What can I say about this place that hasn’t already been said? We were drawn here after reading Shivya Nath’s article on offbeat Goa and countless other glowing reviews. I’m happy to say that all the praise is well-deserved. In a time when fake homestays are becoming common in Goa, we were fortunate to find this authentic gem.

As architects, we felt privileged to stay in a 500-year-old villa, steeped in history and filled with unique antiques. But what truly made our stay exceptional was the hospitality of Roberto and Raquel. Their warmth made us feel like family, and their passion for preserving the house’s history is rare and inspiring. We loved listening to their stories and touring the villa, each corner rich with history.

Our stay here was truly special, and we can’t wait to return.

A Truly Unforgettable Experience

Imagine spending two days with a lively Goan family in a heritage homestay, surrounded by the lush, monsoon-soaked beauty of Goa—it’s nothing short of magical.

We discovered this hidden gem in Aldona, where we stayed for two wonderful days. Our host, the exceptionally energetic Roberto, was the heart and soul of our experience, along with his talented wife, Raquel, who treated us to a few truly delightful dishes prepared in her kitchen. And what could be better than receiving the blessings of the elderly in such a soulful setting? This is a must for anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience. The Amaral family’s resounding hospitality is something we will never forget.

The heritage charm of this stay lingers with us. The antique furniture, paired with all the necessary modern amenities, offers an experience that any heritage lover would cherish. As expected, the rooms were clean and well-maintained.

We were also fortunate to experience the Goan rains, which made the entire experience feel absolutely heavenly.

Cancio’s House was one of the most peaceful homes to be in. The property has its own charm. The hosts are very welcoming and they are present to help you navigate right from the start to the end. Their earnest attempts to host and live sustainably can be witnessed in all the small and big practices they do.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful birds within and around the property. A lot of butterflies will wander right outside the rooms. One will not know when the afternoon passed by. Leo and Simba , the dogs of the house each have their own unique character. And also, if you are at the right season, fireflies around the property are a sight at night.

We thoroughly enjoyed staying at Cancio’s and cannot wait to go back soon.

Special mention to the absolute yummy food that Raquel makes. Half embarassed, shamelessly, I asked for the same food the next morning too. She was kind enough to offer the same to me. She makes the best versions of so many recipes that I have had before.

I am definitely coming back for the peace in Aldona, to witness more birds, to the joy of watching the butterflies, the warmth of your home and Alberto’s fun stories but mostly to eat Raquel’s food again .

Lots of love

Alekhya

Tucked away in the landscape of Goa, this homestay is a true haven of peace and beauty, goa beyond the beaches. The house is simply stunning, with every detail carefully designed to make you feel welcomed and comfortable, like stepping into a cozy home away from home.

Raquel’s cooking is a highlight, with meals that showcase authentic Goan flavors. Each dish is prepared with care and adds to the overall experience.

Roberto is a helpful host who makes sure everything goes smoothly. His knowledge of the local area is useful for finding great spots to visit.

The cats and dogs at the homestay are friendly and add to the warm atmosphere.

A special thanks to Renuka Di and Lalmati Di for their morning coffees, which made the start of each day enjoyable.

The family is gracious and you could spend hours just talking to the moms, Rauqel, Roberto or their kids ❤

This homestay offers a chance to experience Goa in a relaxed and genuine way. It’s a great choice for those looking for a peaceful stay with good food and caring hosts.

I will soon be sharing my detailed review and all the amazing videos we shot at their place on our YouTube channel 🙂

Roberto and Raquel and the family need no more words for their hospitality and culture and everything else than what has already been said. What I would like to add is that Roberto can pen down a whole book about how he preserved his immensely beautiful ancestral home. His brain is always on fire, overbrimming with knowledge and wisdom. So inspiring! I would be the first in line to buy his copy. And Raquel, I am so coming again to taste all the lovely dishes you make. So jealous your family gets to eat all those things everyday. And those cakes! Oh my god. Love you guys. Keep up the amazing work. We need more people like you.

And of course, the place is beautiful and comfortable. It was my first time in North Goa. Such a charming place to be. Narrow quiet roads, beautiful colourful bungalows, lovely people and so many cute cats and dogs. What more does one want!

From the moment we found this homestay online, we knew that this is the place we must go and stay. All family members of roberto’s family arr really nice and welcoming. We just enjoyed our 2 days stay here.

From food to that long conversations, from his adorable cats to warmth of heritage home everything was memorable for us.

Thank you so much roberto and Raquel to make our stay memorable. We have found new home here.

It was a warm and hospitable experience with Roberta and Raqueal.

The rooms and bathroom were spacious and comfortable.

the daily cleaning was very good and prompt.

I have a suggestion – to maybe place a coffee making area in room or just outside to avoid guests having to come inside home, this would be welcomed by all

My stay at Cancio’s house was nothing short of a soulful peek into what it is being a Goan and living a bountiful life as Roberto and Raquel, who are the loveliest and warmest hosts one can ever wish for. I especially loved dining there when the entire family would join and the conversations that could last the entire day if not disturbed. The heritage house is carefully and lovingly tended by the hosts and you can feel it as everything about the house is so thoughtful and truly a testament to what an Eco-stay should be. I really miss bird watching and hearing the breeze, and feel the calm that I experienced at Cancio’s House 🙂