The best hotels in Goa

Every room is a treasure trove at this former private home- turned-guest house filled with antique furniture and Portuguese and Balinese curios. Each bedroom has its own unique character and exquisite views thanks to the fact the villas are nestled on the edge of  Coco Beach in Nerul, north Goa. When you’re not soaking in the outdoor pools or sipping a gin cocktail (from the nearby distillery) at the alfresco bar, there are also chef-set menus to tuck into in the evening all with a Goan feel. 

Set in 49 acres of tropical greenery dotted with crystal blue lagoons, you won’t find a more picturesque spot than at this sprawling luxe resort. And you won’t run out of things to do while you’re there. Not only are you in driving distance of local wildlife sanctuaries, on site you’ll find a restaurant, a drawing room where you can indulge in afternoon tea, a cocktail bar, a spa where you can pamper yourself with ayurvedic and a 12-hole golf course looking out across the Arabian Sea. Don’t fancy doing anything at all? There’s a 24-hour butler service to keep you in idyl luxury. 

Built in 1919, this Portuguese villa has been restored to its former glory with manicured gardens, a shady outdoor pool and rooms with ornate four-poster beds, rustic wood furnishings, roll top baths and colourful tiles. To complete the fairytale look, the jewel-hued pile sits on the banks of the Zuari River where you can tuck into gourmet deserts and artisanal pastries at the waterfront cafe.

This boutique resort is set in the north of Goa, in the pretty heritage village of Assagao. The local neighbourhood offers gorgeous Indo-Portuguese architecture, yoga centres, boutiques and restaurants – plus all that stunning natural world stuff you came to Goa for in the first place. The resort is based around a collection of wooden cottages, both cute and luxurious. Added bonuses include the huge array of activities on offer, from dance classes to meditation, and wholesome onsite food. The vibe here is pure tranquillity and beauty from the moment you open your eyes each morning.

Staying in the depths of the Indian jungle doesn’t mean having to go all Bear Grylls. The Postcard Hideaway is a collection of luxury huts designed especially to blend into the wildlife park surroundings. That means you can nestle down in a plump white duvet and soak in a jacuzzi all while trying to spot black panthers, giant squirrels, and great pied hornbills in the undergrowth. For the full experience, head out on a hike to the secret waterfalls and untouched corners of the park or dine on meals made with ingredients grown in the resort’s organic garden. 

Another top-notch spot from the Postcard hotel group, this time tucked away in Old Goa overlooking 300 acres of virgin coconut plantations and the Mandovi River delta. This Portuguese colonial-style pile is full of palatial rooms with shady verandas to hang out on and manicured gardens to explore. The vibe is relaxed with no fixed check-in and check-out time, no set breakfast hours and tea and coffee served in bed. Plus, you’re perfectly situated to enjoy the city’s UNESCO-protected Portuguese neighbourhood. 

The beautiful air-conditioned rooms of this hotel would be reason enough to book a stay here. But this place is all about the ‘extras’. Along with its own spa and wellness centre, there’s also a stunning outdoor swimming pool (most rooms have a view of it), a kid’s play area (plus loads of other thoughtful and useful kids add-ons from stairgates to a kid’s pool), a meeting/banquet space and a library. Yes, a library. We think more hotels should have one of these. Anyway, back to the rooms: crisp, classy, cooling and featuring little hits of pattern in all the right places (and some have incredible four-poster semi-enclosed carved wooden beds).

One for backpackers or those travelling in large groups, this beachside collection of eclectic huts is basic but full of character with delightfully ramshackle verandas and kooky outdoor bathtubs. Guests are steps away from Colomb Beach and have access to the resort’s hot tub, table tennis table and garden. There are family rooms for those travelling with kids and bungalows that sleep upto six.