Ahilya by The Sea is a charming small resort, set near the small quiet fishing village of Nerul overlooking the Arabian Sea, north of Panaji in Goa. Formerly the private estate of the prominent local Trinidades family of Goa’s greatest painter, the property was recently converted into a boutique hotel. The name, and much of the inspiration, comes from ‘Prince’ Richard Holkar, a long-time Trinidades family friend, who also owns Ahilya Fort, in Maheshwar, Rajasthan.
Tucked away on Aguada Bay at the mouth of the Mandovi River, Ahilya by The Sea offers just nine rooms, awash with the owners’ art collection and provincial hardwood antiques. Most rooms are set in two separate villas; Sunrise and Sunset overlooking the river or the sea. Inside, the resort is an oasis of privacy, while outside are two pools buttressed by a sea wall, lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns shaded by palm trees where candlelit dinners are served.
Facing the Ahilya by The Sea resort is Coco beach. Located at a little over three quarters of an hour are the beaches of Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem, all of which are less crowded and are not too rocky. For cultural exploration visit the old Goa and Panjim for beautiful whitewashed UNESCO World Heritage Churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and buildings with baroque and Portuguese architecture. There are also many opportunities for water sports and hiking.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBanquet FacilitiesBar/PubBusiness CentreConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesFitness CentreGardenMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Ahilya by The Sea features just 9 air-conditioned guest rooms in three detached Portuguese-style villas. The Sunrise House has 3 en-suite bedrooms, facing the water, a dining room and shaded terrace while the Sunset House has 4 sea-facing bedrooms and Leela Villa has one-room Trinidade Suite, overlooking the garden, perfect for couples. There is also Arjun tower which has a small ensuite bedroom, with a sitting room and terrace. All rooms are decorated like mini museums.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Ahilya By the Sea. Sunset House has 4 sea-facing bedrooms, two of which are interconnecting to form a 2-bedroom suite. It also has a family room, dining area, small kitchen and covered veranda. The property has a family friendly atmosphere and some families prefer to hire one or two villas. Babysitting service can be arranged on request.
Dine There is no restaurant par se at the Ahilya by The Sea but tables are set up across the property. There are both table d'hote and a la carte menus featuring a selection of local and European-inspired dishes and daily specials including fresh catch of the day. Breakfast is a regular affair; fresh-pressed juices, granolas and yoghurts, with eggs made to order and lunches come with fresh salads. Candle-lit dinners however, are not-be-missed, that focus on a range of traditional Goan specialities.
Relax There is a treehouse spa at the Ahilya by The Sea which offers an idyllic setting for recuperation and relaxation with Ayurvedic treatments. Outside the hotel are verdant gardens leading down to the sea, with a choice of sheltered seating area and two swimming pools with sun lounger under an ancient banyan tree where you can easily keep an eye out for dolphins on the horizon.
Experience Take an escorted historical tour of the city with a local expert organised by Ahilya by The Sea. You will visit churches including the 16th-century Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque architecture and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier of Assisi. Also visit Funde Çao Oriente museum for a guided tour of A.X. Trindade’s works, referred as the Rembrandt of the East and visit night markets. Back at the hotel, relax on the Coco beach, one of the best in Goa.
Location Ahilya by the Sea sits next to Coco Beach, across the bay from Panjim, the capital of Goa. The fishing village of Nerul and the 16th century Reis Margos fort are a 10-minute walk away.
Getting there 12-hour 30-minute international flight (via Mumbai) to Goa's Dabolim Airport. From the airport Ahilya By the Sea is just 1-hour drive away.
When to go The best time to visit Goa is between late October and early April. The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-January, when the weather is near perfect, with daytime temperatures rarely going beyond 32°C. The monsoon season begins around June, when the hot temperatures of summer are cooled with an influx of clouds and rain. On average, the hottest months of the year are April and May.
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