With an impressive selection of super luxurious villas
and heritage homes on hire via Airbnb, Goa—India’s ultimate holiday and party
destination pulls out all the stops for your next vacation. We bring you a few
such decadent digs scattered across the sunshine state.
By Raul Dias
The Figueiredo Heritage Inn, Loutolim
Imagine vacationing in a heritage home that’s older than the Taj Mahal? Yes, The Figueiredo Heritage Inn, located slap bang in the heart of Loutolim, is home to one of the most influential families of Goa—the Figueiredos—for more than 400 years. The house is steeped in history with floor tiles imported from Italy, chandeliers and sconces made from Belgium crystal, porcelain sourced from China and Japan, and leather-upholstered chairs from Portugal. Besides the family suite, this historic house has three bedrooms in the house, each named after illustrious women who lived here—Amalia Double, Georgina Twin, and Elsa Twin. However, the highlights of the property are the garden courtyard, the sun deck, and an envious library that boasts a rare collection of books. Very much still a family home, the Airbnb mansion still houses members of the Figueiredo family. In fact, if you ask nicely, Maria de Lourdes Figueiredo de Albuquerque, the current owner, will even take you on a private tour to give you an insider’s account of the days of the Portuguese rule that ended in 1961. Additionally, a section of the house has been converted into a museum which remains open all week.
Imagine vacationing in a heritage home that’s older than the Taj Mahal? Yes, The Figueiredo Heritage Inn, located slap bang in the heart of Loutolim, is home to one of the most influential families of Goa—the Figueiredos—for more than 400 years. The house is steeped in history with floor tiles imported from Italy, chandeliers and sconces made from Belgium crystal, porcelain sourced from China and Japan, and leather-upholstered chairs from Portugal. Besides the family suite, this historic house has three bedrooms in the house, each named after illustrious women who lived here—Amalia Double, Georgina Twin, and Elsa Twin. However, the highlights of the property are the garden courtyard, the sun deck, and an envious library that boasts a rare collection of books. Very much still a family home, the Airbnb mansion still houses members of the Figueiredo family. In fact, if you ask nicely, Maria de Lourdes Figueiredo de Albuquerque, the current owner, will even take you on a private tour to give you an insider’s account of the days of the Portuguese rule that ended in 1961. Additionally, a section of the house has been converted into a museum which remains open all week.
Accomodates: 6
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 11,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/129688399
Price: Starts from Rs. 11,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/129688399
The Villa Goa, Assagao
Painstakingly restored to its former glory by its current owner, British expat Mark Bell is The Villa in the bucolic north Goa village of Assagao. This historic 200-year-old Indo - Portuguese mansion that has now been thrown open to travellers seeking a refuge in nature, is spread over one and a half acres of manicured gardens and is divided up into two houses. The statelier The Villa and the pool-side garden bungalow aptly called Villa Jardim (with the word ‘jardim’ meaning garden in Portuguese). Set around the traditional open courtyard, the five bedrooms and dining areas of The Villa Goa honour the rich legacy of their former Portuguese occupants. Here, you can dine by a sonorous fountain in the courtyard as the in-house European chef serves up your favourite dishes. The Airbnb villa also has Gregory Bazire—who has collaborated with several Michelin-starred restaurants across the world— on board on special occasions to offer a memorable dining experience to guests. Follow the garden path to find a small chapel, nestled in greens, where you can have healing massages and spa treatments. Pure, undiluted bliss!
Painstakingly restored to its former glory by its current owner, British expat Mark Bell is The Villa in the bucolic north Goa village of Assagao. This historic 200-year-old Indo - Portuguese mansion that has now been thrown open to travellers seeking a refuge in nature, is spread over one and a half acres of manicured gardens and is divided up into two houses. The statelier The Villa and the pool-side garden bungalow aptly called Villa Jardim (with the word ‘jardim’ meaning garden in Portuguese). Set around the traditional open courtyard, the five bedrooms and dining areas of The Villa Goa honour the rich legacy of their former Portuguese occupants. Here, you can dine by a sonorous fountain in the courtyard as the in-house European chef serves up your favourite dishes. The Airbnb villa also has Gregory Bazire—who has collaborated with several Michelin-starred restaurants across the world— on board on special occasions to offer a memorable dining experience to guests. Follow the garden path to find a small chapel, nestled in greens, where you can have healing massages and spa treatments. Pure, undiluted bliss!
