In North Goa it is hard to find a moment. Of quiet, stillness, peace. Amid blasting Goan trance music, crushing hippie souvenir stalls and clashing food flavours from all over the world. But after the assault, a tranquil interlude like Village Villa Sunny Cow is a respite you never knew you desperately needed.

It is located in a quiet alley, just 2 minutes away from the Starco junction, lined by many cafes, shops and Oxford, a huge supermarket. Ten minutes away lies the manic original hippie trail, Anjuna Beach.

The carefully restored Portugese villa offers five simple, large and thoughtfully decorated rooms. It used to be a restaurant, so the nooks and crannies for privacy and play are well placed.

The common living room is spacious, but no one seems to be there long enough to fully appreciate its roomy daybeds. Guests are allowed to use the kitchen and a simple breakfast is served every morning. Built in astute Portuguese architectural style, the house remains cool during the searing hot afternoons. However, it’s Sunny Cow’s prolific, lush garden that makes guests linger among the old trees and tall shrubs, flowering perennials and luxuriant ferns, interspersed with chill-out spaces (under the jackfruit tree and by the bar).

Although the frequent power cuts can be disruptive and the air-conditioned rooms are not so cool, it’s the attention to detail that’ll induce guests to return to the Sunny Cow.

Yoga mats are available, and drinking water is free. Sunlight slats in the roof keep rooms light and airy. A pack of detergent buys you free laundry service. Two housekeepers maintain the small retreat with a nightwatchman. And Francis, who runs the place, is there all the time – there’s nothing he can’t help you with.

Moments most travellers covet.