Goa’s coastline stretches for over 130 kilometres with beaches ranging from those that are pristine and isolated, to those that are filled with action. These hotels and their locations offer something to suit the tastes and budgets of all honeymooners.
1. Taj Exotica (Between Benaulim and Varca Beaches, South Goa)
Luxurious and secluded, the Taj Exotica is set on 55 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and overlooks a long, relatively quiet stretch of beach. It’s got an attractive traditional Portuguese-Colonial façade and 140 rooms. The great thing about this resort is that because it’s so spacious, it never feels crowded no matter how full it is. The standard "garden villas" are located at the far end of the property and offer a great deal more privacy than the more expensive "pool villas". Room service is also excellent for those not wanting to venture out anywhere. The only real drawbacks of this hotel are the cost of meals in its restaurants and the slightly tired bathrooms in some rooms.
Expect to pay around $240 USD per night for a garden villa up to $450 per night for a pool villa with a sunset view.
Hotel contact details: Varca Beach, Benaulim, Goa, 403716. Ph: (91-832) 2771234 or toll free 1866-969-1-825 in the USA and Canada. Email: exotica.goa@tajhotels.com
2. The Leela (Morbor Beach, South Goa)
The Leela, with its stunning Portuguese architecture, has 75 acres of tropical gardens at the sandy and private Morbor Beach, located at the tip of Colva Beach. This palatial hotel represents grandeur at its best. It’s one of the most expensive places to stay in Goa, but is also extremely popular and guests will have an unforgettable time. The hotel's rooms have recently been refurbished and there are 185 generously sized rooms, suites and villas. Guests at this hotel are treated more like family, and the staff is very helpful and friendly. However, the food served up by the restaurants outside the hotel tends to be much tastier and better priced than that in the hotel’s restaurants.
Rates start from around $400 USD per night for a pavilion room, including transfers and breakfast.
Hotel contact details: Cavelossim, Mobor, Salcette, Goa 403 731. Ph: (91-832) 2871234 or toll free 1800-426-3135 in the USA and Canada. Email: reservations.goa@theleela.com
3. Marriott Goa Resort (Miramar Beach, North Goa)
The Marriot Goa, located close to the state’s capital of Panjim (Panaji), is a high quality resort that provides for a fun holiday. One of the best things about this hotel is the wonderful view of the ocean from most of its rooms, which will delight any honeymooner. In particular, the outlook from the executive bay view rooms is breathtaking. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and various sports are all on offer at the hotel. The hotel also has an on-site casino and pool, located right near the ocean, with swim up bar. The pool is a great place to chill out and compensates for the quality of the beach, which isn’t good for swimming as it’s right at the mouth of the Mandovi River. The hotel food is also good and the staff is attentive.
Rates start from around $280 USD a night for a garden and sea view room up to $400 USD for an executive bay view room.
Hotel contact details: Mirama Beach, Panjim, Goa, 403001. Ph: (91-832) 2463333 or toll free 1800-228-9290 in the USA and Canada.
4. Presa di Goa Country House (Nagoa Village, North Goa)
The Presa di Goa Country House is perfect for those honeymooners who want some peaceful and private time alone, but also want to be close to the action. It’s only a 10 minute drive away from the popular Baga and Calangute beaches, and a free courtesy vehicle is available. As its name implies, the hotel is a beautifully restored country house that has rooms decorated with traditional colonial furniture. There are 5 junior suites and 2 deluxe rooms, each individually styled and named after a flower. The hotel is small and intimate, with outstanding service and attention to detail. It’s a charming place to stay, where you can’t help but feel romantic.
Expect to pay around $80 USD per night for a double up to $160 USD per night for a junior suite, including breakfast.
Hotel contact details: Nagoa, 353/1, Arais Wado, Calangute, Bardez, Goa 403517. Ph: (91-832) 2409067. Email: reservation@presadigoa.com
5. Heritage Village Country Club (Arossim Beach, South Goa)
The Heritage Village Country Club is located on 4 acres of tropical gardens on Goa’s tranquil stretch of Arrosim Beach. The hotel is very secluded, with something extremely relaxing about its surroundings. The hotel has 2 suites, 48 designer rooms, and 50 standard rooms. While the standard rooms are clean and comfortable, the designer rooms offer something a little bit special with mood lighting and modern, elegant furnishings. Guests are able to fully indulge themselves at the hotel as the "all inclusive price" covers accommodation, food, drinks, and entertainment. This is not a luxurious hotel but it offers a reasonably priced, excellent value, honeymoon in attractive surroundings. Ayurvedic treatments, massage, and spas are also available for an additional cost.
The rate for a three night package in a standard room starts from around $340 USD, and $390 USD in a designer room.
Contact details: Arossim Beach, Arossim, Cansaulim, Goa, 403712. Ph: (91-832) 6694444. Email: goa@sresorts.com
For those who want to get out and about, here's some suggestions of what to see and do in Goa.
Sharell Cook - Sharell was born and grew up in a small country town in Australia. She discovered her love of travel and culture around 10 years ago, when ...
