Goa has been a hot travel destination for decades, so the area is fully equipped to deal with tourists of all kinds. There are dozens of cheap backpacker bungalows as well as exclusive health spas and five-star beachside resorts tucked into their own private stretch of sand.

Goa is one India's most expensive destinations, though it may still feel like excellent value for money. Expect rates to skyrocket during the peak tourist season from November through March.

There are some truly luxurious resorts around Goa, and many of them focus on health, healing and meditation. The Pousada Tauma is Goa's nicest Ayurvedic retreat. Despite being right in the heart of town, this posh resort is sheltered by thick spacious gardens and has beautiful suites reminiscent of Eden.

If you prefer to stay out of town, the Fort Aguada Beach Resort and Hermitage is an ideal choice. Boasting perhaps the most scenic location in Goa, this amazing beachside compound has its own peninsula and a wide range of cottage styles. The InterContinental Grand Goa Resort is another 5-star beauty with its own private beach, superlative service, and the impressive Champneys Spa.

The farther you go from the urban core of Goa, the more natural and secluded the resorts become. One of the best is the intimate 12-room Nilaya Hermitage, which combines minimalism with style and comfort. Wildernest is another haven far from the partying side of Goa. Nestled between two wildlife sanctuaries, this eco-conscious resort is the epitome of nature and man living in (comfortable) harmony.

There are basically three parts to Goa: Panjim, Old Goa, and the areas north and south of Panjim. Though few visitors choose to stay in the capital Panjim, there are several hotels clustered around the Fontainhas and Pousada neighbourhoods that will give you easy access to the urban side of Goa living.

To the north of Panjim is where you'll find the widest range of accommodation choices. As a general rule, the closer to beach you are the more upscale and expensive the resort is. There are some lovely boutique hotel-resorts in this area, as well as plenty of rustic beach bungalows and other small guesthouses. As you go farther north from Panjim, the accommodation becomes cheaper and more secluded.

The other area of Goa where people stay is south of Panjim. The beaches that stretch endlessly to the south of the capital are home to more five-star luxury resorts than the northern region. These resorts tend to avoid the partying vibe of Goa found closer to the northern side, and as a result they don't quite have that unique Goan quality that attracts many people. They are certainly beautiful but perhaps better suited for families.