Though you’ll probably want to spend your time exploring the state or lazing on the beach, there’s enough on-site at Shanti to keep you busy.

Take a refreshing dip in the pool (which has attached kids’ area) or get a drink in the Jacuzzi bar.

Book a private yoga session with Erson Viegas, a well-known Iyengar and Hatha yoga teacher based in north Goa.

Get an ayurvedic massage in the lovely thatch huts in the garden.

Retreat indoors to play a game of pool.

If you do get tired of eating, drinking and taking it easy then the whole of North Goa is on your doorstep. Hire a taxi or a scooter and go explore the beaches or inland lanes. Old Goa and Panjim are not far away at all, and in the opposite direction there are the tourist beaches all the way up to Anjuna and beyond.

Candolim has two good spas, Snip and Cenvaree, both with authentic Thai and Balinese healing and massage, as well as the usual beauty treatments.

Fort Aguada is about 15 mins drive away in Sinquerim. Around the fort there are a great number of boat rides and watersports available. If you’re keen then a private early morning or sunset boat ride can be arranged. Sunrise is the best time to see dolphins.