HIDDEN GEMS: NORTH GOA'S MOST PICTURESQUE BOUTIQUE HOTELS
August 18, 2024
Nestled amid the vibrant landscapes and serene beaches of North Goa lies a treasure trove of hidden gems—boutique hotels that blend charm, elegance, and a unique Goan spirit. Curated by Dr. Niraalee Shah, Travel Design Managing Director, these ten hidden gems epitomize elegance and tranquility. Each hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and traditional Goan charm, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Away from the bustling crowds, these picturesque retreats offer a perfect escape for travelers seeking tranquility, personalized hospitality, and an authentic slice of Goan paradise. Each hotel, with its distinct architectural style and thoughtful design, promises a stay that's as unforgettable as the destination itself. Discover the beauty and allure of North Goa through its most enchanting boutique hotels, where every detail is curated to create a memorable experience.
ANAMIVA, ANJUNA
Located in Anjuna, Anamiva is a designer boutique property part of the AM Hotel Collection, in the heart of North Goa. Anamiva houses 23 beautiful rooms and suites, a café, a restaurant and an event space. The hotel has been carefully curated and designed to energize the creative side of our guests. A unique amalgamation of Indian with quirky design elements add a neo-glamour vibe to the space. Artwork, furniture, furnishings and accessories have been handpicked directly from artisans from across India, giving Anamiva a homely yet eclectic vibe
Website: https://www.amhotelkollection.com/ANAMIVA
Contact: +91-8510001914 | +91-8510001912
MANSIONHAUS
MansionHaus is a luxury hotel and members club, offering easy access to all that dominates dialogue in this dynamic city. It provides the perfect combination of tranquility and contemporary buzz. From a 19th century private residence to a luxurious modern, playful hotel and members club where old world charm meets a contemporary aesthetic. This adults-only luxury hotel and members club features nine suites, stylish meeting rooms and communal spaces, and special private dining experiences. Rooms come with direct pool access or plunge pools.
The largest suite has an outdoor jacuzzi, private courtyard and a separate living area. If you’re travelling for work, take meetings over coffee in the salon or the chic conference room, or over cocktails at Angler, the in-house brasserie-style restaurant and bar. Whether making epicurean discoveries, soaking up the sun or exploring the playfully enriching local culture, your time here promises to be delightfully special.
Website: https://mansionhaus.com/
Contact: +91 7887886802
AMRAPALI - HOUSE OF GRACE
Amrapali House of Grace is an independent-minded, boutique hotel with a high level of personalised service. They value tradition and culture, while supporting identity and personal opinion. This property was built over a century ago by Casimiro Honorato de Siqueira Nazare as a family home for his wife and five children, it was called Morgado, which means “dear” in Portuguese. All these years later, though times and the name have changed, the property retains a sense of home. Amrapali houses five tastefully designed rooms with views of the garden, lake or pool. There’s also a spacious standalone pool house inspired by Moroccan lounges. The in-house waterfront cafe offers bespoke meals, fresh bakes, coffee and tea. They are in the heart of Goa and here you can experience the quaint rural setting and warm Goan beaches.
Website: https://www.amrapali-houseofgrace.com/
Contact: +91-93227 53726
SIOLIM HOUSE
Casa Palacio Siolim House is a 350 year old Heritage Hotel in Goa, built in 1675. It is a Palacio that dates from the earliest times of the Portuguese occupation of Goa, beautifully restored as a home which, now doubles as a private nine room heritage boutique hotel in Goa. Surprisingly hidden from view behind a tall row of Ashoka trees, the house understates its stature as one of Goa’s most unique and oldest manor houses. There are very few examples of the aristocratic late 16th century ‘casa do sobrado’ style of Goa-Portuguese architecture remaining in North Goa.
The manor once housed the governor to Macau, and a family of administrators that included a governor to Mozambique. They are classified a ‘Heritage’ Boutique Hotel in Goa by the Dept of Tourism, and situated in the quiet coastal village of Siolim, Goa. They are perfectly placed for the lovely beaches just to the north of Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol and Mandrem beaches and the action of the Candolim – Calangute – Baga – Anjuna beaches to the South. The maisonette comes with a living room and a bedroom on the first floor, a pantry and a private patio.
