AGONDA VILLAS, Goa

A WORLD AWAY from the hills of Himachal is Agonda Villas, in Goa. We drove on some of the prettiest coastal lanes I have seen in the state, then a narrow, crowded shopping street, and finally approached the property through an alley squeezed between shacks. One of just nine, our ‘luxury cottage’ was a fairly simple air-conditioned room, with a Balinese-style open-air bathroom. What made it absolutely memorable, though, was its location—right on the beach, with an uninterrupted view of spectacular sunsets from the outdoor jacuzzi on its thatched porch. The only things between us and the ocean were a handful of net enclosures that protected turtle nests. As one of only two Goan beaches where

Olive Ridley turtles come to nest, the Agonda beach enjoys a semiprotected status. The long, spotless beach is lined with huts and restaurants, but bright lights, loud music, hawkers, and motorised water sports are banned, making it a quiet and pristine stretch of sand even in peak tourist season. From `10,000; agondavillas.com

GETTING THERE

Goa is well connected to most major cities of India. Agonda Villas is located 40 kilometres away from Dabolim Airport.

SEE & DO

Kayaking is the only water sport available on Agonda beach. There are several massage and yoga centres within a radius of one kilometre. There is no restaurant at the property, but breakfast is served at the individual cottages and the staff arrange other meals on request.

Luxury cottages are constructed in Balinese style and face the sea.