Hitech Palolem.

Palolem is a crescent-shaped bay near Chaudi in Canacona, with a wooded headland at each end. It is the busiest beach in the far south, lined in season with beach huts, cafes and guest houses, and with homestays and small hotels in the lanes behind.

Much of the accommodation is seasonal: huts are put up after the monsoon and taken down before it. Permanent buildings are guest houses, small hotels and family homes that let rooms. Furnishing is simple, bright and has to be easy to store or wash.

The bay is sheltered from the heaviest surf but not from salt or humidity. Sand gets into everything, and the monsoon is long and very wet.