USD
The Leela Goa
PRICE: Punchy but doesn’t blow the budget
Sandwiched between a turquoise lagoon and the azure ocean, The Leela Goa is a slice of paradise that very few hotels can match. Add in Leela’s trademark service, beautiful rooms and a private golf course, and you’ll quickly grasp that this is somewhere very special indeed.
Beach life at the Leela Goa is very laid back. The old Goan philosophy of ‘susegad’ – it roughly translates as contemplative, lazy and satisfied – percolates through the veins of this luxury hotel in Goa. With 75 acres of manicured grounds, 216 rooms and suites and four restaurants, this is exactly the kind of hotel to hole up in and blissfully relax at the end of a fabulous but frenetic tour of India.
With so many rooms, there is the inevitable long list of categories but in our view the club rooms with their balconies with views towards the lagoon are amongst the best. If you really want to push the boat out, go for a room with views over the golf course towards the sea beyond or even one with its own private pool.
The facilities at the Leela Goa are impressive. Quite aside from the private golf course, there is a range of watersports and even tennis courts (although you might find the heat rather puts the spoilers on your backhand). The spa, with its focus on Ayurvedic treatments, is a delight. The food throughout the six restaurants is mouth-wateringly delicious. A special mention should be made of Susegado, the beachside grill restaurant, with its stunning views and sensational barbecued seafood. If you are staying at the Leela for more than a handful of night and want a taste of home, the international cuisine is second to none and the italian in particular is out of this world.
Whilst the Leela is undoubtedly Goa’s number one choice for doting couples, it is also a great pick for an all-round family hotel. The facilities for kids are excellent from kids clubs, a children’s swimming pool and daily activities from cooking to croquet.
The Leela Goa: The Gallery
Yonder Insight
Sadly, for such a prominent hotel, there is no complimentary wifi. Use this as an excuse to cut yourself off from the world and relax!
On your doorstep
The Leela Goa borders the River Sal and beautiful Mobor Beach. There is a traditional fishing village on the river and its fascinating to watch the fishermen come and go with their nets.
