Here’s Where You Should Stay in Goa for the Long Weekends

I’m always on the lookout for long weekends. There is, after all, no better time to plan a quick getaway. Wondering what my favourite destination is? Think sprawling sandy beaches, palm fringed coastlines, beautiful churches, a happening nightlife and mouthwatering cuisine…and you know it’s Goa.  The destination attracts tourists irrespective of the season and is always bustling with activity. But if your agenda is to relax, unwind and chill, what better place to do this than in some of the best hotels in North and South Goa. And MakeMyTrip's exclusive deals offer the perfect icing on the cake!

 

Santana Beach Resort 

A popular choice with tourists, Santana Beach Resort is located at Candolim beach in North Goa and is often touted as one of the best budget hotels in Goa. Take a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy a drink at the sunken bar; relish delicious food made from the freshest local ingredients at Olegario’s restaurant; and enjoy true Goan hospitality that will make you feel at home.

A friendly tip: Pick a studio apartment with an attached kitchen if you enjoy cooking for friends and family.

 

Angels Resort 

Walk through the landscaped gardens and feel at peace in this beautiful 3-star hotel. Located in Porvorim, North Goa, Angels Resort offers the best of both - close proximity to the popular Calangute beach and a short distance from Goa’s capital city, Panaji. Enjoy a game of pool volleyball at the refreshing outdoor pool, challenge your friends to a game of table tennis or carom in the game room and once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy authentic Goan and international cuisine at Curries restaurant, located by the pool.

A friendly tip: Visit the nearby Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can view a wide variety of local and exotic migratory birds.

 

Nagoa Grande

This exquisite property, with its chic interiors ranks high on my list of favourite Goa hotels. If you are a sucker for wellness treatments, Rejuvenate Spa at the hotel is your answer to achieve mental, physical and spiritual extravagance. Choose from a range of Indonesian, Swedish or Thai massages or indulge in the Signature Rejuvenate Facial. The outdoor swimming pool is one of the best I’ve ever seen, surrounded by sprawling lawns, cascading waterfalls and lush greenery - truly a treat to the eyes!

A friendly tip: Enjoy live music at the resort and shake a leg to the peppy dance numbers.

 

New Ginger Tree Beach Resort

If location is your top priority, it doesn’t get better than this. Situated at the popular beach of Goa, Calangute, and in close proximity to other famous beaches including Baga and Anjuna, New Ginger Tree Beach Resort is ideal for leisure travellers. The resort offers a range of facilities such as a swimming pool with a separate kids’ pool, games room, massage centre and Ayurveda centre as well as a restaurant and bar offering much more than just Konkan delights. With so much to offer, would you really feel the need to step outside?

A friendly tip: The restaurant here is among one of the few places where Jain food is served.

 

Pearls Oceanique, Now The Golden Palms Hotel & Spa

If I were to describe this 4-star resort in two words, it would be style and comfort. Pearls Oceanique, now The Golden Palms Hotel & Spa, is within walking distance of South Goa’s most popular Colva beach, and takes luxury to a whole new level. Unwind in the well-appointed and spacious rooms, sit back and enjoy a drink by the pool side bar and tickle your taste buds with delicacies prepared by the talented chefs. Experience hospitality at its best here!

A friendly tip: Hire a bicycle from the travel desk and explore the beauty of the hinterland and villages of South Goa.

 

Neelam's The Grand

True to its name, this charming hotel with its imposing atrium façade, glass encased elevators and old Goan-Portuguese hospitality is in every sense grand. One look at the bright yellow building and you know you are in Goa. The highlight of the resort is the azure swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and sip on a delicious cocktail by the pool bar. Foodies are going to love the blend of Chinese, Continental and authentic Goan cuisine at Promenade. If you are a fitness aficionado there is a well-equipped gymnasium and yoga centre on the premises.

A friendly tip: Pamper yourself at Prakriti, the Ayurveda Centre that offers a range of rejuvenating massages and treatments.

 

While you are in Goa, you might want to check out the top 5 shopping hangouts, a must for every shopaholic. Foodies, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of flavours as you taste some seriously good food beyond the quintessential Goan curry and pork vindaloo. The date is set, the destination is decided, and my excitement levels have reached their peak. I’m all set to live it up in the Beach Capital of India. Are you coming with me?