Luxury holidays to Goa

Going upscale isn't a luxury in Goa - it's kind of a given

Book a direct flight, and just over nine hours are all that’s left between you and Goa’s luxurious shores.

Goa is where sun meets the sand to form one seriously sought-after holiday destination with a distinctly platinum edge. This little slice of western India comes packed to the gills with swish resorts whose pool scenes resemble mini lagoons – if lagoons came standard with plush sunloungers and cabanas. And that’s not even considering the beaches, of which there’s always one nearby. In Goa, golden sand, palm fronds and upscale restaurants with unbeatable views come standard as far as the shores are concerned.

Goa’s luxury resorts start with Candolim, a quiet beach haven whose days are filled with yacht outings and wandering along the colourful shopping avenues. The beach here is connected to lively Calangute, where you’ll find the real VIP nightlife experience with mega clubs boasting their own pool scenes. For laid-back afternoons in the sun, there’s Arossim Beach, whose postcard-worthy white sand shores are peppered with exclusive luxury retreats.

Living the high life in Goa

For the height of luxury treatment in Goa, you’ll want to head straight for the beach. With swanky clubs and beautiful sand for days, the shores here are kind of a big deal. Starting at the top of the coast is Candolim, with spas and casinos offering the chance for a little indulgence. It’s also where you’ll find swanky clubs with luxury poolsides.

Head further down the coast and you’ll bump into Calangute, which impresses with its own set of clubs and spas to add to the mix, though you’ll have to tear yourself away from the beach before you can take advantage – not an easy feat, considering Calangute is nicknamed the Queen of Beaches. Then comes Sinquerim, a little slab of coastline that’s one-part sleepy village and two-parts luxury villas. It strikes the just-right blend of relaxation and pampering with one of the most luxurious hotels around.

Other luxury holidays to take a look at

If you’re all about a luxury holiday but still aren’t sure where you want to go, we can help with a few suggestions. Have a look at other exotic beach destinations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, or stay close to home with Portugal and Spain.

If your heart is set on Goa, have a look at our travel guide to find out more information about this sunny Indian holiday spot. In the meantime, here are our top five luxury resorts in Goa.

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Hard Rock Hotel Goa

Chic as chic gets and modern to boot, the Hard Rock Hotel in Goa features a top notch pool scene and plush bedrooms. True to the Hard Rock brand, this 4* hotel is peppered with musical themes that seep into the decor and even the massage treatments at the spa. The pool scene screams tranquility, but it’s the bedrooms that really steal the show. They’re equipped with bathrobes, personalised playlists and a service that allows you to order a Fender guitar to your room and partake in video guitar lessons.

Novotel Goa Shrem Resort

It won’t be hard to find your centre at this upscale resort, with its three garden-lined swimming pools and luxury, Balinese-themed spa. Top to bottom glass walls, staggeringly high ceilings and pops of colour come standard here, cloaking everything from the rooms to the restaurant and bar. But for the real chic experience, it’s all about the pool. The scene here comes complete with in-water seating and a swim-up bar, so you won’t have any reason to leave its warm water.