Alila Diwa Goa

Looking out onto the Arabian Sea from the coast of Majorda Beach in South Goa, also known as ‘the pearl of the east,’ Alila Diwa Goa brings a new level of luxury to this exotic beach destination. Set amid lush paddy fields 500 meters from the sea, Alila Diwa Goa has blended the best of contemporary Goan architecture with rich cultural traditions, to fashion an extraordinary experience in luxury destination travel.

There are 153 spacious guestrooms and suites decorated in tropical luxury with furniture in dark wood, a balcony with outdoor seating and a large tub in every room. Goan elements show up in the materials used – laterite stone, clay tiles on pitched roofs, high ceilings and columns around courtyards. There are several little water bodies lining the pathways which add charm and character but can lead to accidents especially at night as guests sometimes do not realise that they are stepping off into the dimly lit water. The Diwa Club with 27 rooms and eight suites is a ‘resort within a resort’ in the hotel with its own pool, lounge and restaurant.

The infinity pool at Alila Diwa is its biggest draw. Overlooking green fields with a rim of coconut trees, the pool (with a children’s pool that comes with smaller, child-sized sunbeds) consistently features in the top-rated infinity pools in the country. The pool is surrounded by the Edge Bar, a good spot to have a drink after a swim or before dinner. The hotel has a Leisure Concierge Team that guides guests on local events, sightseeing tours and family-friendly activities.

Within the hotel itself there’s a large spa that offers treatments including a popular ‘Detox Detour’ package. Guests also have access to a library, movie theatre (two screenings every day), gym, yoga studio (with complimentary sessions twice a week), salon and children’s section. The Alila Living Boutique stocks swim and loungewear and products from their spa. The complimentary Wi-Fi access is fast and reliable.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive away from Margao city. There are several excellent restaurants all along the beach belt, but you will need a taxi to get to most of them. To get to the hotel, take a taxi through narrow village roads, over train tracks and large green fields everywhere you look. The 14-acre property is not too far from Majorda beach. There is a private path from the hotel to the beach but you can also use the complimentary shuttle service from the hotel and back.