Goa is renowned for its unique approach to stays, offering a diverse range of accommodations that cater to every traveller’s preference. The accommodations available, besides hotels and resorts, range from beachfront huts, eco-friendly cottages to luxurious villas and heritage homes.
But what makes Goa accommodations stand out is their integration with the surrounding environment. Many of these stays are designed to blend seamlessly with Goa’s beauty whether it’s through sustainable architecture, lush gardens, view of the sea or even of the countryside.
And speaking of the countryside, you can always ditch the luxury resort and visit some of these offbeat rural homestays and Indo-Portuguese homestays in Goa that give you a very different experience.
1. The Secret Garden Goa
This 200-year-old ancestral home of the Menezes family provides the perfect spot to relax and unwind in a Goan way. Built in 1864 by Eugenio Menezes, the house is filled with artefacts and curios and has a private swimming pool. The ornate oyster-shell windowpanes and clay tiles of Estrelas e Sinos provide it with a quiet, old-world charm.
The house sprawls across 7,500 square feet and is evenly distributed between the lush green garden, pool and patio areas. There are three rooms – The Lennox room, The Raja room and The Malabar Garden room – each with its unique signature and design.
The place is currently hosted by Helen and Derrick Menezes and their children Harvey and Havan-Kay, along with their house help who lives in close proximity to the property, to give tourists a very homey feeling.
DETAILS
WHERE: Saligao
CONTACT: 9552518664
2. O Abrigo
This heritage homestay located in Mala, Fontainhas, is one of the many ancestral homes in Fontainhas. This house offers lavish, spacious rooms with unique artworks and antiques, and is renowned for its Indo-Portuguese architecture, which adds to its charm. The homestay typically offers modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning along with homey food. Additionally, it’s often praised for its attentive staff who go out of their way to ensure that the guests have a memorable stay.
DETAILS
WHERE: Mala, Fontainhas
CONTACT: 9765100686
3. Quinta Da Graca
Nestled in the quaint village of Saligao this charming Indo-Portuguese mansion was built in the early 1940s. It offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourism belts, while it is still not too far from the beaches of Bardez.
The property is often praised for its spacious and tastefully-decorated rooms, each with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests get to enjoy the ambience of this homestay by relaxing in the lush garden space or simply unwind in the veranda while embracing the surroundings of the village.
DETAILS
WHERE: Saligao
INSTGRAM: quintadagraca
4. Cancio’s House
This family-run boutique homestay located in the quaint village of Aldona is over 500 years old and one of the first houses in the village. They have guest rooms which are airy, spacious and furnished mostly with restored antique furniture. The guest rooms have balconies overlooking the garden that provide a breath-taking view of nature.
You not only get to experience the comfort of the home but also get a chance to experience home-cooked food, where some meals are cooked over a wood fire. You can explore some historical places in the vicinity that include the 15th century Church of St Thomas and the 17th century fort that once stood watch over the old border of Goa. So those looking to experience life in a village of Goa in a very Goan way then this homestay is a must.
DETAILS
WHERE: Aldona
CONTACT: 9822385885
5. Casa Susagad
This luxury, restored heritage mansion located in Loutolim offers a comfortable stay where you can either rent out the rooms at the house or even rent out the entire villa. The villa comprises five bedrooms that are aesthetically designed with antique furniture and gorgeous colours, offering a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The property sits on one and a half acre of land and is surrounded by lush greenery. An ideal location for those seeking tranquillity and an escape.
DETAILS
WHERE: Loutolim
CONTACT: 9528032644