Hi Jen
First of all you definitely should go. I have stayed in the South, Baga, Calangute and Candolim and can say that Candolim is my favourite.....not as hectic as Baga and Calangute but still lots happening and not too far from those places to jump in a taxi. Not criticising Baga and Calangute though....had great holidays in all places. Not stayed in any of the places mentioned though I'm sure someone else can comment on those. I've read a few reviews about Cavala and not one bad (their room rates are pretty good too - have a recent e mail from them somewhere.) Have you thought about buying a book about Goa like "rough guide to Goa" or "lonely planet". They have loads of useful information for first timers and accommodation recommendations. And as for language barrier......don't think I've met a Goan who doesn't speak English. In fact some of them speak it better than my hubbie ! Good luck with it....I'm sure you'll love it.
Simone

Hi Jen,

We stayed at the Cavala in Nov last year and have to say the place is top notch..we rented a poolside suite and were impressed..the place is spotless, rooms cleaned every day and staff is wonderful. Moreover its on the Baga main road and just a 10 min walk to our fav shack on the beach. Two of the five evenings we were there featured some quality entertainment..the only downside I found was that the house menu was restricted, but that did not matter as we never planned on using the restaurant.

Cheers

Have a look here for some special places to stay in Goa.

If you like busy, go North as previously stated Candolim is possibly the nicest of the three ie Calungute, Candolim and Baga. The South however also has some lovely attractions including getting away from all the madness in the North and there are many guesthouses and 3* hotels in the South just check out onthe hotel reviews.
We are staying 2 weeks in Candolim and because we dont like the mad season of Christmas there anymore (its manic) we are staying at a guesthouse in Benaulim for our 2nd two weeks
cheers Lyn x

Lyn are you booked up?

Callumn we are almost - am arranging to send a deposit for the booking but you know how slow they are!! need more details about their bank than they provided. 2500/- a night not cheap I know but its an 'executive suite'!! with private terrace, so I'm more than happy or will be once its finalised. How's your research coming on and thanks for the links for your pics they are fab.
cheers
Lyn x

Hi Jenny , you have done the right thing choosing Goa I am sure you will love it, I have not stayed in the Cavala but looked round it on our last trip and was very impressed , small and pretty but in a great spot for shopping, beach , bars etc.
My favourite part of north Goa is Baga as it is IMHO more 'Indian ' in atmosphere than Candolim which I like but looks more like a European resort (on beach road anyway) but having said that I still love it and I think whichever you choose whether Baga, Calangute or Candolim you will have a great holiday.
Keep reading this forum it is fab

Thanks everyone for your replies. Sounds like the Cavala Resort will certainly be a posibility.

Jen