Sunny and sandy Goa is India’s top tourist destination. Along with Phuket, Bali, Palawan and Boracay of Philippines, it is also the most popular beach resort of Asia. Thousands travel to Goa from Russia, England, and many other countries for its 35 beaches, vibrant nightlife, water sports, casinos, churches, unique culture, wonderful seafood, or simply to relax and catch the sun.

Sure enough, there are all kinds of accommodation options in Goa. You can choose from hotels, star-category resorts, budget homes, and apartments. Or you can stay at a villa if you are looking for the best luxury and privacy. Goa villas also offer more space, so you can spread out easily instead of staying at cramped hotel rooms. Most villas have manicured lawns, tropical gardens, private swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and modern amenities that you will find at luxury hotels and resorts. Plus, you will have total privacy because the entire property will be yours for the duration of your stay.

You can stay together as a group in a private villa. You don’t have to share the pool with guests you don’t know. There is no rushing for the poolside sunbed. Enjoy a barbecue or a picnic lunch. Or a midnight swim. Do as you please.

Hundreds of Villas to Choose From

There are hundreds of villas in Goa to choose from. Some of them are small, cozy properties with 2 or 3 bedrooms, while the others are large estates with 6 or more bedrooms. Select a property based on your group size. Many Goa villas are modern properties, while you will also find houses with a colonial façade. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961. You will still find Portuguese influences here in its culture, architecture, music, food, and drinks.

Many villas are located right on the beach or the riverfront, while others are tucked away in serene and quiet corners. You will also find private villas outside the city areas, up in the hills, in the villages, and close to the national parks.

With so many choices, how do you select a villa for your vacation in Goa? This guide will help you decide.

First, Select the Location

The location is naturally always very important. You can choose to stay close to the major tourist attractions if you like, but expect a lot of people around the property. Within the compound, though, you will still enjoy complete privacy. Or you can stay away from it all, in a serene and quiet area, away from the crowds. However, if you do this, the traveling time will be longer. Many guests, of course, visit Goa only for relaxation and to get a tan.

Goa can be broadly divided into South and North. South Goa is generally more serene and sophisticated. It is less crowded. North Goa is more happening. It is vibrant. Most of the restaurants, bars, cafes, markets, and nightclubs are located here. However, both these areas have many beautiful beaches.

Also, remember, the beachfront and riverfront villas will always cost more. If budget is not a constraint, then select a luxury villa in the best location according to your preferences.

Number of Bedrooms, Duration of Stay

The villa you select should naturally also depend on your group size. If you are traveling as a group of 10 people, you may want to select a property that has 5 bedrooms. However, do check the number of beds in the bedrooms. In some villas, there are rooms with more than 2 beds. And even if there are 2 beds, some properties will allow extra beds. There are also room for kids with bunk beds.

So the right thing to do is first shortlist a few villas and then check how many beds you can have. Look at the pictures to see the sleeping arrangements. If required contact the villa. Do the booking only once you are sure.

Also, remember, many properties have a minimum duration of stay, like 5 days or a week. So check this before making the booking. Also, check the booking and payment policy. How much advance do you have to make? Find out if you can get a discount, especially if you are planning to visit during the off-season.

Facilities, Amenities

You will find all modern facilities and amenities that are there in hotels and resorts in the villas. There is air-conditioning, barbecue, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, lawn, garden, DVD player, satellite television, games for kids, the spacious rooms have large windows and luxury linen, the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and there is also a well-equipped kitchen. Many villas offer chef or cooking maid service.

However, the facilities and amenities will differ for each property. Read the villa description carefully to find out. Ensure that you will have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Ask the Right Questions

Ask several questions to ensure that you have the right property. Here are a few that could be relevant to you – 

• How far is the villa from restaurants, shops, beach, tourist attractions?
• Is the property family friendly?
• Is there parking space?
• What is included in the price?
• Minimum stay duration?
• Are toiletries and towels supplied?
• How frequently is the swimming pool cleaned?
• How will I get the key on arrival?
• Is the villa smoking or non-smoking?
• Are there any behavior rules in the property?
• Will the property be exclusively for me and my group during my stay?
• Will I have good internet, mobile reception?

You could have many more questions. Ask everything and be sure before booking.

Reviews

Finally, make sure to read the reviews before you decide. Reviews from guests who have stayed at the property will give you a good idea.

Always be sure before you select a villa. A villa is a great choice for a larger group that wants to stay together in luxury and have its privacy. You will also have more freedom in a private villa. However, you will have to manage some things on your home. For example, there will be very little room service.