Resort Terra Paraiso

Resort Terra Paraiso is one of Calangute's longer-established hotels, set a few minutes from the beach. Although showing its age throughout, the villa-style layout around lawns and palm trees is pretty, and colorful outdoor murals depicting Goan artisans adds character. Indo-Portuguese touches in the architecture and decorations reflect the area's history, but old-fashioned furnishings could use a refresh. The hotel is divided into two wings -- each with an outdoor pool. Travelers tend to hang around the pool with a swim-up bar, but limited sunbeds can make finding an empty one challenging. The hotel prohibits groups of friends (think bachelor or bachelorette parties), so the atmosphere is largely peaceful. However, occasional live evening music is popular with the mix of couples and families who stay here.

Set on a narrow side street between Calangute's main road and the beach, the hotel puts visitors a five- or three-minute walk from them. The location is peaceful and quiet, but the un-lit path to the beach can get deserted at night. Numerous dining options and shops are within a five- to 10-minute walk, while Calangute's Saturday Night Market is an eight-minute stroll. Motorbike scooters are a popular way to get around the area, and there's a rental spot outside, in addition to taxis. Candolim Beach is a 10-minute drive, while Baga Beach and its night market are five minutes farther. The Portuguese Aguada Fort is a 20-minute drive and Ajuna's hippie beach and market are a half-hour drive. It's a five-minute walk to the nearest ATM, and a small shopping mall is double that. Forty minutes by car, Panjim is the nearest city, and Goa International Airport (Dabolim) can be reached in an hour by car.

Rooms are simple, divided between old-fashioned units and contemporary ones. They start at a decent 21 square meters (225 square feet), and all have furnished outdoor spaces. Expect warm earth-tone furnishings, texture-effect yellow and red walls, and traditional furniture in older rooms, while those that have been refreshed have more up-to-date furniture, a cleaner neutral-tone palette, and beige walls. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, kettles alongside tea and coffee, and air-conditioning. Wardrobes have safes. Older bathrooms have wet room-style showers with plastic curtains, and some have jetted shower/tub combos. Upgraded units have more modern rainfall showers. Basic toiletries are provided.

The freeform pool with a swim-up bar is the most popular feature, though the other pool offers a quieter setting. Both have small sections for kids and limited loungers. The all-day Blue Bistro serves Goan specialities alongside Chinese, Italian, and seafood dishes. Food receives mixed reviews. Some rates include breakfast. A small fitness center has cardio and weight-training machines, while the basic spa offers hair and nail treatments, as well as massages. A basement lounge has large sofas and coffee tables, but it's not a very inviting space. Wi-Fi is free, but many guests have reportedly difficultly getting it to work. Private parking is available, but spots are limited and the space is tight.