A virtually uninterrupted string of palm-fringed, golden-sand beaches attracts travelers to Goa, India’s pocket-sized paradise which was formerly a Portuguese colony. In Goa, a kaleidoscopic blend of cultures has catalyzed a scintillating hospitality scene, with accommodations ranging from colonial boutiques to luxury five-star resorts. If you’re thinking of visiting, here are my picks for the best cool and fun hotels in Goa, India…
Amrapali-House of Grace
Here we have an Old Portuguese style bolthole on the banks of the Shiridao Lake, which has been beautifully converted into a lavish boutique home.
Amrapali is an independent-minded abode which values tradition and culture, inviting you to relish a curated experience brimming with innately tranquil and joyful natural surrounds.
The original structure has been preserved wherever possible, with local artisans dedicated to this mission. The hotel embodies nourishment in the form of energy and vitality, and invites you to enjoy a stunning waterfront location.
The on-site café serves mouth-watering gourmet desserts from a Le Cordon Bleu certified pastry chef, complemented by delicious Amo tea from tea estates in Assam.
Pros
Portuguese-style boutique home
Gorgeous outdoor pool
Cuisines prepared with locally curated ingredients
Wellness center with yoga classes
Cons
Pets are not allowed
No minibars in rooms
Azaya Beach Resort Goa
Azaya is tailor-made for millennials and incorporates Portuguese and Maldivian elements to curate an Instagrammer’s dream.
The bright pops of colour and the relaxed atmosphere set the tone for a paradisiacal vacation, with soul-stirring sea views and powder-soft sand spreading deep into the resort.
The 114 impeccably designed rooms and suites are styled in a quirky, hip aesthetic, and a floating breakfast can follow a blissful night’s sleep in the morning.
A stay at Azaya Beach Resort is truly a step into a new world, where you can indulge in anything from leisure surfing to a rejuvenating massage, to a boozy sundowner at the beachfront cabanas, to an after-party at the high-octane bar.
Pros
Maldivian-inspired bright interior
Splendid sea views
Floating breakfast in pool
Onsite bar overlooks Arabian Sea
Cons
Limited variety in breakfast buffet
Pets are not allowed
MansionHaus



This atypical all-white mansion is designed to impress. From a tree-lined cobbled porch to the stately columns and baroque style wooden mouldings, a feeling of luxury and sophistication is immediately introduced on arrival.
Steeped in history and design, the careful restoration of this luxury Goa hotel has led to the coalescence of old-world charm and contemporary aesthetics.
The property is devoid of any insignia, emulating the discrete experience of arriving at a stately home. A communal courtyard is supported by gorgeous arches and pillars, creating a rich interplay of light and air to welcome you to the nine surrounding suites.
Each accommodation boasts high-vaulted ceilings, and is surrounded by water bodies to exude calmness and tranquillity. All open onto private pools, and feature bespoke artwork and heirlooms of the past to beautifully contrast the modern décor.
Pros
Historic and luxurious mansion
Beautiful rooms with private pools
Courtyard with alluring arches
Relaxing sunny terrace
Cons
Not pet friendly
Kids under 12 are not allowed
W Goa
Dappled in golden glows of sunshine, India’s first W hotel is decorated with a boho aesthetic, and brings chic Ibizan vibes to the shores of northern Goa.
Predominantly white and open-air, many contemporary Indian pieces offer flamboyant splashes of colour, an essence which radiates into the four scintillating dining venues where art and music unfurl in an epic Arabian Sea backdrop.
The 160 rooms and suites are light-filled cocoons with cavernous bathrooms, breezy lounges, and either balconies or garden patios. The in-room experience nods to the area’s rich and colourful history through Portuguese ceramic tiled floors, coloured-glass chandeliers, and bodhi leaf-shaped mirrors.
Pros
Boho Ibizan aesthetic
Onsite pool with sunset views
Four restaurants with beach views
Outdoor fireplace to relax
Cons
Lively vibe might not be for everyone
A little pricey
Casa Anjuna
Considered the gem of the hippie trail, Anjuna is an area bearing signs of the past, with a touch of modern eccentricity in the form of many restaurants, beach shacks, and flea markets.
