Attention to detail and effortless hospitality permeate every corner of this peaceful guesthouse - aptly named Amrapali - House of Grace. An oasis of calm, it took almost 3 years of renovations to convert the once-dilapidated villa into its current state of splendour, and today it feels more like an expertly run aristocratic home than a boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you're incredibly well taken care of. There's no formal restaurant; rather, a casual dining space where you're asked for your personal preferences. As a result, everything we ate was superb: a bespoke fusion of Goan and European flavours, with as much homemade, locally sourced and organic produce as possible.
Overlooking the peaceful Zuari river, this is perfect for those in search of complete relaxation and an authentic experience. Ayurvedic massages will help you unwind, and once you're restored in body and mind, Old Goa and its picturesque Latin Quarter are only a 15-minute drive away. Truly a House of Grace.
Highs
- Only 30 minutes from Goa airport, so ideal for a couple of nights before or after your international flight
- Just 5 spacious bedrooms, with gorgeous antique furniture and a generous price tag
- Friendly staff are attentive without being obsequious
- A true sanctuary, well away from the tourist crowds
Lows
- Strict cancellation policy
- Noise from the nearby NH-66 highway
- Recommended bars and restaurants are a drive away for a change of scene and you're a day trip from Goa's famous beaches (note, the nearest beach isn't clean enough for swimming)
- No twin rooms
Best time to go
Unlike many of Goa’s properties, Amrapali is open all year. Its busiest months are October-March, peaking in December and January when temperatures soar. This is also when Goa is at its busiest as holidaymakers descend for Christmas and New Year. Happily, Amrapali is a world away from the crowds, and being so close to the airport, you skip the congestion on the roads.
Our top tips
Explore the quaint, colourful streets of Fontainhas, Old Goa's Latin Quarter. Interiors lovers will adore the Barefoot Boutique, and you can pick up some holiday reading at Singbal’s Book House.
Location
Location
Amrapali - House of Grace is just outside the sleepy village of Siridao in South Goa, overlooking the Zuari river. It's a 15-minute drive from Old Goa, 20 minutes from Panjim (the state capital) and a 30-minute drive from Goa International Airport.
By Air:
Goa's Dabolim International Airport (16km away) is approximately 30 minutes' drive from the house. It is served by a number of international airlines, and has frequent flights from domestic hubs, including Bombay, Bangalore, Delhi, Calcutta and tourist cities like Jaipur and Agra. Click on the links below for a full list of airlines.
From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged at additional cost
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Goa and getting around
Airports:
- Dabolim International Airport 16.0 km GOI
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
This is a very well-run, attractive small hotel with excellent food and very friendly staff. Accommodation is either in the older part of the house with river views (and probably more noise from the highway) or in the side wings, where we stayed. Our room was attractive, with comfortable bed and excellent bathroom. It faced the swimming pool which is a good size. We liked the fact there is no formal dining room; we chose whether to eat inside or outside (particularly lovely in the evening). The food was probably the best we had during our 2 weeks in Goa and was tailored to our wishes. The only drawback to Amrapali is the location close to the main north-south highway whose nearness is slightly alarming when one first arrives but once within the property this is less of an issue. We stayed for 4 nights and used it as a base to visit Old Goa (a must) and a spice plantation near Ponda; in retrospect 3 nights would have been sufficient.
Beautiful decoration and space in the room as well as communal areas, serene pool area, lovely meals and nice staff. Good location for exploring Panjim and Old Goa.
It is such a shame the highway has been built as it affects the view of the lake from the room and is quite noisy when you arrive - but this is not the hotel's fault.
This is one of the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in, and felt a bit like living in a dream luxury home rather than a hotel. The copper bath tub, four poster bed, beautiful fabrics and decorations, and gorgeous inner courtyard and pool.
Food was excellent - loved the variety on offer at breakfast, and the dinner was also very good. The whole team were so friendly, attentive, and helpful. The service felt very personal, and I felt very well looked after without it feeling stuffy and formal. The interiors were to die for. One thing that slightly spoilt the peace was the highway that was within view and earshot of my room.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape