Top 15 Cool And Fun Hotels In Goa

A virtually uninterrupted string of palm-fringed, golden-sand beaches attracts travelers to India’s pocket-sized paradise which was formerly a Portuguese colony! Here a kaleidoscopic blend of cultures has catalyzed a scintillating hospitality scene, with accommodations ranging from colonial boutiques to luxury five-star resorts. If you’re thinking of visiting, here are my favorite amazing places to stay…

1. Amrapali-House of Grace

Here we have an Old Portuguese-style bolthole on the banks of the Shiridao Lake, which has been beautifully converted into a lavish boutique home. Amrapali is an independent-minded abode which values tradition and culture, inviting you to relish a curated experience brimming with innately tranquil and joyful natural surroundings.

The original structure has been preserved wherever possible, with local artisans dedicated to this mission. The hotel embodies nourishment in the form of energy and vitality and invites you to enjoy a stunning waterfront location. The on-site café serves mouth-watering gourmet desserts from a Le Cordon Bleu certified pastry chef, complemented by delicious Amo tea from tea estates in Assam.

2. Azaya Beach Resort

Azaya is tailor-made for millennials and incorporates Portuguese and Maldivian elements to curate an Instagrammer’s dream! The bright pops of colour and the relaxed atmosphere set the tone for a paradisiacal vacation, with soul-stirring sea views and powder-soft sand spreading deep into the resort.

The 114 impeccably designed rooms and suites are styled in a quirky, hip aesthetic, and a floating breakfast can follow a blissful night’s sleep in the morning. A stay at Azaya Beach Resort is truly a step into a new world, where you can indulge in anything from leisure surfing to a rejuvenating massage, to a boozy sundowner at the beachfront cabanas, to an after-party at the high-octane bar.

3. MansionHaus

This atypical all-white mansion is designed to impress. From a tree-lined cobbled porch to the stately columns and baroque-style wooden mouldings, a feeling of luxury and sophistication is immediately introduced on arrival. Steeped in history and design, the careful restoration of this luxury Goa hotel has led to the coalescence of old-world charm and contemporary aesthetics.

The property is devoid of any insignia, emulating the discrete experience of arriving at a stately home. A communal courtyard is supported by gorgeous arches and pillars, creating a rich interplay of light and air to welcome you to the nine surrounding suites. Each accommodation boasts high-vaulted ceilings and is surrounded by water bodies to exude calmness and tranquillity. All open onto private pools, and feature bespoke artwork and heirlooms of the past to beautifully contrast the modern décor.

4. W Hotel

Dappled in golden glows of sunshine, India’s first W hotel is decorated with a boho aesthetic and brings chic Ibizan vibes to the shores of northern Goa. Predominantly white and open-air, many contemporary Indian pieces offer flamboyant splashes of colour, an essence which radiates into the four scintillating dining venues where art and music unfurl in an epic Arabian Sea backdrop.

The 160 rooms and suites are light-filled cocoons with cavernous bathrooms, breezy lounges, and either balconies or garden patios. The in-room experience nods to the area’s rich and colourful history through Portuguese ceramic tiled floors, coloured-glass chandeliers, and bodhi leaf-shaped mirrors.

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel

5. Casa Anjuna

Considered the gem of the hippie trail, Anjuna is an area bearing signs of the past, with a touch of modern eccentricity in the form of many restaurants, beach shacks, and flea markets.

Casa Anjuna puts you in the heart of one of the district’s most lively villages and is styled on an old Goan heritage home. Here, manicured gardens sweep across your entire vision, and leave a trail of floral discovery, through many dainty alpino flowers on which the hotel’s logo was designed. Restored furniture exudes a luxury ambiance throughout the property, creating a dreamlike home from home. This boutique hotel emerges down a narrow lane, and offers two intimate dining spaces which open up onto the beautiful outdoors.

6. The Park Calangute

Imbued with Goa’s laid-back, life-loving spirit, this bohemian chic beach resort is gleaming with five-star luxury and is beautifully nestled between two of the region’s most popular beaches. Throughout the property, the corridors are alive with eccentric photographic imagery depicting a free-spirited nomadic lifestyle and lead to the 30 dialled-down contemporary luxe accommodations.

The in-room ambience is kept light and bright with an all-white palette, embellished with soothing purple hues, while quirky artwork and selected retro furnishings add a distinctive flair. Here, you can enjoy award-winning alfresco dining on the beach in a relaxed open-air restaurant which serves delicious cuisine all day long.

7. Mojigao

Tucked away on a quaint leafy street, Mojigao is a 6000 square-metre eco-resort set in the heritage village of Assagao. This peaceful property consists of six luxury cottages surrounded by forested slopes and graceful gardens and provides an idyllic getaway for those in pursuit of serenity, well-being, and a connection with a community of artists and natural therapists.

The hotel totally harmonizes stunning architecture with exquisite nature, blending the inside and the outside world in unique ways. As a result, Mojigao is the perfect spot to unwind from a busy life and find relaxation peace and mind. You can savour Middle Eastern & Mediterranean specialities at the in-house Artjuna Restaurant, which also offers a hearty Tapas menu, all-day breakfasts, salads, smoothies, and the region’s best coffee.

