Part Café, Part Concept Store: Ritu Beri’s ESCAPE is the Place to Be in Goa

There’s a quiet magic in Goa that makes you want to pause. To breathe, to wander, and to create. Maybe it’s the sway of the palms, the stories embedded in old Portuguese walls, or the laid-back rhythm that gives you permission to be a little more present. For legendary designer Ritu Beri, this very magic became a calling—and led her to open ESCAPE, an experiential space that’s more than just a pretty backdrop. It’s a place where ideas flow, flavours sing, and fashion finds a new rhythm.

Tucked inside a restored 200-year-old Portuguese villa in Socorro, Bardez—away from Goa’s noisy beach belts—ESCAPE is intimate, soulful, and filled with intention. As you step through its archways, you immediately sense the shift. It’s not just a place to shop or eat, it's an experience. Think of it as a beautiful blend of art, retail, culture and food all under one charming roof. Staying true the the vibe of the city, ESCAPE is laid-back yet bustling with creativity. "ESCAPE was born from my desire to create a space that celebrates creativity, culture, and community," she told The Style List. And where better than Goa, with its free-spirited vibe and deep cultural roots? The idea is to give people a space where they can eat well, shop well, and feel inspired.

"ESCAPE was born from my desire to create a space that celebrates creativity, culture, and community."

Design with a Point of View

At the heart of ESCAPE is Beri’s unmistakable design eye. Known for her flamboyant, fearless fashion over the years, she brings the same flair into interiors. As you walk into ESCAPE, the first thing that strikes you is how effortlessly the old and new sit side by side. The villa still screams of its Portuguese heritage with arched wooden doors, tiled floors, sloped roofs, and breezy courtyards, but Beri and her team have woven in modern elements with a designer’s touch. Contemporary artworks sit alongside vintage furniture. Soft, elegant lighting dances across textured walls to strike a balance between old-world charm and modern elegance.

"My design philosophy has always been about blending tradition with modernity and creating timeless elegance. ESCAPE reflects this through its carefully curated blend of heritage architecture, contemporary design elements, and a thoughtfully selected retail and dining experience. Just like in my fashion journey, ESCAPE is about attention to detail, luxury with a soul, and creating a sensory experience that feels both exclusive and authentic."

And she’s right. ESCAPE doesn’t scream for attention, it invites it quietly. The aesthetic is timeless, yet there’s enough to make it feel fresh.

The Café and Bar: A Place to Savour, Not Rush

Food, at ESCAPE, isn’t an afterthought. It’s one of the main characters. The café and cocktail bar is one of the most serene spots to spend an afternoon in Goa. Overlooking lush paddy fields that stretch endlessly, the café offers one of those views you can never get tired of. It reminds you of everything the city takes from us—space, silence, scenery.

At ESCAPE with Miguel’s, helmed by Miguel’s, the menu features global dishes with a Goan twist, local ingredients, bold flavours, and beautiful plating. From wild mushroom tacos and romesco-drizzled potatoes to hearty cottage cheese ratatouille and the crowd-favourite confit pork ribs, there’s no compromise on flavour or presentation. The fashion-inspired signature cocktails—playfully named things like Chiffon Crush and Runway Rouge—are fashion on the rocks, garnished with edible flowers and a bit of flair.

Beri explains, “The menu at ESCAPE is a culinary journey. It celebrates Goa’s heritage, but it also explores flavours from around the world. It’s about fresh, locally sourced i ingredients, creativity on the plate. It’s a sensory journey—flavors that tell a story, presented with elegance in a setting designed for connection and conversation."

ESCAPE Bar

Perhaps the most exciting twist? ESCAPE introduces tapas-style dining at the bar, something not often seen in India. It’s relaxed, social, and feels delightfully unstructured, encouraging guests to graze on small plates, pair bites with drinks, and actually enjoy the moment. No white-tablecloth stiffness here. Just good food, good company, and a slow, laidback Goan vibe.

If you drop in during the day, it’s just as delightful. Think coffees with house-made desserts like the indulgent Seradurra or the ever-popular Tres Leches. Sweet, soft, and just pure indulgence.

Retail Finds

Another side of ESCAPE reveals an artistically and beautifully designed retail section. The boutique retail section is curated to perfection, and it’s here that Beri’s fashion roots truly come alive. Alongside her signature resort wear, the space hosts a rotation of handpicked artisan brands. Expect handmade bags by Jasbir Gill, leather accessories by Three Sixty, artworks by Sanuj Birla, footwear by 5 Elements, and a few up-and-coming names that you’ll be proud to say you spotted before the world did. With a focus on handwoven and handmade items, it’s a bespoke curated collection by Ritu Beri to offer keepsakes and unique finds you won’t discover anywhere else.

"We regularly promote exclusive brands at our dedicated pop-up space, offering them a platform to engage with our discerning and exclusive clientele, creating a meaningful connection between the brand and the audience."

What’s refreshing is the accessibility. The pricing strikes that rare balance between exclusivity and affordability, while not being intimidating. It invites you to shop thoughtfully, not impulsively.

Looking Ahead - What's Coming Up

As for what’s next? There’s no stopping Beri’s vision. "There’s a lot on the horizon! I’m excited about my recently launched collaboration with Three Sixty and Glenfiddich, a special promotion of Uzbekistan’s rich culture at ESCAPE, and the upcoming launch of The Escape Festival—a celebration of art and creativity. My focus remains on creating meaningful spaces and experiences that blend luxury, culture, and craftsmanship."

ESCAPE Outdoor seating

“ESCAPE Goa is just the beginning,” she says with a spark. “ESCAPE is a model I believe in. It’s about building a community. While Goa is the heart of this vision, I can absolutely see it expanding into other culturally rich parts of India. The essence will always remain the same—it’s about connection, authenticity, and a touch of magic.”

In a world obsessed with speed, ESCAPE encourages slowness. In a culture of sameness, it celebrates individuality. Whether you’re here for the tapas, the textiles, the people, or just a perfect sunset with a cocktail in hand, you’ll find yourself slipping away from the rush of everyday life. And isn’t that the point?