Almost un-findable, this lush, hillside property is a rough diamond for those happy to be hidden away, surrounded by nature and left to their own devices in a village location, yet only 5 minutes to shops and 10 minutes to Ashwem beach, one of north Goa’s best.

Winding pathways snake around the sloping gardens, revealing a handful of neat, whitewashed mini-cottages with ensuite bathrooms and little verandahs. All sheltered from the sun by the abundant greenery here: lush gardens of palm, cashew and tropical fruit trees

Further up the hill it gets exciting as the dome-roofed Temple House is revealed, its several, spacious rooms having access to an open, dome-roofed kitchen, a little viewing tower and a large roof terrace with lovely views across the valley, perfect for sunset.

Built as both yoga centre and secluded private residence, Jivana’s main selling point is its dedication to being exactly what other hotels are not. There is no A/C, no pool, no entertainment and just a discrete, small team of staff, tending the gardens with an eye on the main gate.

Food is available all day and drivers are available 24/7. You are essentially left to your own devices and can use this as a base to explore the immediate area – much of which remains untouched by the encroaching tourist trade – or head off further, 25 mins south to the busier tourist belt, or 30 mins north to the state border and a wilder, quieter, undiscovered swathe of coastal countryside.