This weekend was Diwali, and we did what any sensible Mumbaiker would do- we got out of Mumbai. It seemed particularly imperative this year given that Obama’s trip had been timed, with absolute madness, to coincide with possibly the most excitable, chaotic festival in the Indian calendar. (And there are lots and lots and lots of festivals, so that really is saying something.)

We headed for Goa where despite the unexpected rain showers we had a blissful weekend swimming in the sea, eating lots of fresh shellfish, walking on the beach and exploring the beautiful churches which are a testament to how much the Portuguese shaped this beautiful part of the world.

Is it blasphemous to draw interiors inspiration from a house of God?…

We stayed in a very stylish and minimalist beach house belonging to designer and all-round colourful local character, Jivi Sethi. The house is set in a lush green garden just footsteps from the beach, and a couple of homely beach shacks which are perfect for lazy lunches or a post-swim drink. I was really inspired by the decor in the house, particularly the long, rainbow coloured rugs on the slate grey floor of the bathroom and the table in the dining room which had a beautifully crafted map inlaid between sheets of glass.

He also designs his own furniture, including these fabulous, Matisse-inspired chairs which I love!

Jivi didn’t let us sidestep Diwali entirely and kindly invited us to a celebratory dinner with various stylish friends from France and India including Indian fashion god, Manish Arora and Goan legend and award-winning cartoonist, Mario Miranda. He is now in his eighties, but he is still full of character, as is his wonderful wife. More on him soon because he and his intelligent, hilarious work really deserve a post of their own.

For now I will leave you with some Goan inspiration. Happy belated Diwali everyone!

By Lucy Archibald