Wow! If you’re considering a vacation to an exotic and very unique destination, it’s hard to think of a better place than Goa. Picture this. There you are, tucked away in a sleepy village, in the surprising luxury of your Goa vacation villa rental, far from the tourist bustle of large hotels and resorts. In a villa you don’t have to budge from your lounge unless you want to. Let the easy ebb and flow of everyday life in Goa soothe your soul.

Rise early and you may be rewarded by the sight of a bullock cart and driver heading down the road. Head into town for some exotic fresh fish and produce. Then when hunger strikes, you’ll have all the ingredients necessary for a outstanding meal, cooked on your very own grill. Or, if you’re really feeling lazy, you can explore some of the quaint places to eat that are eager to satisfy your taste buds.

This all sounds almost too good to be true doesn’t it? If later in your stay you feel the need to break the serenity with a little bit of spice, there’s a good chance you can catch a local carnival. People in Goa love to party, so several times a year they pull out all the stops and let feasting, song and dance rule the day. Sorry, make that three days and four nights of fun. Most carnivals last an entire weekend.

The best and most famous Goa carnival takes place in February each year. Preparations for this big event begin a couple of months earlier as Goans go into rehearsal mode. Short plays are written, incorporating dance, music and song, usually with a subtle touch of history woven in. You’ll probably be surprised at the casting call as it is stipulated that only male actors to need apply. All the parts, including those of women, are filled by men.

Carnival has been celebrated since the 1700s. It was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled Goa for five hundred years. Early origins can be traced back to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. It is designed to allow plenty of eating, drinking and merry making, just before the restrictions of the forty days of Lent.

Whatever you taste, you’ll find a visit to Goa an exciting and truly rewarding experience. And there is no better way to spend your time while there in a Goa vacation rental. You get the opportunity to be close to the local people. You have the use of an expansive and beautifully kept home. And in many cases you will be just walking distance from the beautiful Goa beach.