I’ve only been to Goa twice, both times for work. Like many, I had internalised the familiar narrative about North Goa: parties, packed beaches, pulsing nightlife. Peace, I assumed, was something you travelled south for. That assumption was swiftly turned on its head the moment I stepped through the quiet gates of Baale Resort in the sleepy neighbourhood of Arpora.
Tucked away in a lush, residential pocket of North Goa, Baale feels worlds away from the usual clamour. The air is thick with frangipani and calm, and everyone moves at an unhurried, almost meditative pace. It didn’t feel like I’d arrived at a hotel. It felt like I’d been invited to someone’s very beautiful home.
Baale Resort comprises seven ultra-private villas, each with its own pool, garden, four bedrooms, living area, kitchen, and a butler on call. The villa I stayed in was Koi, a calming blend of Balinese influences and Goan soul. Designed thoughtfully, the interiors were minimalist yet warm, layered with natural textures like jute, teakwood, volcanic stone, and rattan. Muted, earthy tones gave way to sudden pops of colour through carefully chosen artwork; many pieces by the founder’s mother, Reeta Nath Chandiok, whose cosmic scenes became my unexpected companions during quiet afternoons.
Every detail in the villa was designed for comfort and indulgence. The bathroom, with its deep soaking tub and his-and-hers vanities, felt like a spa retreat. I caught myself taking more pictures there than I care to admit!
The resort's staff told me how people often don’t believe this is in North Goa because it’s that peaceful. And yet, it’s also perfectly equipped for celebratory getaways, where guests can transform their villas into personal party pads. I made a mental note to return with my girlfriends, but for the time being, the solitude suited me just fine.
One afternoon, I wandered through the grounds and came back with my palms full of sweet mulberries plucked from the garden. Other days were spent lounging by the pool, with a drink (or two) in hand or making good use of the huge Marshall speaker in the living area.
Baale’s Mandala restaurant served up some delicious surprises. The Goan thali was a standout, but so were the Mediterranean and Asian plates that showcased the chef’s knack for fresh, clean flavours. My Aperol spritz at the Gong bar deserves its own mention: crisp, bright, and probably the best I’ve had. One evening, I even tried my hand at mixing a gin-based elderflower cocktail with the team’s very kind and patient guidance.
Breakfasts were the highlight, especially when served in-villa. Eggs made exactly the way I like them, fresh tropical fruit, flaky croissants, and a hearty cup of strong, black coffee made the start to my day feel luxurious yet comforting.
And, of course, there was the floating breakfast, a curated tray of indulgences served in the pool. Yes, I gave in. And yes, it was every bit as Instagram-worthy as it sounds. The staff, wonderfully skilled at framing a shot, even coaxed out a few camera-friendly moments from my usually awkward self.
Wellness at Baale is subtle yet deeply considered. While there’s a fully functional gym along with spa services, I found my own kind of therapy in the rhythm of quiet mornings and candlelit evenings. The hydrotherapy jets in the pool, the green hush of the garden, and the restorative energy of the place worked their quiet magic. I didn’t feel the need to leave the property even once.
By the time my two-night stay drew to a close, I was reluctant to leave and already plotting a return. Baale is the kind of place that reshapes what you expect from a Goan holiday. It's intimate without being insular, luxurious without being over-the-top, and deeply in tune with its surroundings. Whether you're planning a bachelorette, a family celebration, or simply craving a reset away from the chaos, this serene pocket of North Goa offers the best of both worlds—privacy and personality, nature and nurture. Baale didn’t just change my perception of North Goa; it gave me a version of it that I didn’t know existed—one that I can’t wait to return to.
