Avanilaya
inland, north Goa
A tranquil inland hideaway set within 24 acres of lush, tropical hilltop grounds, Avanilaya’s 3 villas are a unique base for artists, families and groups of friends looking for an alternative destination away from the usual Goan beachside attractions.
The two main villas – Panchavatti and Padimunu – really stand out in their design, merging local architectural elements with a cool Mediterranean aesthetic. Both are well maintained and have a central courtyard around which the rooms are found – in Padimunu a private pool takes centre space, while Panchavatti has a garden (and a shared pool at the rear).
The Third Place, as the final villa is called, is vastly different in both design and feel. A large modernist building growing down into the hillside, it is less airy than the others and thus offers a different type of accommodation but in the same beautiful setting.
Outside the villas the landscape is undeniably stunning, alive with birdsong, morning peacocks, crickets chirping, thick clusters of palms and a distant river that washes away all traces of the hectic modern world.
While it’s true that there’s not much to do here – with no TV for distraction either – it’s important to be able to make your own fun, but with such a wonderful setting and some excellent food on offer that shouldn’t be too hard.
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Plus points
- Wonderful design and architecture.
- The tranquil forest-like feel of the property.
- The water in the two swimming pools always remains warm, a pleasure to have a late-night or early-morning dip in.
- The food is excellent with many European and French dishes.
Good to know
- Far away from the action of Goa, if staying in you will have to make your own entertainment.
- Lots of wildlife, both in and outside the villas, an attraction or a drawback depending on your sensibility.
- This is not a self-catering property, think of it more as a homestay with hotel elements.