Antares Beach Resort

Tucked along the narrow Hill Top lanes, Antares is perched at the edge of mini Vagator hill. The setting is lovely, dressed up in a way that still suits its subtle feel, and every table has a view. Come for lunch and stay through sunset for the live music. The food was delicious, from starters to desserts. I'd skip the usual beer and try one of their cocktails.

The breakfast setup was a small hut across from the beach, facing a dirty, smelly puddle. It was a miserable way to begin the day, especially given the high price. I wouldn't give the resort even one star, and I don't think it was worth the money. We stayed three days at Antares Beach Resort, which sits on a cliff with steep, difficult stairs. Anyone with breathing trouble or knee problems should think twice about booking. The cheaper party hut rooms were in better shape than the oceanfront ones. Our room smelled strongly of chemicals, apparently after pest control rushed ahead of our stay following an inspection. There were many dead cockroaches and some still alive. The bathroom was run down, its shower was broken, and the water had a constant bad smell. There seemed to be one problem after another, and staff were not much help, often seeming blunt and rude. Antares Restaurant may look appealing in photos, but it is managed separately and doesn't show what the resort itself is like.

We spent four nights here and enjoyed the clean, lovely room and its full beach view. The staff were friendly, the restaurant had a beautiful sunset outlook, and breakfast was good. It also worked well for a family stay. For North Goa, I'd suggest considering this property. The pool closing at 7 pm was the one thing I didn't like. I hope management extends the hours to 10 pm so guests can relax in the pool longer and enjoy a drink. I'd recommend the place.

We tried the pasta, pizza and mushroom bread, and all were excellent. The ocean-facing views are gorgeous, and the restaurant serves dishes at an international standard. But the Snickers cheesecake was the standout, one of the best desserts I've had anywhere.