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During the summer months Goa becomes a playground for tourists around the world looking for the perfect tan and a place to party. But what happens when the sunglasses are replaced by raincoats and the viciousness of a coastal monsoon descends on this dreamy holiday state?
Locals will tell you that if anything, Goa becomes even more beautiful under a blanket of rain. The narrow winding lanes are flanked by vibrant greenery, the wide open fields are a riot of colour and everything around you feels alive. Goa in the rains is truly a wonder to behold and because we want you all to see it too, we’ve compiled this list of beautiful villas where you can while away your tropical vacation.
This family run business has been around for the last 30 years and the Afonso family will take you in and give you a taste of old world Goan hospitality. The airy walkway and rooftop terrace overlooks the Saint Sebastian Chapel which is an extension of the Alfonso residence They are located in the old Latin quarter of Panjim which is littered with restaurants, bars and galleries so you’ll get to experience Goa’s true Portuguese roots.
Cost: At INR 1,800 a night two people can experience this historical wonder.
If you like places with a little history this 200 year old Portuguese Villa is the place for you. In the midst of a quiet village overrun with greenery you can admire the jackfruit, chikoo and sangwan trees from beneath the pillars of this regal home. Pick any of the six spacious suites to lay your head but be sure to check out the stunning pool area, steam room or the enviable library. Snuggle up with hot chai and pakoras made by the house chef and while away a rainy afternoon.
Cost : For INR 8,200 a night you can relax in the lap of luxury.
This ancestral home, belonging to the Pinto family was built in 1929 right on the edge of the scenic Candolim Beach in North Goa. It offers breathtaking views of the seashore from nearly every room. The thatched roofs and the private terrace overlooking the beach will enchant you and you can be sure that this is one experience that you’ll carry with you forever.
Cost: It’s a steal for INR 5,300 - 6,000 a night for 6 people.
These four tropical villas in the heart of the Goan wilderness should be your go-to destination when you need complete seclusion and serenity. They may be remote but they definitely don’t skimp on luxury, each villa comes with a treetop living room with a personal plunge jet pool from where you can admire the breathtaking scenery. While there are plenty of options like white water rafting and pottery classes for the more adventurous traveler, there is nothing quite like lazing around in the pool all day.
Cost : A bit steep at INR 33,000 per villa, but it does include meals, airport transfers and your own personal car and driver.
On the mangrove covered banks of the River Talpona this tranquil villa is the perfect retreat from city life. It’s a haven for bird watchers and from the comfort of your river-facing suite you can watch the movements of the cormorants, kingfishers, kites and parakeets that come calling. You could choose to put on your apron and whip up your own feast or call put your feet up and call on the local staff for some delicious Goan cuisine, whatever your mood, Riverview Villa will ensure you have a restful holiday.
Cost : For INR 7,000 per night four people can occupy this little slice of heaven.
These villas were designed specificall for the Goa rains. The owners claim that the properties remain bone dry even in the heaviest downpour. So if you need a place to escape the constant damp this is where you should be heading. The rooms themselves are a lovely mix of old and new, with designer furnishings cozying up with hand woven baskets. So if you need a relaxing hideaway to stay warm and dry Shunya Villas could be the place for you.
Cost : A double room starts at Rs. 5,500 a night but your dry socks will thank you.
The aptly named Siesta Villa in central Cavellossim is undoubtedly the place to head if you want the homestay experience without compromising on luxury. The two spacious bedrooms have stunning views of the nearby Sal river and the huge dining and living room are perfect for large parties. They also have a minimum one week booking policy which shouldn’t be a problem because once you get there you definitely won’t want to leave.
Cost: For INR 8,000 per night (during monsoon guests must stay for a minimum of three days) you and three friends can experience the ultimate siesta.
VIII. The Brook - Succour
This fairytale villa lies in the heart of one of Goa’s oldest villages. It was named after Tennyson’s famed poem so you know this is the place to get in touch with your inner artist. The whole vibe is one of peace and inspiration and this is best illustrated by the rooms themselves. The five rooms are name Driftwood, Pebbles, Sunbeam, Waterbreak and Stonyway and if that doesn’t make you feel like you’re somewhere magical, nothing will.
Cost : Entire four bedroom villa costs INR 25,000 per night, so gather up the family and experience it yourself.
A tribute to Goa’s Portuguese ancestry, The Inner Temple seems to have been built specifically to cater to the monsoons. With its large open verandah named Vaayu lets you revel in a cool breeze, the private room on the upper floor, Agni will let you kick back and enjoy the panoramic views from its personal balcony. If all this beauty gets too stressful you can always take in a Swedish massage before tucking into a sumptuous Goan feast prepared by the on-site caretaker Sunita. This is how luxury was meant to be.
Cost : You can get the entire villa for INR 21,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast so you can really live it up.
If privacy is what you’re after look no further than this awe-inspiring 200 year old Portuguese villa. In the rains the luscious 1.5 acre gardens come alive and you can enjoy the view from the infinity pool which sits in the midst of this green oasis. The restored villa has grand high ceilings and has been decorated in a style reminiscent of colonial sophistication. This magnificent experience is however highly exclusive so if you want to get a taste of elite living you better get on that waiting list today.
Cost : A bit heavy on the pocket at INR 29,000 per night, but great for large groups.
In the middle of a quiet, unspoiled village lies this 100 year old Portuguese home. If you’re on the hunt for an action packed vacation, this may not be the place for you. You can spend your days doing yoga, browsing the library, or taking up a class in Goan cooking. If you’re more of a beach bum you can head down to Majorda beach which is barely a kilometer away. There are separate elements to Vivenda dos Palhacos the front of the house is the modest Portuguese area where there are two bedrooms, the older house behind is made from thick rammed earth walls with three double bedrooms. All the spaces are quiet and restful so whichever you choose you’re in for a treat.
Cost : A very reasonable Rs. 4,786 per night will get you a room and a complimentary breakfast.
Marbella Guest House opened in 1986 and was built in the style of an old Portuguese mansion and is located a mere 10 minutes from Sinquerim Beach. This homestay has three suites—the Penthouse, Rajasthani and Moghul, and three guestrooms—the Garden room and Bougainvillea 1 and 2, all with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and TVs. If you really want to splurge, go ahead and book the Penthouse suite. It comes with a separate living room and attached private terrace. Plus, it has a bed that you really may not want to get out of. Aguada Fort is also nearby, but if you want to spend some time by yourself, take a walk down some of the sleepy village roads in and around Sinquerim.
Cost : To stay at this gorgeous manor during the off season it costs INR 2,800 - 3,800 depending on the room.
Research: Raj Rege
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