Inside Little Palm Grove, an eco-conscious boutique stay in Ashvem

More often than not, one is exhausted by just planning a holiday: where to stay, things to do and checking off many other things on the itinerary. If you are looking for the next escape as summer approaches, here is a destination where planning requires just one thing: your arrival.    

Goa is not a new destination for holiday-goers, with each part of the State offering something different. For those looking for an easy-going, secluded getaway, Little Palm Grove offers you just that. Nestled 250 metres north of Ashvem Beach, the eco-conscious resort is an extension of the Palm Grove Beach Resort that Eva Agardsdotter and Viraj Harmalkar co-founded in 2009. 

“Little Palm Grove is for those who want to explore Goa with solitude and privacy on priority,” says Eva of the property that opened its doors in December 2025. The property comprises five mud bungalows: four sea-facing and one garden-view. Each bungalow opens to a verandah with a private plunge pool that overlooks the Arabian Sea. 

The walls are finished with a lime coat, making them breathable, and the flooring uses yellow shabad stone from Hyderabad.
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Special Arrangement

The idea took root in 2011 when the team constructed a simple bamboo bungalow resort next to the existing Palm Grove Beach Resort. “That was the beginning of Little Palm Grove. We were looking at renovating it when the pandemic hit and the project went on a pause until 2024,” says Eva, adding that they then refreshed the project and envisioned it as an oasis for guests. “We wanted to create something that was open through the year, blended with Nature, and gave guests a deeper insight into Goan culture. Hotels here more or less look the same, and we wanted to stand out.” 

Each bungalow opens to a verandah with a private plunge pool that overlooks the Arabian Sea
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Special Arrangement

The result is a thoughtfully designed, intimate property, enveloped in shades of earthy brown and green. Inspired by traditional Goan mud architecture, the bungalows “remain naturally cool, creating a comfortable indoor environment, perfectly suited to Goa’s tropical landscape,” says architect Pradeep Naik. The walls are finished with a lime coat, making them breathable, and the flooring uses yellow shabad stone from Hyderabad. Each bungalow comes with a comfortable king-size bed, a sofa that converts into an additional bed, and a writing desk. The verandah has a large day bed, perfect to lounge on after a dip in the private pool; and a dining table where breakfast promptly arrives every morning. 

Breakfast at Little Palm Grove
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Special Arrangement

Breakfast comprises a range of offerings: parathas and idlis; several egg preparations, granola bowls, freshly made smoothies, avocado toast and more. For lunch and dinner, guests head to the restaurant at Palm Grove that has sea food offerings, and traditional Goan fare. Highlights include grilled prawns and calamari, avocado pizza, edamame rigatoni, and grandma’s prawn curry. 

Grandma’s prawn curry
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Special Arrangement

So, what does a slow holiday here look like? Kickstart your morning with a yoga session organised by the property or practice on your own using the yoga mats provided in every room. Next, we suggest heading to the beach for a swim before going back to the bungalow where breakfast (that you order the previous evening) awaits you in the private verandah. Take a stroll, lounge about before heading to the spa where you wish time stands still. I was quite close to booking a ticket for the masseuse and bringing her home. Don’t worry, I did not so you can get a brilliant massage when you visit. 

Each bungalow comes with a comfortable king-size bed, a sofa that converts into an additional bed, and a writing desk.
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Special Arrangement

Post lunch, head to the local market, cafe hop, or take up a pottery session that the team organises in collaboration with local studio, Mati Earth Studio. Nature enthusiasts, can take an evening boat ride into the Chapora river with Beatroute Explorers, to spot mangroves, birds, and mugger crocodiles (if you are lucky).

If you are surprised that there is so much to do in Goa than just pub hop or get a tan, the next time you plan that Goa getaway, you now know where to head.

Little Palm Grove is at Ashvem Beach, Mandrem, Goa. ₹35,000 a night from March to April.

Published – February 24, 2026 11:41 am IST