In the quiet, palm-fringed village of Socorro in North Goa stands a bold splash of red and white: a 200-year-old Portuguese-style bungalow reborn as Escape, the latest creation by fashion icon Ritu Beri. But don’t mistake it for just another luxury boutique. Escape is not a store; it’s a living, breathing experience—a place where art, design, music, craft, cuisine and nature come together in a heady, hypnotic blend that feels as personal as it is inspired.

The moment you enter the 2,465 sq.m. heritage estate, you’re drawn into its lush, layered narrative. The villa, meticulously restored while honouring its colonial bones, feels both cinematic and grounding. Wooden shutters and vintage tiles meet whimsical installations. A winding laterite stairway leads down to a tree-lined courtyard, where every detail—from the scent of lemongrass to the curve of an arched doorway—has been curated not just to please the eye, but to stir the soul.

Inside, Beri’s signature resortwear is displayed alongside eclectic accessories, bespoke fragrances and artisanal décor pieces. Beyond the retail space lies a garden café overlooking paddy fields, a cocktail bar with French and Middle Eastern influences, and an amphitheatre for intimate performances. The space moves like a symphony, every corner composed with feeling and finesse. It is, in Beri’s words, “… a true escape—from noise, from conformity, from the expected.”

We sat down with the designer for an exclusive interview to explore the spirit behind Escape and how Goa shaped this bold new chapter in her creative journey.

“Escape was born from a deeply personal yearning”

“I’ve always wanted to create a space that celebrates creativity, freedom and human connection,” Beri explains. “The seed was planted through my travels over the years, but Escape happened quite spontaneously. Goa’s energy is so rich, so magical that it just felt right. It called to me.”

For Beri, the name itself was crucial. “Because that’s what I wanted it to be—a genuine escape. A place where one can pause, breathe and rediscover wonder.”

That intention manifests clearly in every aspect of the project. Designing such a multi-dimensional environment meant thinking far beyond visual aesthetics. “I approached it the way I approach my designs: emotion first,” she says. “Each space had to evoke something—curiosity, nostalgia, calm. I layered everything like a melody: architecture, art, music, craft—all in harmony.”

More than a boutique; it’s a philosophy

At its core, Escape is Beri’s response to the world’s increasing pace and sameness. “We’re constantly bombarded with noise—visual, emotional, digital. I wanted to create a space that slows you down, that allows you to connect, not just with art or beauty, but with yourself.”

Beri hopes visitors leave with more than shopping bags. “I want them to feel transported. Whether it’s through a conversation, a quiet moment in the garden or the peace of watching the melting colours of the sky. I want Escape to nourish the mind, heart and senses.”

This is just the beginning, she adds. “Escape is more than a destination—it’s a philosophy. I absolutely see it growing into a global movement, with similar sanctuaries in other parts of India and the world. Each one will be rooted in its own local context, but the soul will be the same.”

Goa as muse

Beri’s connection to Goa runs deep. “It reminds me to slow down and look deeper. I adore the old Portuguese homes, secret beaches, soulful cafés and the wild, untamed beauty of the hinterland. Every corner here has a story.”

Unlike other cities, where fashion and design often lean into fast-changing trends, Goa, she says, offers something more enduring. “It’s about truth, not trend. The textures, the contradictions, the colours—they feed my creativity in the most natural way.”

A journey through resistance

Building Escape was not without its challenges. “Anything unique is bound to face resistance—logistical hurdles, permissions, even scepticism,” Beri admits. “But I’ve always believed in the power of vision. With persistence, the right people, and a clear belief in what this space could become, we turned every challenge into a stepping stone.”

The result is a space that is more than beautiful—it is deeply thoughtful. An ode to craftsmanship, culture and conscious living.

A portal to possibility

Ultimately, Escape reflects Beri’s evolution as both artist and thinker. It channels decades of experience into a single, immersive offering that speaks to today’s traveller—someone who seeks meaning with luxury, and depth with indulgence.

So whether you’re wandering in barefoot from a nearby beach or making a pilgrimage to discover something rare and soulful, Escape welcomes you as you are—and offers, in return, a sanctuary that feels timeless.