe and secluded space that is inclusive for everyone.
Are we seeing a shift in colour preferences in homes?
Amongst the prospectus of new projects we have come across, most are still white. Which makes sense as it is timeless, safe and classic. However, we’re trying to pepper the landscape with unique colours. We’ve been lucky to come across a discerning clientele of buyers and vacationers who share our vision and impetus to do something exciting and different. The pulse of buyers and consumers is changing, and these homes are a reflection of that.
What does Goa offer besides nightlife and cafes?
Goa has something to offer to everyone. There’s the beaches, yogashalas, wellness centres, treks, beautiful architecture and a buzzing art and culture scene. This is not to take away from the upcoming F&B scene that has put Goa on the map of so many international accreditations like 50 Best. I feel like anyone who has visited Goa would not need an answer to this question, but for those who haven’t there is so much to explore and so much to call your own.
Beyond what Goa has to offer, it’s a cliche but it’s true – Goa is a state of mind. Every time I land back in Goa, I feel my shoulders unhinge. It’s a place where I feel safe to be expressive and be myself, and the same holds true for those who are thinking about calling Goa home.
How do you think overtourism in Goa can be dealt with?
With the sensationalisation that social media can sometimes promote, the negative incidents tend to get highlighted more. So one odd stray incident of misbehavior of tourists gets highlighted.
However I still feel most tourists that still come to Goa come to have a good time without causing disturbance, choosing to assimilate rather than disrupt.
How do you practice sustainability?
I think sustainability is like spirituality – everyone practices it according to their own beliefs. We extend that outlook to not just our lives but all our projects. A healthy symbiotic relationship with the land, its people, its resources, is key to allowing both Goa and those who visit to enjoy the fruits of land and labour.
Is the real estate boom in Goa over or do we expect prices to go up further?
Goa will never go out of fashion because it has everything one could possibly want and it means different things to everyone. Everyone wants to come to Goa for celebrations and big events, but there are plenty who come here for quiet and calm. I absolutely love Goa myself and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I think Goa has unexplored regions and we are planning to build a new project on the border of Maharashtra and Goa for those looking for a more quiet experience.
