Vivenda Dos Palhacos

What a wonderful gem this is - a refurbished colonial Portuguese private house, bought to life by brother and sister team Simon and Charlotte Hayward with real love and attention to detail at every corner. The Hayward storytelling is all around you - and you are made to feel like family from the moment you arrive. The rooms are all unique and have lovely a/c - we stayed in Konnegar which had a huge double bed and cast iron bathtub - and the staff are always attentive but never invasive. The kitchen doubles up as reception and wonderfully social bar in the evening under a vast cooling fan. The house dogs are great characters and generally in the way wherever you go! The food is delicious - we ate out most of the time but they always check with you at breakfast - and then the team send you off to visit their favourite eateries within a short distance, usually great value beach restaurants. They sent a car to collect us from the airport which was a nice touch, only 45 mins away. We then hired a scooter nearby for the week, very cheap at £5 a day, and did our discovering on that, usually combined with relaxation around the pool later in the day. They also had push bikes and even a private tuktuk! South Goa wasn't very busy, as the season was coming to an end, but it was still 35 degrees every afternoon and not a cloud in the sky. Sometimes it's nicer to be a little back from the beach (5 mins on bike/max 15 minute walk), and Majorda is not particularly busy. The whole experience is delightful - we were beautifully looked after like old friends. Great value too.

Located in the peaceful village of Majorda, this property emphatically reflects its colonial heritage. The rooms in the Portuguese era portion of the house take one back to the days of the Raj. Our bedroom was excellent and had a terrace facing the front garden, a very comfortable bed and a sizeable bathroom (with period tub). Breakfast is served around a large communal table and offers Indian and Western options. There is also a good dinner menu. The garden has a pool and is an agreeable spot for relaxing. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. A word of caution: this property is not ideal for those visitors who dislike dogs!

The house is gorgeous and full of history. Simon and Preeti are extremely hospitable and accommodating. They surely have ensured an extension of their hospitality in the boys who run the whole, the staff is extraordinary and extremely helpful ! Food taste great and the CHERRY ON TOP are Kitten & Jiglo their two dogs ! One of the best solo trips I have had in a long time :)