Headed to Goa and wondering where to stay? Luckily, the tiny state on India’s West Coast is home to some of the most spectacular properties in the country. From painstakingly restored heritage houses to contemporary spaces that define minimalist luxury—here are some villas and home-stays that you can choose from to experience the real Goa.
NORTH GOA
Summertime Villa
When you step into Summertime Villa, it’s hard to imagine that this oasis exists in the middle of one of Goa’s busiest neighbourhoods, Calangute. Set on a hilltop and looking out onto lush paddy fields and private gardens with koi ponds—this three-bedroom villa is all about the tranquil life. The living room is always awash with natural light during the day, and provides a stunning view of the infinity pool right outside. Perfect for up to six guests, the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. The villa is fully staffed with a cook, gardeners as well as security.
Where: 286, Boa Viagem Road, Calangute
Call: +91/73500-82224
The Inner Temple
If you’re looking for a villa with character, look no further than The Inner Temple in Moira. The sight of vividly-patterned tiles greets you as soon as you enter the space, instantly making you feel at home in this three-bedroom villa. The property can organise outdoor experiences for you, but if you choose to stay in, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained—from board games to kids’ toys. Or, if you prefer, you could unwind in the verandah with a cocktail or wade into the pool. Not to be missed are the Goan meals here, whipped up by the in-house cook.
Where: 851, near Moira Club, Moira
Call: +91/95035-77779
Bate Papo
Nestled in the idyllic village of Saligao, Bate Papo is a stay unlike many others. Run by Baneen Karachiwala and chef Rohit D’Cruz, this homestay is fast becoming popular among visitors as well as locals. The four bedrooms are peppered with traditional Goan furniture and nature-inspired art. You can dine at the in-house cafe or sign up for a private dining experience put together by Rohit, whose meals are a harmonious blend of modern European and Goan cooking. With a little shop on the premises and community events being hosted on the lawns, Bate Papo—which translates to ‘endless conversations’ in Portuguese—is turning out to be a space for exactly that.
Where: 3/121, Mudda, Gumal Vaddo, Saligao
Call: +91/92434-34318
Maravilha
Meaning ‘marvellous’ in Portuguese, this restored heritage villa is true to its name. Located in the new ‘it’ village of Assagao, this 200-year-old home-turned-luxury villa houses 14 stunning rooms, an expansive dining room and living room, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. It also has over 25,000 sq ft of manicured lawns if you’re looking for a venue to host an intimate gathering. The USP of Maravilha lies in the fact that even if you book just a few rooms, the entire villa is handed over for your exclusive use, making this the perfect stay option if you’re looking for complete privacy.
Where: 189, Mazal Wado, Assagao
Call: +91/98341-61051 (52)
Chapter Two
An extension of husband-wife duo Rohit Gorowala and Puloma David’s warm personalities, Chapter Two is a cosy three-bedroom homestay tucked away in a quiet part of otherwise-bustling Calangute. While the Delhi couple occupies one bedroom of the 110-year-old house, the other two rooms are let out to guests. If you choose to stay here, you can’t leave without experiencing the food Rohit has to offer. A passionate cook, he serves up North West Frontier cuisine, with his specialties being mutton nihari, butter chicken, dal makhni, and mutton yakhni pulao.
Where: E-4, 161 Agarwado, Calangute
Call: +91/98992-79303 and +91/98918-35639
SOUTH GOA
Lua Cheia Villa
Located in the southernmost part of Goa, Lua Cheia exudes tropical elegance. Featuring six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, the villa’s interiors are done up tastefully, with pockets of greenery greeting you in every corner. Outside, a wraparound verandah looks out onto lush gardens that are frequented by birds and butterflies. Spend the day lounging in the pool and digging into home-cooked traditional Goan meals—or ask the staff to help you plan a tour to some offbeat locales in the neighbourhood. The villa comes with all modern amenities, housekeeping staff, and cooks.
Where: 285, Sadolxem, Canacona
Call: +91/87664-77402
Arco Iris
Set in a 1.5-acre property in the village of Curtorim, Arco Iris is a 200-year-old Goan manor that has been restored and converted into a pet-friendly homestay by its current owners, Bennita and Ganesh. The massive house features a living room, dining room, five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, library, a fully-equipped modern kitchen, and more. While you’re here, make the time to stroll down to the local bakery for some bread, and enjoy it while seated in the quaint balcão of the house.
Where: 1384, Sinai Bagh, near Carmel Chapel and High School, Curtorim
Call: +91/96049-64482
Bara Bungalow
Located in Assolna, Bara Bungalow is a property by Rosakue Hospitality, which manages six other stunning bungalows across India. The 200-year-old renovated Goan home has three rooms in the main house, and four in the villa. A living room, dining area, library, garden, and swimming pool make up the rest of the property. The staff is warm and welcoming, and will go above and beyond to accommodate your requests, dietary or otherwise. Speaking of which, the food is worth a mention. Fresh seafood dishes, Goan delicacies, as well as barbecued fare—everything is top notch.
Where: 991, Assolna Village, Salcete
Call: +91/82872-64525
Ikshaa Villa
As far as must-visit places in Goa go, Loutolim will seldom make it to a visitor’s list. However, visit— and stay— you must, for it is home to Ikshaa Villa, a stunning heritage luxury villa with a private pool. The villa’s design combines elements of traditional Goan Hindu and Christian architecture with modern elements to give it a look that is quite unique. A majestic central courtyard is fringed by the three bedrooms, which can nest six people with ease. The property is owned by Carmen de Miranda, a relative of famed Goan artist Mario Miranda. Ikshaa also offers babysitting services on request.
Where: Near Saviour of the World Church, Loutolim
Turiya Villa
Restored by Goan architect and interior designer Sandesh Prabhu, Turiya Villa is a beautiful 100-year-old structure located in Canacona. There are two parts to the property—the original structure has four bedrooms, while the new wing has another four. The rooms are all named after the nakshatras in Vedic astrology—with heavenly monikers such as Magha, Pushya, and Revati. While here, you can lounge in the library or snooze on one of the hammocks out in the garden, which is verdant with chikoo, mango, and coconut trees. If you’re looking for suggestions on what to do around the neighbourhood, ask the property managers and they’d be happy to offer suggestions.
Where: 16, Chaudi, Canacona
Call: 0832/2644-172, 0832/2643-077, and +91/98215-94004 (WhatsApp only)