Three decades ago, Goa was known as a hippie retreat. Although the occasional all-night lunar beach party still happens, more sophisticated travelers are flocking now to this magnificent state on India’s west coast.    

As a result, Goa is full of high-end hotels, like the palatial Country Clube de Goa, one of the newest RCI-affiliated properties. Just steps away from golden Anjuna Beach, this 46-room resort has a gym, Jacuzzi, pool and two restaurants. Guests can windsurf, paraglide, waterski or just enjoy the sun.

The resort’s central location makes it a good launching point for roaming country lanes and visiting the area’s sun-soaked beaches and weekend bazaars. (Don’t miss the Wednesday flea market on Anjuna Beach.) You also can spend a day exploring historic temples, forts and mansions—testaments to Goa’s reputation as the “Pearl of the Orient.” To get there, fly to Mumbai and catch a connecting flight to Dabolim Airport, a 40-mile drive from the hotel (countryclubedegoa.com).