One of India’s smaller states, Goa is famed for its beautiful coastline, which stretches for 70 kilometres along the Arabian Sea. Attracting around two million visitors each year, the state has long been known as a beach and party destination — but many of the best places to stay are tucked in sleepy inland villages, or set in charming Panaji, the state’s fascinating capital.
Goa is bound to captivate curious history aficionados with its crumbling architecture, thrumming arts scene and fusion of Indian and Portuguese influences. Once a trading hub, the state was under Portuguese rule for 451 years, annexed by India only in 1961. Delve into this heritage with a food and architecture tour of Panaji — formerly Panjim — or through a visit to one of the enormous private residences around which descendants of the original owners now lead tours. Old Goa, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of Bom Jesus, where St. Francis Xavier's remains are interred, is well worth a day trip, as is the 450-year-old Shantadurga Temple.
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When it comes to beach towns, the hippy haven of Anjuna is great fun, as are the vast stretches of golden sand at Ashvem and Mandrem, where yoga retreats, surf hotels and seaside hideaways await. Tranquil Majorda is lovely for bicycle rides and ambles under the palm trees, whilst the hip boutiques and restaurants of Assagao have begun to attract a cool, creative crowd. Venture still further inland for wildlife sanctuaries and artists’ studios, or to admire exhibitions of work by Goan artists at the Museum of Goa. Intimate and welcoming, the best places to stay in Goa are ideal for laid-back evenings spent savouring the region’s sensational cuisine.
The Best Places to Stay in Goa
For Boutique Chic
- Kaia has 10 glasshouse guest rooms and cottages, along with a four-bedroom villa complete with plunge pool. Expect zingy cocktails and fantastic fresh fare at the café, as well as a hip, understated aesthetic in rooms and shared spaces. Think earthy linens, rattan lampshades, woven art pieces and cosy beds. The cocktail masterclasses are great fun!
- MansionHaus, built as an impressive home near Anjuna in the 19th century, now houses nine exceptional suites - some with plunge pools. Owner Kezya De Bragança has create striking spaces with contemporary art pieces and garden views. Foodies will love the weekly supper clubs, cookery lessons & gourmet fare.
- Palma Beach Resort is a chic 22-bedroom hotel right on Mandrem Beach. Ideal for design-conscious travellers, the resort has a fresh, contemporary feel, with sage green decor, rattan headboards and wooden furnishings in rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Cracking all-day dining and craft cocktails add to the trendy appeal.
For Families and Groups
- Larisa Resort near Mandrem offers 20 stylish suites and cottages - some with two bedrooms so well-suited to families - in a quiet spot. Big outdoor tubs are a romantic treat, the restaurant serves excellent fare, and the bar is the perfect place to sample Goan beers and spirits. The refreshing swimming pool is a nice touch.
- The Westin Goa is a big contemporary hotel with 171 rooms and suites. Most features floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. Families will appreciate the flexible room options, the kids' club, two pools and multiple eateries. A luxurious choice with a plethora of facilities.
- Assagao Bay by the Rose Nomad is a pretty villa with just four bedrooms in hip Assagao. Bookable either by the room or in its entirely by one group, the villa has a refreshing swimming pool, airy library and shaded outdoor table for leisurely breakfasts or dinners cooked by the private chef. High-ceilinged spaces are light and cool, perfect for a quiet romantic holiday or a wonderful group trip with friends and family.
For a timeless escape
- Elsewhere promises a collection of 19th-century Indo-Portuguese dwellings and charming tented rooms hidden between a saltwater creek and the beach. Escape to characterful romantic spaces bedecked in antique furnishings, with gorgeous views and a magical sense of tranquility. The Goan fare is exceptional - this is a very tricky place to leave.
- Ahilya by the Sea is a gorgeous escape just a short drive along the coast from Panaji. Three houses of red laterite built for a family of artists and facing the sea, the property is now a superb small hotel with two swimming pools, a spa pavilion and mouth-watering Goan fare. Interiors feature antiques and artwork from the owners’ collection, and the sunsets are spectacular. Very romantic.
For Old School Charm
- Surya Kiran Goa is housed within a century-old private residence in Panaji. Transformed into a five-bedroom hotel by the current owners in 2018, the villa has individually decorated spaces with dark wooden furnishings, tiled floors and colourful painted walls. Well-tended gardens, a refreshing pool, a small bar and bistro add to the appeal.
- Casa Anjuna is a great little hotel with 24 guest rooms set within a characterful villa near Anjuna. The lush gardens frame a café and swimming pool, whilst quirky interiors feature four-poster beds, block-printed textiles, bright polished concrete and private terraces. Lovely and reasonably priced.
For keen yogis
- Ashiyana is a simple yoga and wellness-focused retreat with five dedicated shalas overlooking leafy gardens in Mandrem. There's an Ayurvedic spa, nutritious cuisine and a laid-back feel. The suite and treehouse are charming and the lodges lovely; the beach huts are fairly basic. A great-value stay for those looking to reset within walking distance of the beach.
- Mojigao is a charming eco-retreat with just 10 cottages within easy reach of the heart of Assagao. Expect a serene yoga shala, delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare, and a relaxed, easygoing vibe in wooden cottages with block printed textiles, earthy tones and private terraces facing verdant gardens.
Prefer an Apartment or Private Villa?
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa, we'd recommend visiting our online partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Goa Dabolim Airport, 4km from Vasco de Gama and 29km southwest of Panaji. Public transport around Goa is fairly limited, but most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
- If you're comfortable driving in India, contact our online partner Rentalcars to hire a car.
- Peak season runs from November through to mid-February, when the weather is cooler and dry. Expect December to be particularly lively with festivals and events by the coast; it may be worth booking your room well in advance. Consider avoiding the hottest months of April and May when exploring Panaji or cycling along village lanes will feel very warm. The same goes for the rainy season, which runs from June to August.
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