Romantic honeymoon packages to Goa have become popular recently, but many are disappointed by the beach resort they choose. Why not look at a place like Majorda, but don’t look at a Majorda beach resort, instead look at the Vivenda dos Palhacos, and you won’t be disappointed.

The Vivenda dos Palhacos is hidden away down a coconut fringed cul de sac in the village of Majorda where life is very peaceful and tranquil, not at all like the hustle and bustle of some of the beaches of Goa. It is a gem of a boutique hotel, set in a restored century old Portugese mansion, and is just a kilometre from the beach, but a world away.

The hotel, and that isn’t really the best words to describe the Vivenda dos Palhacos, staying with friends in their private home would be much better, consists of two buildings are six double bedrooms.

Goa has a certain reputation, which dates back as far as the 1960’s, where it was regarded as a hippy paradise, a place for dropouts, and flower power, a not to be missed place for travellers, and probably regarded as the world centre for dope.

All of this whilst not totally inaccurate might put you off a visit to Goa,  which would be a mistake.  Sure Goa can still be the place for all night parties, and beaches crowded with people selling hash to fund their alternative lifestyles, but there is much more to Goa than that.

Presa Di Goa Country House is a country house which has been completely restored, and then furnished as one might have expected from the Portugese when Goa was a colony.  It has a wonderful feel to it, more like a home than a hotel which is a tribute to the owner. This is a real gem, and one that for the sake of future guests shouldn’t be publicised too much in case it ruins perfection.