12 of the Hottest Clubs, Bars and Beach Shacks in Goa

The classy Chronicle opened in December 2013 and not surprisingly, quickly established itself as one of the coolest places in Goa. Part Italian fine-dining restaurant and part cocktail bar with a huge open-air dance floor, Chronicle is spread over five levels right by the beach. Its creative cocktail menu was crafted by a London mixologist. Parties, featuring top DJs and musicians from around the world, start at 4-5 p.m. (as do the happy hours).

• Location: Little Vagator beach.
• Open: November to May.
• Music: Deep house, techno, and trance.

Club Cubana, with its hilltop location, is referred to as the "Nightclub in the Sky". This very popular club has been around for more than a decade and is dominated by the swimming pool and Jacuzzi in its center. The venue accommodates 3,000 people and the party goes on until dawn. Expect to pay 2,000 rupees entry for couples and 1,500 rupees for single guys. The price includes unlimited alcoholic drinks (cheap spirits only). Ladies' Night on Wednesdays and Models' Night on Saturdays are two of the biggest events there.

• Location: Arpora hills.
• Open: October to April.
• Music: House, hip hop, and R&B.

Unique wedding venue LPK Waterfront is home to "India's first super club" -- Club LPK (Love, Passion, Karma). Set on the banks of the Nerul river and surrounded by two lakes, the unusual architecture is quite astounding. The venue has been made almost entirely of mud and stone, and has a cavernous dance floor. Add to this, terracotta statues and a 400 year old Portuguese church in the background.  A strict entry policy ensures a decent crowd. Expect to pay 1,500-3,000 rupees entry for couples, with drinks included. Single guys are not encouraged. The party really gets going after midnight.

• Location: Inland Candolim.
• Open: All year round.
• Music: House, Bollywood and commercial.

A one-stop party destination, SinQ consists of a party resort with 20 suites, and a beach club with expansive indoor and outdoor areas for night and day partying. Catering to around 4,000 guests, facilities include a state-of-the-art nightclub, swimming pool with lounges and bar, and a tavern. Notably the resort's suites have sound systems with live feeds from the DJ consoles! There are different events on different nights, from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

• Location: Candolim.
• Open: All year round. 
• Music: Mostly commercial, including some Bollywood club nights.

Destination One has transformed the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s faded Calangute Residency Resort into a noteworthy establishment worthy of a chic crowd. Its prime location is undoubtedly advantageous because the beach is privately owned. Head there for a hub of fine dining, drinks and music across four venues.  Panacea is the center of the action, and morphs from a daytime lounge and bar into an epic nightclub licensed to remain open until 5 a.m.

• Location: Calangute beach.
• Open: All year round.
• Music: Varied.

Nyex Beach Club launched in early 2015 and replaces the defunct Club Paradiso. The sprawling club is spread over three levels -- an indoor club on the top floor, VIP lounge on the middle floor, and outdoor lounge deck with stage on the bottom floor.  Its cliff-side location provides an unforgettable 180 degree view of the ocean and also offers beach access.  Special events, music festivals, and sundowner parties are often held there. A destination for late-night party people, it remains open until 4 a.m. 

• Location: Anjuna cliff.
• Open: All year round.
• Music: Electronic.

Inspired by Sunset Ashram restaurant and bar in Ibiza, this lesser-known exclusive 30,000 square foot beach club undergoes a stunning metamorphosis after sundown.  Events are held Friday to Sunday. The Sunday Sunset Sessions are a highlight, starting at 1 p.m. Head there to get away from the Goa crowd!

• Location: Ashwem beach.
• Open: December to April.
• Music: Underground sounds, techno, and deep house.

Undoubtedly Goa's most legendary beach shack, Curlies was one of the first shacks in the state. It's the place to be at sundown after the famous Wednesday Anjuna flea market, with a trance party that goes on into the night. Enjoy an eclectic menu of wood-fired pizzas, Goan, Indian and international cuisine, cocktails, and fresh fruit juice. There's a rooftop lounge bar and hookahs as well. Also check out Shiva Valley next to Curlies, which is renowned for its Tuesday trance parties starting from 5 p.m.  Want to stay in the area? The Prison Hostel dedicates itself to partying.

• Location: Anjuna beach.
• Open: All year round.
• Music: Psychedelic trance.

The rooftop Peace Bar at the luxury Park Hotel has a mesmerizing outlook over the ocean and scrumptious cocktails made from fresh fruit ingredients. Each night caters to a different crowd with various special events, including Rockstar Night (which promotes upcoming bands), Karaoke, and Ladies Night. There are DJs as well.

• Location: Calangute beach.
• Open: All year round.
• Music:  Varied.

The pick of the many places to party on Tito's Lane, Cape Town Cafe opened in 2009, and has the same owners as Club Tito and Cocktails & Dreams. A hip place to hang out, it attracts a lot of Indian tourists. The focus is on good food and fun, and there are happy hours until midnight. Football fans, note that there are large LCD screens for matches.  An entry fee of 500 rupees is charged on weekends, and entry to single guys is restricted.

• Location: Baga
• Open: All year round.
• Music: Commercial. 

If you'd prefer live music, Cavala Seaside Resort is renowned for its bands. This laid back place has been open since 1979, and is set in a characterful old house with rambling garden and courtyard bar.  There are retro performances on many nights of the week, starting from 8 p.m.  Go for the mouthwatering Goan seafood as well.

• Location: Baga.
• Open: All year round.
• Music: Jazz, blues, retro, rock and roll.

Goa's iconic psy trance party playground, Hill Top has been in business since the hippie heydays of the 1970s. This revered open-air venue has evolved from small restaurant into a mecca for psychedelic trance that's hosted artists from around the world. A grove of neon palm trees and groovy art installations give it an appropriately trippy vibe. Parties happen every Sunday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., as well as on other special occasions such as New Year's Eve. Don't miss the Hill Top Festival, from February 13-15, 2015.

• Location: Vagator hill.
• Open: September to April.
• Music: Psychedelic trance.