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Best Heritage Villas in Goa

Located in the quaint and idyllic village of Annavado, the Rockheart villa is set in a postcard-perfect setting off the Candolim beach. One of the top heritage villas in Goa, this holiday lover’s 3 bedroom paradise was created by the legendary author Frank Simoes and his wife. Their tiresome magical journey to create a paradisiacal perch has resulted in a creatively designed home set amidst coconut groves. Surrounded by the rustic charms of the village ambience, there are numerous speciality restaurants in the vicinity, accompanied by hospitals, stores and bars.

With a range of general facilities such as dedicated maid service, cable television, yoga mats, barbeque, night security and fully functional kitchen, Rockheart is private villa for a pleasurable home stay beside the beach. Whilst enjoying a stay, make visits to the beach to play beach games. Visit the nearby village of Annavado to witness the old world charm of this place.

As part of many arousing and mesmerizing experiences, one is the Goan food called poi is baked and served to you every morning.  Food is available and you can cook some of your own food in the kitchen. You are requested to contact the concerned person in the heritage villa because rates can be subject to change.

Seldom do we come across homes that are aptly named. The Elsewhere is one such villa which is actually elsewhere. The home is accessible via a footbridge and is cut off from the beach by a thin stretch of land. Located in North Goa, the villa is close to the Arambol, Ashvem, Mandrew and Morjim beaches. 

The history of this home dates back to 1886 when Anjelo Zeferino Sequeira bought this property for Rs 2000. He was a 19 year old that time and he decided to transform this home into a tourist homestay. Thus commenced the journey from whence this villa would become one of the best luxury villas in Goa.

This is an idyllic beach boutique hotel with an eclectic ambience with an otter creek in the vicinity. Guests can spend regaling moments watching these quirky mammals. Surrounded by the riches of nature Elsewhere has four homes in the premise and three tents facing the creek. 

For rates, you need to get in touch with the concerned person administering this paradisiacal place. Breakfast is included in the rate and food is cooked at an extra charge. You can use the in-house kitchen to cook your own food as well. For giving you a homely feeling effortlessly, the Elsewhere makes it to the list of the best heritage villas to live at.

One of the famed moments when this heritage villa came to the spotlight was when this home was once where the Macau governor stayed including several other foreign dignitaries. So when you do stay here, you will definitely feel like a governor and be pampered like one!

Located in the vicinity of the Baga Calagunte beach, this is a centuries old heritage villa built in the 16th century. It dates back to the time when the Portuguese thrived in this part of the world and the design of this home reflects this aspect. Now the Siolim House is a seven room boutique hotel catering to the luxury seeking traveller. Cocooned amidst towering Ashoka vegetation the villa is amongst few displaying true Indo-Portuguese architecture.

The villa is conveniently situated to nearby shorelines such as Ashwem, Keri and Arambol. There are many well-furnished and carefully crafted rooms inside, each with a separate tariff. Guests can indulge in various activities whilst they stay here such as taking up cooking classes, going on fishing trips and participating in yoga classes. Food is provided in house and special dishes are made on prior intimation. You can visit this place to live amidst an ethereal ambience and enjoy a range of off-beat activities.

This is one of those rare centuries old mansion built blending Hindu and Portuguese styles. Built by a dean of a Church who was Portuguese by ethnicity, this villa faces the church – which was also built by him. Located on the banks of the beautiful Kushavati River, this architectural marvel is surrounded by lush green gardens. Situated in Quepem opposite the Holy Cross Church the Palacio do deao is a surreal villa designed to elevate your mood into a different paradigm.

You can visit this villa and stay here to live moments of exclamations. Be it the receptive hosts who serve you exotic Goan-Portuguese dishes to the library featuring rare books on Goan history, everything about here raises your eyebrows. To add to the excitement are cultural programs that are held in the cultural even space on promises and there is also an amphitheatre here.

This is a place to enjoy simple and exotic pleasures. You could visit the nearby Palolem beach for a stroll or play beach games or you could simply stay at the villa relishing the ambience and mouth-watering food!The eclectic ambience, old world charm and a range of facilities make this home a prized tourist location. For tariff and rates, visitors can contact the custodians of this old world charm – that will unceasingly fail to fail from your memory!

