Riverview is a well appointed and perfectly positioned house with a pretty garden and lovely views of the river. It is located on the edge of a small unspoilt village where, most mornings, the fishermen bring in their catch. The deck and patio afford great views of the wide river which teams with bird life ranging from great flocks of house crows to kites, egrets, herons, kingfishers and eagles. You can watch the sun rise to the east and set over the palms and the beach to the west and every evening the light is different and makes the perfect accompaniment to the local beverages.

Breakfast was always delicious and served with a smile, the housekeeper will prepare lunch or dinner on request and if you want to eat in you won't be disappointed. The house has everything you need for a two week stay and is very clean and comfortable, the owner is charming and helpful and made us feel very welcome.

It is a five minute walk to Rajbag beach which is quiet but if you want more beach action walk to Patnem which is a bit busier and then onto Palolem which is busier still. To the south Galgibag is also very quiet but has some interesting restaurants and bars hidden away in the trees at the back of the beach.

You will be spoilt for choice as far as eating out. We ate at two of the three restaurants in the village and the food was superb but for more choice Patnem and Palolem are a cheap taxi ride away. Seafood is surprisingly good value and of a very high standard and the curries are fantastic.

This is a quiet corner of Goa and it did feel a bit of an effort to visit the "sights" but a trip up river with one of the local fisherman is a pleasant way to end a day; Chaudi the nearest town is small but frenetic with a colourful fruit and veg market a few days a week and the Tanshikar farm is well worth a visit.

We had a wonderful and very relaxing fortnight and would defiantly recommend Riverview Villa, Rajbag and Southern Goa.