The Best Luxury Hotels in Goa
From gargantuan coastal resorts to jungle eco-lodges and serene boutiques, here are some of the best places to stay in Goa, all bookable with Culture Trip.
Goa and luxury hotels go together like coconut and rum, thanks to the south Indian region’s long, sun-baked beaches, distinctive cuisine and colonial heritage sites. Unwind with a yoga retreat or immerse yourself in the all-night party scene. Passport at the ready? Check. Flip-flops? Check. Now make your way to a beach paradise.
1. Alila Diwa Goa
Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel
Alila Diwa Goa has uninterrupted views of paddy fields and coconut palms, best enjoyed from the tiered infinity pool. Majorda Beach is a 15-minute walk or quick free shuttle away. Food lovers will love the masterclass in Goan cuisine led by an Alila chef. Afterwards, let a mixologist mastermind the perfect blend of flavours for you at the old-school courtyard bar (hint: the kaffir lime and cardamom-infused cocktails are a treat).
2. ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Hotel, Luxury
This Indo-Portuguese village-style resort spans 18 ha (45 acres) of tropical beach near Arossim Beach. The lagoon-style pool is one of India’s largest, and is particularly refreshing after a sunrise yoga class. Enjoying Goan cuisine? Ask your concierge to arrange a spice plantation trip – the tours of Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda are enlightening (though it’s best to avoid the elephant rides).
4. Taj Resort & Convention Centre
Hotel, Luxury
Taj Resort & Convention Centre is a modern masterpiece with a cathedral-like lobby and chic sea-facing rooms. There’s a slim rooftop infinity pool with a sunken bar, 40-seater cinema and ayurvedic spa – not bad for a self-proclaimed business hotel. Nearby Vainguinim Beach is pleasant enough – take a quick taxi to Caranzalem Beach for broader golden sands.
5. Cabo Serai
Hotel
Leave your smartphone in your suitcase and swap digital distractions for forest trail walks, yoga lessons and post-dinner stargazing sessions at Cabo Serai. Here, a clutch of hillside eco-luxe cottages and safari-style tents look out across the Arabian Sea. Take in the views from your wraparound cantilevered balcony, or descend the steep paths to reach the white sands of Cabo de Rama Beach.
6. Ahilya by the Sea
Boutique Hotel, Villa
This Indo-Balinese boutique comprises eight rooms spread across three villas, plus another perched amid the branches of a 200-year old banyan tree. The eclectic art collection of abstract paintings, Burmese bowls and African sculptures gives the place a homely feel – many of them were collected by the owner on her own international jaunts. Feeling inspired? Spend an afternoon pondering Indian modern art at the Museum of Goa, or shopping for your own trinkets to take home at Mapusa Market.
7. The Leela
Hotel, Villa
8. Taj Exotica
Resort, Hotel
9. Marriott Resort and Spa
Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury
Situated on the edge of Miramar Beach in Goa’s state capital, Panaji, Marriott Resort and Spa is ideal if you’re looking for a beach holiday with easy access to a little urban buzz. The centre of town is just a five-minute taxi away; the riverfront is cluttered with cruise ships and casinos, but wander a while and you’ll find museums, art galleries, boutiques, and Portuguese colonial architecture – including the grand whitewashed Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
10. Grand Hyatt Goa
Resort, Hotel
For more options, discover our guide to the best luxury hotels and resorts in Goa, now bookable on Culture Trip.
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