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 resorts, restaurants, bars, boutiques and nightlife in India!
And there’s a huge variety of luxurious accommodation in Goa nowadays, from luxury beach huts to incredible 5 star hotels, luxury beach resorts and amazing villas complete with private pools.
I’ve lived in Goa since 2015 and when my family and friends come to visit me 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 luxury resorts in Goa to choose from.
To help you decide which of these luxury resorts in Goa are really worth it I’ll let you know my favourite Goa resorts and many more tips to plan your trip to Goa after a decade of living here. I’ll also let you know which 5 star hotels offer the best deals. 😉
In a Hurry? My Favorite Goa Resorts:
If you’re in a hurry here’s my top 5 absolute favorite luxury resorts in Goa, depending on the reason for your trip:
- Best 5 Star Beachfront Resort: The St Regis Goa Resort
- Best Resort with Private Beach and Private Pool Suites – The Taj Exotica
- Best Luxury Resort in Goa for Couples or Honeymoon – The Alila Diwa
- Best Beach Resort in Goa for Families with Kids – Caravela Beach Resort
- Best Luxury Resort in North Goa – Taj Holiday Village Fort Aguada
Where to Find the Best Luxury Resorts in Goa
If you’re looking for a luxury Goa holiday then it’s good to know that most of the 5 star hotels, luxury resorts and best beach resorts in Goa are located in South Goa, which is also home to the emptiest, cleanest and best beaches in Goa.
There are also some amazing luxury hotels and 5 star resorts at Candolim Beach in North Goa close to Baga Beach and all the best parties, restaurants and markets, but most of these are not a spacious or peaceful as the resorts in South Goa.
There are also a few great properties in Panaji, Goa’s colourful capital city, I really recommend spending a day to explore the unique heritage on Panaji and the historic churches of Old Goa.
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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.
Luxury resorts also offer more room choices than budget hotels so if you are traveling with family or a large group you should be able to find the perfect accommodation for your needs.
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.
Top 15 Luxury Resorts and 5 Star Hotels in Goa for 2024
I’ve lived in Goa since 2015, so I’ve been lucky enough to visit and stay in many of the best luxury resorts in Goa. So here’s a quick list of my top recommendations for Goa’s best luxury and 5 star resorts in South Goa, North Goa and near Panaji.
Best Luxury Resorts in South Goa:
- The St Regis Goa Resort, Cavelossim Beach
- Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Benaulim Beach
- The Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda Beach
- ITC Grand Goa, Arossim Beach
- Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa, Utorda Beach
- The LaLit Golf & Spa Resort, Rajbaga Beach near Palolem
- The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino, Varca Beach
Best Luxury Resorts in North Goa:
- Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village, Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach
- W Goa, Chapora Fort, Vagator Beach
Best Luxury Resorts in Panaji/ Panjim:
- Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar Beach near Panaji
- Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula near Panaji
Most Affordable 5 Star Hotels in Goa
- Caravela Beach Resort, Varca Beach
- Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, Utorda Beach
- Holiday Inn Resort Goa, Morbor Beach
If you want more detail, carry on reading and I’ll explain why each hotel is so special.
As prices vary depending on dates I’ve included links so you can check out more reviews, photos, availability and prices for your dates and room type. Did you know that if you visit out of season or in monsoon most of these hotels offered greatly discounted rates. Also be aware that sometimes the rate doesn’t include tax so take that into account too.
Accommodation in Goa is at it’s most expensive around New Year’s but many of these luxury resorts also host gala dinners, fireworks, live music, dancing and parties and are a better option for families than the crazy crowds and nightlife in Baga Beach! Check out my insider tips for celebrating New Year in Goa.
The Best 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 or couples trip.
1. The St Regis Goa Resort, Cavelossim Beach
For the best luxury resort in Goa look no further than The St Regis Resort 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.
Formerly known and much loved as The Leela, the rooms at The St Regis 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.
2. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Benaulim Beach
The Taj Exotica is one of the very best luxury 5 star resorts in Goa and offers both a private beach, golf course and some fabulous private pool suites.
This Mediterranean style resort is a great choice for couples and families alike. I love the architecture, wooden beams, old world charm, lush gardens and spacious grounds. There’s also a private beach with water-sports facilities, a gorgeous pool, luxurious spa and fitness center and 6 excellent restaurants.
The service is fantastic as you would expect at the Taj. There’s a wide range of room types, suites and villas to accommodate families or larger groups. Some rooms boasts sea views, jacuzzis and private gardens with plunge pools. Opt for a room package that includes airport transfers to get your trip off to a smooth and stress-free start.
The Taj run some of the best luxury hotels in India and this grand resort in Benaulim, South Goa, is no different. This is probably one of the best resorts in the whole of India, not just Goa.
It’s a great choice for families traveling with children as the kids will be kept entertained with the wide range of activities available at the children’s club while the adults can relax at the spa or with a round of golf.
3. The Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda Beach
The Alila Diwa Goa, part of the Hyatt brand, is a gorgeous, elegant Balinese style 5 star hotel and resort in quiet Majorda beach, 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 or special couples trip.
4. ITC Grand Goa, Arossim Beach
The ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is a spacious, award winning, beachside 5-star resort designed to resemble an Indo Portuguese village situated on serene Arossim Beach. It’s located only 15 mins from Dabolim airport, which makes it super convenient for a 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. It’s not just a hotel, but an experience.
