Alila Diwa Goa

Spread out over a massive expanse of flat lands surrounded by lush fields and the sea in the distance, this elegant, low-key resort attracts couples and families looking for a quiet alternative to the loud party scene found further north. As is the case throughout Goa, many guests here are from the United Kingdom and Russia, though the Alila does see its fair share of domestic and Middle Eastern visitors. 

The property, which opened its doors in 2009, has a Balinese vibe -- unsurprising given that the brand has its origins in Indonesia. Expect to see lots of dark wood and high beamed ceilings in the lobby, plus low wooden chairs and polished marble floors. The consistent decor scheme continues throughout the property, with long corridors leading to rooms and common areas and tons of lush greenery all around. Most of the rooms and facilities are clustered around the lobby area, with two wings of rooms plus a spa off to one side. A large expanse of grass separates the main resort from the Diwa Club, a "resort within a resort" section that offers exclusive rooms and amenities, plus a separate entrance. The only real downside is that the hotel is not directly on the beach -- though it is a five-minute shuttle ride or 15-minute walk away.

The resort is located on a quiet back road in the outskirts of the South Goan town of Majorda. There's not a lot within walking distance except for a few shops and restaurants catering to tourists, but the area is pleasant enough, with a mix of greenery and fields that make it an excellent respite from the hectic ambience of much of India. For those who do want a bit more of a busy feel, it's a five-minute drive to the small city center, where there's a church, shops, banks, and a small rail hub. The nearest beach, also called Majorda, can be accessed in under 15 minutes on foot from the back of the hotel. The shuttle ferries guests back and forth throughout the day, from sunrise to just after sunset. The airport at Vasco de Gama takes around a half-hour to reach by car, and shuttle service there is available for a fee.

Alila Diwa Goa offers a substantial variety of room types, from 44-square-meter (474 square-foot) Terrace, Family, and Loft Rooms up to Alila Suites and Family Suites, both of which are double the size. All of the units are beautifully decorated with elegant contemporary dark-wood furniture, wood floors, and soft lighting. Big sliding glass doors open up to covered balconies with ceiling fans and views out on the surrounding fields. Light fixtures and screens seperate the bathrooms from the living spaces and feature a geometrical grated pattern, adding texture to the otherwise minimal spaces. Amenities are also consistent across categories, with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs (starting at 40 inches), coffee- and tea-making facilities (with French presses available for those who want to avoid instant coffee), minibars, and free bottled water. Terrace, Family, and Loft Rooms are more or less the same, with two twin beds or a king bed in Terrace and Loft Rooms. Loft Rooms have sloping wooden ceilings and better views. Family Rooms feature king beds, plus daybeds for kids and are on the ground floor, so they open up to lawns. Alila and Family Suites add living rooms and huge bathrooms, though bathrooms in all categories are large with deep soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers. Standard bathroom amenities include slippers, bathrobes, and eco-friendly toiletries (exclusive to the Alila brand) offered in large, reusable metal containers.

Alila Diwa offers a great deal of amenities right on the property, including excellent dining and plenty for children to do. VIVO is the main restaurant and is open 24/7. It offers a huge breakfast buffet with all sorts of Indian, European, and East Asian offerings -- plus room service. For something a bit more formal, the smaller Spice Studio features a variety of regional Indian dishes, including some creative dishes from the Northeast. They also offer a dine-in-the-dark experience once a week. Light meals are available at the Edge Bar, with poolside and indoor seating, plus an impressive selection of liquors and afternoon chaat (traditional street snacks) available. 

Many of the features are focused on recreation, though there are also event spaces available for meetings and weddings. There's a kids' pool with mini daybeds next to the main pool, a lovely infinity-edge pool with submerged loungers, and a lots of shaded lounge chairs and tables. Towering palm trees and paddy field views add ambience. 

For families, the resort offers a free kids' club with attendants on hand to watch children over age 3, a separate teen zone, and a mini-cinema with afternoon family-friendly movies. The spa even offers kids' treatments, thought the space is definitely more geared toward adults, with Ayurvedic and Western massages. There's also a modern fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment, plus a yoga room with private lessons available for a fee. Free loaner bikes are available for exploring the surroundings. The resort hosts regular evening entertainment, running the gamut from Goan band performances to an illusionist. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is free for all guests.