THE SAFFRON COLLECTION SUMMARY

Prices from £799

Fort Tiracol was once a Portuguese fortress overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Tiracol River at Goa's northern-most border. It has been stunningly transformed into a timeless retreat offering 21st Century luxury whilst retaining the original character and offering awesome views. An open courtyard painted in the signature colours of yellow and black, provides a meditative spot to admire the small church. Days can be spent exploring secluded bays either by foot or by private speedboat. Dining is al fresco under the stars, with the lapping waves as the only sound to invade the tranquility.

Journey time from airport: One hour and forty minutes. The journey takes you on a picturesque route along the coastline and through villages, followed by a short ferry ride.

Our opinion: A visit to Fort Tiracol will open your eyes to the history and beauty of this idyllic spot and leave you with memories of a place unspoilt by time. Click here for more details

Prices from £1299

Nilaya, meaning "Heaven", is as far away as you could possibly get from 5 star hotel culture. You will feel like an invitee at a wealthy friend's home rather than a paying guest. After the delightful drive to the top of the hill where Nilaya is perched, you can enjoy the blissful view of paddy fields and plantations stretching away to the Baga shoreline. What follows is a sensual feast. The twelve rooms are highly individually furbished in unique designer style. Time spent here is meant for relaxation; whether it be sun worshipping by the poolside, rejuvenation therapies or intimate dining. The hotel is about 10 minutes drive away from the resorts of Baga and Calangute.

Journey time from airport: 60 minutes

Our opinion: Nilaya is for those wanting to relax in luxurious, informal style, surrounded by natural beauty, yet still close to the popular Baga Beach. Click here for more details

Prices from £999

The Pousada Tauma is tucked away on the outskirts of Calangute and offers a welcome retreat from its crowded streets. The award winning architecture is essentially Goan with exposed stone buildings nestling amongst beautiful tropical gardens. The hotel rooms are individually furnished in a homely and comfortable style. The pace here is unhurried, the service serene and the atmosphere conducive to total relaxation. An authentic Keralan style Ayurvedic Centre offers a comprehensive range of relaxing and rejuvenating therapies. This is a chance to experience life at its calmest.

Journey time from airport: 60 minutes

Our opinion: This is an ideal place for those seeking a smaller, more personal hotel with a rustic, homely atmosphere. Click here for more details

Prices from £899

So well hidden, you could almost drive through the fishing village of Britona without discovering it. Once a river front warehouse, the 300 year old building has been carefully restored using traditional materials and craftsmanship. Modern amenities exist but are kept low-key so as not to detract from the original character. The quaint sitting rooms and charming dining room are so comfortable it requires an effort to get up and explore the garden and deck area. The setting is chic, friendly and utterly memorable.

Journey time from airport: 45 minutes. Casa Britona is 5kms from Panjim and 20 minutes from the golden beaches of North Goa.

Our opinion: The Casa is more guest house than hotel and will delight those who prefer a "non-touristy" location. Click here for more details

Prices from £799

Siolim House is a magnificently restored Portuguese manor house once owned by a Governor of Macau. The guest rooms, named after old trading ports, have been painstakingly and lovingly refurbished in the original style. The swimming pool and deck area are a well-kept secret, with total privacy for guests. In case you feel like doing more than being nostalgic about times gone by, there are walking and cycling opportunities along with more relaxing activities. It is located in the quiet village of Siolim which lies on the scenic Chapora River. Although secluded, it is only a short drive away from the quieter beaches of the North and the resorts of Baga and Anjuna.

Journey time from airport: 80 minutes.

Our opinion: Siolim House gives a glimpse of life in a bygone era as well as life in a rural Goan village. Click here for more details

Prices from £1199

Part of the Taj chain of hotels, the Exotica is situated on 500m of palm fringed beach, amongst acres of stunning landscaped gardens. The accommodation is in one of their exclusive Sunset Pool Villas overlooking the sea. For those looking for a place to relax and unwind, the hotel has a first-class spa with indoor and outdoor therapeutic space, including peaceful meditation areas. If your holiday is a time to try out something different, there is an impressive array of sports facilities including a 9 hole golf course and putting green. After a game of tennis or a few laps of the pool, maybe you will feel justified in visiting one of the many and varied restaurants.

Journey time from airport: 40 minutes

Our opinion: If you are looking for luxury accommodation with plenty of facilities on hand, this would be a perfect choice. Click here for more details

Prices from £749

Sun Village is a beautiful boutique hotel situated in Baga/Arpora, close to all the main North Goa attractions and just 1 km from Baga Beach. Nestling on a hill overlooking paddy fields and salt pans, the hotel accommodation is made up of seven blocks with spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. Guests can pass their time between the two swimming pools; trying out scuba diving in one or soaking up sun in the other. For those wanting to relax further, there is plenty of pampering available in the Beauty Parlour or traditional healing massage waiting to be discovered in the Ayurvedic Centre.

Journey time from airport: 60 minutes

Our opinion: An excellent hotel if you wish to spend time both relaxing and exploring the local area. Click here for more details

Prices from £699

The Aldeia Santa Rita is a quaint and friendly boutique hotel located in the resort of Candolim, just a stone's throw away from the beach, numerous restaurants and great shopping opportunities. The hotel has a strong Mediterranean feel to it with its brightly coloured buildings and pretty gardens. The rooms, grouped under names such as 'Vila Lisboa', are charmingly decorated in traditional blue and white. The Portuguese theme continues whilst dining in the small restaurant or al fresco, surrounded by ochre coloured walls and swaying palm trees. If the sea doesn't beckon, spend a lazy day by the pool, indulge in a massage at the Ayurvedic Centre or pamper yourself at the Pink Rose Beauty Parlour.

Journey time from airport: 80 minutes

Our opinion: An excellent choice for those preferring a smaller hotel and a more personal service. Click here for more details