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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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.

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.