Insia Lacewalla
Set in the sleepy village of Saligao, surrounded by lush green fields and kissed by golden light, Casa Zen Goa is quite literally a burst of sunshine with its cheerful white-and-yellow facade.
But step inside, and you’ll discover more than just a vacation home — it’s a soulful sanctuary that reflects the warmth, whimsy and wild-hearted charm of its creators, actor Arshad Warsi and television personality Maria Goretti.
This 150-year-old Portuguese villa, lovingly restored, and now managed by Wildflower Villas, is a design lover’s dream.
STYLISH JOURNEY
The journey of bringing Casa Zen to life began in 2021, when Arshad and Maria took on the task of restoring the old home, while preserving its original soul. Every element, from sourcing azulejos (tiles) in Bicholim to commissioning stained glass windows from an artist in Mumbai, was handpicked with love and intent.
“I’ve always wanted to have a home in Goa because I love the peace, the quiet, the greenery, the amazing fresh food, and the people,” says Arshad Warsi. “There’s such a friendly, relaxed vibe here, I just love being here.”
Casa Zen is filled with the kind of details that make a house feel like a home. From heirlooms and antique finds to quirky art and sculptural fish that peek out of walls, each room has been designed with a painter’s sense of colour and a storyteller’s eye for beauty.
Maria’s fearless approach to interiors embraces eclecticism — bold colours, layered textures, floral murals, and jungle-themed wallpapers. The dramatic dining room is a standout, where a deep forest-toned palette sets the tone against leafy motifs and vintage lighting.
“I knew that I wanted each room to have a different feel, and I started by deciding on the colour for each space first,” says Maria Goretti.
“Then came the design elements — the floors, the stained glass windows, the furniture. It all just fell into place very organically. The only uniform elements in the house are the doors and windows, which I designed myself. I wanted the house to feel warm and practical … and I think I got there,” she adds.
THAT ZEN FEELING
Surrounded by paddy fields and tucked into a quiet patch of North Goa, Casa Zen is where mornings begin with banana leaves and birdsong, and days unfold slowly by a sun-dappled private pool, in breezy bar corners perfect for sundowners, or over long, laughter-filled meals beneath whirring fans.
Open courtyards and lush gardens invite lounging, yoga or quiet reading, while the dining space — warm, inviting and central — feels like the heart of the home. Whether it’s for a private stay, an intimate celebration, or a soulful escape, Casa Zen offers a kind of beauty and stillness that nourishes both body and spirit.
High ceilings, sheer curtains, and airy layouts give the home an expansive feel, while vintage chandeliers and antique sconces cast a warm, inviting glow at sundown. Outside, terracotta planters and tropical greens make the garden as lively as the indoors, with ample seating for lazy afternoon chats or solo reading sessions.
Maria’s favourite stretch is a sunlit walkway that doubles as a gallery for her DIY art pieces, while Arshad escapes to his tucked-away studio — a secret retreat designed for quiet creativity.
Even functional elements carry flair: a bright blue cabinet with gold accents add a touch of drama to the corridor, and two-tone painted balusters match the dandelion mural that dominates the master bedroom’s walls.
The result? A house that feels intimate despite its generous scale — thanks to the many cosy corners and lovingly styled seating nooks peppered throughout. From armchairs in corridors to benches in bedrooms, and loveseats on the verandah, there’s a spot for every mood.
At its core, Casa Zen is a reflection of its owners’ personalities — playful, warm, rooted, and ever-evolving.
“We wanted to create a sanctuary, not just a home,” says Maria. And that’s exactly what it is: a space where you can breathe deeply, laugh loudly, and reconnect with the art of living slowly.
DETAILS
WHAT: Casa Zen Goa
LOCATION: Saligao, North Goa
SLEEPS: Up to 10 guests
BOOKINGS: +91 9168839229 (Wildflower Villas) or via instagram
INSTAGRAM: @casazengoa