Arshad Warsi And Maria Goretti's 150-Year-Old Goa Villa Is Now Open For Travellers

For many travellers, Goa is about beach shacks, seafood feasts, and slow afternoons by the sea. But tucked away in the leafy village of Saligao is an address that offers a different way to experience the state. Actor Arshad Warsi and television host Maria Goretti have opened the doors to Casa Zen, their lovingly restored 150-year-old Portuguese villa, inviting guests to stay in a home where heritage, family history and contemporary comforts come together under one roof.

Available as a private holiday rental for INR 75,000 per night (plus taxes), Casa Zen is more than another luxury villa in North Goa. It is the result of a restoration that prioritised preservation over reinvention, allowing the home's original character to remain at the heart of the experience while adapting it for modern travellers.

A Portuguese Home With A New Chapter

Located in Saligao, one of North Goa's most charming heritage villages, Casa Zen occupies a Portuguese-era bungalow that dates back around 150 years. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, Warsi and Goretti chose to restore the structure, retaining its architectural identity while giving it a fresh lease of life.

The five-bedroom villa still reflects the elegance of old Goan homes, from expansive verandahs and high ceilings to thick walls designed to keep interiors cool through the tropical summers. The white façade, accented with shades of indigo and yellow, pays homage to the state's colonial architectural legacy while introducing playful bursts of colour that continue indoors.

The restoration itself was a collaborative effort involving local carpenters, potters and craftsmen, many of whom spent months bringing ageing woodwork, furniture and decorative elements back to life. Instead of masking the villa's age, the project celebrates it, allowing every restored beam, polished doorway and handcrafted detail to contribute to the home's story.

Designed Around Memories

While the architecture provides the foundation, it is the interiors that give Casa Zen its personality. Maria Goretti played a significant role in shaping the design, choosing to furnish the villa not with showroom pieces but with objects that carried sentimental value.

Family heirlooms sit comfortably alongside colourful contemporary accents. Antique wooden cupboards inherited from generations of her family occupy pride of place in different rooms, while vintage crockery, artwork and carefully collected decorative pieces lend warmth to every corner. Rather than feeling curated for social media, the home feels genuinely lived in, where every room reflects years of memories.

The villa embraces colour with confidence. Indigo walls, patterned tiles, vibrant furnishings, and handcrafted décor create visual interest without overwhelming the home's historic character. One room leans into soft whites and warm wood tones, while another introduces deeper blues that echo Goa's coastal palette. The result is a home that feels layered, personal and unmistakably Goan.

Gardens, Mango Trees, And Modern Comforts

Outside, Casa Zen continues to embrace Goa's easy-going lifestyle. Lush landscaped gardens wrap around the property, while mature trees, including a sprawling mango tree and orchard, create shaded corners for long breakfasts or leisurely afternoons.

A large swimming pool anchors the outdoor space, making it easy to alternate between dips in the water and relaxed hours spent on the verandah. Open seating areas encourage guests to enjoy the slower rhythm of village life, away from the bustle of Goa's more crowded tourist hubs.

Although the villa celebrates its history, it has not been frozen in time. Modern additions have been integrated thoughtfully throughout the property, ensuring guests enjoy contemporary comforts without compromising the home's heritage appeal. Solar panels installed on the roof reflect the owners' effort to make the property more sustainable, demonstrating how historic homes can evolve responsibly while retaining their original identity.

A Different Kind Of Luxury Stay

Casa Zen is managed by Wildflower Villas, with the entire five-bedroom property available as a private rental. Guests have exclusive access to the villa, swimming pool, gardens and common spaces, making it well suited for families, groups of friends or intimate celebrations looking for privacy over the conventional hotel experience.

The growing popularity of heritage stays has transformed the way travellers experience destinations like Goa. Instead of choosing standard luxury resorts, many are increasingly seeking homes that carry a sense of place, where architecture, craftsmanship and local history become part of the holiday itself. Casa Zen fits squarely into that shift, offering visitors the opportunity to stay inside a restored Portuguese residence rather than simply admiring one from the street.

For Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti, the villa also represents a labour of love. Their restoration focused not only on preserving an old building but also on supporting local artisans whose traditional skills helped bring the property back to life. From handcrafted pottery and restored woodwork to carefully maintained architectural details, the villa reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship that is becoming increasingly rare.

In a destination where luxury is often measured by beachfront locations and infinity pools, Casa Zen offers something more enduring. It invites guests to experience Goa through its architecture, its craftsmanship and the stories woven into a home that has stood for over a century. The result is a stay that feels rooted in the state's cultural heritage while delivering all the comforts expected of a premium holiday retreat.

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