Casa Anjuna puts you in the heart of one of the district’s most lively villages, and is styled on an old Goan heritage home. Here, manicured gardens sweep across your entire vision, and leave a trail of floral discovery, through many dainty alpino flowers on which the hotel’s logo was designed.
Restored furniture exudes a luxury ambiance throughout the property, creating a dreamlike home from home. This boutique hotel emerges down a narrow lane, and offers two intimate dining spaces which open up onto the beautiful outdoors.
Pros
Exquisite boutique design
Relaxing outdoor pool
Landscape garden
Onsite restaurant with impressive food
Cons
Small bathrooms
WiFi is a bit slow
6.
The Park Calangute Goa
Imbued with Goa’s laid back, life-loving spirit, this bohemian chic beach resort is gleaming with five-star luxury, and is beautifully nestled between two of the region’s most popular beaches.
Throughout the property, the corridors are alive with eccentric photographic imagery depicting a free-spirited nomadic lifestyle, and lead to the 30 dialled-down contemporary luxe accommodations.
The in-room ambiance is kept light and bright with an all-white palette, embellished with soothing purple hues, while quirky artwork and selected retro furnishings add a distinctive flair. Here, you can enjoy award-winning alfresco dining on the beach in a relaxed open-air restaurant which serves delicious cuisine all day long.
Pros
Stylish and trendy resort
Open-air dining on beach
Retro rooms with minibars
Relaxing rooftop bar
Cons
Small pool
No extra beds available
Mojigao
Tucked away on a quaint leafy street, Mojigao is a 6000 square-metre eco-resort set in the heritage village of Assagao.
This peaceful property consists of six luxury cottages surrounded by forested slopes and graceful gardens, and provides an idyllic getaway for those in pursuit of serenity, well-being, and a connection with a community of artists and natural therapists.
The hotel totally harmonizes stunning architecture with exquisite nature, blending the inside and the outside world in unique ways. As a result, Mojigao is the perfect spot to unwind from a busy life and find relaxation of peace and mind.
You can savour Middle Eastern & Mediterranean specialities at the in-house Artjuna Restaurant, which also offers a hearty Tapas menu, all-day breakfasts, salads, smoothies, and region’s best coffee.
Pros
Serene gorgeous garden
Spa facilities and wellness packages
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisines
Beautiful rooms with walk-in showers
Cons
Yoga classes are extra
No hair dryers in bathrooms
Service can be a bit slow
Hard Rock Hotel Goa
Bringing the excellence of the Hard Rock brand to North Goa’s beach belt, this stunning Calangute retreat boasts 135 epic rooms and suites topped with an air of glamour through textured walls, customised linen, and a spacious environment.
All are arranged around the pool courtyard, and are adorned with quotes from rock-n-roll icons along the walls, inviting you to feel like a rockstar while reminding you of the legacy of the hotel chain.
Also on display throughout the property are authentic Fender guitars (waiting to be played), and memorabilia of international artists which include unique instruments and outfits.
The ‘Sound of your Stay’ programme gives guests an unforgettable chance to enjoy live performances, partake in jam sessions, and browse through customised playlists.
Pros
Rock-'n'-roll-themed glamorous interior
Relaxing poolside bar
Live onsite musical performance
Rooms with Fender guitars
Cons
Small rooms
Vibe might not be for everyone
Chain hotel
Red Thread Calangute
Red Thread Calangute believes the five senses are the gatekeepers of the inner world. An ethereal experience is thus provided to allow you to revel in undiluted silence and experience the wisdom of Gaia (pointing to the interconnection of everything on earth).
A home with a soul, the hotel integrates culture, heritage, and spiritual values, whilst seamlessly blending contemporary amenities with artisanal craftmanship.
The outside wilderness is brought in through floor-to-ceiling windows, with numerous spaces including seat loungers, a cosy library, a pool, and gardens, ready to present the beauty and majesty of clarity, insight, and kindness.
