Neville Proenca: A Journey of Hospitality, Family, and Giving Back

Neville Proenca: A Journey of Hospitality, Family, and Giving Back My name is Neville Proenca, and my story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Born and raised in the vibrant state of Goa, my journey into hospitality began in 1985 when I joined the Taj Holiday Village Goa as an airport representative. In those early days, I held a placard with the Taj logo, greeting guests with a warm "Welcome to Goa, this is your bus." It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was a start, and my salary back then was a modest ₹550 per month. Over the years, I worked hard, consistently striving to improve. My dedication saw me progress through various roles from Receptionist to Duty Manager, Front Office Manager, and eventually Health Club Manager. By 1998, after 13 years at Taj, I decided it was time to venture out on my own. During the years from 1995 to 1998, alongside my wife, Angelica, we began building a dream: a boutique hotel that would capture the essence of Goa. I envisioned a lush, tropical paradise with unique architecture, offering guests an authentic Goan experience. Our doors officially opened in 1998 with just 12 suites, but we were committed to growing. Slowly, we began to acquire land around our property, expanding over time until we had an 8000-square-meter haven, a true paradise tucked away in the heart of Goa. The one challenge we faced was that our original property didn’t have beachfront access, something I knew would be key to elevating the experience for our guests. So, in 2008, I purchased a property just 2 km away and, in 2009, we opened Pousada by the Beach. This marked a new chapter in our hospitality journey, allowing us to offer both the serenity of nature and the beauty of the Goan coastline to our visitors. Today, my children, Joshua Yohahn and Zoran, have joined the family business, helping to carry the torch forward and expand on the legacy we’ve built. Together, we've transformed our small boutique hotel into a thriving brand, known for its exceptional service and unique Goan charm. But it’s not just about business for me. I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the community. In my spare time, I dedicate myself to social work, focusing on the restoration and preservation of the local heritage. From designing and planning the restoration of chapels and crosses to renovating and reimagining the Calangute Market, I work not for monetary gain, but out of a genuine desire to improve my village and its neighboring communities. Looking back, I am proud of what I’ve built with the love and support of my family, and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Our story is not just about hospitality but about creating a lasting impact, not only through our business but also through the values of community and service that we hold dear.