My Favourite 5 Star Resorts & Luxury Hotels in Goa for 2023

Goa has come a long way from it’s past as a hippy haven, nowadays it’s home to some of the best and most stylish restaurants, bars, boutiques, resorts and nightlife in India! There’s a huge variety of luxurious accommodation in Goa nowadays, from luxury beach huts (some even have a private jacuzzi on the beach-facing terraces for the ultimate sunset experience) to incredible 5 star hotels and luxury beach resorts and amazing villas complete with private pools. 

Where to find the best 5 star hotels and luxury resorts in Goa

Most of the 5 star hotels, luxury resorts and best beach resorts in Goa are located in the south, which is also home to the emptiest, cleanest and best beaches in Goa. There are also some amazing luxury hotels and 5 star resorts in North Goa close to where the best parties, restaurants, markets and all the action is happening.

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When my family and friends come to visit me in Goa I like to treat them to a luxury beach resort stay. It makes their Goa trip more special and more memorable and there are so many amazing 5 star resorts and luxury hotels in Goa to choose from.

It makes even more sense nowadays to stay in a 5 star hotel in Goa because you know that the cleaning, sanitisation and hygiene are going to be top notch so you’ll have a healthy, safe and enjoyable well deserved break in these challenging times. Many luxury resorts are offering pretty good deals right now too so there’s never been a better time to stay in an amazing luxury hotel or beach resort in Goa.

I’ve lived in Goa for 7 years now, so I’ve been lucky enough to visit and stay in most of the best luxury resorts in Goa. So, here’s my recommendations for Goa’s best luxury and 5 star stays.

As prices vary depending on dates I’ve included links so you can check out more reviews, photos, availability and prices for your dates. Did you know that if you visit out of season or in monsoon most of these hotels offered greatly discounted rates.

Accommodation is at it’s most expensive around New Year’s but many of these luxury hotels also host gala dinners, fireworks, live music, dancing and parties and are a better option for families than the crazy night life in Baga Beach! Check out my insider tips for celebrating New Year in Goa.

The Best 5 Star Hotels and Luxury Beach Resorts in South Goa

South Goa is where the best and quietest beaches are and where most of the best 5 star hotels and luxury beach resorts in Goa are located. This area is perfect for a peaceful and luxurious getaway or a romantic honeymoon.

The Leela, Cavelossim

For the best luxury resort in Goa look no further than The Leela in Cavelossim.  This sprawling, opulent 5 star resort is exquisitely decorated to reflect both the Indian and Portuguese heritage of Goa and has a private beach, lagoon, and tropical riverside gardens and is widely regarded as the best 5 star resort and luxury hotel in Goa.

The rooms at the Leela are super plush with all mod cons and even private plunge pools. There’s also a range of excellent on site restaurants, lounges, a luxurious Ayurveda spa and fitness centre as well as a beach club, 12-hole golf course and 24-hour casino so you’ll hardly need to take a step out of the resort. This is the best beach resort in Goa for a luxurious escape from it all.

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Alila Diwa, Majorda

The Alila Diwa is a gorgeous, elegant Balinese style 5 star hotel and resort in quiet Majorda, South Goa. The Alila is one of my favourite luxury resorts in Goa, I especially love the gorgeous views over the paddy fields from the infinity pool, hot tub and jacuzzi.

The resort is stunning all over and the staff make you feel like royalty, especially if you go for one of the ‘club’ rooms which even come with a private butler service and extra privacy.

There are also 4 great dining options, one of which is open 24 hours, and the popular Martin’s Corner restaurant is also nearby. The Alila Diwa is a great choice for an elegant and luxurious honeymoon escape.

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ITC Grand Goa, Arossim

The ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa, formerly the Park Hyatt, is a spacious, award winning, beachside 5-star resort designed to resemble an Indo Portuguese village situated on serene Arossim Beach which, as it is located only 15 mins from the airport, makes a super convenient quick luxury weekend escape.

I love the ITC’s understated luxury, the gorgeous Indo-Portuguese village pousada-style rooms, the huge swimming pool and lovely lagoons, award winning spa and large selection of good restaurants.

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Planet Hollywood Goa, Utorda

Planet Hollywood is one of Goa’s best luxury 5 star beach resorts. It’s a modern, stylish, glamorous and glitzy resort located on quiet Utorda beach with an American Hollywood theme. Planet Hollywood Goa offers a unique experience for luxury hotels in Goa as it is the first and only Planet Hollywood resort outside the United States.

There are 2 restaurants, a beautiful pool and a spa. It’s also super close to the famous Zeebop beach shack and restaurant. I took my Mum to stay here for 4 days for a treat when she visited Goa for the first time and we weren’t disappointed, we were given the star treatment all the way  – read my full review of Planet Hollywood here.