From expressive cuisine to state-of-the-art guestrooms, Red Thread works closely with its guests to tailor design in order to fully serve your intentions and desires.
Pros
Blend of cultural & spiritual vibes
Onsite cozy library
State-of-the-art boutique rooms
Restaurant serving amazing food
Cons
Dim lighting
Some rooms are small
Nilaya Hermitage
A discreet gateway to complete rejuvenation of mind and body, Nilaya Hermitage invites you to part ways with normal life, and discover real meaning in a refreshing ambiance.
Spread over 20 acres, the rustic themed sleeping havens are surrounded by iridescent tropical birds and wake-up calls by peacocks.
The property is canopied by majestic trees lining both sides of stone pathways which lead to brick-coloured cottages styled on an ‘Arabian Nights’ theme, with Moorish architecture guiding you to another dimension.
Set on a secluded hill promising uniqueness and solitude, each of the 13 unique units offer breathtaking views of the Arabian sea, and the sunsets are nothing short of majestic.
Pros
Located on secluded hill
Elegant rustic decor
Arabian night-themed cottages
Onsite wellness centre & outdoor pool
Cons
All male masseuses
Food needs a bit more variety
Beleza By The Beach
At Beleza, immaculate stretches of greenery combine with the refreshing scent of the sea and the paradisiacal essence of white sand beneath your feet, to guide guests to surrender to true Goan splendour.
A stay here is a step into the wisdom of sustainable, untainted beauty, as you soak up the majesty of Colva beach in an artistic wonderland.
The resort comprises 94 tastefully designed rooms, suites, and villas, each equipped with plush amenities and tech-forward initiatives.
This blissful utopia also offers a whole host of remarkable experiences that place comfort at the front and center, through stress-busting wellness activities, refreshing drinks, serene pool dips, and scrumptious food, all under one stunning roof.
Pros
Refreshing beachfront hotel
Spacious well-appointed rooms
Beautiful pool and wellness center
Cons
Some noise
WiFi is a bit slow
Ahilya By The Sea
Perched on Coco Beach in North Goa’s peaceful Nerul district, a classic old-world Goan charm is harmonized with Balinese influences, offering an experience steeped in luxury.
The villas boast rustic laterite walls and intricately patterned wooden brackets adorning the roof, topped with bespoke artwork, an aroma diffuser, and restored antique décor.
On-site facilities include two pools and many relaxing nooks, as well as areas filled with board games and musical instruments, all contributing to the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere.
A sumptuous selection of local and European-style food, as well as all-day snacks and beverages, are on offer here, with a well-informed staff presence ready to offer the idyllic family retreat.
Pros
Colonial-style luxurious decor
Balinese-themed villas with sea views
Onsite bar and two pools
Scrumptious European food
Cons
Low lighting in rooms
Limited food options
Drinks are a little pricey
Whoopers Boutique Anjuna
At Whoppers Boutique, a vibrant yellow façade invites you to an experience brimming with authenticity and splendour, nestled in the heart of the jungle.
Many charming open-air hangouts adorn the property, welcoming the grace of nature to set the tone for a unique Goa welcome. A shimmering outdoor pool area is girdled by vegetation, offering a space of seclusion for you to soak up the charming surroundings.
A vibrant bar area with billiards table blends a cozy ‘British Pub’ feel with a temperate outdoors ambiance, and is a memorable hub for discerning travellers to mingle the night away.
Whilst embracing a tranquil location, the hotel is a mere 10-minute stroll from Anjuna Beach, offering a convenient position to explore the paradisiacal South-West Indian charm.
Pros
Creative yellow decor
Outdoor bar with British pub vibes
Pool surrounded by lush greenery
Daiy continental and vegetarian breakfast
Cons
Pool is a bit small
WiFi is intermittent
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa
Surrounded by white sand beaches and lush green environs, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort is the ideal getaway for couples and families alike.