• To book, check prices or availability for Mojigao

8. Hard Rock Hotel

Bringing the excellence of the Hard Rock brand to North Goa’s beach belt, this stunning Calangute retreat boasts 135 epic rooms and suites topped with an air of glamour through textured walls, customised linen, and a spacious environment. All are arranged around the pool courtyard, and are adorned with quotes from rock-n-roll icons along the walls, inviting you to feel like a rockstar while reminding you of the legacy of the hotel chain.

Also on display throughout the property are authentic Fender guitars (waiting to be played), and memorabilia of international artists which include unique instruments and outfits. The ‘Sound of your Stay’ programme gives guests an unforgettable chance to enjoy live performances, partake in jam sessions, and browse through customised playlists.

9. Red Thread Calangute

Red Thread Calangute believes the five senses are the gatekeepers of the inner world. An ethereal experience is thus provided to allow you to revel in undiluted silence and experience the wisdom of Gaia (pointing to the interconnection of everything on Earth). A home with a soul, the hotel integrates culture, heritage, and spiritual values, whilst seamlessly blending contemporary amenities with artisanal craftsmanship.

The outside wilderness is brought in through floor-to-ceiling windows, with numerous spaces including seat loungers, a cosy library, a pool, and gardens, ready to present the beauty and majesty of clarity, insight, and kindness. From expressive cuisine to state-of-the-art guestrooms, Red Thread works closely with its guests to tailor design to fully serve your intentions and desires.

10. Nilaya Hermitage

A discreet gateway to the complete rejuvenation of mind and body, Nilaya Hermitage invites you to part ways with normal life and discover real meaning in a refreshing ambience. Spread over 20 acres, the rustic-themed sleeping havens are surrounded by iridescent tropical birds and wake-up calls by peacocks.

The property is canopied by majestic trees lining both sides of stone pathways which lead to brick-coloured cottages styled on an ‘Arabian Nights’ theme, with Moorish architecture guiding you to another dimension. Set on a secluded hill promising uniqueness and solitude, each of the 13 unique units offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, and the sunsets are nothing short of majestic.

11. Beleza By The Beach

At Beleza, immaculate stretches of greenery combine with the refreshing scent of the sea and the paradisiacal essence of white sand beneath your feet, to guide guests to surrender to true Goan splendour. A stay here is a step into the wisdom of sustainable, untainted beauty, as you soak up the majesty of Colva beach in an artistic wonderland.

The resort comprises 94 tastefully designed rooms, suites, and villas, each equipped with plush amenities and tech-forward initiatives. This blissful utopia also offers a whole host of remarkable experiences that place comfort at the front and center, through stress-busting wellness activities, refreshing drinks, serene pool dips, and scrumptious food, all under one stunning roof.

12. Ahilya By The Sea

Perched on Coco Beach in North Goa’s peaceful Nerul district, a classic old-world Goan charm is harmonized with Balinese influences, offering an experience steeped in luxury. The villas boast rustic laterite walls and intricately patterned wooden brackets adorning the roof, topped with bespoke artwork, an aroma diffuser, and restored antique décor.

On-site facilities include two pools and many relaxing nooks, as well as areas filled with board games and musical instruments, all contributing to the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. A sumptuous selection of local and European-style food, as well as all-day snacks and beverages, are on offer here, with a well-informed staff presence ready to offer the idyllic family retreat.

13. Whoopers Boutique Anjuna

At Whoppers Boutique, a vibrant yellow façade invites you to an experience brimming with authenticity and splendour, nestled in the heart of the jungle. Many charming open-air hangouts adorn the property, welcoming the grace of nature to set the tone for a unique Goa welcome. A shimmering outdoor pool area is girdled by vegetation, offering a space of seclusion for you to soak up the charming surroundings.

A vibrant bar area with billiards table blends a cozy ‘British Pub’ feel with a temperate outdoors ambiance, and is a memorable hub for discerning travellers to mingle the night away. Whilst embracing a tranquil location, the hotel is a mere 10-minute stroll from Anjuna Beach, offering a convenient position to explore the paradisiacal South-West Indian charm.

14. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort

Surrounded by white sand beaches and lush green environs, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort is the ideal getaway for couples and families alike. The young and energetic staff presence endeavours to pamper guests in luxury, offering a bespoke personalized service to let your stresses melt away.

The guestrooms are well equipped with unique design elements, and feature a moody lighting facility to set the mood for a true Arabian Sea welcome. The Pink Room Spa is the ultimate spot to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul, boasting 5 treatment rooms utilizing a whole host of natural elements.

Kickstart your celebrations in the on-site restaurant ‘Planet Dailies’, fueled by culinary artists who maintain a high standard of presentation and service through a range of Classic Western, Japanese, and South Indian dishes.

15. The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali

Nestled within twenty acres of greenery in a hidden corner of Goa, The Postcard Hideaway offers solitude and relaxation in the purest sense, with unending views of the hills and surrounding Western Ghats.

The 20 guestrooms blend unobtrusively with this effervescent backdrop and are topped with worldly pleasures and a graceful patio. Your wellness regime begins from the minute you dive into the hotel, as the sounds of water, leaves, and birds offer an instant sense of respite.

The spa area extends this essence, featuring an open-air jacuzzi and yoga sessions atop a stunning pavilion. The on-site restaurant sources ingredients from the resort’s organic garden, and celebrates the rich flavors of local Goan cuisine.

Michael Cowley – writer and photographer

Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.

Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Discover Greece, Barcelo Hotels, and Rickshaw Travel. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist.