Love the sun, sand and spices of Goa? Here are eight exotic places just like it but with less tourists.
Your beach holiday should be lazy, chilled-out and relaxed. You deserve a getaway that lets you unwind without the crowds and tourist traps. If you are looking to get away from it all – the people and commercialised shops – check out these tranquil, picture-worthy alternative destinations that offer low-key value for money but equally breathtaking experiences synonymous with Goa.
With geographical wonders, beach parties, local culture and historical architecture on the menu, we promise that you won’t miss that Goan holiday. What's more, we are sweetening the deal with travel deals and flight discounts.
You are welcome.
1. Bentota, Sri Lanka
This popular beach destination on the coastal belt of Sri Lanka boasts wide sandy beaches and calm waters – perfect for diving and watersports.
- Top three spas: Sahana Spa (Ayurveda Resort), Jiva Spa (Vivanta by Taj), Avani Bentota Resort Spa
- Must do/see: Induruwa Beach, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Paradise Island, Bentota Lagoon
- Venture out to visit: Aluthgama for the fish markets and beaches along the Induruwa coast
2. Koh Phangan, Thailand
Famed to be the home of the world’s biggest beach party, tourists flock to this sanctuary for its tranquil beaches that don’t get too overcrowded.
- Top three spas: Tanaporn Massage House, Pure Relax, Revive Massage
- Must do/see: Beaches, Muay Thai kickboxing competitions, elephant trekking, diving and kayaking
- Venture out to visit: Ang Thong National Park, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
3. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket Island, located south of Bangkok, is blessed with some of Thailand’s best beaches and diving sites.
- Top three spas: Mandara Spa (JW Marriott Phuket), Banyan Tree Spa, Le Spa (Le Meridien Phuket)
- Must do/see: Beaches, islands, nightlife, diving
- Venture out to visit: Patong for its nightlife scene, Old Phuket for heritage buildings and Khao Rang Hill for stunning views of the town
4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali captivates with its iconic rice fields, beaches and achingly beautiful sceneries everywhere you turn. The island is also famed for its religious sites and swanky resort hotels.
- Top three spas: Mandara Spa, Karma Spa (Karma Kandara), Spa Alila (Alila Soori).
- Must do/see: Rice paddies, diving, Balinese cuisine and seafood, Ubud Monkey Forest.
- Venture out to visit: Ubud for art galleries and museums, Denpasar for city vibes and shopping, Kuta for its beaches, bars and funky nightlife.
5. Tangalle, Sri Lanka
If isolated beaches and hidden bays are on your travel itinerary, Tangalle offers some of southern Sri Lanka’s most stunning coastlines without the crowds.
- Top three spas: Eden Reverie Spa and Cabanas, Anantara Spa (Peace Haven Tangalle Resort), Sole Luna Resort and Spa
- Must do/see : Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, beaches, wildlife reserves.
- Venture out to visit : Yala National Park, Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Turtle sanctuary.
Three Indian beaches that’ll remind you of Goa (only without the tourists)
6. Kerala, India
When it comes to paradise, Kerala has it all: enviable geographical features, temperate climate, wildlife, spas and health holidays, tranquil backwaters and cultural monuments.
- Top three spas: Surya Samudra, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, Neeleshwar Hermitage
- Must do/see: Cruise the backwaters in a houseboat, Ayurvedic spas, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, spice markets.
- Venture out to visit: Kochi to photograph the iconic fishing nets, Thiruvananthapuram for British colonial architecture and art galleries, and Kozhikode for temples and mosques.
7. Varkala, India
The coastal town of Varkala is perched on a cliff and is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Its ancient temples and tucked-away beaches are the main tourist attractions.
- Top three spas: Kadaltheeram Beach Resort and Ayurvedic Spa, Absolute Ayurveda, Sanjeevani Ayurveda and Yoga Center
- Must do/see: Surfing, shopping, Varkala Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple.
- Venture out to visit: Ponnumthuruthu Island for a peaceful getaway, Kappil Lake for views of the Kerala backwaters, and Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse.
8. Tarkarli, India
The gorgeous village of Tarkarli is a haven for beach lovers with its long coastline and clear waters teeming with coral reefs. Dolphin sighting is a regular event here.
- Top two spas: MTDC Tarkarli Resort, Blue Ocean Resort and Spa
- Must do/see: Sindhudurg Fort, adventure sports, scuba diving, beaches, dolphin-spotting and temples
- Venture out to visit: Melvan for cashew nuts and seafood, Dajipur for its National Park, and the backwaters of Karli River
Ready to fly? Book using these travel coupons and deals:
Travel Talk
2-for-1 tours worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates and destinations. Includes free return flights from London when you book any Europe Overland tour. Destinations include Turkey, the Balkans, Croatia, Nepal, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, India, Morocco, Russia and more. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hilton Hotels
Up to 25% off stays at 200+ Hilton hotels
Save on stays until 30 September at more than 200 Hilton hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Maldives, Fiji, Japan, Bali, India, China, Malaysia and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Direct Travel Insurance Deals
15% off travel insurance + chance to win $10,000
Save on your policy to destinations worldwide, including Bali, Thailand, the US, UK, New Zealand and more when purchased online. Plus, have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.
Last verified
G Adventures
Up to 25% off 2019 trips
Valid for travel until 30 April 2019. Destinations include Thailand, Philippines, Kerala, Cuba, Norway, Colombia, Costa Rica and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Contiki
Up to 25% off last-minute tours worldwide
Book a range of last-minute Contiki tours, from week-long jaunts to month-long journeys, to destinations including Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Canada and more.
Last verified
Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
Last verified
Flight Finder
India flights from $189 return
Valid for travel until 28 March 2020. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Trivandrum. Destinations include Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
India flights from $189 return
Valid for travel until 28 March 2020. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Trivandrum. Destinations include Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
G Adventures
Up to $410 off Indonesia tours
Valid for travel from 23 February - 12 April 2019. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
TourRadar
Up to 58% off Asia tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include India, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Jordan and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cudo
Up to 53% off 8-night Thailand getaway
Valid for travel from 11 January - 31 October 2019. Includes daily breakfast, multi-course dinner, 45-minute massage, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Tick Travel Insurance
Get 5% off all Tick travel insurance policies
Want to save more on your Tick travel insurance policy? Just enter this code to receive a 5% discount on your cover to destinations like Bali, New Zealand, USA, Europe, Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam and more.
Last verified
Compass Hospitality
25% off Thailand and Malaysia hotels
Valid for stays until 31 March 2019 at participating hotels in Thailand and Malaysia. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
20% off stays + free breakfast
Valid for stays on select dates across all participating Millennium Hotels and Resorts in Asia. Check-in must be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Destinations include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Wendy Wu Tours
$100 off tours for senior card holders
Valid on 2018 dates depending on the destinations. Destinations include China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Cathay Pacific
Premium economy flights from $1,905 return
Valid for travel until 30 June 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Tokyo. Booking must be made 50 days in advance. Destinations include New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Vancouver, Toronto, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Amsterdam, Barcelona and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Contiki
Up to 30% off last-minute Asia tours
Valid on select tours departing until 26 December, including Asian Adventure and Eternal India.
Last verified
Scoopon
Up to 75% off luxury Indonesia stay
Valid for travel on select dates. Sample savings is for Imaj Private Villas, Lombok, Indonesia. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Scoopon
Up to 83% off 8-night luxury Thailand stay
Valid for travel on select dates until 31 October 2019. Includes accommodation in The Sands, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, late check-out perks, airport transfers and more. T&C's apply.
Last verified
