Constructed on the site of a 16th-century Portuguese fort on Calangute Beach, this resort commands a gorgeous view stretching all the way to Baga. There are 145 centrally air-conditioned rooms, including 24 suites. Il Camino specializes in Italian cuisine, while the Sea Shell Restaurant offers Indian, Continental, and Goan specialties. The resort has a Children's Activity Center, where adults can deposit their cherubs—perhaps so that Mom and Dad can enjoy a plantain-leaf body wrap or bio-marine facial at the hotel's Spa Aguada. The Biotique Private Spa Collection combines traditional European treatments (algae, mud, hydrotherapy) with Asian methods. A specially trained doctor manages Ayurveda treatments, helped by traditional therapists who were trained under masters in Kerala.

The Marriott Resort is one of Goa's newest five-star city hotels. Located at the mouth of the Mandovi River, it features a small riverside beach, and the newly renovated rooms (equipped with modern conveniences) are furnished in a simple contemporary style. One restaurant serves Goan and international specialties, while a Szechwan eatery has a Chinese courtyard setting. The convivial Waterfront Terrace and Bar, decorated with a gorgeous mural of crimson flowers on a deep blue background, has a lovely river view. The best thing about this place, though, is the staff—a friendly bunch that will remember your favorite drink or arrange anything else you need.

The tropical plants at this Indo-Portuguese pousada-style resort on the Arabian Sea "make you feel like you're staying in somebody's house." Under mother-of-pearl chandeliers, Casa Sarita serves Goan specialties like pork sausage with onions and coriander. "Anytime you ask for something, staff jump to get it." Yoga and Ayurveda are the basis of treatments at the 36,000-square-foot Sereno Spa.

(250 rooms)

Set on the southwest coast of Goa, this outpost of the Taj chain rests on 56 acres of exquisitely landscaped lawns, complete with tropical plants and graceful palms. There are 140 centrally air-conditioned rooms, including two presidential villas with private plunge pools. All rooms are spacious, luxuriously appointed, and feature a private veranda or balcony that looks out on the Arabian Sea. The Exotica has three highly rated restaurants: Miguel Arcanjo, a Mediterranean restaurant serving Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Provençal fare; Allegria, a Goan establishment; and Li Bai, a Chinese restaurant.

A 45-minute drive from the airport, the Taj Holiday Village offers 140 rooms in terracotta-roofed Portuguese-style cottages set amid palm-fringed landscaped gardens. The interiors have rustic, vaguely tropical decor, and it's worth springing for one of the Garden View Deluxe Cottages, which have balconies and private lawns as well as DVD players. Better yet, Sea View Cottages have hammocks and outdoor seating as well. The plethora of restaurants includes Caravela, a mecca of delectable fresh seafood, and the Banyan Tree, which serves Thai cuisine.