When seen from a global traveller’s eyes, luxury ceases to exist in Italian marble flooring, 1000 thread count sheets and butler services. Instead, it manifests itself through thoughtful hospitality and unparalleled privacy – where boasting of a holiday isn’t through sharing a family photo in the Maldives but instead, reminiscing every memory created from unmatched experiences.
The letter ‘X’ is often used to describe a variable of infinite significance, and an ‘X-Factor’ bestowed upon something that starkly differentiates it as even better than the best.
So when a seasoned traveller, someone who has seen the world and its beauty, wants for something that money can’t buy, he deserves this ‘X’ Series – a collection that only the most discerning eye can appreciate.
SaffronStays launched its X Series Estates – a curated collection of ultra-luxe estates with indulgent experiences – with the promise to deliver something that the 5-star luxury hotels of India could hold a candle to. So, what is the X-Series Life?
X By The Beach, Alibaug
Recently featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘20 beach breaks to kick off 2021’, X By The Beach is a private luxury estate in Alibaug that sits right on Mandwa beach. Along with green-hued lawns, 5 lavish bedrooms and a mini-theatre, this beauty also has a private swimming pool that treats its guests with mesmerising beach views under a coconut canopy.
Drive your way into Alibaug and know that you’re getting closer to this beach haven when tar roads change to seaside sands. You know you’ve found a gem for the view is not something that you see every day. As quoted by Ashwin, who welcomed 2021 with his family and friends here, “It feels like you’re in a private resort in Malaysia.” There is something for everyone here – French windows that invite the outdoors inside, cosy spaces for quality tête-à-tête and a gentle beach breeze that visits you every now and then. This is the kind of home where your kids will love running on the dewy lawns all day long, as you grab a pool-side drink, crafted to perfection.
What compels guests, like Deepti Gubbi who celebrated her 40th birthday, to choose this beachside gem, to celebrate their milestone events here is the warm and hand-crafted hospitality service. The well-trained chef promises to send lip-smacking indigenous and international meals your way until you happily slide into a food coma. At the same time, the staff readily goes out of their way with meticulous detail to give you an untainted staycation experience – it’s the kind of holiday that is only beginning to give stiff competition to one in the Tajs and JW Marriotts of India. As one of our guests, Nihir Shah says, “We wanted to go to a private space that promised great service. From the barbeque under the stars to the breakfast in the lawn, the hospitality simply touched us… This is not available anywhere else! It is what we wanted, and it (justifies) the reason why we spent so much at By The Beach – we paid for what we wanted.”
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Arrivée, Alibaug
The X-Factor that bestows the crown on Arrivée as the gem of the X Series is sheer magnanimity. With an eagle’s eye view over the entire coastline of Alibaug, staying at Arrivée is like ruling over a whole kingdom below you. The 8 acres of the estate itself pale in comparison to the visual ownership that the breezy pool deck provides – a yon orange Sun casting a saffron glow over the woodland as it dips into the Arabian Sea; and a brooding mansion that transforms into an opulent palatial hideaway as the sky turns black.
Mumbaikars hop over to Alibaug ever so often, it’s termed the Hamptons of Bombay. But to find a gem that ticks everyone’s boxes, and also offers a novel experience is what Arrivée stands for. A temple for the serene-hearted and a theatre for the cinephile, a private infinity pool with a view to die for and a deck that’s ideal for a digital detox – it’s that rare, exclusive find that Netflix would make shows about. From 8-80, there’s something for all your family members. A quick match on the enclosed cricket pitch or a swim over the coastal city, a short movie in the theatre or a session in the Jacuzzi… you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Meals are a hearty affair in this home. A day at Arrivée starts with a breakfast spread on the alfresco community table, with billowing drapes and calming greens for company. You saunter in for a lunch of cuisines crafted to perfection, that waft you off to sleep. A candlelight dinner under the stars or overlooking the ‘Baug before you retire for the night. They say manners maketh a man, and to that, we say meals maketh a holiday.
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Green Acres, Alibaug
Eternalised by the surreal presence of the ‘Bollywood’s Dancing Queen’, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Green Acres in Alibaug is a home that breathes modesty and offers luxury. The conqueror of hearts, young and old, this luxurious estate in Alibaug embeds itself on a 10-acre land. Lush greens surrounding this glamorous abode offer you the perfect opportunity to take a breath of fresh air – metaphorically and literally. Strategically designed into two split-level wings to give its guests a 270° view of its surroundings, this home is a place ‘Where Families Bond’ through shared laughter and warm memories. The joy of all joys is that even years later when nostalgia hits over a cup of tea, this home will manage to rekindle a sense of belongingness – such is its geniality.
Widespread lawns generously lay before the pool deck; and while there may be many estates in Alibaug, none that match the openness of Green Acres. You can arrange a hearty brunch on the greens on a sunny day and pop champagne by the pool as dusk sets on. And if the mood is to delve into the art of doing nothing, kick back on the deck and let the euphonious melodies of nature amuse you.
It’s a certainty that draws the guests in. There’s an elevator that makes it wheel-chair accessible and ideal for all ages, while the private theatre ensures that there will not be a dull moment during your stay. For bookworms, there’s a library at your disposal, and gastronomes will have a field day with the meals that are curated here. Don’t believe us? Just see the meals that were crafted for the most humbling guests.
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Over The Valley, Mahabaleshwar
Picture this – a 112-year old heritage home amidst the clouds, high up on a hilltop, cradled by trees of green. The 6-bedroom colonial estate in Mahabaleshwar, which we fondly call Over The Valley, transports you to a dreamlike era and promises to change your notion of a regal staycation forever. You’ll be spellbound the minute you walk through the gates.
There is more to this home than ol’ brick, stone, and wood; there is a sense of belongingness, sheer warmth and wisdom that will be significantly reflected during your stay here. A small tour around the home will convince you that you couldn’t have asked for anything better than this – With ample space for kids to run and families to engage in endless conversations, this private estate is a home away from home. What is a holiday without gourmet meals that marry the legacy of an estate to the novelty of a holiday home? The lip-smacking gourmet meals are served in stunning indoor and outdoor scapes – think breakfast over the valley and lunch under the boughs. Each meal is crafted for global tastebuds that appreciate the richness of local flavours.
What makes Over The Valley also perfect for destination weddings near Mumbai and celebrations is the adjoining helipad. Imagine an entry into your wedding in a roaring helicopter, or chartering your guests for a thrilling experience. Surround yourself with those who matter on your big day and enjoy a hassle-free celebration because the staff on-site is trained to take extreme care of you. Right from preparing wholesome meals to serving them in a heart-pleasing, warm manner, your guests will certainly have a good time – and your venue location will surely get them talking!
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