10 Glorious Goa Homestays and Bed & Breakfasts

Arco Iris is the perfect place for anyone with a passion for Goa's old Portuguese mansions. This one took three painstaking years to restore to its previous grandeur, but the result is stunning. It fronts onto a seasonal lake, which makes the setting even more captivating. Situated in south Goa, it's convenient for visiting other restored Portuguese mansions that are open to the public.

• Location: South Goa. Around 7 kilometers from Margao in the quiet village of Curtorim.
• Special Features: The architecture, and gorgeous mosaics. Each of the four guest rooms have been decorated a different color of the rainbow.
• Rate: From 5,000 rupees per night, for a double including breakfast.

Capella is a classic luxury Goan homestay.  The hosts designed and built the premises themselves, and it oozes earthy character.

• Location: North Goa. On a forested hill in Arpora village.
• Special Features: The hosts are avid nature and wildlife enthusiasts, and they have a vast collection of books on the subject. The homestay also has a swimming pool.
• Rate: From 5,000 rupees per night, for a double including breakfast.

Olaulim Backyards is a hinterland homestay with five unusual eco-friendly cottages, where you can really get back to nature.

• Location: North Goa. On the banks of Goan backwaters in Olaulim village near Aldona, around 30 minutes from Panjim, the capital of Goa.
• Special Features: Ideal for those who like an active vacation enjoying the great outdoors. There's a swimming pool, kayaking, village walks, bird watching, a tree house, and menagerie of pets.  Special scuba diving and monsoon white water rafting packages are also available for adults who like a thrill!
• Rate: From 4,500 rupees per night. It includes breakfast and all in-house activities.

The magnificent 300 year old ancestral home of the Menezes family is surrounded by paddy fields and palm trees in a Goan village that feels wonderfully stuck in time. Nearby, the lake is a delight for bird watchers, and bicycles are available to explore the surrounding area. The host is very knowledgeable about its heritage and history.

• Location: North Goa.  In Batim village, about 20 minutes southeast of Panjim.
• Special Features: There is an art gallery and boutique (Sala de Kala) on the premises. It showcases the work of artists from Goa and beyond, as well as stocks antiques and other unique items of furniture. Frequent exhibitions are held at the gallery. Pets are welcome!
• Rate: From 4,500 rupees per night.

Idyllic and immaculate, The Secret Garden stuns guest with its thoughtful restoration that took more than a decade to complete. It combines old and new to create a magical tropical hideaway in a much loved 200 year old ancestral home. The hosts have extensive tourism experience in Goa and this is reflected in their outstanding hospitality.

• Location: North Goa. In Saligao village, around 10 minutes from Baga beach.
• Special Features: There's a swimming pool in the garden and sumptuous breakfasts are prepared by the hostess. The largest of the three exquisitely decorated guest rooms opens out onto the garden and has a path leading to the pool.
• Rate: From 4,000 rupees per night.

Quinta da Graça is an atmospheric Indo-Portuguese mansion, dating back to the 1940s. The hosts are a local couple who have restored the property with some additions, but largely keeping its Goan essence intact. Expect rooms with high ceilings, antique Belgian crystal chandeliers, period furniture, and a serene walled garden surrounding the house. Guests are accommodated in four bedrooms, plus a two bedroom cottage.

• Location: North Goa. In Saligao village.
• Special Features: The hosts have a keen interest in Goan folklore and culture, and have plenty of entertaining stories to share.
• Rate: 2,000-7,000 rupees per night.

Super family and child friendly, Cancio's House offers laid back accommodation in the 500 year old ancestral house of a sweet Goan family and their pets.

• Location: North Goa. In Aldona village, around 30 minutes from Baga beach.
• Special Features: Traditional village and eco-friendly experience. Water is drawn from a well and food is cooked with home grown produce. The host organizes kayaking on the backwaters. You can also charter a speedboat or catamaran.
• Rate: From 2,000 rupees per night.

This leafy, value-for-money place is centrally situated in the quiet Campal Heritage Precinct, close to Miramar and the Mandovi River promenade. Its affable host will make you feel right at home. He even gives guests a short tour of the surrounds.

• Location: Panjim.
• Special Features: The International Film Festival of India is held at Campal, and the Kala Academy center for performing arts is nearby. In addition, the Goa Carnival parade passes through the area.
• Rate: From 2,000 rupees per night.

Caravela Homestay is ideal for anyone wanting to stay in Goa's Fontainhas Latin Quarter. Tucked away in one of the district's Portuguese mansions, it's themed on a 15th century Portuguese ship. The father and son hosts are really kind and helpful.

• Location: Panjim.
• Special Features: It has a cafe that serves delicious Indo-Portuguese cuisine.
• Rate: From 2,000 rupees per night.

Possibly the grooviest homestay in Goa, Casa Serendip belongs to a prominent DJ/producer and his wife who recently relocated to Goa. However, it's a cozy chill out space rather than a party place. The homestay's four colorful guest cottages are located in the back garden of an historic Portuguese villa dating back to 1452. Each has its own individual style, with furniture made from wood found on the property. The dreamy garden is abundant with birds and butterflies. Paradise!

• Location: North Goa.  In Canca village, near Mapusa. It's 20 minutes from Anjuna, Calangute and Candolim beaches.
• Special Features: More than just a homestay, there is also a home and lifestyle store that sells an eye-catching range of home decor and accessories. Culinary vacations are offered as well.
• Rate: 2,000-3,000 rupees per night.