By Sarita Santoshini
We recommended 10 of our offbeat properties a few weeks ago (Read: 10 Offbeat Weekend Getaways from Mumbai ) and overwhelmed by your response, we decided to hand-pick ten more Farm Houses and Villas that you could consider for a weekend getaway from Mumbai.
Select, book and drive away for a break with your loved ones!
#1. Luxury Farm house with a private lake in Karjat
This beautiful farm house, with a man-made private lake circling the property, is spread across 15 acres of verdant land in Karjat, a 2 hour drive away from Mumbai. Skillfully designed by an interior designer, a landscapist and an artist, the farm house is a work of art of its own – there are handcrafted stone sculptures and lanterns, potted plants, and handpicked furniture adding to the charm of the four bedrooms and the rest of the property. There are a number of verandas, artist studios, an inviting pool with space for outdoor lunch, and a foliage-shaded trellis. You can also choose to spend your time biking or fishing.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#2. Lake side retreat in Alibaug
Located in the interiors of the beautiful Chaul village in Alibuag, approximately 15 minute drive from Revadanda beach, is this beautiful luxury property. Spread across 5 acres, it does not just lie surrounded by lush greenery but is also adjacent to a beautiful lake which is a hot spot for migratory birds and spotted ducks – perfect place for walks, fishing and lounging. Other than the 4 spacious rooms that guarantee a comfortable stay, the charm of the cottage lies in the décor of its living room which has been very tastefully done with antiques, comfortable sofas, a small prayer corner and some beautiful Shivaji Maharaja paintings. Outside, there are large outdoor swings, a tiled swimming pool and a large lawn. If you wish, you can even spend a night in a camp outside!
Click here to learn more or to book.
#3. Beautiful Beach Villa in Korlai
About 25 km further from Alibaug is the coastal village of Korlai where this beautiful Beach Villa lies. The Villa stands on a stretch of white sand, with the Arabian Sea in front and green mountains at its backdrop, making it a perfect getaway from Mumbai. You can see hints of Goan and Portuguese style architecture in the interiors of the large living room, dining hall and the two bedrooms, one of which comes with a bunk bed for kids. Outside, there’s a mezzanine, a veranda overlooking the sea, a garden that stretches to the beach, and the Korlai Fort just a short walk away.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#4. A Lovely Villa with a courtyard in Lonavala
Built around a courtyard, which has a 50 year old Jamun tree beautifully towering from its centre, this Villa in Lonavala makes for a perfect weekend getaway with your family or partner. The villa has two charming suits that you can choose from – one on the ground floor that opens out into the veranda and the other on the first floor that comes with a balcony overlooking the garden and the valley. There’s a living room, manicured lawn and plenty of outdoor seating where you can lounge or enjoy the meals which the in-house cook delicious whips up.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#5. A Beautiful Villa near Awas Beach in Alibaug
This gorgeous Villa, with a manicured lawn and swimming pool, lies a short drive away from Mandwa Jetty and a short walk away from the untouristy stretch of Awas Beach. Perfect for a large family or group of friends, the villa has four spacious bedrooms, one of which even has a separate bunk bed for kids. There’s plenty of space to unwind – a lounge room where you can play board games or watch TV, a hall that extends to the deck of the swimming pool, three outdoor pergolas where you can soak up nature or enjoy your meals, a basketball court, and an outdoor Jacuzzi as well.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#6. Cottage surrounded by 6 acres of farm near Khopoli
Located about 100 km from Mumbai and a 30 minute drive from the theme park, Adlabs Imagica, this farm house serves as a perfect culture retreat. You can opt for either the two-bedroom or the three-bedroom cottage, each of which has well-designed bedrooms, a spacious living room and porch areas where you can spend your time unwinding. The highlight of the stay is definitely the local food – the in-house cooks whip up Kolhapuri cuisine, Malvani style cuisine or the lesser known Bhusawal style cuisine as per your request. If you still want to venture out, there’s a stream nearby that you can dip into or you can trek a jungle path that leads to an ancient Jatayu temple.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#7. Ecologically balanced country homes in Pali
Drive 100 km from Mumbai to this off the road property in Pali where the hosts have recreated all the simple elements of village life, like fields, orchards, temple, pond, waterfall, farm animals, and country homes made with natural materials, within seven acres of land. There are cottages themed and designed on the four elements of nature – Jal is a mud and brick cottage that has been beautifully painted by a Warli artist, Vayu is a bamboo cottage, Prithvi is a stone house that has been fashioned like a hunting lodge and comes with a fireplace, and Aakash is a wood cottage that stands tall on stilts. Here, you can simply relax and soak up nature or enjoy simple activities like fishing, rowing, farm visits and bullock cart rides.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#8. Villa near Dapoli Beach
If you’re looking for a place that offers you all the comfort and activity that you seek during a weekend getaway, then these Villas in Dapoli, located 5 hours away from Mumbai, are your best option. There are a number of single bedroom and double bedroom villas to pick from, each of which come with verandas, living rooms and kitchens. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy – cycles are available on rent, there are volleyball and badminton courts, rifle shooting arena, many board games to choose from, and even a guided jungle safari at night. If you want to relax, opt for a spa treatment, fish pedicure or Ayurvedic massage, all available in-house.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#9. Beach View Bungalow in Guhagar
Located in a small fishing village about 280 km from Mumbai and 5 km from the town of Guhagar, atop a small hillock and far away from city life, is this beautiful farm house. It lies nestled between forest cover on one side and a stunning view of Guhagar beach on the other, and makes for an ideal place to experience the unique flavour of Coastal Maharashtra. The simplicity of the rooms is made up for by the large number of activities on offer. Guests can explore the village, go for walks through the forest and opt for bird watching trips with the friendly host who’ll also tell you about the efforts he’s made in the field of agriculture in his village. The 5 hour drive to Guhagar is definitely worth it.
Click here to learn more or to book.
#10. Beach facing Bungalow in Malgund near Ganpatipule
Perfect for a long weekend with the family or friends, these beach facing Villas in Malgund are located about 32o km away from Mumbai and 4 km from the beach town of Ganpatipule. While one Villa comes with two bedrooms and the other with three, both have spacious living rooms, equipped kitchens, and large verandas where you can lounge in the comfortable chairs and enjoy the view of the beach. If you do choose to get out, the hosts readily arrange for beach sports and activities.
Click here to learn more or to book.
And click here to visit SaffronStays and book from more than 1000 homestays across India.
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Which of these retreats would you like to getaway to during the coming weekends? Share with us in your comments.
About the author: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog- http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.