Beyond the Usual Goa: A Luxury Retreat at The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort

Beyond the Usual Goa: A Luxury Retreat at The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort
Where Baroque charm meets Goan calm in South Goa’s hidden gem, Canacona

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and check into an all-encompassing retreat in South Goa, The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort in Canacona might just be your answer. Tucked away on the serene Raj Baga beach—about 67 kilometres or a 90-minute drive from Goa International Airport—this resort is part tropical sanctuary, part Portuguese-era dream.

Set across 85 acres, The LaLiT is one of those rare places that blends grandeur with stillness. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the Talpone River, and the Sahyadri hills, it’s a place that immediately slows you down. The resort’s Baroque-Portuguese architecture, terracotta-tiled roofs, and lush gardens nod to Goa’s Indo-European heritage, while its modern luxuries ensure you're deeply cocooned in comfort.

Spacious Stays, Signature Touches

The LaLiT houses 255 sprawling suites and 8 luxury villas (ranging from three to four bedrooms), all designed with elegant wooden furnishings, warm colour palettes, and balconies overlooking either the golf course, the sea, or tropical gardens. My room had the kind of pillow-soft bed and blackout curtains that practically guarantee deep sleep. 

Beachfront Bliss & Private Access

One of the biggest draws of staying here is direct access to Raj Baga beach—an unspoilt, less-commercial stretch of golden sand. It's quiet, clean, and almost feels like your own private patch of paradise. You can walk straight from the pool to the beach, cocktail in hand, and claim your own sunbed under the palm trees.

Dining Delights

Whether you're craving Goan fish curry or sushi, there's a restaurant here for every whim.

• Canacona – The resort’s 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant where I tried everything from prawn balchão to Kutchi dhabeli.
• Corta’s – A rustic beach shack perfect for a long seafood lunch with sand between your toes. Don’t miss the fresh catch and sunset cocktails.
• OKO – The resort’s Pan-Asian fine-dining restaurant serving fragrant Thai curries and sushi rolls, housed in a Mediterranean-style building.
• Sea BQ – Overlooking the sea, this spot is best for barbecued seafood and sunset dinners.
• Veri Feni – A casual bar featuring Mario Miranda artwork, cigars, classic cocktails, and games—it’s a great place to unwind post-dinner and is open 24 x 7.
  
  

Wellness Meets Indulgence

Spiceology – The Spa offers a wide range of therapies rooted in Ayurvedic and natural wellness traditions. I tried a relaxing full-body massage with aromatic oils, followed by a swim in the temperature-controlled outdoor pool. For those who like to keep it active, the gym is state-of-the-art and there’s even a sports complex with tennis, squash, and pickleball courts.

A unique feature of the property is the Goa Golf Greens, a double-T 9-hole golf course that plays to par 36. It’s the only championship course in Goa, and even if you’re not a golfer, it’s a lovely walk early in the morning. They have well-trained caddies, deluxe carts, and a breezy clubhouse vibe.

Perfect for…

Couples looking for a quiet getaway, families wanting a safe and luxurious beach retreat, or solo travellers like me who just want space to breathe. With over 32,000 square feet of event space, it’s also a strong contender for destination weddings and corporate retreats.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about The LaLiT in Canacona that invites you to linger. Perhaps it's the hush of palm trees, the manicured gardens, slow lapping of waves, or the way every corner of the property is thoughtfully designed to blend old-world charm with new-world comfort. For those looking to rediscover Goa’s quieter side, this resort is a great starting point.

Getting There:

Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport (Dabolim) – 90 mins by car

Closest Beach: Raj Baga (private access)

Double Rooms start at Rs. 8,000 plus tax including breakfast.

Website: https://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-goa/

‍