Goa’s beaches, nightlife, and easygoing vibe have given it the perfect title of the country’s party capital. It comes as no surprise then that ‘Is Goa good for a family trip?’ is a frequently asked question on Google. With COVID-19 dominating our travel plans, it has become difficult to venture out – more so, with our family. However, if one exercises extreme caution, and follows protocols, it is safe to plan a getaway with your family, at some of the best private villas in Goa.
The state tops the list when it comes to the one place people want to visit (within India) as soon as there are the slightest signs of normalcy. Several people have shifted base to live and work out of the land of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees to break away from the rut.
While Goa during the peak season is great, during monsoons, it is a whole mood! Be it celebrating a missed occasion, working/studying in a safe and sanitised villa, or giving yourself and your kids a much-needed break, here are some SaffronStays homes in Goa for that Susegad life…
1. Bel Azur, Assagao
For families that believe in living life king size, this is one of the best villas in Goa. A set of twin private villas with a pool, this one’s a quintessential Goan home. With Mediterranean vibes – airy, brightly lit rooms – every little space in this twin villa spells sophistication.
While the first structure has 5 bedrooms, the second one has 4 bedrooms. This makes it ideal for a special occasion or an annual family get-together. The elevators in the villa make it ideal for senior citizens, too. Have a fun get-together, courtesy of the soundproof AV room where you can have match screenings and movie marathons. The villa also has a lounge with professional snooker & billiards board along with a bar and provision for a card night (poker chips + mat), so you know how to play your cards right. Bookmark this villa for your next trip to Goa already!
2. Casa Saudade, Candolim
If you and your family wish to have an authentic Goan experience, we can’t recommend this home enough! This Portuguese-style 4-bedroom villa near Candolim beach is ideal if you and your family want a change of scenery and wish to work/study from a private villa. It has a rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the mangroves on one side and Candolim Beach on the other. The villa is reminiscent of old Goa with its breezy views, sit-out areas, and a swell time. Apart from its beaches, no trip to Goa is complete sans a hearty Goan meal. Our in-home cook can prepare lip-smacking Goan and Indian delights just for you and your family.
3. Mayflower Manor, Baga
Tucked away on a cliff amidst calming greens, SaffronStays Mayflower Manor is a 5-bedroom villa with an infinity pool in Baga. It has an interesting, bunker-like structure with two underground levels. If you are looking for a party-perfect villa, this is one of the best villas in Goa for it! Level one houses a spacious living room with a TV set, dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen, 1 bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, landscaped garden, and a deck from where you can enjoy chai and sunsets. The first basement has 3 bedrooms and an infinity pool with mesmerising views that overlooks verdant greenery. The second basement houses 1 spacious bedroom with a living room. Interspersed with quirky sketches, colourful furnishings, and decor pieces, this modern home oozes colours and liveliness.
4. Royal Marigold, Vagator
If you wish to have a vacation steeped in history and regality, check into SaffronStays Royal Marigold. A heritage villa, this 5-bedroom pool villa was built in 1629. A perfect family haven, this boutique luxury villa makes for the perfect annual family holiday; a place where you don’t just study history, you live it. The spacious living room, lazy lawns, and priceless vintage furniture create the perfect royal Portuguese vibe. Adding a touch of modern luxury is the private pool under tall palm trees. You can try your hand at perfecting those quarantine recipes in the well-stocked, expansive kitchen. This 300-year-old Portuguese villa has been fully restored to cater to workations, family vacations, and special celebrations. Take a stroll in the mango and chikoo orchards or laze around on the deck when you stay here.
5. Ivy Gaze, Baga
For a family that lives on chai, life learning, and Kishore Kumar songs, SaffronStays Ivy Gaze is the perfect 3-bedroom cosy pool abode. Gather in the cheery living room for a hearty breakfast and retire in the breezy balconies for laidback evenings. With minimal decor and furnishings, and several indoor plants, the home has a modern vibe. Visit the sandy beaches of Goa including Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Sinquerim, and Calangute for an early morning walk or catch memorable sunsets with your loved ones.
6. Sunflower Glee, Arpora
For families with young adults, SaffronStays Sunflower Glee is the perfect option. This 4-bedroom private villa’s vibrant hues lend a young vibe to the place. Exhibiting just the right kind of yellows and blues, this Portuguese-style villa near Baga beach has large sit-out spaces for catching up with friends and family, and sprawling lawns for some yoga and quietude.
The ground level has a spacious living area, an 8-seater dining area, a powder room, kitchen, and one bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Each room has a TV set for times you wish to catch up on some TV time. With charming step-out balconies, characteristic of traditional Portuguese architecture, this villa is all-things-dreamy.
Disclaimer:
- Given that we’ve still not completely conquered COVID-19, we trust our guests to understand the gravity of the situation and travel safely in their own bubble. While staying in a private villa after arriving in your private vehicles minus any strangers and just the on-site staff is a safe choice, we urge people to exercise extreme caution.
- Travel in smaller groups, with people who you know.
- Ensure that you and your family are fully vaccinated (or at least received the first shot), practise social distancing, wear a mask and carry a sanitiser at all times.
- While you’re staying at the selected property, make sure that you’re following COVID appropriate behaviour and not flouting norms thereby harming the local staff and locals.
- We are also undertaking vaccination of our on-ground staff in these remote locations – the caretakers and our operations team, both.
- As a company, we have tried digitising our bookings, payments, collecting other guest details and other formalities as far as possible to avoid one-on-one contacts and smoothen the process.
- Since the staggered unlock last year, our COVID measures are in place. Here’s a look at some of them.