Even though I live in Goa, when routine gets the better of me, a staycation to the South is the quickest and easiest escape there is. It’s fun playing tourist in your own state – and if we’re being honest, South Goa is where there are still traces of Goa left. Empty roads that pass through villages and are flanked by old Goan houses… the soft, sandy beaches that Goa is known for, undiluted greenery… it is the paradise that most tourists seek.
So whether you’re looking for a staycation, a family getaway, a romantic holiday, or a vacation with your gang, here are some of my picks for South Goa’s best hotels and resorts.
Akasa, Palolem
Akasa Goa is one of the most intimate, quiet resorts you can book your stay at In Palolem. The cottage-style rooms are clean and beautiful with a large bed covered with a mosquito net, cupboard, ac, and table+ chair. The bathroom is open to the sky, like all other sister properties. In terms of the rooms, it is pretty similar in look and feel, to the other properties the group, Vilasa Ahuta owns, if not slightly larger with a better balcony.
Akasa has a vegan cafe called Bibitakhi attached that you can visit for meals. The pool is lovely, large, and very clean with a nice open deck around it. The pool, like a few other sister properties, is raised ‘tub’ and is not the usual tiled swimming pool you find in resorts. Overall it is a peaceful and green location right at the start of the popular Palolem road. You will find restaurants, cafes, shopping, etc down the road, but the resort offers peace and serenity. The gazebo on the lawns is a nice place to read, chill, work if you need to, and unwind. Akasa also offers good wifi all around the property. Overall, well maintained and great for a stay with family or friends. The staff is warm and welcoming. Remember to click a picture at the graffiti wings in the reception.
The Cape, Cabo de Rama
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime stay experience in South Goa, this romantic resort that hugs the rocky hillside, overlooking the ocean is absolutely beautiful! I’ve written extensively about it in my blog post on the Cape Goa, so you can read all about it. From their iconic gateway that Instagrammers flock to for that one perfect photograph, to the private jacuzzis in the balcony of each room, the open showers and dramatic views, it is a stay you won’t easily forget. Tariffs are steep, so save it for when you really want to splurge.
The White, Agonda
It’s been quite a white since I visited The White in Agonda, 2018 to be exact, when I was absolutely smitten by this bohemian paradise on the white, sandy shoreline. This picture-perfect boutique resort was inspired by Santorini in Greece. Small, but thoughtfully done up rooms, a pool, a restaurant and the beach make up this little resort in South Goa. If you’ve stayed here recently, do share what your experience has been like.
Agonda Cottages, Agonda
Another resort from the Vilasa Ahuta group (who also own Cape Goa, Cinnamon Agonda and Akasa Palolem), Agonda Cottages is a beachfront hotel with cottage-like rooms made out of wood and coconut palms. The rooms are close together, but clean and thoughtfully decorated with an open to sky bathroom. One of their best rooms is the one that faces the ocean – and if it’s available, book it quick. The entire resort is surrounded by greenery and is really peaceful, so you’ll wake up to the sound of the birds on the thatched roof, and fall alseep to the sound of the ocean mere meters away. If you like peace and simple living, you will enjoy this hotel. What adds to the experience is their beach-front restaurant that serves great food and the pleasant staff.
Cinnamon Cottages, Agonda
Almost identical to Agonda Cottages (since they’re from the same Vilasa Ahuta group of hotels), this resort is located on the opposite side of the road – and hence, the beach is not in front of the property, but across the road from it. So a thatched roof, open-to-sky shower, minimal but comfortable room decor, and a large tub-like pool on the deck are what this hotel comprises. Read more about it in my hotel review of Cinnamon Agonda.
Novotel Dona Sylvia Resort, Cavelossim
Nothing can detail my experience at this luxury resort in Cavelossim better than my blog post can, so head over and read more about Novotel Dona Sylvia here. The luxury cottage-like rooms, the expansive pool, 2 restaurants, a spa, sauna, jacuzzi, kids’ play area and club, water sports, and fitness center – you’ll find it all on the grounds of this 20-acre resort in South Goa. With direct access to the beach as the cherry on the cake, this one ticks all the boxes for a luxury vacation or staycation n Goa.
Azaya Beach Resort, Benaulim
Again, I visited Azaya Beach Resort way back in 2018 (perhaps it’s time for another staycation), and. I found it absolutely fun and quirky back then. It was bright and colourful, used technology wherever possible and the rooms as well as the food were wonderful. I visited just about when they opened and you can read more about this beach resort in South Goa here, but for a more recent glimpse of how things stand, I’d suggest browsing through the Google reviews before you book to check guests’ recent experiences. The pool area is splendid and certain rooms have private pools, if you are looking to spend a bit more for exclusivity.
Beleza by the Sea, Betalbatim
My staycation at Beleza by the Sea in Betalbatim with Mum was one of the best stay experiences I had in 2022. The rooms were immaculately done with thoughtful touches everywhere (including in the bathroom). Enjoy dips in the massive pool, gaze at field views while you enjoy your meals, walk down the path to the beach, lounge by the poolside, and enjoy the little cafe-cum-work area – this comfortable, contemporary family resort has it all. Definitely recommended for families looking for a getaway and a good time in South Goa! There’s so much to love about this south Goa pool resort and I’d recommend it highly.
Jasminn Hotel, Betalbatim
Spread over 3 beautiful wings, Jasminn Hotel is a sweet 55-room property that offers an idyll escape from life in South Goa. The grounds are beautifully maintained and there are two pools to splash into, which I haven’t seen a lot in Goa. Not only is Jasminn tucked away in a village, but it feels like a part of the village itself – it’s peacefully quiet and feels unrestricted in terms of space. The rooms are large, spacious, and exude cheerfulness, and each one comes with a balcony overlooking a pool or the lawn, depending on which room you book. The South Goa property is pet-friendly and also has a couple of 4BHK villas that large groups can enjoy, and I think it’s a great idea to have large groups set in another space to keep the peace of the main resort intact. I quite liked the Indian and Goan food at Melati, the restaurant on the property. Each member of the staff does their bit to ensure that guests have a pleasant stay. If you like doing nothing but relaxing, spending time at the property is a good idea, but if you want action, the beach is a few minutes drive away.
La Paz Gardens Beacon, Vasco
This old, but recently refurbished hotel is located in a busy part of Vasco, surrounded by shops, eateries, and offices. A sprawling reception welcomes you, and if you’re like me, you’ll find the old-school set-up quite charming. My room was large, with a spacious bathroom and working appliances, which was nice. It had a strong shower, a bathtub (I didn’t use it), and toiletries- the usual that you’d find in a typical business hotel. The view from the window wasn’t worth writing home about, and from my room, I could see a portion of the swimming pool. When there were no swimming lessons for kids underway, the pool was empty. Oh, and you’ll be able to hear the occasional train passing through the railway station that’s a short distance away. Foodwise, their in-house restaurant offers great Indian food, and average Continental food The breakfast selection was small, but sufficient, given the occupancy and crowd the hotel attracts. Indian breakfast staples, sausages, juices, cupcakes and donuts, fruits and sprouts – and tea that was slightly too milky for my taste, but bearable. The staff was pleasant and cooperative, and every corner of the hotel was squeaky clean.
I’ll be sure to update this blog post on the best hotels in South Goa as and when I discover new ones. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to blog about until then. You can catch me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.