Private Pool Villas in Goa: What to Check Before You Book

A private pool is the reason many people choose a villa over a hotel. Listings can look alike, though, and a few simple checks will tell you far more than the photographs.

Is the pool really private?

Private should mean that only your group uses it. Some properties described as villas share a pool with neighbours or other units in a complex. Check that the listing says the pool is for your exclusive use, and look for whether it is overlooked by other houses.

Look at the pool, not just the photo

Wide-angle photographs flatter a small pool. Check the size if it is given, and the depth if you are travelling with children or non-swimmers. Is there a shallow end, and is the pool fenced off from the house? Our villas have no lifeguard, as is normal for a private home, so children must be with an adult at all times.

Sun and shade

A pool that sits in full shade all afternoon stays cool, while one with no shade at all is hard to use at midday. Look for loungers, some cover nearby and a spot to sit together after a swim.

Who looks after the house?

This is what separates a staffed villa from a rental. Ask who is on site, who cleans the pool and how often the house is serviced. In our villas, a caretaker is on call and daily housekeeping is part of the stay. Knowing who to call matters most when something goes wrong.

Location and how you will get around

A beautiful house can still be a long way from everything. Check how far it is from the beach and from the restaurants you want, and whether you will need a car. Our guide to North and South Goa will help you narrow down the area.

The real cost

Compare the total for your dates, not the headline nightly rate. Rates change with the season and at weekends, and GST applies, so a villa that looks cheaper per night may not be. On our site, enter your dates and each villa shows the full price of your stay, with taxes included.

Before you pay

Read the cancellation terms and the house rules. Ours are on every villa page, and our cancellation policy sets out what is refunded and when. Check-in is at 3 pm and check-out at 11 am, and if you have a flight to plan around, it is worth asking about flexibility before you book.