This fabulous boutique ‘villa’ hotel is a hugely welcome addition to the Goan hotel scene. Situated at the end of a beach, with waves from the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean tumbling into the sea wall that separates the hotel from the beach (not a swimming beach), Ahilya by the Sea has a unique and glorious setting.

It has emerged as a result of two families merging in marriage with one providing the idyllic location (The Trindade family) and the other providing years of built up hoteliering expertise (The Holkars of Ahilya Fort). As a result of this union, various family members have got together and created Ahilya by the Sea, therein bringing the intimacy, sophistication and family experience so well refined at Ahilya Fort to this unique family home.

The Trindade family is famous for its connections to the arts and the idea behind the hotel is to recreate the glorious styles of Old Goa but with a nod to more modern, comfortable amenities. It is a place where guests will experience an authentic, artistic, rich Goan connection and feel like pampered, integrated locals rather than harried tourists. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with a strong emphasis on the arts, music and cuisine – the owning family’s passions!

There are 7 spacious rooms and one glorious suite in 3 separate Portuguese style villas (perfect for renting separately, in their entirety) made from hand hewn local red laterite rock, and 1 tower room. The interiors are relaxed and inviting and home to a fascinating collection of personal antiques and Goan art.

Outside comprises lush gardens with 2 lap pools and shady verandahs for resting on admiring the view, with the sea breezes wafting over you, and there’s a small massage room. Meals are taken in different places according to the weather and time of day but, suffice it to say, whether you eat in the cool dining area inside or alfresco, listening to the ocean, dining here will always be an event to savour!

All this, together with Goa’s rich tradition of hospitality, culture, cuisine and history, is on your doorstep so you never have to travel far (if at all), nor tear yourself away from precious time resting and feasting in the sun, to have what will undoubtedly be a magical, genuine Goan experience - a world away from the madness with which Goa is often associated today.

Ahilya by the Sea is the perfect place to end a holiday (2 night minimum stay), providing a warm, intimate, authentic base from which to explore this fascinating state. This is Goa at its best!