Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Goa

Given that there's little in the immediate area, it's convenient that the Kenilworth offers a ton of amenities to keep guests occupied on-site. Expansive, well-manicured grounds have hammocks hung between palm trees, clay pathways, and elegant water features. The grand design includes Indo-Portuguese architecture -- think canary-yellow facades with white balustrades and window arches, red roofs, and wooden pillars. Striking additions include a skylight and stained-glass window in the lobby, a giant brick oven at the open-air Portofino restaurant, and frog fountains at the massive pool. The resort claims to have the largest pool in Goa -- and one of the biggest in the country -- and multiple areas give guests ample room to spread out. Indoor and outdoor space abounds, though some restaurants are seasonal. Although kids' activities and entertainment is offered, the atmosphere is largely quiet and relaxed here. 

The hotel's Utorda Beach location is its selling point, particularly considering there isn't a ton of interest nearby. A few restaurants and beachfront cafes are nearby, but motor scooters (rentable at the hotel) are the preferred way to get around, as taxis can be expensive. It's a 20-minute drive from Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Goa's largest city of Vasco da Gama. Arossim Beach is a 10-minute drive, Majorda's sands are seven minutes away, and a quicker drive (or 20-minute walk) can take guests to the 17th-century Our Lady of Lourdes Church. A bank and ATM are both within a five-minute drive and Majorda Railway Station is eight minutes away by car. 

Although a bit dated, rooms have homey, Indo-Portuguese decor consisting of traditional wood furniture with rattan and carved accents, tile floors with a couple painted ones, colorful linens in pink, green, or blue, and beach-themed artwork. Starting at 32 square meters (344 square feet), they're spacious and well-maintained. Furnished terraces come standard, either overlooking gardens in lower-level units, or the pool and distant sea in upgraded rooms. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, universal adaptors, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, desks, air-conditioning, and fans. Closets come with safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Large suites have separate living rooms. Bathrooms are the most modern area of rooms, with wood-paneled showers and black-marble countertops, plus toiletries and hairdryers.

Direct access to Utorda Beach is a big plus for the resort, though note that sunbeds are not provided by the hotel. Some can be rented from other vendors. For those more interested in pool time, the hotel claims to have the largest one in Goa, measuring 17,500 square feet. The pool has various areas that allow guests to spread out, including a lap pool, freeform pool with sunken swim-up bar, waterslide and volleyball net, and splash areas shallow enough for toddlers. Another highlight is the covered hot tub lined with pebbles. All that space adds up to a lot of sunbeds, umbrellas, and poolside dining, where the seasonal Aquarius offers burgers in the daytime and Asian street food in the evenings. 

Several other dining options include Mallika, which serves upscale Indian fare, the 24-hour coffee shop and buffet eatery The Palms, wood-fired pizza at Portofino, and the seasonal, beachfront Seahawk that offers seafood and Goan specialties. Guests can enjoy drinks in the Lobby Lounge or nightclub-style Liquid Lounge. 

The elegant spa is well-regarded, housing multiple treatment rooms and three hot tubs. A fitness center has cardio and weight-training machines, plus there are outdoor tennis and basketball courts. The kids' club has organized daily activities, though fees apply for some. Two conference halls are on-site for events. Wi-Fi is free throughout.