Goa is often pegged as a destination for solo travellers and couples. The beaches and booze here keep you entertained during your stay. But things take a turn when you have children tagging along. Besides planning a good time for yourself, you also have to ensure the kids are not getting bored.
In the past few years, several family-friendly resorts have cropped up across the state. And they offer a myriad of activities to keep you and your children occupied. With gaming zones, sports areas and fun activities for kids and adults alike, they ensure everyone leaves happy.
Check out these places if you're looking to have a good time with your family:
Spread over 28 acres of lush green lawns, this luxurious property has something for everyone. With a host of recreational and adventure activities for both children and adults, you don't have to worry about anything at all.
What's special?
They have a special club for toddlers called Camp Hyatt. From craft activities and gaming zones to pottery classes and dance sessions, they will ensure your children are entertained throughout. They also have great outdoor activities including cycling, swimming, soccer, wall climbing, aqua zorbing, archery, functional training and more.
Where: Bambolim, North Goa
Cost for two: Rs 17,000 per night (approx)
Alila Diwa, a luxury boutique resort near Majorda, has everything for the perfect family holiday. With its tropical decor, proximity to the beach and a host of activities for both children and adults, it leaves little to be desired. Besides, it is 20-minutes away from Dabolim International Airport, making transportation convenient.
What's special?
The resort offers a lot to keep your kids busy. They have a dedicated kids' club, an activity centre with indoor games, a Nintendo Wii station for video-game lovers, plus a kids pool with day beds. They even have Play Stations and DVDs in the rooms! Children under the age of six aren't charged for meals while those between six to 12 are charged half the rate. And all of them get a special kids menu from which they can choose themselves. If you're travelling with teens, they've got that covered too with a special gaming arcade and Foosball section.
Where: Adao Waddo, Majorda
Cost for two: Rs 15,000 per night (approx)
The 5-star Goa Marriott Resort & Spa features luxurious accommodation and outstanding amenities. Make the most of your family time revelling in the beauty of Goa at this resort right in front of Miramar beach.
What's special?
This property boasts of a kids pool, a park, and a kids play area with play stations, ice-hockey and Foosball facilities. If you and kids are both board game lovers, head out for a game of Ludo, scrabble or chess and bond with your children over some food and games. The best part about this place is that there is a separate menu for the junior diners, which of course is kids friendly. Kids also receive a smiley mug on their arrival. If you are a parent to a teenager, make the most of the beach just outside the hotel. You can choose from a range of activities, including fishing or cycling along the beach.
Where: Miramar, Panaji
Cost for two: Rs 16,000 (approx)
A luxury spa resort in North Goa, Resort Rio is nestled on the banks of Baga River in Arpora. Known for its hospitality and warm inviting vibe, the place offers a safe and loving atmosphere for your little ones.
What's special?
Resort Rio's Hoya Kids Club focuses on age-appropriate learning with activities curated for children of different age groups. They also have special activities planned during festivals. From workshops for children, karaoke nights, team games that involve both parents and the children, summer camps and more, they make sure that kids don't get bored even for a second.
Where: Arpora, Goa
Cost for two: Rs 6,000 (approx)
Designed as a Portuguese hamlet, this resort on Vainguinim Beach in Panaji gives you a chance to truly let your hair down and relax. With intimate alcoves, historic murals, a backyard beach, and warm hospitality, you get to experience Goa inside a resort!
What's special?
A range of water sports, games and children's activities ensure that everyone's occupied. Your children can choose from a wide range of activities such as sandcastle building competitions, beach cricket and volleyball, cooking demonstrations, magic shows and a lot more. Then there are indoor sports like badminton, pool, carrom and a dedicated gaming section for video-game lovers. And if your children are of the age where they can't be left alone, then you can avail the babysitting facility. You can take some time off without worrying about the safety of your children.
Where: Vainguinim Beach, Panaji
Cost for two: Rs 12,000 (approx)
Located against the palm-fringed beaches of South Goa, Club Mahindra Emerald Palms is the perfect blend of unmatched views and a comfortable stay. Unwind amidst the serene surroundings as your children channelize their energy playing and having fun around the resort.
What's special?
With numerous indoor and outdoor activities organised specially for children, it is no wonder that this resort is a family favourite. Let your kids explore their adventurous side with cycling, banana boat rides, paragliding, motorboat cruising, snorkelling and jet skiing. They'll end up loving the time they spend outdoors. There's also a Fun Zone with board games and video games for kids who prefer to stay indoors. And if you're worried about sending your children out swimming in the sea, the resort has a swimming pool where you can let them take a dip.
Where: Varca, South Goa
Cost for two: Rs 8,000 (approx)
India's luxury beach-side resort, the Leela Goa is #vacationgoals. After all, a private beach is something many of us dream about. If you're in the mood for a lavish holiday, this is the place to be.
What's special?
The hotel has a kids club (children need to be over 5 to be left unsupervised), with a pool, a library, and a video-game section. Feel free to call for prams, car seats for children, baby cots and special bedding in case you're accompanied by little ones. To make your kids feel even more special, they have special kid-sized bathrobes, baby bathtubs and toiletries. A kiddie menu is kept at the restaurant and is also available for room service.
Where: Mobor, Cavelossim
Cost for two: Rs 21,000 (approx)
Located in the heart of Goa, Vivanta by Taj offers spectacular views of the Mandovi River and Altinho Hill. And while Taj is known world over for their hospitality, their focus on giving children a special treatment has just won our hearts.
What's special?
A program called kids@taj is specially designed for children. They are pampered with tailor-made experiences and receive a trademark activity passport as a memento to take back home. There's also a special dining menu for children.
Where is it: MG Road Goa
Cost for two: Rs 10,000 (approx)
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