Accomodates: 10
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 60,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/2481046
Price: Starts from Rs. 60,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/2481046
Villa Solitude, Siolim
Like its name suggests, Villa Solitude offers just that—solitude! Far away from the hum-drum of a typical Goan tourist spot, this sky blue painted villa is nestled in the quiet and beautiful village of Siolim in the north of the state, next to the placid River Chapora. The Airbnb villa has four aesthetically designed bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, and a private swimming pool in the backyard. When you walk out of your bedroom, you will be greeted by cool breeze and swaying palms. While the netted verandah on the first floor is the sweet spot of the property, the balcony on the ground floor is an ideal place to host barbeque get-togethers. Sit back, relax, take that breeze in, and let the charming Villa Solitude work its wonders on your mind and soul. And if you do manage to tear yourselves away from all that blissful tranquillity, you can visit the nearby Chapora Fort or sharpen your bargaining skills at the weekend Saturday Night Market in Arpora.
Like its name suggests, Villa Solitude offers just that—solitude! Far away from the hum-drum of a typical Goan tourist spot, this sky blue painted villa is nestled in the quiet and beautiful village of Siolim in the north of the state, next to the placid River Chapora. The Airbnb villa has four aesthetically designed bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, and a private swimming pool in the backyard. When you walk out of your bedroom, you will be greeted by cool breeze and swaying palms. While the netted verandah on the first floor is the sweet spot of the property, the balcony on the ground floor is an ideal place to host barbeque get-togethers. Sit back, relax, take that breeze in, and let the charming Villa Solitude work its wonders on your mind and soul. And if you do manage to tear yourselves away from all that blissful tranquillity, you can visit the nearby Chapora Fort or sharpen your bargaining skills at the weekend Saturday Night Market in Arpora.
Accomodates: 8
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 8,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/109762085
Price: Starts from Rs. 8,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/109762085
Candolim Song, Candolim
This century old Portuguese villa renovated by its owners Remun and Simrita Bhutani is a palatial villa that truly lets you experience the susegado or relaxed life of Goa from the comfort of a plush home in Goa’s party zone of Candolim. Though the house has been renovated with luxurious essentials, yet it manages to maintain its rustic charm. From antique artefacts in the living room to vintage beds in the suites, this Airbnb home is peppered with elements reminiscent of the lives of its earlier occupants. There are six ‘bedroom suites’ in the villa, each named after the colour palette used in the rooms —Teal, Aqua, Fuchsia, Amber, Olive, and Grey. The live-in caretaker makes sure your entire experience at the villa is customised according to your interests. From your bed linen to lighting in the rooms, everything around you is as you like it. The large swimming pool is the central character of the villa—that’s surrounded by palms and an outdoor shower—is a popular venue for evening get-togethers over food, drinks, and music—three vital party ingredients every Goan knows all to well!
This century old Portuguese villa renovated by its owners Remun and Simrita Bhutani is a palatial villa that truly lets you experience the susegado or relaxed life of Goa from the comfort of a plush home in Goa’s party zone of Candolim. Though the house has been renovated with luxurious essentials, yet it manages to maintain its rustic charm. From antique artefacts in the living room to vintage beds in the suites, this Airbnb home is peppered with elements reminiscent of the lives of its earlier occupants. There are six ‘bedroom suites’ in the villa, each named after the colour palette used in the rooms —Teal, Aqua, Fuchsia, Amber, Olive, and Grey. The live-in caretaker makes sure your entire experience at the villa is customised according to your interests. From your bed linen to lighting in the rooms, everything around you is as you like it. The large swimming pool is the central character of the villa—that’s surrounded by palms and an outdoor shower—is a popular venue for evening get-togethers over food, drinks, and music—three vital party ingredients every Goan knows all to well!