Located beside the quaint Arpora village, Capella is a luxurious boutique style home stay offering a classic ambience. Surrounded by nature’s finest representations, this place is easily a nature and bird lover’s favourite haunt. The rooms are delightfully furnished and have names such as Magnolia, Heliconia and Frangipani. Rooms are large, spacious and air-conditioned – providing enough lung space and leg space for the free spirited. Breakfast served is Indian or Continental and is part of the tariff. Lunch and dinner is served as well and can be customized as per your culinary orientations.

As a guest you are treated to snake handling demonstrations. You can also take bird watching walks in the surrounding regions. In the evening go shopping at the Indo’s Night Market and take a walk on the Baga or Candolim shorelines. There is a massage centre in-house offering foot reflexology treatments too.

Room rates vary as per season and even during the high season, the average room rate is not very high making it one of the heritage villas in Goa with affordable rates during the peak season. A highlight of this villa is its frangipani gardens. These gardens are well-represented by mango, jackfruit, gulmohar and jambul trees.

Enjoy the pleasant gifts of nature and be the privileged one to be pampered by it. The Turiya is an amalgamation of architectural connotations as per ancient Hindu architecture system of Vaastu. Located in the Chaudi village in Canacona, the ambience here creates a healthy and therapeutic confluence of synergies between the elements of nature.

Essentially this is a centuries old mud house and carries the neo-classical Indo-Portuguese architectural elements. Be it the balconies with ornamental designs, to the street-facing verandahs, everything about Turiya essays a magical reality.

Food offered at the Turiya is a mix of regional and organic produce. Breakfast is served at a fixed time and lunch and dinner are served as per request. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at the in-house restaurant called Chitra as well.

You can also take rejuvenating spa treatments at the Turiya Spa. This is one of those villas located really close to the beach. So if you are looking to stay really close to the beach and in a pristine location, you can come home to Turiya.

This is amongst those unique home stays that overlooks a lake. Located in Madgaon, close by are the resplendent Zuari River and also the Curtorim beach. The 100+ years old villa is spread over 7000 sq ft and overlooks a seasonal lake.

Inside the villa are five well-furnished rooms, in-house bar and home-cooked food served for guests, whilst your stay here you can visit the nearby church, museum, heritage bungalow or go fishing in the Zuari River. You can also visit the Curtorim Beach to enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. You can go bird watching at the Bondla Zoo or take a heritage excursion to temples such as Kamakshi Temple Shiroda, Shanta Durga Temple and Nagueshi Temple Ponda.

The Acro Iris is an idyllic location for those looking for a peaceful ambience in an eclectic setting. It is a recommended place of visit for experiential and heritage travellers. Moreover, one can check out many more best places to visit in Goa with your family and friends.

Located in the Aldona Village in Bardez, this is a charming riverside village built in Portuguese style and is amongst the top villas in Goa for a holiday. This hillside villa has three spacious bedrooms providing picturesque views of the surrounding greenery given that the villa is surrounded by gardens.

Yet again, The Only Olive is a century old villa with sprawling gardens, beautiful backdrop views and serene ambience during your stay here you can visit the nearby villages that still have colonial styled homes. This villa is ideal for a large family or group of people. Another interesting  feature is called Artists in Residence programme is which  conducted here – which is a medium through which artists exchange ideas and indulge in creative participation.

Food is served at the home for an additional charge. Food is Goan-Portuguese and a continental  and breakfast is part of the tariff. Given that The Only Olive is situated on a hillock is an added advantage. You get panoramic views of the surroundings. All for a gala time sipping your favourite drink and watching the landscape from the terrace. The Only Olive is one of those places to enjoy a creative and rejuvenating experience.

This is yet again a centuries old mansion with a colonial charm – amongst the ideal villas in Goa for a holiday. Located in Fontainhas in the capital city of Panjim, this Inn is a perfect place to stay and also go on sightseeing tours. Located near to churches, temples, beaches and casinos; guests can get pleasures from outdoors as much as the indoors. A host of beaches are nearby namely the Miramar, Dona Paula, Dambolim and Anjuna beaches.

The Inn itself is a quintessential manifestation of old world charm. The massive complex consisting of several rooms offers affordable tariff options. Inside the Panjim Inn is the Panjim Pousada hotel with nine well-furnished rooms.

The rooms are equipped with art and décor that will leave you amazed. The verandah restaurant on-location serves a combination of Indian, Goan and continental food. Liquor is served as well and guests can enjoy with the impressive wining and dining options. The Panjim Pousada is a treat for those looking for an authentic Goan home stay.

This is one of the finest honeymoon holiday villas in Goa. It was started by Mihir Nayak after graduating from the Salzburg Tourism School and working in Europe for almost a decade. The proceeds of the room rent and tariff go towards the Mitaroy foundation – a non-profit organization concerned with helping poor couples get married.

This hotel is located only ten minutes from the Miramar beach and is tucked into a quiet corner of Panjim. Situated in Fontainhas, this place is where a handful of Portuguese live and the only surviving ones in the state. The neighbourhood will enthrall you with its winding narrow roads, boutiques, art emporiums, colonial styled bakeries and so on.

The hotel offers numerous honeymoon getaway packages. As part of these packages, you can go on sightseeing tours and even for a Latin movie. The accommodation, wining and dining facilities are on par with other homestays and inns. You come to the Mitaroy to enjoy the simple and eclectic pleasures of a pleasurable homestay offering the best of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Located in Orgao, Loutolim in Salcete, this place is of sun beds, chirping birds, swaying palm trees and heady cocktails. Not to forget, comfortable accommodations and eclectic wining and dining options make this place a highly desired one. Rates of rooms depend on the season and each bedroom is exquisitely furnished with reverberating rose quartz finish.

You can make visits to beaches such as Majorda and Utorda which are only walking distance from the villa. You can enjoy water sports at these beaches apart from going ecology exploration and village tours. Casa Susegad is located in one of the prettiest villages in Goa. Called Loutolim, exploring this village will thrill you to bits. All of these attributes make for a delightful staying sojourn at Casa Susegad.

Sometimes a homestay that combines a mansion, Hindu temple and a Hidalgo’s villa can be amongst the celebrated holiday villas in Goa. Located in the Loutolim village, Ikshaa is one such place that charms you with its glorious ambience. Providing a comfortable stay in earthy but opulent settings, this is amongst the best traditional boutique resorts.

Located within 20 minutes driving distance from South Goa beaches, this holiday inn provides a range of facilities to cater to any type of visitor. Accommodating about 6 people in its 3 tastefully furnished bedrooms, guests get personalized services apart from in-room dining.

Food is served at an extra cost and an American breakfast is a complimentary one. A tour through this heritage villa exposes you to this state’s vivid and illustrious past. Be it the design of the courtyard in typical Luso-Moorish architecture or the ornamental facades, windows and the natural rock furniture, everything about Ikshaa breathes the virtues of fine aesthetics.

You can go on village visits to the pretty Loutolim village. See the old world charm of this village and embrace an ambience that is unique only to this place. You can choose Ikshaa if you want a traditional Goan home stay experience set amidst a treasure trove of sightseeing locations.

This villa is one of the prime attractions on the Costa Vaddo Road in Uttorda. This is yet again a century old home renovated into a homestay. A mid-segment heritage villa, the Vivenda dos Palhacos is where to enjoy the simple pleasures in abundance. The rooms are simplistic yet endearing.

The homestay provides eclectic culinary delights that are signature Goan. Be it the caramelized onions to the masala topped potatoes, the tasty preparations will leave you asking for more. Breakfast is complimentary and lunch, dinner are paid services.

The nearby Uttorda Beach is within walking distance and guests can enjoy a stroll down the shoreline any time of the day. The Vivenda dos Palhacos is for those people looking for simple yet elegant Goan traditional villa serving tasty eclectic food.

Overlooking the Tiracol River and atop a hillock, stands a magnificent home stay villa. What was a private residence for a European family is now open to the public. Called Kiranpani, this is a vintage villa providing a combination of closed and open air ambience.

The living quarters are impressively decked and food is provided on location. You can go on jungle tours given the impressive flora and fauna that thrives in the areas surrounding the villa. An even better option is to go fishing or river banking on the Tiracol River.

The living quarters including the kitchen are designed in a semi-open air ambience. Food is served to guests by the hosts and any customized food orders can be placed in advance. The scenic quotients in combination with the unique open air ambience make this amongst the top luxury villas in Goa.

These heritage villas are amongst the best in the country. They offer an unmatched ambience full of aesthetic delights. Designed to loosen the mind and relax the soul, these are places to breed relaxation. Guests can also combine their stay with local sightseeing trips and such activities. Most heritage villas are equipped with the latest amenities and provide an international experience worth savouring to the core.