Guests of The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret love it here
Moira bananas
available bicycles
beautifully kept garden
spacious rooms
good breakfast
"Beautifully kept garden - lots of birds to watch."
Bernadette from United Kingdom
read full review
"It has a treed, quiet environment around the accommodation with a good swimming pool to relax in."
Neill from Australia
read full review
"It's clean well maintained and has a scenic lush green peaceful location"
Prabhu from India
read full review
"Fantastic location. Ideal for those looking for a break from city hustle."
Anirudha from United States
read full review
"The place is beautiful, located on one of the most peaceful islands of Goa."
Niki1690 from India
read full review
Village homestay on a quiet Goan island with free bicycles and a long pool
Accommodation
The Island Sanctuary offers spacious family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a balcony, and a private entrance. Reviewers note the large two-floor rooms include a kitchenette, fridge, and a huge comfortable bed with nice linen. Each room has a private entrance and is serviced by daily housekeeping.
Pool & Grounds
The outdoor swimming pool measures 12 meters in length and 1.5 meters in depth, with a pool view and toys for children. Sun loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas surround the pool, and the garden includes BBQ facilities, a picnic area, and a sun terrace. Four free bicycles are available for guests to explore the island.
Dining
Breakfast includes continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, and local specialities, with staff cooking dishes to order - for example, bananas brought from Moira. A bar, snack bar, and kid-friendly buffet are on site, and guests can also use the shared kitchen for self-catering. Room service and breakfast in the room are available, along with grocery deliveries from the minimarket.
Activities & Entertainment
The property offers archery, bike tours, a cooking class, cycling, fishing, themed dinner nights, and tours about local culture. Board games and puzzles are provided, along with kids' outdoor play equipment. Guests can also go kayaking with otter spotting, as noted in traveler reviews.
Services & Location
The homestay is 35 km from Dabolim Airport and 18 km from Thivim railway station, with airport shuttle, car hire, and express check-in/out available. Staff Alwyn and Sushil help arrange local drivers and experiences, and the property provides 24-hour security, CCTV, and safety deposit boxes. Free on-site private parking is included.
Highlights
Location: Secluded village on Chorao island, 35 km from Dabolim Airport
Rooms: Spacious family rooms with kitchenette, balcony, and private entrance
Pool: 12-meter outdoor pool with view, toys, and loungers
Staff: Alwyn and Sushil provide local guidance and driver arrangements
Must-do experiences
Savor a local fish curry at Suwadik Goan Kitchen on Chorao Island.
Visit the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary for amazing birdwatching.
Take a canoe tour along the Mandovi River for scenic views.
Explore the Chorao Island market for fresh produce and spices.
Discover the historic St. Augustine Tower nearby for stunning views.
Choose your preferred room type
At The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret, choose from double rooms, family rooms, or suites — each including breakfast, free cancellation, and limited-time offers for Goa travelers.
Deluxe Double Room Balcony
2 persons
45 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Futon mat
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Rates & Room Availability Calendar
See current rates and room availability for your chosen dates.
Amenities
The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret provides amenities designed for a comfortable stay and memorable days exploring Goa.
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Cycling
Archery
Fishing
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service
Shops/Commercial services
Dining
In-room breakfast
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Children
Cots
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's play area
Toys
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Pool with view
Room features
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Washing machine
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Shared kitchen
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Parquet floor
Show more
Where to Find The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret
Pandavaddo House 129, Chorao, 403102,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Christ the King
1.12 km
Landmark
Church
1.26 km
Landmark
Chapel
1.7 km
Landmark
CyclingZens - Goa Bicycle Rental
1.79 km
Landmark
St. Rita's Chapel
2.44 km
Island
Vanxim Island
2.79 km
Church
Basilica of Bom Jesus
6.99 km
Island
Vanxim
3.34 km
Landmark
St. Sebastian Chapel
3.28 km
Landmark
Corjuem Church
3.41 km
Church
St. Thomas church
3.57 km
Island
Chorao Island
3.7 km
Landmark
Edward Soares Memorial Statue
3.73 km
Landmark
Pomburpa Spring
3.74 km
Island
Divar Island
4.15 km
Landmark
Our Lady of Piety
4.01 km
Nearby
Pandavas Cave
490 m
Explore Chorao
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Pandavas Cave
10 minutes' walk
Ancient caves with mystical lore, ideal for a quick hike. Enjoy scenic views and serene surroundings.
