Goa may be India’s smallest state, but it is also the most happening—with beautiful beaches and wild nightlife. The tropical paradise houses some of the country’s finest hotels and resorts. For those who fancy luxury, here is a curated collection of the top-notch stays in the state. By Vivek NambiarGrand Hyatt Goa
Grand Hyatt Goa occupies 28 acres of tropical gardens and lush lawns in North Goa and overlooks the calming water of Bambolim Bay. Located 30 minutes away from Dabolim Airport, the hotel boasts Indo-Portuguese architecture. The property’s warm decor— with a lot of beige and brown—lifts your spirits instantly. The property houses seven restaurants and five pools. You should head to Chulha to savour traditional Indian flavours. The Dining Room offers five cuisines, and The Verandah serves up the finest Italian dishes. For some innovative cocktails, head to the Bay View Lounge where the windows open to views of an infinity pool. The luxurious, spacious, and modern 300-plus rooms and suites come with attached balconies. The Presidential Suite offers a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and an outdoor jacuzzi; you also get a private kitchen and a personal butler. The adventure park on the property offers activities such as zip-lining, wall climbing, a rope course, and more. The one thing you shouldn’t definitely miss is a detox session at the Shamana Spa, one of the largest in the country, which employs a combination of modern and ancient Indian wellness techniques. Price on request
ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa
Sprawled over 45 acres of landscaped gardens in South Goa, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa captures the state’s history and lifestyle. Its architecture, which draws inspiration from Indo-Portuguese vintage, blends seamlessly with a distinctive regional allure, and the result is a truly immersive experience for guests. The village-styled resort, with direct access to the pristine Arossim Beach, also has one of the largest multilevel hotel pools in the country. The hotel has 252 luxurious rooms and suites looking out to lush green gardens and peaceful lagoons. All the rooms and suites come with a balcony or a patio, and some even feature outdoor rain showers and private gardens. The resort offers a gamut of venues to host social events, conferences, and events, both indoor and outdoor. Salcete, a customisable wood-panelled ballroom, has theatre-style seating for up to 370 guests. Head to Kebabs & Kurries for Indian food and Ottimo for Italian cuisine—two culinary brands that the hotel group has perfected across properties. In addition to these, four other dining options— Tempero, The Royal Afghan – Seaside Barbeque & Grill, Pavilion at the Village Square, and Farol— offer a variety of cuisines. Starts from INR 7,600
The Leela Goa
With beautiful lagoons and a meandering river on one side and the azure sea on the other, The Leela Goa is one of the finest beach and riverside luxury resorts in India. The unique property, spread over 75 verdant acres, offers spacious and airy rooms, balconies that face a lotus-filled lagoon, and easy access to the beach. For a more elevated experience, pick one of the villas that offer a regal stay. The property also has an exclusive 12-hole golf course and four diners. The Restaurant offers all-day dining and interactive live kitchens serving Indian, Western, and Asian cuisines. Riverside, quite literally, is a fine dining Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic date. You can relax with drinks at the Yali and Aqua lounges. Make sure you don’t miss out on the extensive selection of holistic Ayurveda spa treatments at The Spa. Starts from INR 9,000
The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa
Located on the Rajbaga beach in South Goa’s Canacona and surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range, this is easily one of the most unique holiday destinations in the country. Spread along the Goan coastline, The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa has a breathtaking view of River Talpona meeting the Arabian sea. The property houses 202 Garden View Suites, 36 Sea View Suites, 14 Luxury Suites, three The LaLiT Legacy Suites, and 10 luxurious villas. It has a kilometre-long exclusive beachfront, a double-tee nine-hole links golf course, and a helipad. A 90-minute picturesque drive from Dabolim Airport takes you to this secluded LaLiT property that offers ample privacy. Between October and May, guests can choose from a range of on-site watersports like parasailing and windsurfing. There are five unique restaurants run by acclaimed chefs. While Corta’s, one of the best beach shacks in Goa, overlooks the Arabian Sea and serves authentic Goan cuisine, Canacona is a 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant, serving Goan, Indian, Oriental, and Continental specialities. Rejuve – The Spa offers an experience encompassing aromatic, Ayurvedic, herbal, and natural therapies, and yoga. The resort hosts a salon, state-of-the-art gymnasium, and an outdoor swimming pool as well. Starts from INR 7,225
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
If you want to rest in luxury’s lap, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Goa’s Benaulim is where you should be. The Mediterranean-inspired resort sits on the southwest coast of Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by greenery, the resort is just 40 minutes away from Dabolim Airport. Its old-world architecture and flower-lined patios will awaken the romantic in you. The property is divided into the main hotel building with large deluxe and luxury suites, and villa rooms. Guests can appreciate the finest of Indian and international cuisines served at its five restaurants. The poolside restaurant, Eugenia, is open 24 hours and also has a bar. Named after a legendary Goan chef, Miguel Arcanjo is known for its authentic Goan menu, while Lobster Village serves fresh seafood at a beachfront venue. While The Ballroom, one of the largest pillar-less banquet halls in Goa, is ideal for weddings, Jiva Spa offers treatments that blend age-old Indian healing techniques with natural ingredients. Starts from INR 9,000
