Top 12 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Goa

After several trips to Goa, I’ve come to love its palm-lined beaches, Portuguese-influenced charm, and range of stays – from colonial boutiques to luxury resorts. These are my favorite unique places to stay…

1. Kaia Oceanfront

Kaia Oceanfront Goa - my guest room

Kaia Oceanfront in Goa

I thought this serene, design-forward retreat was an absolute gem—its sleek minimalist style melted into the natural landscape, with dreamy ocean views, barefoot luxury, and a wonderfully secluded vibe! 

I really loved the relaxed boho styling – there were earthy tones, natural textures, and handcrafted wooden furnishings which gave everything a warm, inviting feel. The vibe was zen-like and eco-conscious, which completely won me over!

My room was gorgeous with earthy textures, a sleek rain shower, breezy glass doors, and a terrace overlooking the sea – and a stunning open-air bathtub which totally stole the show for me!

Mornings began with sunrise yoga by the sea, days were filled with Ayurvedic massages in breezy cabanas, and evenings ended with candlelit dinners under the stars – all set on peaceful Ashwem Beach, a quiet, upscale escape from North Goa’s party scene.

My personal highlights… 

I enjoyed a full-body Abhyanga massage with herb-infused sesame oil tailored to my dosha – mine included ashwagandha, rejuvenating brahmi, and warming bala root! 2. The Park Calangute

The Park Calangute Cabanas

The Park Calangute - my Bedroom

I loved how this trendy boutique stay blended beachfront bliss with a rooftop cabana lounge and a lively, party-loving vibe – it definitely wasn’t your average Goan beach hotel!

It had an eye-catching look—modern and vibrant with splashy color accents, cool furniture, and artsy details which I saw created a stylish, sociable buzz.

I stayed in a chic, minimalist room with a comfy king bed, soft ambient lighting, and a rain shower and my favorite feature a super cool digital headboard that displayed a colorful tropical scene, birds and all!

I made the most of it – sunset dinners at LOVE, dips in the dreamy infinity pool, breezy beachfront meals, private strolls on the sand, and dancing into the night at their DJ sets – all perfectly placed right on Calangute Beach, just steps from buzzing clubs, night markets, and lively shacks.

My highlights…

Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the infinity pool was an Instagram-worthy moment – I could see all the way to Sinquerim Beach, Fort Aguada, and Dona Paula!  9. Circle Hotel

Circle Hotel in Goa Huts

Circle Hotel in Goa

I loved how this hip Anjuna hideaway blended striking design with a creative, community-driven energy—it felt like staying in an art gallery with a social twist!

The decor here was bold and eclectic, mixing industrial elements with pops of color, local art, and retro furniture – it had a cool, creative vibe where I saw backpackers, digital nomads, and free spirits mingling over music and cocktails. 

My room was simple yet full of charm—flooded with natural light, dotted with quirky local art, and made extra special by a whimsical tree branch detail! 

Evenings meant rooftop drinks and sunset chats, afternoons were for pool dips and co-working sessions, and courtyard live music brought everyone together— and being right in the heart of Anjuna, I was just a short walk from the beach, flea markets, and North Goa’s coolest cafés and nightlife.

My favourite highlights… 

Browsing the nearby Arpora Saturday Night Market, I wandered past glowing lanterns, sizzling spice-filled food stalls, and live music, and loved the mirror-work Rajasthani jackets, chunky silver gemstone rings, and quirky vintage Bollywood posters! 3. Mojigao – Eco Resort

Mojigao - Eco Resort

Mojigao - Eco Resort - my eco hut bedroom

This serene, nature-focused retreat was a real hidden gem! I discovered a resort filled with rustic-luxe treehouse villas, an artistic jungle setting, and a buzzy cultural hub offering yoga, art workshops, and conscious dining – it was a refreshing, soulful escape!

I was a fan of the décor which was earthy and artistic, filled with natural wood, cane furnishings, colorful textiles, and handcrafted details, which all added to its boho, creative vibe! 

I stayed in a cozy wooden cottage with a private veranda, a breezy canopy bed, ethnic rugs, and large windows that opened out to the lush surrounding jungle. My favorite feature was the open-air bathroom which came with natural stone walls – it was actually an awesome experience showering in nature!

I loved starting my days with yoga in the treetops, recharging with holistic therapies and Ayurvedic meals, then ending with live art and music that gave the place a creative soul – all set in peaceful Assagao, tucked in the jungle just 10 minutes from Anjuna and Vagator. 

