South Goa's Secret Luxury Retreat for Slow, Soulful Travel

A luxury retreat designed for barefoot mornings, botanical spa rituals, sunset strolls and cocktails that tease your palate.

Have you ever noticed how Goa almost feels like two different worlds? On one side, it's the party capital of India that dances till dawn under neon lights, and on the other, it wakes up early to the sound of gentle waves and its own heartbeat. Lately, wellness seekers, including me, have been drifting south, trading bar-hopping for beach breaths, and chaos for calm.

South Goa’s quiet roads, postcard-worthy beaches and sun-washed Portuguese balconies remind you why you fell in love with this coastline in the first place. And nestled right at the heart of this slow rhythm is Amaraanth — a luxury boutique hotel that feels like a soft exhale. Spread across 3.75 acres of lush green, tucked away from the main streets of Varca, this intimate luxury suite escape is shaping a new chapter in Goa’s wellness scene. Once the Binani family’s cherished beach home, today it welcomes weary vacationers into a sanctuary of mindful experiences, Goan local charm, and sun-soaked serenity. It’s the kind of place that convinces you slowing down isn’t just a holiday; it's a lifestyle.

Getting There

 A 45-minute drive from South Goa’s Dabolim International Airport, the resort is located at Varca-Fatrade, just a short walk from the quiet and scenic Fatrade Beach — far from the tourist bustle but never inconvenient. Once you arrive, winding village roads and swaying palms guide you to this serene coastal hideaway, where South Goa’s mellow spirit takes over the moment you step in.

Art and Architecture

I visited the property in November, when Goa's beauty comes alive with clear skies, soft sun, and a breeze that follows you everywhere. I was immediately struck by Amaraanth’s natural aesthetic with its earthy hues and an expanse of manicured greenery that created a sense of ease upon arrival. Architect George Seemon has shaped the former Binani family home into a retreat that whispers rather than shouts — laterite stone lending its rugged, local character, while bamboo and wicker soften the mood. The architecture is more fluid with open spaces that flow into one another, sunlight tracing every wall, and just enough structure to feel cocooned in comfort. 

The lobby is warm and inviting with rustic decor and wood accents. What caught my attention was the cosy book corner offering a quiet spot to unwind, and a pop-up from the sustainable local brand named Yellow House Parra, showcasing resort-ready pieces for a bit of indulgence. The lobby leads to the restaurant, featuring an ocean-inspired mural by Thomas Louis that subtly echoes the proximity of the shoreline just beyond the property.

Across the property, a relaxed Goan sensibility is evident, drawing from the state’s signature ‘susegad’ lifestyle. Take a stroll outside to the landscaped gardens that unfold into a poolside pathway resembling an open-air gallery, dotted with sculptural and ceramic works by artists including Subodh Kerkar and Bhisaji Gadekar. Settle into a sofa by the water with a refreshing drink in hand, and the tempo of life naturally slows — a luxurious expression of Goa’s unhurried way of living.

Luxury Signature Suite Rooms

Amaraanth’s intimate collection of 12 suites has been crafted with a focus on understated luxury and a seamless connection to nature. The 830 sq ft Signature Suite on the ground floor offers a private courtyard and an open-to-sky bathtub set on natural stone (a tranquil corner that feels made for slow mornings and starlit nights). When I walked into my suite, the first thing that caught my eye was this very bathtub, framed by lush greenery and perfectly positioned to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the kind of detail that makes you want to spend the entire day right there. 

On the upper level, the 760 sq ft Luxury Suite presented sweeping views of the gardens and a golden-hour balcony deck designed for outdoor soaking. Across all accommodations, wide balconies and courtyards extend each room into its surroundings, while natural textures — rattan, wicker, jute, and smooth glazed stone — create a warm, refined aesthetic. Molton brown bath and body essentials are thoughtfully integrated into the suites, enriching everyday moments with a touch of sensory luxury. 

The  Gastronomy and Immersive Mixology Experience 

After my stroll along Fatrade Beach, chasing the last colours of sunset, what awaited me was a variety of spiced cocktails and a lip-smacking seafood marinara — the perfect way to ease into the evening. In that moment, the extra ‘a’ in Amaraanth made perfect sense, a contented sigh wrapped into every bite. Led by celebrated chef Ritu Dalmia, the restaurant showcases a thoughtful blend of Goan tradition and international cuisine. The pantry is a tribute to mindful sourcing, drawing from local organic farms, artisanal cheesemakers, sustainable fisheries, and small-batch producers. Breakfast is a generous showcase of regional staples, from red rice poha to soft, Maria's rose omelette, cloud-like idlis and dosas. While lunch brings the star attraction: a Goan thali bursting with colourful curries, coastal flavours, and microgreens. As the day winds down, Dalmia’s Italian specialities — silky pastas, pizzas and seafood risotto — anchor dinners that feel both indulgent and familiar. It’s comfort food with conscience, executed with finesse.

Just steps away, The Lab by Countertop India reimagines the bar experience into something more immersive and intentional. Founded in collaboration with acclaimed mixologist Pankaj Balachandran, it celebrates India’s craft distillers, local botanicals, and farm-fresh ingredients. Guests are guided through the making of each drink, learning the story of its flavours while tasting them. No rushed pours or forgettable mixers, cocktails here are journeys, designed to be savoured sip by sip. This space gently shifts the narrative away from binge drinking and toward savouring — appreciating the aroma, the balance, and the story behind every pour. It’s a haven for all cocktail-curious and connoisseurs alike, where each creation reveals its craft sip by sip.

During my visit, bartender Priyansh introduced a seasonal bestseller 'Passionfruit' — a vibrant blend of Gin, passion fruit, pandan, spearmint and a bright touch of pineapple curd. Playful yet precise, the flavours unfolded slowly, inviting attention and curiosity. At The Lab, every glass feels like a discovery, a celebration of drinking well rather than drinking more.

Unwind with the HVN Spa and Wellness 

If tranquillity is what you seek — uninterrupted quiet, generous space, and a spa experience rooted in true restoration — you must book an appointment at Amaraanth's HVN spa. Wellness isn’t an accessory here; it is the foundation of the stay.

The HVN at Amaraanth is the brand's India debut after building a loyal following in London for its plant-led, results-driven therapies. The spa features two treatment suites designed to immerse guests in deep relaxation, with the Hydro Spa Suite being its most innovative experience. The heated water mattress, maintained at 38 degrees, is designed to ease tension while treatments unfold seamlessly on its surface. Guests can select their preferred aromatic essential oils tailored to their needs, followed by a vegan scrub for gentle nourishment. The experience continues with integrated steam and warm cleansing rituals administered by the therapist.  

For a more traditional yet equally grounding experience, the HVN Bathing Ritual combines an Abhyanga massage with a vegan face mask, head massage and a botanical-infused foot soak complemented with a choice of herbal teas. Guests staying in the Luxury or Signature Suites can opt to enjoy this ritual entirely in their private bathtub, allowing comfort to meet soothing indulgence.

My own visit concluded with a tranquil bath drawn in my suite — sea salt and jasmine oil dissolving into warm water, the sun fading outside, and a few quiet minutes of complete clarity. It was the exhale I didn’t realise I had been holding, the kind of calm that stays with you long after checkout.