Alila Diwa Goa
A 30-minute drive from Dabolim Airport, Alila Diwa Goa is one of the best destinations for a fairy-tale wedding. The resort in South Goa’s Majorda town is away from the hustle-bustle of North Goa’s popular sites and is spread over a vast area surrounded by paddy fields. Majorda Beach is a 15-minute walk away. It offers specially designed wedding packages for a hassle-free ceremony, and also ensures that everything is customised according to individual tastes. The resort blends the best of contemporary Goan architecture—high-pitched roofs, wide verandahs, and tranquil courtyards—with rich cultural elements. However, the resort that opened in 2009 has an unmissable Balinese vibe. Alila Diwa Goa is a property that takes painstaking efforts to minimise its environmental impact. All materials used in building the hotel were sourced locally, and preservation of the local environment is given utmost importance. The rooms come with dark-wood furniture, wooden flooring, big sliding glass doors opening up to balconies, and huge bathrooms with deep tubs and indulgent walk-in showers. Starts from INR 10,000
W Goa
W Goa exudes a vibrant effortless charm. It’s one of the rare five-star resorts in the country that has such a bright and diverse palette. W’s first resort in India, the property has done absolute justice to imbibing the spirit of Goa and made flamboyant use of it as well. Located on a hillside, above the serene Vagator Beach in North Goa, W Goa has direct access to the beach and is close to famous hangouts in the area. It is the gateway to West India’s famous raves, where psychedelic trance music and dance first gained popularity. If you like chasing unforgettable sunset views, stop by the Rock Pool Bar. This spectacular venue offers you panoramas of the Arabian Sea and Chapora Fort. Each hotel room includes a Portuguese-style balcony, letting you wake up to some of the most gorgeous sunrise vistas. The Kitchen Table is the resort’s 24-hour restaurant, serving both classics and modern interpretations using fresh local produce. The Spice Traders is fancier and serves pan-Asian cuisine. The only spa in India by Clarins is on this property, and it brings the Clarins Touch—a specialised and skilful massage—that deploys the purest plant extracts and essential oils for your skin. Starts from INR 10,664
Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort Hotel
The resort is spread over 20 acres of land teeming with gardens and palm trees and is located on the Cavelossim Beach in South Goa. It is a 25-minute drive from the airport. The Mediterranean-style villas, which draw inspiration from Goan-Portuguese architecture, exude a peaceful, relaxed vibe. The 181 rooms scattered across the property, each with state-of-the-art facilities, come with balconies. Foodies can savour Indian and international flavours at the resort’s restaurants— Seagull, Mama Mia, and Kebabs and Kurries. The resort also has a sports corner, pool area, and a supervised kids club with fun activities. Recreational areas include an outdoor pool with jacuzzi, sun loungers, and a poolside bar. The dedicated conference rooms at the resort are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can cater to as many as 200 people at once. The Seaside Lawns can comfortably host 1,000 guests. Each of these venues at the resort can host a wide variety of events, making the property an easy choice in Goa for conferences, meetings, and even personal affairs. Starts from INR 5,200
Le Méridien Goa, Calangute
Le Méridien Goa, Calangute is located very close to the famous Calangute beach and market but manages to preserve the quietude essential to a beachside retreat. The award-winning hotel is inspired by Goa’s rich art and cultural heritage. The hotel has 146 spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows; the larger suites have a window seat and a daybed. Most rooms have a balcony overlooking the pool or the serene villages in the neighbourhood. The Jazz & Grills restaurant offers a delectable spread; it is Goa’s first whiskey bar and serves up expertly crafted canapés and grilled meats along with an extensive menu of premium drinks and cigars. The hotel’s Latest Recipe restaurant, which was been awarded for its Continental fare, has an airy setting. Guests can relish the sumptuous fare indoors or al-fresco. When you want to go exploring food, the best sites of North Goa are close by. Moreover, there are plenty of watersports on offer on the Calangute, Candolim, and Baga beaches. Starts from INR 5,442
Fortune Miramar
Located in the heart of Panaji, just 200 metres away from the famous Miramar Beach, is Fortune Miramar. The hotel, 27 kilometres from Dabolim Airport, is conveniently located near the local shopping district, casinos, beaches, and other areas of tourist interest. The hotel’s travel desk offers cycles, at no additional cost, as well as sightseeing tours and packages. Fortune Miramar features 45 beautifully furnished accommodations—32 Standard Rooms, 11 Fortune Club Rooms, and two Suites. It also has a conference room that can sit up to 10 people. The aesthetically designed rooms wear a tropical vibe to complement the destination. The property is done up in vibrant hues of blue, brown, off-white, and mustard. Guests can choose from varied dining options—Orchid, a multi-cuisine all-day restaurant; Neptune Bar & Lounge, Fortune Deli, and Alfresco Dining. The hotel also houses a gymnasium and a pool. Starts from INR 7,000
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