An intimate, eco-friendly boutique resort on one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Goa. With its uniquely designed pod accommodation and private, tropical setting, Yab Yum is a welcome haven for couples and families alike.

From the moment you step inside you know you’re onto something special, with the immediate sensation of being in a blissful sanctuary from the outside world. Eco-conscious pods that resemble upturned coconut husks dot the sandy path from the entrance gate all the way to the yoga shala and massage hut at the far end, while paper lanterns hang between the trees above and hammocks are strung below.

Yab Yum manages to perfectly bridge the divide between the sometimes gaudy “exclusive” resorts for the rich party crowd and the more ramshackle hut accommodations that line the beach. What you get here is the best of both worlds: low-key, unhurried beach living with a sense of style, sophistication and privacy.

Aside from the pods (or ‘domes’ as they are officially called) there’s also a handful of more traditional cottages that lie even closer to the beach. There’s a dedicated yoga shala with a revolving roster of international teachers, high quality massage, and a decent bar and kitchen.

Yab Yum is ideal for families, with attentive staff, plenty of toys and two kids’ paddling pools, but at the same time it never seems as if kids dominate the place. This is one of Yab Yum’s virtues: although many different worlds combine here – honeymooners, families, media moguls on sabbatical, weekend travellers from the cities – the worlds never appear to clash.

The sum total is a self-contained world of discreet charm and privacy in one of the most beautiful spots in Goa.