Stilted Konkan villas
Four stilted villas sit high on the hillside, trading shared hotel spaces for absolute privacy above Bhogwe Beach.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated butlers serve tailored multi-course seafood meals directly in each private pavilion.
Notable
Stilted steel frames support demountable villas finished in polished concrete and coconut wood.
What they say
Also in The 50 Discovery.
each of the two-bedroom eco-friendly villas stands in its own little jungly enclave, filled with palm fronds, frangipani, mango trees and bamboo, with sprawling open-air living pavilions leading to private infinity pools and uninterrupted sea views.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Footpaths lead five minutes downhill to Bhogwe Beach, while the nearby headland holds the ruins of 17th-century Nivti Fort.
The rooms
Coconut-wood furniture fills the open living pavilions, which look past private plunge pools straight out to the Arabian Sea.
The plunge pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Each villa has its own chemical-free infinity pool, built into the timber deck beside the sheltered daybeds.
The spa
Treatment tables face the sea, and therapists use virgin cashew nut oil and warm kokum butter for signature rituals.
At the table
Chefs consult guests before arrival, serving fresh catch from local boats onto banana leaves in the open villa pavilion.
How it began
Giles Knapton assembled the villas with bolted steel frames, ensuring they can be dismantled without leaving a mark on the hillside.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.