Reviewed by
Lesley Gillilan
This palatial 300-year-old house once belonged to the Governor of Macau, but like many of Goa’s colonial relics, it was abandoned and left to ruin. Thankfully, this one was saved and has been lovingly restored, with such meticulous attention to detail that it earned a Unesco Heritage award. Some of the windowpanes are made of mother-of-pearl and the walls are traditional shell and lime plaster; there are marble and porcelain details, tall windows with shades and shutters, and a cool inner courtyard lined with pillars. Antique furniture mixes well with contemporary wrought-iron pieces designed by the owner Varun Sood.
On the doorstep of Siolim village and the Chapora River, the grand old manor whisks you back to the days of Portuguese Goa. But the rooms are splendid and the atmosphere is easy, laid-back and homely - the ideal place to relax and unwind away from the crowds (the nearest beach is a 10-minute drive). There are pretty gardens and a swimming pool. Alternatively you could opt for Little Siolim, a 3-bedroom villa annexe just a short walk through the village.
On the doorstep of Siolim village and the Chapora River, the grand old manor whisks you back to the days of Portuguese Goa. But the rooms are splendid and the atmosphere is easy, laid-back and homely - the ideal place to relax and unwind away from the crowds (the nearest beach is a 10-minute drive). There are pretty gardens and a swimming pool. Alternatively you could opt for Little Siolim, a 3-bedroom villa annexe just a short walk through the village.
Highs
- Most of the rooms (including the bathrooms) are vast, with lovely tiled floors and high beamed ceilings
- Set in lush gardens on a quiet back road, it’s a world away from the beach-crowd touts and tourists
- A 300-year old heritage hotel, rich with old world charm - perfect for a romantic stay
- The lovely blue-tiled pool, surrounded by walls of tall bamboo, is a veritable oasis
- It’s more home than hotel and its laid-back nature engenders a house-party atmosphere - kick back and enjoy good, home-cooked meals (at reasonable prices)
Lows
- The small team of staff, whilst helpful and well mannered, can be a little slow
- Some of the areas may look a little tired, but the building’s heritage status makes it difficult to go too slick or modern
- You'll need a car to reach the beaches and nightlife, if that’s what you want
- Nearby Little Siolim is right on a busy through road and can be quite noisy, particularly during the day
Best time to go
Siolim House and Little Siolim are open all year round. The hottest months are April and May. The monsoon runs from June to September (occasionally straying into a humid October). High season is November to March, the peak months being December and January. Siolim, a peaceful corner of northern Goa, generally remains unaffected by seasonal tourist crowds.
Our top tips
Although Siolim is a bit off-track as far as beaches go, we loved the village. it's an utterly authentic slice of real Goan life that, thus far, remains untrammeled by tourism (other than a procession of scooters en route to Arambol in high season).