Check Out The Best Hotels In South Goa For A Fantastic Vacation!

South Goa is the calmer, greener, and less crowded cousin of North Goa. Home to pristine beaches, dense forests, and quaint villages, this locale is perfect for those who are not looking to party or visit tourist attractions, but rather relax, simply lounge by the beach, and even attend some relaxing Yoga classes or partake in Ayurvedic treatments. This is not to say that South Goa does not have its own attractions or nightlife spots - especially if you go looking! Now coming to the point, the district is home to scenic hotels with large properties, chic hotels with world-class amenities, motels and three-star hotels for those who want to explore the area rather than stay in, and even resorts! Choosing can be hard, so read on for a guide to the best hotels in South Goa!

Read On For The Best Hotels In South Goa For A Fantastic Vacation!

1. ITC Grand Goa

Pic credits: marriot.com

Located on a sprawling property in Cansaulim and overlooking the Arossim Beach, ITC Grand Goa is definitely one of the best hotels in South Goa. The service is top-notch, but the architecture definitely takes the cake - do hire a cycle so you can fully explore the property! The beach is literally just a stroll away so you can go there early in the morning, lounge, read, and dine at the shacks nearby. The one metric we judge all hotels by is the breakfast spread, and the one here is par excellence - the banana chocolate chip pancakes were our favourite. As such, this is the perfect place to experience South Goa - read in your room’s balcony as the waves splash by in the distance, or take a walk to the beach whenever you feel like it - adjusting back to city life won’t be easy after this! Speaking of cities, if you’re looking to go shopping for necessities, you can hire a car from the hotel or from the myriad taxi services. The Fisherman’s Wharf, a fun South Goan restaurant, is nearby so you can also drop in for lunch/dinner there. 

Cost: Rs. 8,900 onwards
Where: Arossim  Beach, Cansaulim
Contact:  832 272 1234 

2. The Leela Goa

Pic credits: theleela.com

The Leela brand is synonymous with luxurious hotels that epitomize opulence, relaxation, and top-notch service and amenities. The Leela Goa is no different, and even takes those attributes to a higher level. Located in Cavelossim, it is spread across 25 acres of land and has a well-maintained garden that leads to its private beach. Over here, you can also partake in wellness activities and play golf across the property. The Riverside restaurant, as the name suggests, offers an amazing view and ambience, along with sumptuous Italian cuisine, and is often rated as one of the best restaurants in South Goa! However, if you're looking for cheaper dining options, you can head to the myriad shacks and diners located across the surroundings. As such, this is definitely one the best South Goa hotels out there, and for good reason!

Cost: Rs. 9,000 onwards
Where: Mobor Beach, Cavelossim
Contact: 0832 662 1234

3. Novotel Hotel - Dona Sylvia Resort

Pic credits : all.accor.in

A picturesque resort on Cavelossim Beach (which seems to be the hottest destination for hotels), Novotel Dona Sylvia is definitely one of the best hotels in the area. The Novotel brand can always be trusted to deliver a great stay, be it their seamless service, top-notch interiors and amenities, or strategic locations. The hotel consists of villas spread across sprawling grounds and a central pool where you can unwind, try and partake in fitness, and mainly sip on cocktails. Candolim beach is a four-minute walk, so you can head there early in the morning for even more R&R. If you’re looking to learn how to make Goan dishes, then the culinary talent at the hotel will guide you through it, meanwhile you can also rejuvenate at Goa’s only Turkish hammam at the Warren Tricomi Salon & Spa!

Cost: Rs. 6,000 onwards
Where: Cavelossim Beach
Contact: 0832 672 7777

4. Caravela Beach Resort

Pic credits: www.caravelabeachresortgoa.com

While this resort is on the pricier side, it has jaw-dropping amenities, a locale that is stunning, and a sprawling estate - as such, if you’re looking to splurge and indulge on your next vacation, then this is where you should be headed. Designed by WATG, the architects behind the Bellagio in Las Vegas and other famous properties, this resort boasts of a golf course, a considerable beachfront, and Goa’s largest lobby! Each guest room has a balcony, so you’ll enjoy the view, while the service and experience is personalised ensuring that you’ll have a fabulous time! As for the amenities, you can relax at the beach, take a dip in one of Goa’s largest pools, warm up in the outdoor jacuzzi, and indulge at in-house dining options such as Beach Hut. The resort is also located in the bustling city of Margao, where you can go for sight-seeing and partake in Goan life! As such, this is definitely one of the best hotels in South Goa, perfect for those who are willing to indulge and looking for a personalised stay experience!

Cost: Rs. 15,000 onwards
Where: Varca Beach, Fatrade, Margao
Contact: 0832 669 5000

5. The LaLit Golf & Spa Resort Goa

Pic credits: www.thelalit.com

The LaLit has some of the best properties in India, that combine chic interiors with traditional architecture, This property, with Baroque-Portugese influences, is no different! Located near the river Mandovi, it is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range, letting you experience first hand the majesty of one of South Goa’s finest aspects - its natural beauty and myriad flora and fauna. You can partake in yoga at the private beach, play golf, or take a splash in the outdoor pool in lieu of exploring the property. Meanwhile, those looking to take full advantage of the locale, should head out and explore Canacona, be it the Palolem Island Reserve, Cabe de Rama Fort, or Kuskem Waterfall. As such, this one of the best South Goa hotels out there.  

