Siolim House

In 1996, Varun Sood bought a dilapidated 17th-century bungalow in the little village of Siolim and brought it back to life. He wanted to remain faithful to the original colonial Portuguese design, so Siolim House has monastic, white walls, a red roof, arched windows and a large central courtyard, around which breakfast is served: a feast of fresh croissants, toast, fresh fruits, yoghurt, granola and eggs to order. Interiors are spacious and immaculate: patterned-tile floors, flower vases, colourful paintings with interesting captions and furniture from all over India. The seven handsome suites have four-poster beds and are stuffed with antiques and cosy rugs. There’s a copper jug beside the bed with a label attached, explaining the health benefits of copper. The three Superior Suites are enormous and have steam showers. The palm-tree fringed swimming pool has a gazebo at one end, where you can have an open-air massage, and staff can arrange boat rides, yoga sessions and cooking classes. Three-course dinners (think fresh seafood, Goan curries, salads and sweet treats) are dished up by the pool, under the stars, and there’s even an all-day desserts menu from nearby Delicieux pâtisserie, so you can order your favourite teatime treat.