Cabo Serai is a delightful new retreat sitting on a secluded hill above Cabo de Rama Beach. Perched above dramatic cliffs that fall down to one of the most beautiful, crystal clear, small bays in South Goa, the hotel is just a short walk to it, downhill. Surrounded by tropical palm jungle in a large patch of land, the views out to sea are utterly stunning and it’s a wonderfully quiet, untouched area of Goa with some of the best beaches around.

7 (soon to be 10) stilted, wooden cottages and tents scramble up the hillside and each is generously roomy with superb sea views. Rustically comfortable, each has a spacious deck, wooden furnishings, excellent large bathrooms and they open up to allow the sounds of the sea and the breeze to waft in. The rooms are fairly close to each other but private due to dense foliage separating them each off. The tents are superb, fully secure, bug proof and air-conditioned. Pretty pathways lead from one to the other and there’s nowhere better to daydream than on your wooden verandah, cantilevered out from the hill. They are excellently equipped with everything you could want for a perfect, relaxing beach holiday.

Dining here is a treat, in the intimate, relaxed, open sided restaurant or on the outer dining terrace, al fresco, under a star studded sky. Delicious seafood and global cuisine, as much as possible produced and sourced locally, is all served by legendarily friendly, hospitable Goan staff. Goa also boasts a great selection of wines which are all readily available here. Sitting in your ‘eyrie’ watching the sun set over the sea is truly magical.

Situated in flourishing forest, the bird life is exceptional and gentle strolls in the hills or along trickling streams is an immensely peaceful way to spend the day if not relishing the beach (busy on Sundays!). There is a strong eco emphasis here with sustainability at its core. Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic massages are available and make Cabo Serai the perfect rest for the soul. For the more active, local forts make for interesting outings and, for those wanting to venture further afield, north Goa boasts historic architecture, great shopping and fabulous restaurants. Nothing quite beats the beaches around Cabo Serai, however which sits, secluded in a bit of untouched, wilderness Goa. This is a delightful, rustic, intimate hotel – perfect as a base for exploring the wonders of the Konkan Coast, and enjoying the more peaceful side of Goa.

Eco / environmental / responsible tourism policy

Goa needs environmentally clean, well rounded development. The vision at Cabo Serai has been to create a landmark project which focuses on green architecture which is unique in its design, usage of natural materials, and potentially reduces pollution and waste in various forms. They aim to preserve and enhance the greenery on the property, of which they have an abundance – buildings are built around and amongst the trees rather than felling them to create space. They have also introduced sustainable living in growing their own organic vegetables, usage of green and clean technologies, and providing employment to the local people.