There’s something special about Goa. Many places in India offer incredible sightseeing opportunities for travellers but what makes Goa special is the fact that it lends itself well to many different kinds of holidays! There’s a Goa for you whether you’re backpacking with friends, craving a luxury retreat with your family, or planning a honeymoon. That’s what makes it fun and challenging to pick an itinerary that’s just right for you in Goa. And it all starts with picking the right hotel.
Goa offers everything from sprawling beachside resorts to intimate boutique hotels nestled in the interiors. But this year we discovered a little gem that is surrounded by rice paddies on all sides but just five minutes away from the nearest beach. Alila Diwa Goa is a sprawling property but it is laid-out in such a way that it feels truly intimate.
Getting to Alila Diwa Goa
Goa Dabolim International Airport is well connected to most major cities. The hotel is situated in South Goa and is a 20 minute drive from the airport
Rooms
The hotel offers a variety of rooms, ideal for families and couples. Tropical luxury describes the ambience of the main building – rooms are spacious, boast of large balconies, modern shower cubicles, and luxurious toiletries.
If you want to amp up the experience up a notch, consider opting for a room in the famous Diwa Club. Diwa Club is a separate entity, so this set of rooms is relegated to a different wing altogether. Here rooms are even bigger, they boast of sleek bath-tubs, and walk-in-wardrobes. In addition to this, sundowners are included in the cost of the room. But the best part is that complimentary breakfast is available all-day – ideal if you like waking up at noon on your holiday. The rooms in this wing also have a separate pool with a jacuzzi. This exclusive pool is much less crowded than the main infinity pool, so it’s ideal if you value your privacy.
Tips for your stay at Alila Diwa Goa
If you want to elevate your stay to the next level, then make sure you look into the hotel’s Diwa By Design program. For a fixed fee, you can upgrade your package to include unlimited spa treatments (yes, you read that right!), in-room dining, drinks, and meals at all the restaurants on the hotel premises. This is especially handy if you’re in Goa for your honeymoon or to celebrate a special occasion and want to spend most of your time in the hotel.
Leisure at Alila Diwa Goa
The iconic infinity pool at the property has made this hotel famous on Instagram and we don’t blame the guests! The pool is surrounded by rice paddies and coconut trees on all sides, lending this corner of the hotel a distinctly Balinese vibe. Sunken sun-loungers ensure you can sip on those cocktails in absolute comfort after your swim. Make sure you drop by the pool for sunset on a clear day – it is absolutely spectacular. You can follow up this fiery sunset with live music and cocktails in the hotel’s courtyard. We loved it so 🙂
If you’re in the mood to relax on holiday, then head to the Alila Spa. This haven of peace is bound to put your mind at ease. Calming music welcomes guests to Alila Spa and white walls, covered with fresh plants and flowers, seduce one further. There is a variety of treatments on offer but we suggest sampling their Ayruvedic or Balinese massages – these use the choicest natural ingredients, coupled with expert massaging techniques, to rejuvenate guests. Don’t blame us if you leave entranced!
Dining at Alila Diwa Goa
The hotel has 4 different restaurants. The Edge is an aptly-named cocktail bar by the pool – drop by for a drink and linger around as you read a book or catch up with friends. Vivo has standard buffet fare that includes Indian delicacies, Oriental and Continental dishes, and a large array of desserts at every meal.
The Bistro is exclusively for Diwa Club members but serves one of the best breakfasts in town. This all-day breakfast is truly unique. A portable trolley offers selection of cereals, milk shakes, yogurts, fresh fruits, and cold cuts to guests at their tables itself. And one can pick hot meals off the a-la-carte menu, which is one of the most well-curated breakfast menus we’ve encountered on our travels. If you dine here, we INSIST you try the Goan Ros Omlette and their keema parantha if you eat meat. You can thank us later!
Another gem in this hotel that is acessible to all guests is Spice Studio. It opens only for dinner. It would be no exaggeration to say that a meal here is a truly sensory experience. The ambience is reminiscent of Goan bungalows. Lovingly-restored vintage furniture is laid-out under dozens of flickering lanterns. The menu boasts of Goan specialities and caters well to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Try the chef’s signature prawns balchao and fish curry with a side of assorted Goan breads. We would recommend dropping by Spice Studio for a meal even if you aren’t staying the hotel.
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Things to do in South Goa
South Goa is one of the most underrated parts of Goa. It has several gems, some in the immediate vicinity of Alila Diwa Goa. Here are a few things we would recommend in the area
- Drive to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, especially if you’re in South Goa during monsoon season. The waterfalls are at their best between July and September
- Explore some of the lesser-known beaches of Goa including Cola Beach, Varca Beach, and Gonsua Beach. You could also indulge in a variety of watersports such as waterskiing and parasailing here.
- Attend a full moon party at Colva Beach, one of the craziest parties in town
- Visit a local poder (bakery) and sample Goan breads fresh out of the over
- Head to Cabo De Rama for a short hike that promises incredible views.
- Go looking for the heart-shaped lake in Chicolna – It gets quite windy at this view-point, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes
Fact File
- Alila Diwa Goa is ideal for families and couples
- If you’re travelling as a couple and enjoy luxury, then we would recommend choosing a room in the Diwa Club
- The hotel has a kids club and frequently arranges free classes and movie screenings for kids
- The hotel is disabled friendly and has 1 room for guests with limited mobility
- South Goa is the least touristy and under-rated part of Goa
- Room prices start at INR 9000 (£100).
- You can compare prices and book your room here
Planning on exploring India? Don’t forget to read all our articles on India
Hi Savi,
Please sell your cloths ! they are best I never found such !
That’s so sweet – our label is coming soon. Do follow us on Instagram 🙂
wow its amazing and your pictures are just killing and attracting great place in goa i will sure visit thanks fro sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s so beautiful. Love both places for dinner, by the pool and under the trees!
I would very much like to know the Bay Islands, it has always been my dream, to be able to visit the beach and walk on the sand, have fun with some of my friends, try new food and eat a lot, dance and have the opportunity to meet new people, go sightseeing to get to know the place, explore and spend time for myself, save many photos so I never forget the unforgettable experience, talk with my mother about how fantastic it was to fulfill my dream and I remember how a beautiful moment of my youth that I hope to repeat .
To plan a short trip to Alila Diwa Goa, how much should one save well in advance to enjoy the best of what’s to offer ?
Hi Vid and Savi, hope you’re well. Would request you to refresh this review or remove. Visited yesterday and found experience to be pathetic. I actually chose this on Bruisedpassports review. Not blaming you guys at all but this review needs a complete overhaul. Also when you visit, please dont tell them you are an influencer, tell them you are a couple wanting to just relax around. Experience will immediately deteriorate. If you say you are an influencer, they are going to do everything nicer.
This property completely spoils the Hyatt brand image.
Hey Vatsal sorry to hear that. We never tell people we are influencers 🙂 A lot of our readers have stayed at Alila Diwa Goa and had an amazing time and even on Tripadvisor it had good reviews. But will definitely check it out again when we are in Goa next
It’s the beautiful sharing!
A beautiful place for making good memories, especially for couples. I love this place where nature meets beauty.
How lovely
I am in my country too, have a business, a boutique and sell other types of fabrics, I salute this blog behind an interesting story, there is a very good idea
one of my dreams can be present in your country,
I am really impressed with your article. The information you share will be an important document for me to learn more about this topic.
This is truly an ideal place to relax
They are best I never found such !