3 Best Hotels in Arambol, Ashvem, Mandrew, and Morjim, Goa

On a 500-yard-long spit of outstretched private land, surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea and Otter Creek, this beautiful, small property has attentive service and comprises four elegant beach houses and three tents that are separated from the mainland by the saltwater creek—access is via a private bamboo footbridge. The beach houses sleep between two and six persons, depending on the house; each tent sleeps two in a double four-poster bed. The property is closed May through September.

For the old-world charm of an aristocratic family home, stay at this elegant Portuguese villa on the south bank of the Chapora River, now converted into an all-suites boutique hotel. Bought in 1996 and beautifully restored, this old mansion has huge airy bedrooms impeccably furnished with antiques, and spacious bathrooms, ornately decorated common areas, and a lovely courtyard at its center. A new bridge across the Chapora makes it easy to get to the beaches north of the river in Pernem, as long as you have a car or bicycle—it's about 6 to 7 km (4 miles) from Siolim House to the Pernem beaches.

Thatched and dome-shape roofs are tucked away in a shaded grove of palm trees at this fun and funky property just minutes from lovely Ashwem Beach. Guests have the choice of five Goan-style homes or the space-age domes, each equipped with a king-size bed and bathroom. The hotel's eco-friendly mission is reflected in the use of locally available materials, such as lava rock, palm leaves, grass, and local clays and sand. Morning yoga classes and ayurvedic treatments make this a special, if offbeat, retreat.