The land of sun, sand and susegado, a place where every moment is to be savored! What’s not to love about Goa? With its beaches, nightlife, seafood, flea markets, majestic forts and ancient churches, there’s so much to do and so many places to be, that the options can get positively overwhelming for every kind of traveler.
Instead of telling you what you can do when in Goa, here’s our list of what you shouldn’t. Yes, you heard it right! This time on your vacation, try missing a few things, and instead living in and exploring other unmissable places around town. We promise you a trip that will change the way you see this beautiful state.
- Don’t go to a beach – Caught you with this didn’t we? Asking you to not do the one thing everyone vacationing in Goa looks forward to! Goa is the land of beaches, many of which are spread across the length and breadth of the state offering everything from water sports, boating, to sundown parties and get-togethers. But if you’ve been to Goa before, you’ve done all that and more. Why not therefore make this visit a little different?
- Don’t go chasing sunsets or places – Traveling through Goa is like zipping through time, trying to catch up with all that the place has to offer. It just isn’t possible to wrap everything – the sights, sounds and places – in a single day. Instead, slow down, breathe, savor the memories and absorb spaces in their own time. You’ve never taken Goa this slow before have you?
- Don’t go searching for places to eat– In Goa, exploring local food and culture is an adventure by itself. But with people from across the world settling here, and the multitude of cuisines prepared by local restaurants and cafes, it can be hard to find something you like. Our advice would be; don’t go searching for it, let it come to you. This can only happen when you plan your trip unhurriedly, and choose a place to stay that offers you immense food choices effortlessly.
Goa is many things to many people, but hectic travel often entails missing the essence of the place and its calm languidness. If you want to step away from the tried and tested, and put a different spin to your trip, here are a few villas and homes to explore that afford calm amidst the chaos. Besides offering the best sights, vistas and ambience, these homes are close to the beach, surrounded by popular restaurants and nightclubs and yet comfortably closeted away from the frenetic pace of the city.
Acaso – If the idea of discovering the art of slow living, one day at a time, makes your heart happy, then SaffronStays Acaso, a 4-bedroom boutique homestay in South Goa is exactly where you need to be. Watch
sunrises on the lake, go fishing in the river, take aimless strolls on the lawns and eat Goan food, there’s nostalgia in non-hustle, lazy living.
Casa Saudade – A 4-bedroom private, infinity pool villa in Candolim, SaffronStays Casa Saudade is a Portugese-style villa, the name of which evokes longing or nostalgia. Besides a spacious living area and contemporary décor, you get served fresh, home-cooked Indian and Goan meals prepared by the in-home cook or even make meals for yourself.
Bel Azur – Whether 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom or 5-bedroom, private villas of SaffronStays Bel Azur, are all located in and around Assagao. Large, airy and quintessentially Goan, the homes have original stone tiling, large seating spaces with beaches like Anjuna and Vagator not more than a walking distance away.
Villa Vinca – Luxurious, minimalist and with pops of coral, SaffronStays Villa Vinca is a pool villa in Candolim that overlooks a lush green valley and the beaches of Candolim and Sinquerim. The white walls of the home complement the local rustic landscape, and echo the simplicity of the surroundings.
Ivy Gaze – A cheery, cozy abode, SaffronStays Ivy Gaze is a 3-bedroom pet-friendly pool villa in Baga. Close to other SaffronStays properties, its location near the ever-buzzing Baga makes it ideal for large group gatherings.
Mayflower Manor – SaffronStays Mayflower Manor is a 5-bedroom bunker-like uniquely styled villa with infinity pool in Baga, tucked away on a cliff amidst calming greens. Interspersed with quirky sketches, colorful furnishings and decor pieces, it is a walk away from beach shacks and popular nightclubs.
Sunflower Glee – Right in the heart of busy North Goa, is the Saffronstays Sunflower Glee in Arpora. Pops of bright yellows and blues, with spacious, cosy sit-outs and sprawling lawns bring out the Portugese-style influence of this villa home.
With such lovely places to shack in, accompanied by the banter of family and loved ones, here’s a chance for you to experience Goa differently. Don’t go through all that you’ve previously done, and instead see the place completely anew.
