Goa is a destination that needs no introduction. This sunshine state is top of the list of many, be it to attend the happening parties in North Goa or experience quiet and serene South Goa. The ‘susegad’ life attracts visitors from all over the world. Here is a list of boutique hotels, spanning from decades-old Portuguese homes to luxurious villas to consider for your next trip.
Maravilha, Assagao
Maravilha, meaning marvellous in Portuguese, is a 200-year-old heritage home located in the beautiful neighbourhood of Assagao. It features fourteen rooms overlooking the garden and pool, with a mix of traditional architecture including sloping roofs and arched entrances alongside modern elements. In addition to the spacious rooms, the property also has a lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, and spa with soothing massage therapies.
Address: Maravilha, H. No. 189, Near Central Bank, Mazal Waddo, Assagao, Goa
Siolim House, Siolim
Built in the 17th century, Siolim house is a rural country house featuring Indo-Portuguese architecture. Nine rooms and suites make up the 350-year-old heritage building, with the Governor's suite being the best. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, meals prepared in the coastal style for lunch and dinner, a dip in the pool, and a stroll through the garden area.
Address: opposite Wadi Chapel, Siolim, Goa
Amrapali House of Grace, Velha
The luxury boutique hotel is located on the banks of the river Zuari and has four accommodation styles with a garden, pool, and lake views. The 100-year-old Portuguese house also has a cafe on site, overseen by a skilled chef from Le Cordon Bleu. Experiences like a private picnic by the beach and fishing and crab catching off the veranda of the house enhance the stay here.
Address: 1105 Morgado Vaddo, Goa Velha, Goa
The Postcard Velha, Ella
This colonial stay is located in the Champakali estate and has six rooms under a 300-year-old banyan tree as well as rooms overlooking the hillocks and the Mandovi River. The rooms are spacious, equipped with modern amenities, ample natural light, and a private verandah. Enjoy Portuguese cuisine while you're here and take in the lovely views of the garden and river.
Address: D,69/4/5 After Gandhi Circle, Before Church of Our Lady of Mount, Ella, Goa
Casa Susegad, Loutolim
The heritage villa is located in a beautiful South Goa village, situated above a coastal plain surrounded by lush greens. It has five accommodation styles with the Host’s suite that comes with a private garden terrace, a balcony, and views of the pool being the choicest pick. Additionally, the property also has a sizable garden, a tiny pond, and waterfalls on-site.
Address: Orgao, Loutolim, Goa
Mateus Boutique Hotel, Panaji
Mateus Boutique Hotel is a restored Portuguese mansion from 1879 and is situated on the picturesque street of Fountainhas, Panaji. It has a small number of rooms equipped with modern amenities and styled with Portuguese tiles, simple interiors, and windows that open to the lovely street. There is a mini pool on the property surrounded by potted plants and climbers that act as a cosy dining area.
Address: 432, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Fontainhas (quarter), Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Anahata Retreat, Ashvem Beach
The beach property has a total of twenty-one rooms designed with natural elements and furnished with the work of local artisans. The bungalows with tiled roofs and cottages with thatched roofs and a private balcony surrounded by palm trees offer a tropical vibe. It also has a restaurant and yoga retreats by the beach.
Address: House No. 367, Ashvem Beach, beside Ajoba Temple, Mandrem, Goa
Summertime Villa, Calangute
Summertime Villa is a luxury boutique retreat with three master suites surrounded by gardens with fruit trees that are home to butterflies and dragonflies. The villa is spacious, with exquisite furniture sourced from the owners' travels. The hilltop property also has an infinity pool overlooking the valley, with an on-site waterfall and Koi pond adding to the charm.
Address: 286 Boa Viagem Road Naika Vaddo, Calangute, Goa
Cabo Serai, Eco Resort, Canaguinim
The eco-resort is located in South Goa and is perched 100 feet up a hill with a view of the vast Arabian Sea. Cabo Serai offers luxurious accommodation types including cottage and tent options equipped with modern amenities. Their restaurant offers a constantly changing menu including wellness-focused meal options made with ingredients sourced from their farm. To unwind, practice yoga on the hilltop or meditate amidst the coconut groves.
Address: Canaguinim, Goa
Coco Shambhala Luxury Villas, Bardez
Coco Shambhala is a collection of four luxury villas each featuring a private plunge jet pool, two large bedrooms, a kitchen, and a complimentary car and driver for your stay. You could enjoy a Goan meal at their restaurant while sipping craft beer, stroll through the garden, swim in the pool, or pamper yourself at their ayurvedic spa.
Address: Patrimonio, Nerul, Bardez, Goa
Ahilya by The Sea, Nerul
Nine elegantly furnished rooms on the property offer views of the ocean through arched windows and contain a substantial collection of sculptures and works of art that the owner has handpicked on her extensive travels. The property has a garden with tropical plants, an alfresco dining space serving Goan, Italian, and French cuisines, an infinity pool to soak in views of the sunrise, and a plunge pool to enjoy the sunsets.
Address: Coco Maia 787 Nerul, Reis Magos, Rd, Nerul, Goa
Aashyana Lakhanpal, Candolim
The beachfront hotel is close to popular tourist attractions including Aguada fort and other beaches and is situated in Candolim. The resort also has Portuguese-style villas and cottages tucked away among coconut groves and clusters of cashew trees. Additionally, it serves continental breakfasts and Goan specialties for lunch and dinner, and there is an open-air yoga pavilion and a spa for guests' relaxation.
Address: Escrivao Vaddo, Candolim, Goa
Vivenda dos Palhacos, Majorda
The 100-year-old house in South Goa has rooms and tent accommodations named after places lived in and loved by the owners like Ballygunge, Ooty, and Alipore. The vintage property has a beautiful garden, coconut plantation, swimming pool with sunbathing decks, and dining space with a collection of alcohol options. To get around town, you could choose their personalised tuk-tuk or opt for a cycle.
Address: 8W86+3WP, Costa Vaddo, Majorda, Salcette, Goa
Fort Tiracol Royal Heritage Hotel, Tiracol
The heritage property that was once an armed fortress belonging to the Portuguese is now a vintage stay with seven rooms and suites with Portuguese-style and contemporary interiors. The Tavern serves as a restaurant, lounge, and bar serving Portuguese, Goan, and Indian flavours with Tapas options on the menu. On request, you could also avail of a picnic by the beach.
Address: Pernem, Taluka, Tiracol, Goa
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