The young and energetic staff presence endeavors to pamper guests in luxury, offering a bespoke personalized service to let your stresses melt away.
The guestrooms are well equipped with unique design elements, and feature a moody lighting facility to set the mood for a true Arabian Sea welcome. The Pink Room Spa is the ultimate spot to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul, boasting 5 treatment rooms utilizing a whole host of natural elements.
Kickstart your celebrations in the on-site restaurant ‘Planet Dailies’, fueled by culinary artists who maintain a high standard of presentation and service through a range of Classic Western, Japanese, and South Indian dishes.
Pros
Quirky beachfront accommodation
Restaurant serving various cuisines
Onsite revitalising spa
Outdoor pool with serene views
Cons
Chain
Can be pricey
The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali, Goa
Nestled within twenty acres of greenery in a hidden corner of Goa, The Postcard Hideaway offers solitude and relaxation in the purest sense, with unending views of the hills and surrounding Western Ghats.
The 20 guestrooms blend unobtrusively with this effervescent backdrop and are topped with worldly pleasures and a graceful patio. Your wellness regime begins from the minute you dive into the hotel, as the sounds of water, leaves, and birds offer an instant sense of respite.
The spa area extends this essence, featuring an open-air jacuzzi and yoga sessions atop a stunning pavilion. The on-site restaurant sources ingredients from the resort’s organic garden, and celebrates the rich flavors of local Goan cuisine.
Pros
Calm and rejuvenating vibes
Spacious rooms with patios
Open-air jacuzzi
Complimentary wellness centre
Cons
Some rooms can be a bit dark
Food is pricey
Anahata Retreat
Named after the heart chakra, associated with balance, calmness, and serenity, Anahata is beautifully tucked away in a beachside coconut grove. Offering daily yoga classes, seasonal menus, and enthralling thatched eco-cottages, this seaside haven combines the essences of laid-back and luxurious.
A castaway feel permeates the property’s manicured grounds, which boast a bamboo yoga deck nestled between tropical gardens, plush several swaying hammocks providing ultimate relaxation.
A standout feature is the elevated sunset pavilion, which provides a graceful setting to kick back and indulge in a signature cocktail in front of a mesmerizing Arabian Sea sunset.
The guestrooms are built from recycled wood and feature private verandas with sea views, with a quintessential rustic charm offered through wind lantern light fittings and bamboo ladder tower rails.
Pros
Quiet and stunning beachfront location
Lush garden with hammocks
Rooms with private verandas & sea views
Cons
No Yoga classes
Compact washrooms
Breakfast starts quite late
Cidade De Goa – IHCL SeleQtions
Offering a blend of luxury, warmth, and laidback elegance, Cidade De Goa was designed as a Portuguese hamlet, taking inspiration from Mediterranean influences through vibrant medleys of oranges, yellows, and blues.
The property is adorned with murals, chequered floors, and tiled roofs, transporting visitors on a journey through the historical harmony of Portuguese-Goan culture.
The vibe and location embody the flair of Goa, while the hotel is backdropped by stunning views of the sea and manicured greens.
Every corner tells a story, and every evening is accentuated by live music, with a range of water sports, games, and children’s facilities also on offer. At Cidade, a voyage of discovery is provided in the form of meditation, yoga, and self-healing sessions.
Pros
Interior adorned with beautiful murals
Room with stunning sea view
Laid-back poolside bar
Onsite shopping facilities
Cons
Some rooms can be small
Check in is a little slow
Alila Diwa Goa
Designed with tropical, Bali-esque elements, Alila Diwa features boundless views over green fields. Its commodious guestrooms are ornate with dark wood and boast balconies with outdoor seating areas, while laterite stone, clay tiles, and high ceilings reflect the Goan charm.
The property’s pathways are lined with several water bodies, which lead to a dazzling pool, a lounge, and an exquisite restaurant. An array of spa therapies is on offer at Spa Alila, which provides a unique blend of Asian, Western, and Ayurvedic treatments with oils made of fresh, natural ingredients.
