• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

The Leela Kempinski Widely considered India’s top beach resort (and one of the few with a stringent eco-policy), there’s no denying the appeal and beauty of this extravagant resort set at the edge of a fairly vast stretch of near-unspoiled coast. Adding to the natural pull of the paradisiacal beach and rhythmically crashing waves of the Arabian Sea, is the design of the resort itself, centered on a man-made lagoon that meanders and curls among the lush vegetation, neatly scattered accommodation wings, and 12-hole golf course. Even the lobby manages to set the right mood, echoing (in design and decor at least) a Vijayanagar temple, complete with elaborate carvings and impressive statuary and objets. There’s a swath of room categories to choose from—the trust fund–level Club villas are far and away the best, with enhanced privacy (separate pool, dining areas, and wonderful proximity to a dense neighboring forest), a number of included extras (such as airport transfers), and the best looking accommodations. It’s extremely expensive, but there are always excellent deals and packages available in the low season (especially during monsoon).

Cavelossim, Mobor, Goa 403 731. 0832/287-1234. Fax 0832/287-1352. www.theleela.com. 186 units. High season Rs 23,000, pavilion double, Rs 27,000 conservatory premiere double, Rs 40,000 lagoon suite, Rs 45,000 lagoon deluxe suite, Rs 53,000 Club suite, Rs 65,000 Club pool suite, Rs 100,000 Royal Villa, Rs 135,000 presidential suite; low season Rs 11,000 Pavilion double, Rs 14,000 conservatory premiere double, Rs 20,000 lagoon suite, Rs 25,000 lagoon deluxe suite, Rs 30,000 Club suite, Rs 40,000 Club pool suite, Rs 50,000 Royal Villa, Rs 100,000 presidential suite. Rates include breakfast, airport transfer by coach; 10% tax extra. Club, Royal Villa and presidential suite rates include butler service, laundry, airport transfers, minibar, and in-room high tea. Rates much higher Dec 28–Jan 3. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 4 restaurants; including Susegado (see review), 2 bars, nightclub, lounge; free airport transfers (by coach; otherwise Rs 4,200); babysitting; bicycles; boating; casino; children’s activity center; club wing w/private restaurant, pool, and beach restaurant-bar; croquet; 12-hole golf course; health club and spa; large outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool; room service; 3 floodlit tennis courts; watersports; yoga and meditation. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, CD (in most), hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 150/hr.; Rs 900/day)

Taj Exotica Goa This resort features lovely surroundings (23 hectares/56 acres of landscaped gardens with 36 varieties of hibiscus trees), nicely appointed accommodations, warm service, and a kick-ass beach that might just as well be private. Even the cheapest “deluxe” guest rooms are spacious, with large picture windows and private patios or balconies. Ask for one on the ground floor—these are accessed via their own garden areas. The private villas are ideal if you don’t want to be in the main block, which looks something like a large Portuguese hacienda—specify a sea-facing room for a decent view (cheaper villas look onto the garden). The gorgeous sunset pool villas have private plunge pools—plus, the main pool is large and inviting.

Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcete, Goa 403 716. 0832/277-1234. Fax 0832/277-1515. www.tajhotels.com. exotica.goa@tajhotels.com. 140 units. Rs 18,500–Rs 35,500 garden villa room double, Rs 20,500–Rs 37,500 deluxe sea view double, Rs 24,700–Rs 40,500 sea view villa, Rs 25,700–Rs 42,500 luxury double, Rs 28,400–Rs 50,500 pool villas, Rs 44,600–Rs 67,500 luxury suite, Rs 113,000–Rs 144,500 presidential villa. Christmas and New Year stays attract compulsory additional costs for special meals. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 5 restaurants; lounge; bar; free airport transfers; archery; babysitting; badminton; beach volleyball; bicycles; children’s activity center; clay pigeon shooting; concierge; 9-hole golf course (pitch and putt); health