To book, check prices or availability for Mojigao

My favorite highlights…

I loved dining at their open-air restaurant nestled in the tropical forest – especially the zucchini spaghetti with cashew cream made from (their own!) garden-fresh ingredients! 4. Azaya Beach Resort

Azaya Beach Resort Swimming Pool

Azaya Beach Resort - my guest room

My personal highlights…

I loved the direct access to Benaulim Beach – just a short stroll past swaying palms and very fragrant pink and white frangipani trees, it felt like my own private paradise!  5. Red Thread Calangute

Red Thread Calangute Swimming Pool

Red Thread Calangute Lobby

My highlights…

7. The Bay Agonda

The Bay Agonda

The Bay Agonda - my Bathroom

6. The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali

The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali Villa

The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali Swimming Pool

 

My shot of Butterfly Beach in South Goa My shot of Butterfly Beach in South Goa – y Beach, a hidden cove I visited on a day trip from The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali!

I really loved this peaceful eco-luxury retreat tucked away in Goa’s Netravali forest – it was a serene, off-the-grid hideaway set amidst dense jungle, natural springs, and the sounds of wildlife. 

The decor was just as special—minimalist luxury blended with rustic Goan charm, from earthy tones and wooden furnishings to forest-framing windows which I thought made the whole space feel tranquil and immersed in nature.

My spacious room had a comfy bed, elegant wooden interiors, a rain shower, and a forest-facing balcony – but my favorite spot was the outdoor sit-out deck where I relaxed and spotted rare birds and playful monkeys.

My highlights…

I loved the spiced Okra & Coconut Stir-Fry with Red Amaranth Dal and Turmeric Rice which the staff told me was made with fresh okra, red amaranth, and turmeric from the resort’s very own organic garden!

10. W Hotel

W Hotel Goa Rooftop Bar

W Hotel Goa Bedroom

Set right on Vagator Beach, this trendy luxury resort doubled as a buzzing party hotspot—it totally stood out as one of the coolest and most Instagrammable places I stayed in Goa!

The decor was bold, eclectic, and ultra-modern – with psychedelic lighting, striking art installations, and upscale design touches inspired by Goa’s bohemian spirit. The vibe was its main highlight though – it was lively, glamorous, and youthful, drawing a stylish, beautiful crowd.

My spacious room had a gorgeously comfortable king bed, moody lighting, a private balcony, and a sleek bathroom stocked with Bliss® spa goodies – but the mirrored ceiling panel above the bed definitely added my favorite cheeky, edgy twist!

I partied at their electric sunset pool sessions at Rock Pool, danced with a cocktail in hand to live DJs at the sleek WOOBAR, and unwound with spa treatments carved into a natural rock face – all perched on a scenic North Goa cliffside near Vagator Beach, with superb views of the Arabian Sea.

To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel

My favorite highlights…

Hanging out at their glam beachfront WET pool – I loved the trendy infinity pool, funky pink cabanas, live DJs, and my Mirrored Mojito topped with silver leaf. After dark, it turned into a chic, mood-lit space!  11. Casa Anjuna

Casa Anjuna Swimming Pool

Casa Anjuna Garden

I really loved this place! It was a romantic, boho-style Portuguese-style villa in heritage hotel with vintage charm, whimsical decor, and a laid-back, old-school Goan vibe just minutes from Anjuna Beach.

Inside I found vibrant, eclectic decor complete with striking antique furniture, colorful tiles, four-poster beds, and playful bohemian touches. The vibe was laid-back, romantic, but ever so slightly eccentric too (which I was really charmed by)!

My personal highlights…

12. Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel in Goa Swimming Pool

Hard Rock Hotel in Goa Bedroom

I found this fun, rock ’n’ roll–themed hotel in Calangute and loved how it blended stylish luxury with a playful, high-voltage vibe! 

The interiors were wild and full of attitude – bright pops of color, authentic Fender guitars, music memorabilia, and moody lighting gave it a cool, energetic edge that blended rockstar flair with Goan chill.

With a large comfy bed, rain shower, and edgy rock-themed touches, my room felt luxe and playful – and I loved the Rock Om® yoga kit, which added a unique wellness twist.

I loved cooling off in the outdoor pool with its fun underwater music, then dancing the night away at live DJ sets and jam sessions that gave the place a mini music festival vibe – all right in the heart of Calangute, just minutes from the beach and surrounded by Goa’s best nightlife, cafés, and shops.

My personal highlights…

Ordering a Crosley turntable to my room via the The Sound of Your Stay’ program and playing Electric Love – BØRNS! 

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