Aashyana

Kick back in these super-slick villas and cottages, set in 4 acres of tropical garden with direct access to the golden sands of Candolim Beach (villas sleep 6-13; cottages sleep 2-4)

Tucked away behind the busy village of Candolim, Aashyana Lakhanpal is one of Goa's best-kept secrets. This modern villa, owned by Indian entrepreneur Ajai Lakhanpal and designed by French architects Arvind and Nita d'Souza, brings a slice of contemporary western chic to the coast of India. With its 5 palatial suites, the main house is a super-cool venue for parties of 10-13; smaller groups and families might prefer one of the 3 casinhas (cottages) at the front of the grounds, sleeping 2-4 each; or the newer Villa Venus which sleeps 6 in 3 double bedrooms.

Aashyana means 'nest', and once you arrive you won't want to leave. And with 19 staff for the main villa alone, including 2 on-site masseurs, there is little need to. Stroll through the huge tropical gardens to the pool, or slip onto bustling Candolim beach and watch the sun go down. The chef cooks excellent Goan and western dishes with home-grown produce, eaten under the palms or on the wraparound veranda. A meditation room with Hindu votive sculptures and a nightly incense-burning ceremony in the garden give the place a spiritual feeling. Staff are on hand to attend to your every need, and can organise anything from water sports to performances by local musicians.

Highs

• The villas, cottages and grounds are full of wonderful open spaces, with lots of verandas, open-air showers and airy bedrooms
• The slick swimming pool is very large, with ozonated and chlorine-free water specially treated to promote wellbeing
• Traditional Goan food is eaten under the stars in a fabulous entertaining area - great for a party
• If you're coming with kids and/or nannies, the casinhas are perfect for little ones
• Walking down to the beach through the tropical garden, filled with coconut palms and cashew, lime and guava trees, is a fantastic start to the day
• You can enjoy the luxury of having your every care attended to, whether it's being massaged or driven to local hotspots for a spot of shopping

Lows

• If you rent the main villa (for up to 13), you should be prepared for other guests in the casinhas - or pay extra for exclusive use
• The contemporary architecture may not be to everyone's taste
• Some people may find so many staff hanging around slightly unnerving
• There are some mosquitoes at night - bring plenty of repellent
• This place isn't very toddler-friendly, with lots of angular lines, and children could easily wander off to the pool or beach if unattended