By Alaric Moras & Sarita Santoshini
The hustle and bustle of everyday city life wears us all down, and the end of a long working week calls for a change of scene to bring the spring back in your step. SaffronStays offers you just that with some of the most beautiful and relaxing Homestays, Villas, Bamboo huts and Bed & Breakfast that lie just a few hours’ drive away from Mumbai and make for a perfect weekend getaway.
(We’d bookmark this link if we were you!)
#1: Luxury eco property in Diveagar
If you want to go beyond the beaches of Alibaug and explore a pristine beach about a 4 hour drive (180 km) away from Mumbai, we suggest you take a trip to Diveagar. Once there, this eco luxury property makes for an ideal stay option. There are two spacious suite rooms, with large beds, seating space, and bath tubs, where guests can enjoy their own space and privacy. There’s a dining area, open seating space as well as a common living room with large sofas for you to lounge in. The sleek décor and wooden interiors are an added reason to check in here.
Click here to know more or to book.
#2. A Lovely Villa near Nagaon Beach (near Alibaug)
Located just about a two and a half hour drive away from Mumbai, this Villa has it all –three spacious rooms, balconies as well as a beautiful living room with diwans, couches and a TV. There are hammocks in the front and back yard and indoor swings as well, allowing guests plenty of space to relax and unwind. This stunning property can accommodate a large group of people and becomes an ideal getaway if you’re travelling as a joint family or with a large group of friends. If you manage to step out of the Villa, the Nagaon Beach is a short distance away.
Click here to know more or to book.
#3. A charming Bungalow in Lonavala
This charming little Bungalow is built on a gentle slope in the hill station of Lonavala and makes for a perfect holiday home during a getaway from the city. Done in fresh, bright colours and adorned with several paintings, the Bungalow has two spacious suites that are perfect for families and a gorgeous glass room suited for couples that has its own private entrance. The Bungalow will cater to all your needs – there are several board games to pick, an in-house library, a comfortable living room to lounge in, a kitchen and a balcony with a view!
Click here to know more or to book.
#4. Farmhouse amidst greenery in Nagaon, Alibaug
What’s better than becoming one with nature, allowing yourself to be taken away by the scents, sounds, and sights of a farmhouse far away from city life? This property in Nagaon has 4 cottages spread over a 11,000 sq ft green farm. Its the perfect setting for a calm holiday. To enjoy the lovely sunsets, the beach is a short walk away
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#5. English Countryside Manor near Kashid Beach
Set in the midst of alphonso and coconut plantation in Kashid is this large English countryside manor, built beautifully using black stone and with many arches. Other than 5 spacious rooms spread across two flours, it also has a manicured lawn with swings, benches and a swimming pool. You can enjoy the meals, cooked using organic farm produce, in the dining hall or one of the spacious balconies. And if you’re one for views, the master bedroom in the second floor opens up to three different terraces offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding.
Click here to know more or to book.
#6. Authentic Homestay in Shrivardhan
This homestay, located at a walking distance from Shrivardhan Beach, lies surrounded by well- maintained gardens & lush farms of coconut, mango and areca nut trees. It is a 4 hour drive (140 km) away from Mumbai but you’ll have a clean, pristine stretch of beach to yourself here. There are four rooms available for guests, each being extremely spacious and comfortable, with either a large sit-out or attached private veranda. The highlight of the stay, however, is the delicious Konkani food that the hosts and the in-house cooks dish up; the seafood being a must try!
Click here to know more or to book.
#7. Luxurious Bungalow in Lonavala with a pool
This bungalow, located just a short distance from Della Adventure, is a perfect place to spend quality time with your families. This villa comes with a large terrace to gaze into the sunset at the horizon and a pool to melt your worries. It is a newly constructed villa, and very tastefully furnished. So, call all your cousins and their families, your friends from college and MBA institute and plan for a weekend getaway to this villa. Ideally suited for large groups or families.
Click here to know more or to book.
#8. Bamboo huts, Log huts and Tree Houses in Dapoli
If you want to soak up nature at its best, we suggest you head straight to this sprawling property in Dapoli that lies a 5 hour drive (215 km ) away from Mumbai. There are Bamboo Huts and Log Huts where you won’t just have a comfortable bed to sleep in but also a private veranda with hammocks and swings to lounge in. For the more adventurous of you, there are cosy tree huts as well. If you ever decide to step out of these great rooms, there’s an in-house restaurant that serves delicious local food, adventure sports to indulge in, and outdoor activities like bird watching and mountain climbing to experience. It doesn’t get better than this!
Click here to know more or to book.
#9. Hill top Farmhouse in Chiplun
If you’re looking for an offbeat getaway from Mumbai, this farm house in Chiplun, built on an 18 acre land, on a hilltop overlooking the valley, is just the place for you. The rooms are very simple, but you’ll have peacocks and friendly dogs here for company, an inviting open pool that you can plunge into, and home-cooked Maharashtrian fares, prepared on the traditional wood-fired stoves under a mango tree, to relish. The 6 hour drive (240 km) drive to Chiplun is definitely worth it!
During your stay, you can spend your day floating on a boat in the Vashisth estuary and your nights either watching a star studded sky from the terrace or driving through the jungle in a jeep. Not a dull moment here! (Also read: A Surprise Anniversary Getaway )
Click here to know more or to book.
#10. Charming Beach side Cottage in Varsoli
Located just a few kilometers further from Alibaug, these cottages by Varsoli Beach will provide you all the privacy, comfort and relaxation you need. Designed minimally but tastefully, the wooden cottages lie opposite a pristine stretch of the beach, allowing you to lounge, swim or take long leisurely walks any time of the day. Devour delicious local meals and spend the weekend resting your tired limbs – you deserve it!
Click here to know more or to book.
[To read the next part of this Series, click here]
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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 authors:
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.
Alaric Moras spends most of his time reading, writing and interning with industries that read and write. He aims to become a clinical psychologist, providing therapy and catching Freudian slips during the day, writing and reading through the night. He likes all manner of animals, the smell of books, and the oxford comma.
