Siolim House, Bardez, Goa, India - Explore & Book

"This palatial 300-year-old house once belonged to the Governor of Macau, but like many of Goa’s colonial relics, it was abandoned and left to ruin. Thankfully, this one was saved and has been lovingly restored, with such meticulous attention to detail that it earned a Unesco Heritage award. Some of the windowpanes are made of mother-of-pearl and the walls are traditional shell and lime plaster; there are marble and porcelain details, tall windows with shades and shutters, and a cool inner courtyard lined with pillars. Antique furniture mixes well with contemporary wrought-iron pieces designed by the owner Varun Sood. On the doorstep of Siolim village and the Chapora River, the grand old manor whisks you back to the days of Portuguese Goa. But the rooms are splendid and the atmosphere is easy, laid-back and homely - the ideal place to relax and unwind away from the crowds (the nearest beach is a 10-minute drive). There are pretty gardens and a swimming pool. Alternatively you could opt for Little Siolim, a 3-bedroom villa annexe just a short walk through the village. Highs Most of the rooms (including the bathrooms) are vast, with lovely tiled floors and high beamed ceilingsSet in lush gardens on a quiet back road, it’s a world away from the beach-crowd touts and touristsA 300-year old heritage hotel, rich with old world charm - perfect for a romantic stayThe lovely blue-tiled pool, surrounded by walls of tall bamboo, is a veritable oasis It’s more home than hotel and its laid-back nature engenders a house-party atmosphere - kick back and enjoy good, home-cooked meals (at reasonable prices) Lows The small team of staff, whilst helpful and well mannered, can be a little slowSome of the areas may look a little tired, but the building’s heritage status makes it difficult to go too slick or modernYou'll need a car to reach the beaches and nightlife, if that’s what you wantNearby Little Siolim is right on a busy through road and can be quite noisy, particularly during the day" - Lesley Gillilan