Our third stay at this exquisite place. It's a delight at every step and a far cry from the banana-boat experience ***** the Goan coast. It is built on a fisherman's bay with little access for mass tourism. It gives you fascinating, privileged views of the overnight catch being hauled onto the beach as you have your breakfast (the best creamiest home made yoghurt this side of Greece and perfect pancakes.) The new manager, Vishesh Sharma has just completed his first year there and it was a joy to meet him again and to see that his team are as committed, kind and professional as ever. Stand out employees are the Front Desk team with Denzil and kitchen and bar staff with Samson, a young *** whose skills and reassuring understanding of guest needs make you feel his talents could be exploited well above the kitchen level. The new chef, Maharaj, will hopefully bring a new standard of cuisine. Always sad to leave but always making immediate plans to return.
Ahilya by the Sea is charming heritage boutique hotel situated right on the edge of the beach and sea. Our room was delightful. We would wake up, throw open our balcony doors and soak up the view of the bay. Most mornings we saw dolphins come in to feed while we ate breakfast. The staff were lovely and the food was good. Couldn’t fault it. Go there for a few days if you can.
One-of-a-kind property in an amazing, central-yet-secluded location in North Goa. There are a lot of hotels that misrepresent their offering - Ahliya exceeds on all fronts in terms taste, atmosphere, service and comfort. We stayed in the music suite, which was exceptional - but the entire property was memorable. The hotel is just large enough to still be private / do your own thing, while also allowing for an intimate atmosphere. Staff are welcoming and kind, and F&B is plentiful for a stay of a few days. We also loved the Martini Bar. If you're lucky to be there at the same time as the GM (Vishesh) make sure to ask him for the backstory behind the hotel - he's a great storyteller. Only +1 I would humbly share: a re-design of the menu cards to a more locally-inspired look would make them feel more in keeping with the rest of the place.
Yet again this is a review of high praise for Ahilya By The Sea. Such a beautiful boutique hotel set in extremely well manicured gardens. Overlooking the beach and sea and with the activity of fisherman each day and beautiful sunsets in the evening. The hotel itself is quirky and full of beautiful artefacts everywhere, both inside and out. The two pools are lovely and often we had a pool to ourself. We had the Nascente/Sunset suite which had the most amazing views from the bedroom area and the sitting area. The outside terrace while nice doesn’t have quite such a spectacular view because of a semi mature palm tree right in line with sunset which is a shame. The bed was lovely, comfy and large. Good quality linens and soft waffle towels changed daily. Lovely toiletries in a large bathroom. Having washing included in our stay was a wonderful bonus and each day it was returned beautifully laundered. Breakfast on the terrace each morning was a delight. The fruit bowl was the best I’ve had anywhere as it was full of many different fruits and always good quality and properly ripe. The breads are locally made and delivered fresh and there was a choice of Indian specials each morning as well as items like pancakes, boiled eggs etc. There was a selection of dishes available at lunch that changed daily, a regular menu and in the evening another chefs special. All the food was excellent, freshly cooked and nothing was too much trouble. Having said all that, what makes this small hotel so amazing and so much better than some big name 5 star hotels is the staff. They are all truly wonderful. They are welcoming, attentive, seem to really enjoy looking after you and are also ready to chat if you want to engage in conversation. They seem genuinely happy in their work and make you feel at home. We cannot thank them enough. The only negative we had which is a very personal thought is it should be adult only. Because it is a small intimate hotel if there are small children, which at the beginning of our stay there was they can be very intrusive and completely change the ambience of the property. Also, I have no desire to swim in a pool when a child has been in it wearing a nappy ( waterproof or not!)
Ahilya by the sea is a property with history , done up very aesthetically with gorgeous art, sculpture and artifacts . It has a lovely lush garden and the entire property overlooks a fishing beach from where you can hear the waves constantly and see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The food is fantastic and the dinner and breakfast setting is gorgeous with lovely sea vistas. Service is polite and prompt and the whole vibe is quiet luxury in an unhurried pace. Thank you Ahilya we will be back!!
This was a return stay at Ahilya by the Sea, and once again it felt like coming home. I stayed in the beautiful and spacious Trindade Suite, which truly feels like my personal summer retreat. The infinity pool overlooking Nerul beach is magical — always full of life with the constant activity of fishermen, yet incredibly peaceful and relaxing at the same time. The food is excellent, always fresh, varied, and delicious, with wonderful juices and cocktails. My mornings were truly wonderful thanks to the beautiful private yoga sessions — calm, grounding, and perfectly set in nature. The service is exceptional in every sense: warm, personal, and genuinely caring. Everything feels tailor-made and effortless for guests. The front desk team and the staff around the pool and restaurant areas are fantastic — attentive without being intrusive, always ready to help, and truly committed to making me feel comfortable and well cared for. I would also like to mention Jasvinder from the reservations team, who was incredibly helpful, efficient, and made everything smooth and easy from the very beginning. The continuity of staff is a real strength; they remember me, my preferences, and my tastes, which makes the experience even more special. Ahilya by the Sea remains one of my favorite places in the world — beautifully maintained, welcoming, and full of charm. A place I will always be happy to return to.
We visited Ahilya by the Sea for a week during Christmas and it was absolutely magical. We enjoyed the tranquility of this tastefully appointed former home, and soon fell into a lovely daily rhythm: early morning swims in the infinity pool followed by an exquisite breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea. We spent most of our days lounging with our books by the pools or in the garden, admiring the vast art collection and strolling on the beach. We only ventured into town once. The food was exquisite! We also appreciated the staff. Always ready and attentive when we needed something without hovering. Our room (the beautiful & spacious Trindade Suite) was made up twice a day; always when we weren’t there. We enjoyed meeting some of the other guests, as well. All in all, an excellent vacation.
Ahilya gave us a flawless experience. It is a sensual place, not least because of its special location on the edge of a busy fishing village, with consequent all-day entertainment . And yet it is very peaceful, with the sea literally a splash away. The staff were an absolute pleasure to deal with, and the entire property is the definition of elegance, with tasteful art everywhere. Every room - even the outdoor areas - is a visual delight. The food is exceptional, and the care, from room cleaning to the organisation of outings was outstanding.
Ahilya by the Sea is a magical oasis directly on the waterfront. The location is truly unique, the house itself is beautifully designed, and the rooms are full of character and art. The food is outstanding. Twice a day, the daily menus are handwritten on a slate board, and there is also a lovely à-la-carte selection. Every meal felt special. The food is prepared always fresh, means you have to wait 30 minutes. The service, however, is what makes this place unforgettable. The staff are exceptionally friendly, warm and genuinely attentive. Another wonderful detail: laundry is included, which is a rare and very welcome bonus. For excursions, the hotel organizes a driver who can be paid directly – comfortable and seamless. All in all, Ahilya by the Sea is one of the finest places we have ever visited. We would return without hesitation
Exceptional hotel with outstanding service and attention to detail. The key however is location which is superb and one of the few places where you can still see aspects of old Goa. A wonderful restful stay.