Guest Review

Feels Like Family – A Truly Special Stay in Goa!

March 24, 2025

Staying at this homestay was the best decision for our Goa trip. I was looking for a place with friendly hosts to experience local culture and food, and this was perfect!

Roberto and Raquel welcomed us like family, cooked amazing home-style Goan meals, and even took us to a Sunday church prayer on our request—something new for us as Hindus. Our stay was filled with great conversations about Goan culture and traditions, making it even more special.Show more

What touched me the most was how they cared for me during my pregnancy. They ensured I was comfortable, offered thoughtful advice, and Raquel even soaked dry fruits for me like a family member would. Knowing it was our babymoon, their son Harrison, who has a passion for photography, kindly took beautiful photos for us using his camera – such a heartfelt gesture!

We also had so much fun playing with their adorable pets—Leo and Simba, the dogs, and Oreo and Pepper, the cats. Meeting their lovely family, including their 93-year-old mother and three children, made our stay even more memorable.

The homestay itself is a stunning 500-year-old heritage house surrounded by lush greenery. Whether you want to explore Goa or just relax, this is the perfect place. It felt more like visiting family than staying at a homestay. I’d love to come back again!

Sankusha

The Goan Life – For those who want to experience the ‘home’ in a Homestay

February 24, 2025

A place that you leave feeling like you have a home to come back to – the humans and animals of this 500yr old ancestral villa make you feel that, and so much more in mere 2 days!

Mrs. Amaral’s family is warmth personified in the way they welcome you into their family with open arms. Roberto, her son, is the custodian of this property, who you can spend hours listening to on the minutest of details pertaining to the property and what it takes to preserve it to date! For the sustainability enthusiasts, there are lived lessons of circularity in action.Show more

Raquel is the heart of Cancio’s House, the kitchen her stage where she gets to express her love of getting people together for food, and community. Still salivating on the chocolate cake and chicken xacuti, and holding on to the conversations during the breakfast, tea time, dinner – some of the most joyous moments spent during the stay.

The cottage in itself is a sanctuary with its distinctive character that you can retreat to in the midst of gardens – very spacious, very comfortable, a comfortable blend of the charm of the past and the amenities of the present. It’s beautiful to have your own solitary space, and at the same time, feel like an extended part of the family, free to walk into the house for company during waking hours.

If you want to experience the Goan life as it was, as it is, in all it’s authenticity – I cannot recommend this place enough.

Siya Narain

Greetings from Pune

December 19, 2024

Cancio’s house is peaceful, beautiful & surrounded by greenery.

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by Roberto & Raquel. The staff was extremely friendly. Home cooked traditional Goan breakfast was yummy. The rooms were spacious, comfortable & had a traditional feel.

Their entire family is extremely friendly & like to share their experiences & history.

Ankit Ranade

A beautiful home

November 18, 2024

This is a beautiful goan house tucked in a serene village – Aldona. Everything was so perfect about my stay here that I have so many highlights to mention.

Starting from unending greenary around the place, the garden is very well maintained, each corner has a little story of it’s own.

The sweetest owners, Roberto had some accident few days back so he was not in full form as he told me but I loved the details he gave me about the history of the property and the sustainable ways they have adapted like the water comes from an age old well which is near the hall area. I loved the taste of water here and the way of keeping it in the earthen pots everywhere so no single use plastic bottles in vicinity. All the water they use in the house goes to water the plants. There are solar panels for electricity.Show more

Raquel is an absolute gem, her homely food was a blessing, I actually ate more than my normal appetite as I loved eating with people together on the dinner table with non stop meaningful conversations and I never felt like an outsider. In two days I became a part of the family, like I am equally excited for their anniversary in december.

All the kids, wiseman, grandmas, the two smiling maids were always helpful and I felt so comfortable around them. There is so much family time when you step into dining area and at the same time there is peace and privacy in the two carefully designed guest cottages.

I can go on and on, but there is so much more that you have to visit this place then only you will get to know.

Anju

Charming, offbeat part of Goa

November 4, 2024

I had an amazing five days at Cancio’s House. The place is full of history, and you can really feel it in every wall and corner. The rooms were super comfortable and stayed cool even in the Goan heat, which was a relief. The garden was a peaceful little spot to relax, and if you’re a pet lover, you’ll feel right at home.Show more

What made the stay truly special was getting to know the three generations of the Amaral family. They’re full of stories and local knowledge, and it felt like I was part of the family for those few days. Roberto and Raquel were incredible hosts, always going out of their way to help with everything—whether it was renting a scooter or giving tips on where to go. And the home-cooked meals were delicious!

I’d highly recommend staying at Cancio’s House if you’re heading to Aldona. It’s a side of Goa that most people don’t get to see, and it’s worth every moment.

Mayur Arvind

Memorable stay

October 9, 2024

If you are seeking for an authentic charming Goan heritage home amidst nature, Cancio’s house is the place to go. We spent 3 days at Cancio’s house homestay with lovely hosts Roberto , Raquel and family who arranged everything to make our stay a memorable one. Cancio’s house is eco-friendly thought and tended with care, we appreciated the rejuvenating water from the well and the beautiful garden. The room we were staying was clean and big and had all the necessary .Show more

Raquel prepared various dishes everyday , yummy vindaloo with home made vinegar and many other Goan delights made and shared with love. We spent joyfull moments talking in the huge kitchen , Roberto has so many stories to tell, so does gentle grandma while doing her embroidery.

The 500 years old Goa house is history itself, with antique furniture, the setting,the views are just magical and captivating.

Roberto, Raquel and family ‘s dedication to the heritage of their ancestors is simply praiseworthy , remarkable !

Thank you dear hosts,

love,

Richard and Françoise

Richard and Françoise

Perfect Stay

September 12, 2024

Special appreciation post

I got to experience the extraordinary charm of their cosy homestay in North Goa- A place amidst nature. An appreciation post would be very small for the services they provided.

The most amazing hosts , always ready to go an extra mile to bring a smile on their guests face.

I got to immerse myself into Goan heritage , traditions ,customs, cuisine and gain deeper understanding for their way of life. It’s a serene feeling that everyday morning can bring here.Show more

We were served the most delicious Goan food . My husband being a vegetarian always felt bad on not being able to taste many local dishes , Raquel made Ambade Ros using Hog plums for my husband and Vindaloo chicken for me, which had a sweet and tangy flavour. This is by far been one of the best meals I have had so far. Raquel you have magic in your hands , your food comes in with a package of love and you are kind human.

The host Baked lovely cake for our Son’s second birthday , Evaan got to celebrate his 2nd birthday with their 82 year old Mama and 92 year old Mamai.

My son thoroughly enjoyed playing with their 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Roberto and Raquel the charming hosts of this homestay – you made us feel like family. y’all are pure love 🎈❤️

We have come back with unforgettable memories.

Jyoti Joshi

Timeless experience of an authentic home stay

August 20, 2024

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.Show more

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.

Archita and Jigar

A Truly Unforgettable Experience

August 11, 2024

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.Show more

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.

Rajan

Pleasant and Peaceful

August 11, 2024

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.Show more

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

Alekhya