Situated in the charming North Goa village of Siolim, facing a chapel that was once part of the property, Siolim House is a little over an hour’s drive from the airport. A 24-room Indo-Portuguese mansion built in the 17th century, the property has been sensitively restored with period elements including pure shell lime wall plaster and oyster shell window panes, into a nine-room, classified heritage boutique hotel. Top room to book: the Macau suite (it used to house a Governor who served in Macao for the Portuguese). Expect high ceilings, polished wooden floors, four-poster beds and antique furniture. The central courtyard holds a poolside lounge and tropical garden, while the kitchen rustles up traditional coastal-style meals. Siolim House is close to the buzzing beaches of Baga and Anjuna as well as the quieter sands of Morjim and Ashwem. Doubles from Rs6,000, with discounts for stays over three days, and meal offers with direct booking. Website.