Sand is part of the floor in Ashwem; it blows in off the open beach and arrives on every foot. That settles the rug question quickly. Flat or low-pile synthetic rugs in polypropylene let sand fall through or shake out, dry quickly in the sun and do not mildew. Jute looks right with the styled, natural interiors here, but it holds salt damp and smells, so choose a synthetic woven to look like it. Before the monsoon shutdown, wash each rug, dry it right through and store it rolled, off the ground. Wall-to-wall carpet has almost no place on this beach, except in a sealed, air-conditioned villa bedroom.
- Beach cottages: a jute-look polypropylene rug beside the bed, shaken out daily and rolled away for the monsoon.
- Restaurant and beach-club floors: flat-woven outdoor rugs in darker patterns, hosed down and dried when sand builds up.
- Private villas: a large synthetic rug in a low pile beneath the sofas, with wool kept to closed, air-conditioned bedrooms.
Ashwem is the stretch of beach between Morjim and Mandrem, known for its boutique resorts, beach clubs and fashionable restaurants. It is quieter and more exclusive than the beaches further south.
Almost everything here is boutique hospitality: small resorts, beach cottages and a few private villas. The look is carefully styled, and outdoor areas are as important as rooms.
The beach is open and windy. Salt spray and sand reach every building, and most places are closed and packed away for the monsoon.
Sea-facing homes
Wool and jute hold moisture near the sea and can smell. Synthetic rugs in polypropylene or nylon dry quickly and resist mildew, and can be taken outside to air. Wall-to-wall carpet suits only air-conditioned rooms.
Holiday lets and guest houses
Choose dark, patterned, machine-made rugs for a let property. They hide sand and stains, cost little to replace, and can be washed between seasons.