Accomodates: 12
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 55,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/74097495
Price: Starts from Rs. 55,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/74097495
Summertime, Calangute
Owned by Dutch-Indian couple Hans Tuinman and Sucheta Potnis, Summertime is a plush plantation-style villa that’s set in two acres of landscape gardens on a hilltop in Calangute. Showing off its intimate charm from the moment you walk in, the double height living-dining area has floor to glass ceiling doors that fill the common spaces with light and offer panoramic views of the lush greenery around the property. Located in a quiet, forested area not far from Calangute and Candolim beaches Summertime has three master suites, an infinity pool, a lounge pool, a koi pond, and a waterfall. Wake up to the chirping of birds or watch the koi in the pond from the generous Koi Suite. The Coral Suite which faces the infinity pool and the valley is the most romantic of all the suites. The interiors of this premium Airbnb property are done in shades of reds, pink, and white with a four-poster bed providing the central character of the room. Meanwhile, the twin bed Sunflower Suite uses colourful gudhri (hand-stitched by tribal women of Karnataka) to lend vibrancy to the room. For a bit of fun, why not try your hand at water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling or perhaps a bit of banana boating for the kids at one of the two surrounding beaches?
Owned by Dutch-Indian couple Hans Tuinman and Sucheta Potnis, Summertime is a plush plantation-style villa that’s set in two acres of landscape gardens on a hilltop in Calangute. Showing off its intimate charm from the moment you walk in, the double height living-dining area has floor to glass ceiling doors that fill the common spaces with light and offer panoramic views of the lush greenery around the property. Located in a quiet, forested area not far from Calangute and Candolim beaches Summertime has three master suites, an infinity pool, a lounge pool, a koi pond, and a waterfall. Wake up to the chirping of birds or watch the koi in the pond from the generous Koi Suite. The Coral Suite which faces the infinity pool and the valley is the most romantic of all the suites. The interiors of this premium Airbnb property are done in shades of reds, pink, and white with a four-poster bed providing the central character of the room. Meanwhile, the twin bed Sunflower Suite uses colourful gudhri (hand-stitched by tribal women of Karnataka) to lend vibrancy to the room. For a bit of fun, why not try your hand at water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling or perhaps a bit of banana boating for the kids at one of the two surrounding beaches?
Accomodates: 6
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 40,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/39672830
Price: Starts from Rs. 40,000 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/39672830
Casa Sol, Candolim
Though a recently constructed house, Casa Sol has been built on the lines of a plush old Goan home. This four-bedroom, three-storied luxury Airbnb villa is close enough to all the action of Candolim, but still tucked away enough for those who prefer the slightly quieter life. Perched close to the flowing banks of the river Nerul and surrounded by a thriving woodland, Casa Sol offers great outside spaces to both dine and drink in nature. As the villa comes equipped with its very own caretaker-cum-cook, you will have plenty of time to chill while they rustle up something local—courtesy of the villa’s fully laden kitchen—for you and your guests. As the sun goes down, take a dip in the compact plunge pool with a cocktail in hand and enjoy views of the surrounding paddy fields. For an excursion, your hosts will provide you with a car so that you can drive down to the historic Fort Aguada or perhaps to take in some contemporary art at the Kerkar Art Comples in nearby Calangute.
Though a recently constructed house, Casa Sol has been built on the lines of a plush old Goan home. This four-bedroom, three-storied luxury Airbnb villa is close enough to all the action of Candolim, but still tucked away enough for those who prefer the slightly quieter life. Perched close to the flowing banks of the river Nerul and surrounded by a thriving woodland, Casa Sol offers great outside spaces to both dine and drink in nature. As the villa comes equipped with its very own caretaker-cum-cook, you will have plenty of time to chill while they rustle up something local—courtesy of the villa’s fully laden kitchen—for you and your guests. As the sun goes down, take a dip in the compact plunge pool with a cocktail in hand and enjoy views of the surrounding paddy fields. For an excursion, your hosts will provide you with a car so that you can drive down to the historic Fort Aguada or perhaps to take in some contemporary art at the Kerkar Art Comples in nearby Calangute.
