Taj Exotica Resort and Spa sits at Calwaddo in Benaulim on Goa's southwest coast, set across 56 acres of gardens. It lists 140 individually furnished rooms, a five-star level of service and direct access to around 800 metres of white-sand Benaulim Beach. Vaddi Beach is a one-minute walk, and the busier Colva and Varca beaches are a short drive away. Dining runs to three restaurants, including an all-day multicuisine room, a specialty restaurant and a lounge bar, plus a poolside bar for drinks in the afternoon. The spa has nine treatment rooms and a steam room, with couples treatments and daily opening, and reservations are advised for massages. There is an outdoor pool and a children's pool, both with lifeguards, and pool hours run from morning to evening. Guests rate it highly, with a 9.4 guest score from several hundred reviews, and it is a favourite with couples, honeymooners and families who want room to spread out.
Location and getting around
Benaulim is a quieter, more traditional stretch of the south coast, with fishing boats on the beach and a handful of beach shacks rather than a nightlife strip. Madgaon station is about a quarter of an hour away by car, Dabolim airport roughly forty-five minutes, and Margao's market and churches are close enough for a half-day. The resort is best for a slow, resort-centred holiday, with day trips to Old Goa, Chandor or Palolem rather than constant touring.
Rooms and who it suits
The property is spread out, so the feel is of a large garden estate rather than a single tower. It suits honeymooners and couples who want privacy, multi-generational families who like space and a children's pool, and travellers who value a spa. Breakfast is not always included, with a buffet charge noted on the property page, so confirm what your rate covers before you book.
What is good to know
South Goa is calmer and greener than the north, so expect beach walks at sunrise and sunsets without crowds, but fewer places within walking distance. Taxis and the hotel's transfers fill the gap. The resort is busiest in the dry season from November to February, with premium rates over Christmas and New Year, and quieter in the shoulder months. If you want one resort to anchor a week with a few excursions, this is among the best choices in the south.
Why stay here
- ✓140 individually furnished rooms
- ✓About 800 metres of beach access
- ✓56 acres of grounds
- ✓Outdoor pool and children pool
- ✓Spa with nine treatment rooms
- ✓Three restaurants and a lounge bar
- ✓Poolside bar
- ✓Couples treatment rooms
Good questions
Is Taj Exotica on the beach?+
Yes. It has direct access to about 800 metres of Benaulim Beach, and Vaddi Beach is a one-minute walk.
How far is it from the airport?+
Dabolim airport is roughly a 45-minute drive. Arrange a transfer in advance.
Is breakfast included?+
That depends on your rate. The property page notes a buffet charge, so check what is included before you book.