The ITC was formerly the Park Hyatt but reaches new heights under the ITC brand to become of the best luxury resorts in Goa near Dabolim airport. It also boasts some of the best rooms with private pools – the private lap pool suite is amazing but sells out quickly so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
5. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa, Utorda Beach
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 in south Goa 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 and is one of the more affordable 5 star resorts in Goa.
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.
My Review Check Prices and Availability
6. The LaLit Golf & Spa Resort, Rajbaga Beach 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.
7. The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino, Varca Beach
The Zuri, situated on Varca Beach, is also the home of Dunes Casino and is the only beach resort with a casino in South 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.
The Best Resorts 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 5 star luxury beach resorts 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.
1. Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village, Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach
If you want to stay in the best luxury resorts 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.
2. W Goa, Chapora Fort, Vagator Beach
The W Goa opened in 2017 and has quickly became popular due to it’s modern, unique design and stunning location. It’s undoubtedly the best luxury resort in the Anjuna, Vagator area and one of the most hip 5 star 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.
The Best Resorts in Panaji (Panjim)
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 Dabolim airport so if you’re visiting Goa for a quick break then these luxury hotels are convenient and centrally located.
1. Goa Marriott, Miramar Beach near Panaji
The Goa Marriott Resort is the best luxury beach resort near Panaji (Panjim) Goa’s capital city. It’s a 5 star hotel that is on the beachfront of Miramar beach but still super 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.
2. Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula near Panaji
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 Panaji.
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.
BONUS – The Most Affordable 5 Star Hotels in Goa
While the 5 star hotels in Goa offer the most luxurious experience they don’t come cheap and are quite expensive for the average person.
But don’t let your budget stop you from experiencing a luxury Goa holiday – there are a couple of 5 star hotels that are offering much cheaper deals than similar hotels nearby and are amazing value for money.
These more affordable 5 star resorts in Goa start from only 10,000 INR which is approx. £100/ €115/ $120 at the time of writing.
Rates of course depend on your dates and room type but definitely check these out if you are looking for luxury on a budget.
1. Caravela Beach Resort, Varca Beach
This 5 star beach resort in South Goa is one of Goa’s best value beach resorts. It offers so many facilities and amazing value for money with much cheaper deals than some of the other luxury hotels in Goa.
Located right on the beachfront of peaceful Varca beach and surrounded by tropical gardens the Caravela Beach Resort is an excellent choice for families or anyone after a luxury Goa beach vacation at an affordable price point.
Offering a huge range of facilities and numerous daily activities that children and adults of all ages will enjoy, there’s so much to do at the resort you’ll never get bored even if you don’t leave the resort!
The facilities include a huge outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Ayurvedic spa, four restaurants and even a disco, bar and 9 hole golf course!
Whatever the size of your group you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation arrangement. Choose from a double room or, for families or larger groups, go for a two bedroom ocean view villa.
2. Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, Utorda Beach
Situated right on the beachfront of peaceful Utorda Beach in South Goa surrounded by nature and spacious gardens and boasting no less than 6 eateries, this 5 star resort offers incredible value for money compared to other similar resorts nearby.
Home to one of the largest swimming pools in all of Goa boasting a slide, children’s pool, open air jacuzzi and swim up pool bar. The resort offers a variety of comfortable rooms, including double rooms, ocean view suites and also spacious family rooms.
The Kenilworth Resort is a great options for families – kids will love the pool while the adults will love the variety of dinning options which include a multi cuisine restaurant, Italian cafe and their own beach shack.
3. Holiday Inn Resort Goa, Morbor Beach
The sprawling 5 star Holiday Inn Resort Goa is located on the beachfront of Mobor Beach in Cavelossim, South Goa. This is one of the best beaches in Goa and an exclusive area home to just a few luxury resorts of which the Holiday Inn offers the best value for money.
The resort is surrounded by 25 acres of palm trees and lush tropical greenery and offers twin and double rooms, some with sea views. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, spa and beauty salon. There’s also 5 dinning options, a childrens play area and a business center so this resort offers everything you could ever need.
By the way 5 stars is as high as you can go – there aren’t any 6 star or 7 star resorts in Goa yet!
I hope this blog post has helped you find your ideal luxury resort in Goa and that you have an amazing time! If you need more tips and inspiration to help you plan your trip to Goa I’ve got many more articles and Goa blogs.
Start with my Goa travel guide and check out these blog posts for more tips on where to stay in Goa:
- The best places to stay in Goa
- My guide to visiting Goa in monsoon
- The best luxury private pool villas in Goa
- The best beach huts in Goa
- The best yoga retreats in Goa
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Have you stayed in one of Goa’s luxury resorts? Where did you stay and how was your experience?
5 comments
Thanks for the awesome information… Do these hotels accept the single I’d check-in ??
Hi Ram – not sure what you mean by single ID check in? Many places require a passport but for some it’s OK to check in just with Adhaar or PAN card. It’s best to ask directly at the hotel you’re interested in or check their websites for terms and conditions. Happy Travels 🙂
Hi Anna,Thanks for the informative article.Goa is the best place to chill and relax yourself and hotels are super amazing.keep sharing such post so it can be easy to explore it a proper way.
Informative and well written article. Really feel like packing my bags and going off to Goa for few days. But, need to wait for some more time!!
Hi
Great articles , please share more resorts and the classic style in your websites . This is very attractive for all tourists . Anyways i like your luxury resorts blogs . Good work !