Goa is synonymous with the stereotypical beaches, shacks, seafood, sun and all-night parties (ahem, sunburn). It is the ideal location to just let go and have some real fun. Sure, Goa photos also make for some great profile pictures! But, we have all been there, done that.
So, this time, soak in the real Goan atmosphere at these stays, and wonder, why is this side of Goa not always the talk of the town! Go on, brag about it to your friends…
The house is magnificent yet warm and pleasant. Here you can spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy complete privacy. The décor is a stunning manifestation of elegance and simplicity. Every piece has been carefully selected and aesthetically placed. Every element of the house brings a sense of peace and calm. Several sit outs have been created in various parts of the house for you to enjoy a tet-a-tet with loved ones.
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The villa is decorated with interesting wooden picture frames and curios collected from the Owner’s travels across the globe. Pictorial frames on the wall give you a flavour of street art from Greece to Paris and all somehow comes together in this Portuguese little home. The quirky furniture gives a cheerful, warm feeling to the entire house. The rooms are well lit and tastefully furnished; it’s a perfect stay for young families with children. The highlight of the villa is a lovely, shaded porch from where one can spend afternoons reading a book, and take a dip in the pool thats just 5 feet away. It is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a cool drink outside. Or simply take long naps, like the Goans do.
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#3. The Cliff Haven, Dona Paula
This duplex flat of over 3000 sq ft built area in a gated community is situated on a hilltop in Dona Paula which is like Malabar hill of Goa. Designed and furnished to truly echo the tropical setting, the villa is dressed in a neutral palette of earthly tones, brought to life with bursts of warm colours reminiscent of the typical Goan-Portuguese style. The Cliff Haven consists of the living room, the dining area, bar counter, a fully furnished kitchen and three fully air-conditioned master bedrooms with individually connected private balcony, pleasuring you with the panoramic view of Zuari bay and Arabian sea.
#04. Villa in Ribandar
This gorgeous wooden chalet, built in 1730, underwent major restoration works which were completed in 2012. The Ribandar church, which was the first resting place of St. Francis Xavier is close-by, and so is the Salem Ali Bird Sanctuary which is right across, is visible from the rooms of the villa. The lower deck of the villa opens onto a paved patio which is on the river edge. It has docking facilities for a reasonably sized yacht.
In the evening, savour a pint of chilled beer and smoking barbecue on the deck, with your feet dipped in the calm river and watch the sun melt into the water. C’est la vie, right?
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#5. Wooden cottages in Candolim
Set on a hilltop in Saipem, a quiet neighbourhood close to Candolim, these twin cottages offer an incomparable, mesmerizing view of the small rivulets, paddy fields and the greenery below. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and marvel at the beauty of the rising sun and kaleidoscopic butterflies flitting around. These cottages also boast a private jacuzzi where you can let those tensed muscles loose, with soothing house wine. Sounds like heaven on earth, no?
Constructed amidst coconut and palm trees, a mere walking distance from a sparsely populated North Goa beach (one of the rare ones in North Goa). Its very close to the breeding site of Olive Ridley turtles, its a nature lover’s delight. This place is ideal for loosening up and spending some quality time with your friends and family. Oh, and be sure you don’t leave those DSLRs at home!
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#7. Chalet by the river, Old Goa
Situated by Goa’s largest river, Mandovi, you can experience a breathtaking scenery of the river and the mountains beyond during the monsoons. It is provisioned with all the requisites that you would want in your home. The restaurant nearby is a locals and tourist favourite owing to the lip-smacking seafood preparations. Yacht owners can go on short ferries across the river and then anchor it at the wooden jetty outside the house.
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#8. Boutique homestay in Bodiem Thivim
Constructed in the tranquil village of Thivim, this homestay is surrounded by lush green fields and a closeby river. This is the perfect example of a Portuguese house. Away from the busy towns, this lazy village is perfect for the worn-out city dwellers. If you’re travelling as a close group, the Calangute and Arambol beaches are about a half-hour drive away. You can also take a nice boat ride across the river. Splash about in the pool or simple just laze around during the day and give yourself a much-needed break. The Aravale waterfalls is close from the homestay and sight-seeing tours can also be arranged.
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About the Author: Aatreya Bhat spends a major part of the day reading, writing and jamming. The rest of the day, he spends explaining his name to others. He loves reading political books and is a big fan of the caped crusader. Skydiving and experiencing a Manchester derby at the Trafford will always top his bucket list.