India, April 13 -- Not too long ago, I gave in to the cinematic cliche that a quick escape to Goa is all it takes to 'hit reset'. And while Goa is synonymous with nightlife and beach bars, I was intent on exploring 'the other Goa', where colourful villages, riverfront roads, and cafes with in-house libraries and resident doggos abound. Enter Siolim, a gorgeous village set along North Goa's Chapora River. Siolim's oyster shell windows, Portuguese-style homes painted in yellow, turquoise, and flamingo pink, and riverfront roads in Oxel and Vaddy (don't miss the surreal sunset drives) win over almost instantly.

What elevated the experience was my Bali-style Airbnb villa with an open kitchen, verandah, and backyard pool, all set against thic...