An insider’s guide to the best of Goa
India’s so-called first lady of boutique hotels Priya Paul offers her tips on what to see and do in Goa
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Goa is a unique place, which offers something for everybody. From the white sand beaches in Agonda to the cliffs at Vagator; from the hustle and bustle of Candolim to the relative peace at Mandrem; and from the crazy vibes at the beach to the serene villages.
Of course, Goa is a huge state so its highlights are quite spread out. Assagoan has recently become well-known for conceptual art galleries and cafes. And the Museum of Goa is India’s largest privately owned art gallery and is home to some very interesting workshops.
During high season, the night market is a great place to be. There are a lot of small and not so “touristy” places around the city which offer a great vibe. Sometimes there are curated music events that happen at villas and hostels and offbeat places which you only come to know about if you are really connected to the local scene.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
For all first time visitors to Goa I recommend three must-visit restaurants: Bhatti Village for superb Goan food, Bomras’ for outstanding Burmese, and the Lazy Goose by the River Nerul for an elegant evening out.
If shopping is your thing, there are always new boutique shops opening. I love Studio Josmo and Arpora Studio by Shireen Mody. Or for something a bit more unusual, Ecoposro is India’s first zero waste store. Rangeela is an older, more famous destination, but has recently relocated to a bigger place in Assagaon, so definitely worth rediscovering.
And of course, the perfect place to stay is THE Park Baga River, although given I own it I might be a touch biased.
For more information, see theparkhotels.com.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Local elections 2026: where are they and who is expected to win?The Explainer Labour is braced for heavy losses and U-turn on postponing some council elections hasn’t helped the party’s prospects
-
6 of the world’s most accessible destinationsThe Week Recommends Experience all of Berlin, Singapore and Sydney
-
How the FCC’s ‘equal time’ rule worksIn the Spotlight The law is at the heart of the Colbert-CBS conflict
-
Hotel Sacher Wien: Vienna’s grandest hotel is fit for royaltyThe Week Recommends The five-star birthplace of the famous Sachertorte chocolate cake is celebrating its 150th anniversary
-
Rock Villa, Bequia: a hidden villa on an island epitomising Caribbean blissThe Week Recommends This gorgeous property is the perfect setting to do absolutely nothing – and that’s the best part
-
Villa Treville Positano: a glamorous sanctuary on the Amalfi CoastThe Week Recommends Franco Zeffirelli’s former private estate is now one of Italy’s most exclusive hotels
-
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali: a calm retreat in the heart of SeminyakThe Week Recommends Tradition meets modernity at this serene beachfront resort
-
Six sensational hotels to discover in 2026The Week Recommends From a rainforest lodge to a fashionable address in Manhattan – here are six hotels that travel journalists recommend for this year
-
8 restaurants that are exactly what you need this winterThe Week Recommends Old standards and exciting newcomers alike
-
Four Seasons Seoul: a fascinating blend of old and new in South KoreaThe Week Recommends Located right in the heart of the action, this classy hotel is the perfect base to explore the capital
-
Upper House Hong Kong: a serene sanctuary in the bustle of the cityThe Week Recommends Panoramic harbour views and super-stylish interiors elevate this luxury hotel to another level