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Taj Exotica, Benaulim

The Taj Exotica is another amazing luxury 5 star resort in Goa. The Taj run some of the best luxury hotels in India and this grand resort in Benaulim, South Goa, is no different.

I love the architecture, wooden beams, old world charm and lush gardens. There’s also a private beach with water-sports facilities, a gorgeous pool, luxurious spa and fitness center and multi-cuisine restaurants.

The rooms and suites are super plush and well equipped and there are also wonderful sea views from the resort as well as the fantastic service you would expect at the Taj.

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The LaLit Golf and Spa Resort, Rajbaga near Palolem

The LaLit is another one of India’s top luxury hotel brands and this luxury resort situated far in South Goa is the closest luxury hotel to the popular beach of Palolem – the most beautiful beach in Goa.

As well as spacious suites and rooms with lovely traditional wooden Goan design touches and private verandas, some with sea views, there is also an 18-hole golf course that overlooks the Arabian Sea.

The LaLit also offers a fabulous swimming pool with sunken bar, sprawling landscaped grounds and manicured gardens, a spa, fitness center and watersports. There 4 restaurants to choose from that offer excellent local Goan specialities  and seafood as well as Mediterranean and international cuisine.

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The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino, Varca

The Zuri, situated on Varca Beach, is also the home of Dunes Casino and is the only beach resort with a casino in Goa. The Zuri also has spectacular sea-facing contemporary Goan-style luxury rooms with private balconies overlooking the tropical gardens.

There is also a large and beautiful swimming pool and spa and no less than 6 on site fine dining restaurants offering everything from pan Asian to traditional Goan cuisine.

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Best 5 Star Resorts and Luxury Hotels in North Goa

North Goa is busier and is where all the action is. There are many hotels in North Goa to suit all budgets but there are still a few good resorts and 5 star luxury hotels in North Goa where you can enjoy a luxurious stay whilst still being close to all the nightlife, markets, restaurants and things to do in Goa.

Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village, Fort Aguada, Candolim

If you want to stay in the best luxury hotels in North Goa then look no further than The Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village which are located next to each other on the most Southern end of Candolim beach by Fort Aguada.

The location is the best part of the most popular area of Goa – the busy Baga, Calangute, Candolim stretch meaning that you can enjoy a luxury stay without too many crowds and still be within easy reach of all the parties, markets, restaurants and attractions of North Goa

Both resorts are luxurious and perennially popular, The Taj Fort Aguada is classy and classic and the Taj Holiday Village next door is slightly more laidback with cute, colourful cottages spread across the tropical gardens. I prefer the atmosphere of this one actually. They both have awesome sunset views over Candolim beach.

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W Goa, Chapora/Vagator

The new W Goa only just opened in 2017 and has fast become popular and is undoubtedly the best luxury hotel in the Anjuna, Vagator area and one of the most hip luxury hotels in Goa.

This huge, modern, ultra cool and stylish 5 star resort is perched right on the quiet end of Vagator beach under Chapora Fort and has amazing views – especially at sunset.

Rooms are very modern and swish and the whole resort really makes a statement with it’s stylish and contemporary design. There’s also a swimming pool with amazing views over the beach, a spa, sauna, bars, restaurants, an indoor play area, yoga classes, boutique shops and much more.

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Best Resorts and Luxury Hotels in Panjim, Central Goa.

Goa’s capital Panjim (Panaji) is right in the middle of Goa so it makes a good base from which you can explore the whole state. It’s also not too far from the airport so if you’re visiting Goa for a quick break then these luxury hotels are convenient and centrally located.

Goa Marriott, Panjim

The Goa Marriott Resort is the best luxury hotel in Panjim (Panaji) Goa’s capital city. It’s a 5 star hotel that is on the beachfront near to Miramar beach but still close to all the city, and the rest of Goa, has to offer.

Rooms are stylish, modern and comfortable, there are great sea views from the pool and many excellent dining options.

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Cidade de Goa, Panjim

The Cidade de Goa is a 5 star beachfront resort with a unique design and colourful terracotta hued architecture inspired by Portuguese villages. The hotel is located on Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula, 10 mins from the Goan capital Panjim.

There are 2 lovely outdoor pools and a great spa and fitness centre and several restaurants to choose from. The rooms are comfortable, bright, colourful and well equipped, many with stunning sea views.

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Check out these posts for more tips on where to stay in Goa:

The best places to stay in Goa 

Where to stay in Goa in monsoon

Goa holiday Guide – Guardian Travel

The best luxury private pool villas in Goa

Have you stayed in one of Goa’s luxury hotels? Where did you stay and how was your experience?