Christ the King
15 minutes' walk
A serene spot with beautiful gardens and a stunning view of the Mandovi River, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Church
15 minutes' walk
A charming church known for its architecture and tranquil atmosphere, providing a glimpse into local spirituality.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
15 minutes' drive
UNESCO World Heritage site housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Stunning baroque architecture attracts many visitors.
Cycling Adventures
20 minutes' walk
Rent a bicycle at CyclingZens for scenic rides among lush landscapes and villages. Perfect for families and solo travelers.
Yoga Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Participate in yoga sessions at local studios focusing on wellness and relaxation, suitable for all levels.
Cruise on the Mandovi River
15 minutes' drive
Experience river cruises with picturesque views and occasional wildlife, great for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Fisherman's Wharf
10 minutes' drive
Cozy eatery offering Goan seafood specialities in a rustic atmosphere. Reservations recommended for busy evenings.
Gunpowder
15 minutes' drive
Stylish venue serving Indian regional dishes with a twist. Known for its vibrant decor and friendly service.
Cafe Alchemia
10 minutes' drive
Charming café featuring local coffee and delicious breakfast options. Perfect for casual dining with family.
The Black Sheep Bistro
15 minutes' drive
Trendy spot known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a night out with friends or family.
The Loutolim House
10 minutes' drive
Historic venue with occasional cultural performances. Family-friendly events offer entertainment for all ages.
Local transport
City Centre
Chorao 18 min · 1.5 km
Airports
Dabolim (GOI) 57 min · 37.9 km
Belgaum (IXG) 173 min · 114.9 km
Want exclusive early-booking rates for your Goa stay?
Grab exclusive rates before they're gone!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-23:59
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire apartment for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of INR 0.1 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest Reviews & Ratings
Read what past guests have shared about their stay at The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret.
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
9.5/10
Guest reviews
based on 36 reviews
9.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
Questions of the users
About The Island Sanctuary - A Village Secret
Is the unit a standalone villa or part of a larger complex? How private is the pool area?
12 January 2024
The property features a ground plus one individual villa that shares a pool with another unit on the same premises.
Can I confirm whether the pool is currently available for use?
22 February 2024
The pool is open for use. For more information, please feel free to reach out to the contact provided.
What type of accommodations does The Island Sanctuary offer for couples looking for a romantic getaway?
15 March 2024
There is a cozy independent room known as The Sparrow's Nest, perfect for couples, which opens onto lush gardens and features a private terrace area.
Are there any nearby attractions or sights that guests can explore?
6 April 2024
Guests can download a map of Chorao that highlights various attractions and sightseeing opportunities available on the island.
Is the location suitable for both families and couples seeking a tranquil escape?
20 May 2024
Yes, The Island Sanctuary is designed to cater to a range of travelers, making it ideal for family getaways or romantic retreats.
What amenities can guests expect during their stay?
18 June 2024
Guests will enjoy intimate accommodations with access to picturesque nature views and a welcoming atmosphere created by the hosts.
Are there any unique experiences available for guests during their stay?
25 July 2024
The hosts, who have traveled globally, are excited to share local insights and help create a personalized experience for each guest.
How can I reach out for more personalized inquiries about my stay or special requests?
10 August 2024
For any specific questions or requests, guests are encouraged to contact the property directly for assistance.
Is there a garden or outdoor space where guests can relax?
5 September 2024
Yes, there is a lush garden area surrounding accommodations, providing a serene environment for relaxation.
What should guests know about the hosts at The Island Sanctuary?
2 October 2024
The charming hosts, Dean and Praveena, are eager to share their love for the island and ensure a memorable stay for all guests.