A wonderfully secluded hilltop hideaway where private Mediterranean-style villas nestle among 8 acres of picturesque gardens and a centerpiece pool overlooking the mangrove swamps below. Wildflower exudes peace and beauty with a homely touch, all built on genuine eco-friendly lines.

If you magically awoke here with no memory of how you arrived, chances are you’d never guess you were just a short distance from Candolim, Calangute and Baga: the busiest beach stretch of north Goa. It’s this fact, married to the outstanding beauty of the place, that explains Wildflower’s appeal; right in the middle of party-mad Goa you can still be far from the crowds, with a perfect sanctuary from the world outside.

Owner Amol Navelkar is a passionate believer in eco-sensitive development, and has built with both the immediate environment and local architectural traditions in mind. Each villa has been placed only where there was an existing clearing and constructed using local and recycled materials. 3000 trees have also been planted in the last two years, creating a cocoon of foliage broken only by the view of the mangroves below.

Still, no corners have been cut, and the villas are spacious, solid constructions with satellite TV, AC and four-poster beds giving the touch of luxury, while the pool is arguably one of the best in Goa. There’s also a small conference room, games room for the restless and tasty food with fine hospitality from Amol, manager Ronnie and the rest of the staff.

Staying at Wildflower is really all about being in nature though: flowers blossom, grass cushions your feet, ripe cashew apples spread their aroma on the breeze while birds and butterflies fly and flutter around you. We can’t wait to return in the monsoon.