Siolim House

Siolim House was once the residence of the Portuguese Governor of Macau and it unfortunately fell into disrepair after they left Goa. It was carefully restored to its former glory by owner Varud Sood, using many of the old traditional techniques and retaining many antique fixtures and fittings. Siolim House takes you away from the touristy beaches and is an ideal spot to spend two or three days in combination with a beach hotel so that you can see a little of the countryside before kicking back on the beaches. Set in lush gardens and with an inviting swimming pool, Siolim House is an ideal place to pick up a good book and spend a few days away from it all.

The rooms and suites are huge, and during restoration the original 24 rooms were merged into seven guest rooms. Expect high ceilings, exposed wooden floors and grand mosquito net clad four poster beds. For families we suggest the two-bedroom Malabar Suite and for those on a honeymoon, the Macao Suite is the suite of choice. Not all rooms have air-conditioning, but all have ceiling fans which is absolutely fine in the usual travelling season of October to March.

Siolim House has an inner courtyard and also lovely gardens featuring the dining area and pool beyond. Food is generally Goan, using locally caught fresh fish, but they can cater for all tastes and palates so long as you ask the chef. Breakfasts are continental such as serving organic eggs and homemade yoghurt. They also lay on cookery courses if you want to try your hand at rustling up Goan specialities. Siolim House has a in-house masseur who can offer various treatments. There is a small TV room and a salon with sofas.