Website: https://www.siolimhouse.com/
Contact: +91 9822 584560
VAAYU KULA
Vaayu Kula is an evolution of our original space “Vaayu Village”. A hidden and luxurious abode for the traveller looking for tranquility and peace. Our beachfront rooms are located on the quietest beach in North Goa, nestled in a warm fishing village community. It is the perfect spot if for those looking to relax and get some beach time.
Water babies will love Vaayu Kula, a beachfront property with a surf and stand-up paddling school as well as a beach club. The design of the rooms borrows from coastal aesthetics in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico—think high ceilings, large windows, macrame decor and indoor-outdoor living. All four categories of rooms come with ocean views, though the Moonrise Suite on the first floor offers superior views along with utmost privacy. The Vaayu Beach Club is great for Sunday brunch or a laidback sundowner but the highlight is the surf school with ISA-certified instructors, surf lessons and board rentals.
The Vaayu Kula property is not directly accessible by road or vehicle. A quaint village walking path connects the main road and parking area with the hotel. Our guests must walk down this path to access our beach front property. The path is sandy and therefore is not wheelchair accessible. We have private parking available to our guests free of charge.
Website: https://vaayukula.com/about-us/
Contact: +91 9850050403
MARAVILHA
Located in the trendy and culturally enriching village of Assagao, Maravilha offers you the perfect opportunity to have your celebrations or reunions in the “Beverly Hills of Goa” making memories that last forever! Maravilha meaning “marvellous” in Portuguese is true to it’s name – a beautifully restored Boutique resort in North Goa. Maravilha boasts of 14 luxurious designer rooms, a large dining room, a lounge / living room, an in-house restaurant, a swimming pool and perfectly manicured lawns of more than 25,000 sq. ft.
The safety of their guest is of utmost importance and hence they handover whole resort to you for your exclusive use only. They make sure that during your stay with them, no other guests will be allowed on the property. Chic rooms, a pool, a spa and that signature warmth of an old Goan home—Maravilha offers everything you want from a Goan getaway. The luxury boutique hotel was once owned by a Goan landlord. There’s an all-day dining space and Assagao’s coolest restaurants are just a stone’s throw away. The property can arrange a guided local village walk as well as yoga classes in-house.
Website: https://maravilha.in/
Contact: + 91-983-416-1051 | + 91-983-416-1052
FORT TIRACOL HERITAGE HOTEL
Once an armed fortress that belonged to the Portuguese, Fort Tiracol is now content to spend the rest of its days on a cliff enjoying the kaleidoscopic view of the Arabian Sea and the spectacular estuary of the Tiracol River. It exists in its own space and time on the northern most tip of Goa. A glance Set foot in its charming courtyard, you will be taken aback by the charming 17th century church standing there bang in the middle. The in-house lounge bar is an ode to old Portuguese taverns and there’s also an all-day café serving Goan, Indian and European snacks and pastry right by the river.
Website: https://www.forttiracol.in/
Contact: +91 7720056799 | +91 7720056800 | +91 8510001914
NILAYA HERMITAGE
Hidden away on the hillside and nestled in the Goan Jungle, Nilaya Hermitage is an extraordinary getaway built from local and rust coloured lateral stone, complemented with shades of blue and the lush greens of the surrounding forest. Taking inspiration from Monarch Architecture and tales of the Arabian Nights, Nilaya Hermitage offers the perfect place to forget about time and rediscover the rhythm of Nature. Nilaya Hermitage is all about tranquillity and solitude. There are just eleven rooms and two tents on the 20-acre property, each inspired by natural elements and equipped with modern amenities. There are separate passages for each room, ensuring ample privacy for guests. Work up a sweat at the tennis court to cool off with a dip in the pool after.
Website: https://www.nilaya.com/#top
Contact: +91- 9637891152 | +91- 7447793338
ANAHATA RETREAT
Anahata is a Beachfront property where you can truly relax and retreat. All their accommodation are a step away from the beach. Each room is designed with natural elements and built & furnished by local artisans. Their cosy interiors inspire feelings of calm and serenity. Anahata Retreat has a total of 21 Rooms, divided into categories which are bungalows, cottages and garden view cottages
Unwind with yoga at this charming retreat by Ashwem beach. Stay at garden or beach view cottages or opt for suites in the Portuguese-style bungalows that come with private verandahs. Master your downward dog in the open-air yoga studio. The property hosts regular yoga retreats led by experts and dig into healthy and delicious meals at L’Atelier, the property’s beachfront restaurant.
