The Hobbit

Experience a slice of hippie life from a beautifully-appointed cave-villa carved into the cliffs above South Anjuna beach (sleeps 4-6)

This is a unique living space with a hippie history. It started in the 90's as a series of scooped-out rooms for an old Goa dude, who entered through a burrow-like hole in the top of a cliff. There was no furniture or plumbing, only hammocks strung from the ceiling, niches for cupboards, and a riot of psychedelic paint.

When he sold it to ex-Bombay couple Farad and Chinmayi in 2001, they transformed it into a state-of-the-art underground villa, installing plumbing and electricity, a large mod-con kitchen and sitting room, and 3 separate bedrooms with their own sea view verandas, ensuite bathrooms, fans and air-conditioning. Outside they built a plunge pool and a huge cobbled rooftop terrace looking out over the ocean. But the cave's natural feel survives. They have created a warm, curving, organic space, with polished Indian patented stone floors in rich rust and ochre, subtly airbrushed wall decorations, bark lampshades and firm super-kingsize beds.

Highs

• The novelty of living underground
• The graceful, unusual decoration
• The spectacular views of sea and sunset
• The silky-sanded beach and gentle, warm, buoyant sea
• The friendly, smiling locals
• The delicious food from the 2 beach shacks below (who will happily send meals, drinks and snacks up)
• The fun, sparkling-eyed Chinmayi, who makes you feel thoroughly cosseted
• If you're into raves, there are weekly beach parties at the bottom of the garden

Lows

• Open-air bathrooms and water-channels allow free passage to ants, cockroaches, frogs and toads; not for those averse to wildlife
• Mama & Miming, the 2 lads who between them mount a 24-hr guard (when not fetching and carrying, cleaning rooms or doing laundry) can look distressingly bored - it is up to you how much you want them to be on call
• If you're not into raves, the weekly helpings of thumping noise might make you grind your teeth, particularly if they start shaking the walls from as early as midday. They can be very loud. Happily though, only one big rave is allowed per week and they must stop by 10pm.