Alila Diwa Goa

Alila Diwa Goa sits in the village of Majorda in south Goa, a resort built around paddy fields, gardens and pools rather than the beach itself. The property lists 118 individually furnished rooms, each with a balcony overlooking paddy fields, the pool or gardens, and describes them as some of the largest in Goa. Facilities include two outdoor pools, a children's pool, a long infinity pool and a lap pool at the Diwa Club, plus a full-service spa with ten treatment rooms offering Ayurvedic treatments and massages. Three restaurants cover the ground, with Spice Studio for coastal cuisine from Kerala, Karnataka and Goa around a banyan tree, Bistro for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, and VIVO with a live kitchen. A complimentary shuttle runs to the beach.

Location and getting around: Majorda is on the south Goa coast, with Gonsua Beach about 300 metres away and Majorda Beach a short drive, and the resort provides a complimentary daily beach shuttle. The setting is quiet and rural compared with the north, and Margao and the south Goa heritage sights are within easy reach. Allow a taxi for dinner out, as the village has fewer restaurants than Calangute or Candolim.

Rooms and who it suits: balcony rooms look over paddy fields, gardens or the pool, and the Diwa Club offers a more exclusive layer with its own pool. Families will like the children's pool, the arcade and the supervised children's club and babysitting, which are available for a surcharge, and children up to 11 can stay free using existing beds. Couples will enjoy the spa and the calm.

What is good to know: rates sit at the upper mid-range to luxury level, with peak pricing from late December. Confirm whether breakfast is included in your rate, since the property lists breakfast among its dining options but inclusions vary. Those who want nightlife and shacks should stay in the north, while this resort suits a relaxed, nature-oriented stay with day trips to the churches, spice plantations and Dudhsagar.