Website: https://www.anahataretreat.com/
Contact: +919822590123
KAIA GOA
This oceanfront boutique resort in Goa opened in August 2023 at the edge of Ashvem Beach. KAIA Goa is a project by actor Bhumi Pednekar and Mumbai-based Chrome Hospitality led by Nikita Harisinghani, Dhaval Udeshi and Pawan Shahri. The entire resort extends across two floors with rooms built around sprawling common areas. The first floor features a café and five rooms called the Glass Houses because of their floor-to-ceiling windows, while the ground floor features five rooms with lovely outdoor baths and snug interiors called the Cottages.
Their rooms are meticulously designed to create a harmonious sanctuary that embraces the essence of slow living. Each space is thoughtfully curated with minimalist elegance, natural elements, and serene colour palettes, providing a tranquil retreat for guests seeking a respite from the busyness of everyday life. Along with the rooms, KAIA also has a four-bedroom villa for larger groups. Ashvem is a protected stretch of beach since it is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles and there are no shacks or beachside clubs to wind up in. Music decibels are carefully controlled and locals are welcomed in for chats and coffee. The in-house restaurant offers an all-day breakfast, as well as European, Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican and Indonesian cuisines and the bar serves cocktails that are tropical and breezy.
Website: https://www.kaiagoa.in/
Contact: +91 90677 67844
THE PARK CALANGUTE
This bohemian boutique resort is an adult-only space situated on the popular Calangute Beach. There are 30 rooms, including two terrace suites done up in white, with quirky art, rain showers, retro finishing’s and touches of purple. The corridors are decorated with prints by photographer Rohit Chawla and the resort’s all-white look gives it a Mediterranean feel. Spend some time at the purple pool in the hotel's centre or savour world cuisine at the all-day beach restaurant Love, or catch a sunset at the elevated bar Peace with its white stone bar and poolside cabanas.
Website: https://www.theparkhotels.com/calangute/
Contact: +91 832 3501430 | +91 83 2227 7600
STORII BY ITC HOTELS SHANTI MORADA, SALIGAO
A boutique hotel, Shanti Morada holds myriad stories within its century old walls, representing a varied confluence of Portuguese and Indian culture. Originally built in 1897 and called ‘Casa de Morada’ or home of happiness, this charming property was lovingly restored, and is now eagerly waiting to tell its Storii. The picturesque village of Saligao in North Goa is about 15km from Panjim and full of swaying coconut palms and lush paddy fields, away from the tourist crowds of Goa, the newly opened Storii by ITC Hotels offers a peaceful escape. The history and heritage of the 19th century home is kept alive, while blending in modern amenities for 21st-century guests. Rooms feature antique furniture and upholstery and come with private balconies or patios, to dine there is the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant The Lantern, and to drink, there is The Jacuzzi Bar by the pool.
Website: https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/storiishantimorada-goa
Contact: 1-800-419-6444 | 1-800-102-2333
AHILYA BY THE SEA
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dolphin Bay, Ahilya by the Sea is a serene and private escape. The property’s nine tastefully decorated and welcoming rooms are spread across three independent villas and enjoy two beautiful swimming pools. Ahilya by the Sea is the sister property of the renowned Ahilya Fort in Central India, and they carry forward the same philosophy of hospitality: the feeling of a staying in a family home, surrounded by understated elegance, enjoying the finer things in life. Features nine rooms spread across three villas, along with two swimming pools, a spa and an alfresco restaurant that offers Goan, Italian and French cuisines.
The Ahilya Experience is known for its excellent cuisine. They offer an a la carte menu with elements of Goan, Italian, and French cuisines and a daily prix-fixe which highlights the fresh catch of the day. They use only the freshest ingredients from local markets, and dining is al fresco at a new spot every night.
Website: https://ahilyabythesea.com/
Contact: +91-82919-35722
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, North Goa's boutique hotels offer a delightful blend of charm, comfort, and unique experiences, making them true hidden gems. From the serene settings and personalized services to the exquisite decor and attention to detail, these picturesque retreats provide an ideal escape for travelers seeking tranquility and elegance. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of heritage properties or the contemporary allure of modern sanctuaries, North Goa's boutique hotels promise a memorable stay that captures the essence of Goan hospitality. Embrace the opportunity to unwind, explore, and indulge in the beauty and serenity that these exceptional hotels have to offer.
TRAVEL DESIGN
Website: www.traveldesignindiatourism.com
Contact: +91 9967655101 | +91 8691851982
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