BestHotels
Goa
Goa is an eclectic melting pot of vast beaches, aromatic cuisine, bustling markets and European culture. Along its 66 miles of coastline are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, while inland there’s plenty of colourful markets and UNESCO-listed sights to explore. Whether you’re heading to lively North Goa or laidback South Goa, we’ve brought together our favourite hotels that will make your stay perfect.
At the Santa Monica Hotel, you’re in the perfect location for hitting the beach and exploring the local area. You’ll be 100m from shops, restaurants and bars and 200m from Calella de la Costa’s Beach, meaning everything you need is right on your doorstep. The hotel itself has a brilliant pool and great evening entertainment too and because the hotel is based on the main road in Riera, the modern part of Calella, you’ll find a great variety of places to eat and shop.
The Osbourne Resort Hotel has a warm, welcoming atmosphere as well as a great central location and fantastic facilities. You can enjoy Goa’s gorgeous climate on the pretty sun terrace, and eat at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves up varied cuisines. The hotel is split into blocks, each one with its own pool and you’re only a short walk from the lively centre of Calangute with its bazaars and restaurants. Plus, you’re within walking distance of some of North Goa’s most beautiful beaches.
In a peaceful, lakeside location, the Marinha Dourada is the perfect place to relax. The surrounding landscape is stunning, as the hotel’s Portuguese-Goan architecture is set among lakes, salt pans and rice fields. With its first-class service, spacious rooms and delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise the hotel is popular among travellers. Despite the Marinha Dourada’s serenity and seclusion, you’re just a 20-minute walk from the lively Baga Beach (or you can hop on the hotel’s shuttle bus there), if you fancy a more upbeat evening.
Get the best of both worlds at the Nazri Resort. While the hotel is located right in the middle of buzzing Baga, it’s also surrounded by huge tropical gardens. At the heart of the resort is the pool that looks out over the green landscape and awe-inspiring salt lakes, where you can spot beautiful exotic birds. You can walk to the beach in a few minutes, as well as heading out to Baga’s bar and restaurant scene, though the hotel does have its own restaurant, serving Goan and continental cuisine.
If you want to base yourself in the centre of Baga, look no further than the Keys Resort. You’ll have the beach, shops, stalls, restaurants and nightlife all within a short stroll, so you can spend your holiday getting to know the town and seeing the best of Goa. The resort has two large pools to enjoy during the day, as well as an al fresco restaurant. In Baga, you’ll find lively nightclubs and a wide variety of restaurants, serving up local and international cuisine.
The Lagoa Azul is a serene retreat that offers tranquillity for adults and activities for children. There are two lagoon-shaped pools, lined with sun loungers and palm trees. Each lagoon has its own smaller, shallower pool for children too and a thatched-roof bar serves drinks and snacks. The Lagoa Azul’s peaceful location is right between Baga Beach and Calangute Beach and throughout the day, the resort runs shuttle buses back and forth. It’s close to bars and restaurants too, where you’ll find a wide variety of foods.
In addition to its great location and comfortable rooms, the Silver Sands Serenity hotel boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and North Goa’s vibrant greenery. It’s a mere ten-minute walk to the vast, golden sands of Candolim Beach, where you can enjoy the beachfront bars and cafes. Back at the hotel, you have a variety of dining options to enjoy including a buffet, a lounge bar and a rooftop, poolside restaurant with spectacular views. The rooms are modern and stylish and have large balconies too.
Enjoy a slower pace of life at the Joecons Beach Resort. Hidden among tall palm trees, this resort offers everything from excellent dining to a luxury spa. It’s home to one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Goa, so expect gorgeous candlelit dinners overlooking the ocean and during the day, stroll down to Benaulim’s Beach to soak up the sun on the stretch of white sand. The clear water is perfect for snorkelling and swimming, while the handful of near by beach huts all serve fresh seafood.
At Silver Sands Holiday Village you get an incredible choice of restaurants, close proximity to the beach and a great location for exploring Candolim. A two-minute walk takes you straight onto the soft golden sands of Candolim Beach, or towards the bars, restaurants and beach shacks on Beach Road. The hotel has its own sun lounger-lined pool, as well as three restaurants serving a combination of Indian and international cuisine. In the evening, you’ll find an outdoor lounge that serves great cocktails.