The Alcon Victor Group, in association with Abraxas Lifestyle and Indigo Airlines, recently hosted the silver jubilee celebrations of Dona Sylvia Beach Resort in Cavelossim, Goa.
The gala event on the beach front lawns saw the who’s who of the travel, fashion and hospitality fraternity as well as enthusiastic guests in attendance at the resort. Designed by the famous architect Charles Correa and built in 1990, the 5 star resort boasts of having 181 keys, with a Mediterranean touch to it. The resort spaciously sits on 19 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Arabian Sea. The resort was built by Victor Albuquerque, who named the resort after his wife, Sylvia, as a tribute to his undying love for her.
Kickstarting the festivities, Varun Albuquerque (Director of the Alcon Victor Group) was accompanied by Hemant Sud (Managing Editor and Publisher of Abraxas Lifestyle), famous photographer Akash Das, noted fashion designer Melvyn Noronha, Femina Miss India “United Continents 2014” Gail Nicole Da Silva, Mayur Moradkar (Indigo Airlines) and Atool Mulgaonkar (General Manager of Dona Sylvia) to light the traditional lamp.
“We thank everyone who has been part of this 25 year long journey and we hope to see Dona Sylvia reaching its golden jubilee,” beamed Varun Albuquerque, Director of Alcon Victor Group.
Guests were entertained by musical duo, Andre and Tanya, who kept the crowd grooving to their tunes all throughout the evening. After a couple of spot prizes, it was time for the evening’s highlight, the fashion collection ‘Indian Vagabond’ by India’s ace fashion designer Melvyn Noronha. Melvyn is known for designing national costumes for pageant winners at the national and international level. With his exotic array of silhouettes carefully matched with cleverly constructed avant-garde head pieces, the Indian and European models sashayed down the ramp to the rapturous applause of the crowd. The show-stopper of the fashion show, Gail Da Silva strutted gracefully in a flowing sky blue gown.
“The Indian Vagabond is a collection that brings to life the fabric fantasies of a traveller under the spell of textiles and craftsmanship of the Indian fashion industry. The colours of the collection span across the colours of the sky that influence the Indian life. From the rising of the sun in orange and yellow, to the golden afternoon, pinks of the early evening and black with hints of green and purples of the night. Finally the showstopper celebrated the universal sky blue in Indian style,” said Melvyn.
The fabrics in the collection range from raw silk, cotton, khadi, chiffon and georgette with zardozi, mukesh, kutcha, kathi, aaron and banjara works alongside some traditional beading. The designer says that his silhouettes define western luxurious resort wear synonymous to the royal Indian woman on a western holiday. The headpieces
are a dissection of the classic English hat and
hold structured flowers with mesh and nets,
making the look wearable for a European Princess as well! The models were dolled up by hair and make-up artist Indira Vaigankar, head seamstress Maria D’Souza, accessories designer Devashish Majumdar and were assisted by assistant choreographer Keisha Holmes.
After the Indian Vagabond collection, next was the cake cutting ceremony. Karen Hall (Thomson Holidays, UK), John Crizzle (Marketing, Alcon Victor Group) and Vikram Antao (Vice President of Radisson Blu Hotel) joined Varun Albuquerque, Gail Da Silva and Melvyn Noronha – along with some of the staff of the Dona Sylvia Resort were called upon stage to cut the cake.
The evening continued with prizes galore accompanied by electrifying music by the DJs who set the mood on the dance floor.
Until Dona Sylvia beach resort completes another milestone, guests from all over the globe, can continue to enjoy the resorts impeccable hospitality year after year, making it their home away from home.
