📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Vyacheslav Argenberg
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Travel
Goa’s Effortless Glamour Sets It Apart From Mumbai, Says Asif Merchant
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 22 Sep 2026, 06:01 AM
👁 8
Fashion commentator Asif Merchant describes Goa’s relaxed charm as a stark contrast to Mumbai’s fast‑paced glamour.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, fashion commentator Asif Merchant highlighted the unique allure of Goa, calling its glamour effortless and relaxed. He noted that the coastal state offers a laid‑back vibe that feels markedly different from the high‑energy atmosphere of Mumbai.
Merchant pointed to Goa’s sun‑kissed beaches, pastel‑coloured shacks and open‑air markets as backdrops that encourage a casual yet stylish expression. The region’s blend of Portuguese heritage and contemporary beach culture, he said, allows visitors to enjoy luxury without the pressure of constant performance.
By contrast, Mumbai’s glamour is often described as fast‑paced and high‑octane, driven by its status as India’s financial and entertainment hub. The city’s glitter tends to be more structured, with a focus on nightlife, high‑end retail and a relentless work‑play rhythm.
Merchant’s observations underscore why Goa continues to attract tourists seeking a more relaxed form of indulgence, positioning the state as a complementary alternative to the metropolitan rush of Mumbai.
Merchant pointed to Goa’s sun‑kissed beaches, pastel‑coloured shacks and open‑air markets as backdrops that encourage a casual yet stylish expression. The region’s blend of Portuguese heritage and contemporary beach culture, he said, allows visitors to enjoy luxury without the pressure of constant performance.
By contrast, Mumbai’s glamour is often described as fast‑paced and high‑octane, driven by its status as India’s financial and entertainment hub. The city’s glitter tends to be more structured, with a focus on nightlife, high‑end retail and a relentless work‑play rhythm.
Merchant’s observations underscore why Goa continues to attract tourists seeking a more relaxed form of indulgence, positioning the state as a complementary alternative to the metropolitan rush of Mumbai.