Accomodates: 8
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 22,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/142345091
Price: Starts from Rs. 22,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/142345091
Zofolt, Assagao
Revelling in its contemporary-meets-boho chic aesthetic, Zoloft in serene Assagao is a beautiful villa with fascinating artwork, plush sofas and rugs, and comfortable arm chairs that evoke the feeling that you are in a home away from home. Created by a team of acclaimed international designers, Zoloft is a stress buster villa for those who want to leave the city behind. The traditional thatched roof, combined with a carpet of green, and a row of palms surrounding the four-bedroom Airbnb villa make it a postcard destination for a vacation in Goa. In each of its four bedrooms you will also notice fun decor—each is colour-coded—with minimalist elements that make the space cosy and warm. Swim in the pool or have sundowners in the garden at twilight; the kitchen staff can prepare meals for you or leave you alone to experience this villa. Traipse down to the lesser-known Gudem Beach for a spot of sun, surf and sand or hit the tried and tested waters of Anjuna and Baga a mere 10 minutes away
Revelling in its contemporary-meets-boho chic aesthetic, Zoloft in serene Assagao is a beautiful villa with fascinating artwork, plush sofas and rugs, and comfortable arm chairs that evoke the feeling that you are in a home away from home. Created by a team of acclaimed international designers, Zoloft is a stress buster villa for those who want to leave the city behind. The traditional thatched roof, combined with a carpet of green, and a row of palms surrounding the four-bedroom Airbnb villa make it a postcard destination for a vacation in Goa. In each of its four bedrooms you will also notice fun decor—each is colour-coded—with minimalist elements that make the space cosy and warm. Swim in the pool or have sundowners in the garden at twilight; the kitchen staff can prepare meals for you or leave you alone to experience this villa. Traipse down to the lesser-known Gudem Beach for a spot of sun, surf and sand or hit the tried and tested waters of Anjuna and Baga a mere 10 minutes away
Accomodates: 8
people
Price: Starts from Rs. 27,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/10597379
Price: Starts from Rs. 27,500 per night
Book at: airbnb.co.in/users/show/10597379
Living Goa Like A Local
Tired of seeing and doing the same things in Goa year upon year? Try these alternative activities curated by a few local Goan movers and shakers, so that you don’t just ‘see’ or ‘do’ Goa, but truly ‘live’ Goa!
* Enjoy a four-cuisine meal with Goan food historian and writer Odette Mascarenhas, as she curates a lunch for you that is influenced by Goa’s four main cuisine genres—the Saraswat Brahmin, the colonial Portuguese, the central Hindu Goan and the more common local Catholic food.
* Try your hand at Portuguese style pottery at the pottery workshops conducted by potter Verodina D’Souza at the Bicholim Pilerne Industrial Estate.
* Learn photography and capture the Goan landscape and historic monuments at their rawest best by taking a short course with ace lensman Shantanu Sheorey who now calls Goa home.
* Enjoy an evening of curated live local music on guitar and keyboards with musician Melcon Teixeira at his lovely home.
Tired of seeing and doing the same things in Goa year upon year? Try these alternative activities curated by a few local Goan movers and shakers, so that you don’t just ‘see’ or ‘do’ Goa, but truly ‘live’ Goa!
* Enjoy a four-cuisine meal with Goan food historian and writer Odette Mascarenhas, as she curates a lunch for you that is influenced by Goa’s four main cuisine genres—the Saraswat Brahmin, the colonial Portuguese, the central Hindu Goan and the more common local Catholic food.
* Try your hand at Portuguese style pottery at the pottery workshops conducted by potter Verodina D’Souza at the Bicholim Pilerne Industrial Estate.
* Learn photography and capture the Goan landscape and historic monuments at their rawest best by taking a short course with ace lensman Shantanu Sheorey who now calls Goa home.
* Enjoy an evening of curated live local music on guitar and keyboards with musician Melcon Teixeira at his lovely home.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the February 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airwayshttp://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
Loved your blog, waiting for more such blogs with us.
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