Nilaya Hermitage

This secluded hideaway, perched on a hill in North Goa, is perfect if being smack bang on the beach isn’t your top priority. Here, it’s all about relaxation; and even the inspired Moorish architecture is harmonious, playing on natural forms and curves. Interiors are innovative, distinctive and themed, each one being named after an element of nature, such as Fire, Star, Water, Soul, Moon, Air and Sun. Star, for example, is a circular domed structure decorated with blue floors and white stars; yellow-hued Sun is warm and bright with elegant sun-shaped lamps by the bed; and Water is painted deep turquoise. The organic-shaped swimming pool has plenty of sun loungers beside it, from where you look down over the surrounding tropical forest and rolling hills. There’s an Ayurvedic spa to indulge in, yoga sessions on offer and fantastic food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. A three-course daily menu, focusing on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients from the local market or the vegetable garden, is dished up every evening in the atmospheric candlelit bar and restaurant.