Cost: Rs. 7,000 onwards
Where: Raj Baga, Palolem, Canacona
Contact: 0832 266 7777

6. Zuri White Sands

Pic credits : www.thezuruhotels.com

If you’re looking to have more of a staycation than a vacation, where you spend the days at a picturesque resort and relax at the private beach, then you need to check out Zuri White Sands! It is a stunning property spread across 26 acres, with a ‘meandering’ pool that runs parallel to walkways, access to the white sand beach of Varca - one of the prettiest in Goa, and world-class amenities such as restaurants with wide-ranging cuisines, an amazing spa, and top-notch service. This is definitely one of the best hotels in South Goa and perfect for those who are looking for some true R&R!

Cost: Rs. 6,000 onwards
Where: Pedda, Varca
Contact: 0832 272 7272

7. Vaayu Waterman’s Village

Pic credits: www.vaayuvision.com

If you’re getting educated about conscious living and sustainability and are looking for a place that partakes in the same, the Vaayu Waterman's Village should be your go-to! It focuses on “a lifestyle driven by adventure, creativity and fun, while having a positive impact on our community and the natural environment”. Their rooms are made using organic biodegradable material (they do not use straws or plastic bottles), use solar power, and segregate waste - providing a great example for waste reduction and eco-consciousness. However, this doesn't make the resort any less picturesque, with Goan style rooms, thatched roofs, and a generally homely ambiance. The Ashwem and Mandrem beaches are also nearby, so beach bums will definitely be satisfied! Vaayu also offers artists residencies, enabling homegrown and upcoming artists to sell and share their work. As such, this resort will truly give you a chance to interact with the local community, and make you experience a stay where you are constantly connected with nature - it is, therefore, one of the most innovative places we’ve come across!

Cost: Not available. 
Where: Ashwem Beach Road, Opposite Holy Cross Chapel,Ashwem Beach, Ashwem, Mandrem
Contact: 098500 50403

8. Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort

Pic credits : www.clubmahindra.com

Perfect for family vacations, Club Mahindra is definitely a brand you can trust. This particular resort is located right at Varca Beach, with Goan-style rooms, private balconies, and a sprawling property where you can regain your love for nature walks and cycling! If you want to explore more of South Goa, you can go to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Colva Beach, all of which are located nearby. As such, with a homely and fun ambiance, this resort is perfect for your staycation in Goa!

Cost: Not available. 
Where: Survey No. 176/1, Varca Village, Salcete,
Contact: 11860 210 1111

9. The Diwa Club By Alila

Pic credits : www.alilahotels.com

A boutique hotel par excellence, The Diwa Club by Alila offers personalised luxury and amenities, all the while partaking in sustainable tourism. The former is evident through the spacious rooms, world-class amenities, and architecture that blends traditional and modern aspects. Meanwhile, to partake in the latter, they have invested in sustainable design, which ensures no damage to the hotel’s surrounding flora and fauna, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. They have also used locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials for the architecture, while they work with the local community through education, training, and employment initiatives.

Coming to the experiences and activities you can partake in here, movie lovers and bookworms can take advantage of the mini-theatre and library, while ‘Dine In The Dark’ will take your sensory experiences on a fun journey. Budding chefs can also join the Alila Masterclass, given by culinary experts at the Spice Studio, one of the best restaurants in Goa. As such, this is definitely one of the best hotels in South Goa, where you can contribute indirectly to good causes, as well as indulge in R&R and some truly fun activities!

Cost: Rs. 12,000 onwards

Where: 1/22, Village Gonsua, Betalbatim

Contact: 0832 274 6800

10. Crystal Goa

Pic credits: crystalgoa.com

A cute boutique hotel, the Crystal franchise has bungalows and villas across South Goa, though it’s the original Crystal Goa that is definitely the best! Harbouring spacious rooms with all the necessary amenities, and an in-house restaurant called Cafe Inn, the services here are top-notch. Meanwhile, the proximity to all South Goa attractions such as Palolem Beach, Colva, and more, ensures that you will get a lot of exploring done. As such, this hotel is perfect for those looking for budget-friendly options!

Cost: Rs. 1,980 onwards
Where: House 274, Palolem, Canacona
Contact: 7507 648 918

11. Heritage Village Resort & Spa

Pic credits : selecthotels.co.in

A picturesque resort in the heart of South Goa, Heritage Village is perfect for a vacation with your family. Featuring beautiful Goan architecture, access to all of South Goa’s attractions, and fun activities such as bike tours, beach picnics, and more, this is one cool place! Sporty people can take full advantage of the grounds and participate in volleyball, badminton, basketball, and more! So to sum up, this is a great place for a well-rounded vacation where you indulge, remain fit, and enjoy the amazing surroundings!

Cost: Rs. 6,000 available
Where: Arossim Beach Road, Cansaulim, Arossim
Contact:  0832 669 4444

12. Taj Exotica

Pic credits: tajehotels.com

Redefining luxury and the good life, Taj Exotica is definitely one of the best hotels in South Goa. The Taj brand can be trusted to deliver with a combination of homely ambiance due to its excellent staff, and luxurious living due to amazing services, lush properties, and beautiful rooms! Taj Exotica Goa is no different! Located in Benaulim, it stretched over 56 acres of greenery, with access to the beautiful Benaulim Beach with fun sports and water activities! South Goa’s other attractions are within reach and you can visit Palolem, Canacona, and more without travelling much. Meanwhile, animal lovers will be delighted to know that pets are allowed in certain accommodations, definitely taking your holiday to the next level!

Cost: Rs. 16,000 onwards
Where: Calwaddo, Benaulim
Contact: 0832 668 3333

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