In the evening you can savor an explosion of delicious flavors and cuisines, with thoughtfully crafted dishes and artisanal dining experiences on offer.
Pros
Unique upscale beachfront vibe
Dazzling onsite pool & lounge
Spa with relaxing oil therapies
Dining with artisanal cuisines
Cons
No valet parking
Some noisy rooms
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
The Mediterranean-style Taj Exotica Resort is peacefully spread across 56 acres of landscaped gardens, sitting along a private beach overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea.
Taj Exotica is a popular haunt for travelers who flock here from near and far to take advantage of supreme golfing facilities, a full spa and outdoor pool, and 6 exquisite dining options.
The guestrooms are decorated in neutral colors, with classic dark wood furnishings and traditional patterns bolstering the chic, relaxed feel. Each has a private balcony overlooking the garden or sea, while some offer a private pool or hydro-massage bathtub.
Pros
Mediterranean-themed classic hotel
Private beach
Chic rooms some with balconies overlooking Arabian sea
Six onsite luxurious restaurants
Cons
Dark lighting
Limited food options
Agonda Serenity Resort
Set in the beautiful beach town of Agonda, here we have one of Southern India’s most eclectic hubs, offering 7 Front accommodations, 14 garden-view huts, and 4 Basic Cottages.
Nestled in lush tropical gardens, Agonda Serenity Resort is an idyllic, secluded spot for sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming, while relatively few tourists visit this district.
The hotel is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet morning, yet relish an Instagrammable backdrop in a boutique atmosphere.
Setting out to provide memorable experiences for all types of travelers, the resort achieves excellence through personalized service, inspired innovation, and adaptation to the changing tourism landscape.
Pros
Picturesque beachside view
Private spot for sunbathing and relaxing
Retro rooms with balcony
Delightful outdoor dining area
Cons
Cots are not available for children
WiFi can be intermittent
Best Hotels in Goa Compared
We have compared the Top 20 Cool and Unique Hotels in Goa on the basis of multiple aspects.
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attractions (km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amrapali-House of Grace | 1105 Morgado Vaddo | $150-$166 | Yes | 8.0 | 3 |
Azaya Beach Resort Goa | 336/0, Village Calwaddo | $183-$411 | Yes | 4.8 | 3 |
MansionHaus | 1263 , Gaunvaddi | $199-$356 | No | 11.0 | 3 |
W Goa | Vagator Beach | $326-$902 | Yes | 13.0 | 3 |
Casa Anjuna | House No. 669/5 | $102-$214 | No | 11.0 | 3 |
The Park Calangute Goa | End of Holiday Street | $120-$230 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
Mojigao | Bairo Alto | $152-$170 | Yes | 12.0 | 3 |
Hard Rock Hotel Goa | 370/14 Porbavaddo | $72-$352 | Yes | 9.0 | 3 |
Red Thread Calangute | 5/2, Naikwaddo | $79-$122 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
Nilaya Hermitage | 403518 Arpora | $114-$221 | Yes | 9.0 | 3 |
Beleza By The Beach | Colva Beach | $143-$207 | Yes | 4.8 | 3 |
Ahilya By The Sea | Coco Maia | $309-$448 | No | 4.2 | 3 |
Whoopers Boutique Anjuna | Chappel Road | $11-$54 | No | 11.0 | 3 |
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa | 30/3 Acsona Waddo | $164-$1450 | Yes | 7.0 | 3 |
The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali, Goa | H.No.373, Jaquem | $314-$371 | Yes | .4.5 | 3 |
Anahata Retreat | House No.367, Next to Ajoba Temple | $212-$345 | Yes | 3.4 | 3 |
Cidade De Goa | Vainguinim Beach | $136-$1084 | No | 6.0 | 3 |
Alila Diwa Goa | Adao Waddo | $171-$435 | Yes | 5.0 | 3 |
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa | Benaulim Beach | $271-$2197 | Yes | 4.7 | 3 |
Agonda Serenity Resort | dhavalkajan | $213-$251 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
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Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
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