The Leela Goa

We spent four nights at the St. Regis Goa to mark a few special occasions. We stayed entirely within the property and didn’t feel the need to step out. This is a large, expansive resort with strong physical assets. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, the pool is excellent, and the beach is wide, clean, and great for sunsets. It’s very much a self-contained resort designed for guests who want space, activities, and a relaxed pace. Dining is a highlight. There are multiple restaurants on the property and in-room dining is also good; food quality was consistently strong throughout our stay. That said, service can be hit or miss at the restaurants, particularly during breakfast when it gets very crowded. We were ominously told at check-in not to expect a peaceful breakfast if arriving after 9 a.m., which largely proved accurate. Rooms are generally modern and well equipped compared to many older Goa properties, though there is a noticeable difference between newer and older room blocks. All rooms have generous terraces, most facing the lagoon; mosquitoes are an issue, especially around dawn and dusk. We did, however, face serious maintenance and cleanliness issues. A room with noticeable hygiene issues was assigned, despite multiple advance requests of our preferences. We were then shifted to a suite the next day where the bathtub ran yellow, dirty water. Other basic maintenance problems persisted. These are not minor inconveniences and are difficult to reconcile with the standards associated with a St. Regis property. The resort is spread out, so expect to walk or wait for buggies. Internal transfers can take 15–20 minutes during busier periods, so taking a property tour early on helps with orientation. Suites are spacious and comfortable with good amenities. There is also a “hotel-within-a-hotel” concept with 'Manor villas' offering a more private experience. Some higher-category suites were under renovation during our stay and are expected to reopen around early 2026. The butler service is staffed largely by young professionals. Our butler was excellent and went out of his way to help, and junior staff across the property were generally warm and eager, though each butler appears to manage a large number of rooms. Where the experience fell short overall was service consistency and accountability. We encountered issues with room condition, breakfast service on multiple days, and handling at checkout and departure. Most notably, visible senior-level intervention was limited when issues arose. The airport transfer on departure was also poorly handled, with a vehicle that did not match what had been requested. A detailed post-stay feedback email sent to the general manager and duty manager went unanswered. The location is quite secluded, at the quieter end of South Goa. There’s little nearby beyond a few beach shacks and standalone restaurants, with most other areas several kilometres away. This suits guests planning to stay largely within the resort. Overall, this is a property best chosen for its scale, beach, food, and relaxed resort environment. Guests who prioritise these will likely enjoy their stay. Those expecting consistently high St. Regis- or even typical Marriott-level service execution should be aware that service, particularly at the managerial level, can be uneven despite the genuine efforts of junior staff.

We recently stayed at St. Regis Goa and want to take this moment to pass on a BIG THANK-YOU and a BIG note of appreciation for a truly memorable stay. Starting with the formidable force behind any establishment, its human capital. Shubham and Roshan: We had a bumpy start at the resort; however Shubham as the Head Butler and Roshan as our dedicated butler led from the front and turned around the entire experience to  one we will cherish for a long time. They went above and beyond consistently in making sure our stay was truly comfortable and delightful. Their promptness, customer-centric mind-set including on few special requests related to the kid, diligence in following through the requests not only demonstrate acute knowledge but sound experience and understanding of the hospitality industry. The warmth, courtesy, and pride they bring to the role made a lasting impression. Jing and the entire army of housekeeping friends: They are the quiet formidable strength of the resort. Their dedication, attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness are sincerely appreciated, especially when travelling with kids. The consistently high standards they maintain create a welcoming and pleasant environment, and their quiet efficiency makes a meaningful difference to everyone who uses the space. Akansha, Chirag and the Manor Lounge friends: for making sure our tummies were full with the most scrumptious food and faces smiling with personalized service and attentiveness which always made us look forward to our visits to the lounge.  BIG KUDOS for the outstanding work, professionalism, reliability, and the positive energy each of them bring to the work everyday.  The property in itself is a true oasis of luxury and scenery with multiple great restaurants and cafe options. We tried the v picturesque Riverside, food and service were just outstanding and Miri serving some great food as well. Thank You Very Much for a lovely stay and hope to visit again!!

Our stay this dec 2025 with our son was absolutely delightful, made special by the warm hospitality and genuinely caring staff especially by Mr Puran (Bellboy) !!! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with smiles and thoughtful service that made us feel truly valued. The team went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, always attentive, courteous, and ready to help with anything we needed. Their professionalism blended beautifully with a personal touch, greeting, creating an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and homely. It’s rare to find a place where service feels so heartfelt and effortless. This hotel doesn’t just offer a stay; it offers an experience defined by warmth, kindness, and excellence. We leave with wonderful memories and look forward to returning.

We had an amazing stay at St. Regis in December 2025! The staff were super courteous and helpful, taking care of everything for us 😊. The property is massive and gorgeous, with loads of activities planned for everyone throughout the day 🌟. The private beach is a highlight, offering tons of water sports 💦. Our private butler, Ms Yashnoor, was a rockstar – super helpful and took care of all our needs 🤩.

This is our second visit. Overall, the dominate theme is friendliness and a passion to serve. Leadership team have done very well to create a corporate ethos where everyone wants to help. Everyone contributes , great team work, so naturally it’s a little unfair to pick out individuals but daily contact with a handful means it would be amiss not to mention them. What makes it particularly interesting is that staff have their own personal stories and backgrounds and mostly from other parts of India. Food choice is best in India. Something for everyone. We are vegetarians and teetotal, and in a sense, the resort is made for us. Joel checked us in. Helpful and keen to please. Shankar has been here for a while and is always at hand, he is brilliant. Chatty, friendly and knowledgeable. Then we have the magnificent Shantosh the chef, who with enormous ease made couple of lovely freshly made dishes. His use of spice is subtle and not overbearing over his choice of vegetables. Variety and freshness of food is best probably in all of India. Adharsh holds the Guinness World Record in tidying up the table. He comes in joint first place with Pritul. Mahesh is a friendly chap in Miri always happy to help. He doesn’t miss a trick either. He’s on the ball. Haresh, Deputy Manager of Horticulture, from a farming family in Maharashtra, conducted our Nature Walk with a phenomenal knowledge of flora and fauna. I'd thoroughly recommend him. His enthusiasm is contagious. He’d be a millionaire if he could bottle that and sell it. Ritik is another waiter who makes sure you're well fed and watered. Adrick and Arovind in the Drawing Room bar area off lobby, always courteous,friendly and took pride. Adrick even tracked me down because I forgot my hat! Rupli ( from Assam , a place we learnt about from her) is a young lady beyond her age in wisdom and a great font of knowledge on nutrition. Away from food, Housekeeping service excellent. Staff will bend over backwards to help. Regular turndown , bottles of water replenished , fresh towels, room is always cleaned properly. Staff at the beach very quick and hard working. Towels brought out quickly. Drinks and the occasional fruit cocktail sticks! Lobby reception, exit organised by two friendly staff, from Karnataka and Kerala, see pics. No question. This is holistic 5 star stay. Highly recommended. We will return.