Royal Respite in Rajasthan
Shahpura Bagh, once the summer abode of the Shahpura royal family, offers a unique glimpse into aristocratic life. Set on a sprawling 45-acre estate, it
comprises two magnificent mansions: Nahar Niwas and Umaid Niwas. Nahar Niwas serves as the family's residence and includes guest amenities like a dining area, lounge, and bar. Umaid Niwas boasts nine opulent suites, each featuring spacious en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, vintage four-poster beds, and fine locally sourced fabrics. Guests can unwind on the terrace, enjoying panoramic views of the estate's mature trees and wheat fields, or relax by the heated swimming pool complete with pavilions. The experience is enhanced by interactions with the resident royal family, who share stories over breakfast. Activities like boat rides on the estate's lakes for birdwatching and visits to Dhikola Fort for sundowners can be arranged, offering a blend of relaxation and exploration. Doubles start from Rs 28,600.
Plantation Paradise in Goa
Nestled deep within the Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar Plantation offers an unparalleled escape from the coastal bustle of Goa. This 50-acre family-run plantation, masterfully transformed into a thriving food forest by the Malkarnekar father-son duo, provides a serene retreat. Five charming, rustic cottages with tiled roofs are immersed in the lush surroundings, reflecting traditional Goan village aesthetics with stone beds and open bathrooms designed to welcome the sounds and breezes of nature. The cuisine is hyper-local and seasonal, dictated by the plantation's bounty. Guests can refresh themselves in the natural pool on the property or enjoy a tranquil dip in the nearby Dudhsagar River. Engaging activities include exploring plantation trails, experiencing feni tastings, and participating in cashew-picking sessions during the appropriate season, making it a haven for slow farm living. Doubles are priced from Rs.3,000, with meals charged separately.
Heritage Haven near Jaipur
Shahpura Bagh, a grand 18-room haveli nestled in the Aravalli hills, just 30 km from Jaipur, expertly blends heritage charm with exceptional hospitality. The property is adorned with antique carved-wood beds, modern rain showers, and traditional jharokha balconies, complemented by the central haveli's stone pillars, intricate jaali work, and serene courtyards filled with frangipani. Hosted by Ransher Singh Rathore, a professional polo player, guests can indulge in polo lessons at the Rajasthan Polo Club or enjoy equestrian sessions. For relaxation, a striking blue swimming pool awaits, alongside an open-air dining option. Evenings are for enjoying sundowners on the terrace, followed by bonfire gatherings with Rathore Senior, a retired colonel known for his captivating stories. Doubles start from Rs.8,000, including breakfast.
Coorg Coffee Estate Retreat
Captain K's Getaway, a two-bedroom homestay on a 75-acre coffee estate near Mercara, is named in honor of the late Captain Kieren Alvares. This beautifully renovated bungalow exudes warmth, featuring exquisite teak woodwork, sky roofs, and marine-inspired details. Rooms are equipped with fireplaces and offer views of a courtyard shaded by a mature lychee tree, and a sprawling swimming pool with a BBQ deck overlooking the majestic coffee estate. The pool provides an ideal spot to relax and absorb the picturesque surroundings. The hosts, Leila Alvares and her children Kieren and Keira, are culinary artists, preparing dishes with Mangalorean, Goan, Kodava, and Mediterranean influences, including their signature pork baffat and homemade chocolate mousse. A coffee tasting session with Kieren, who roasts beans from the estate's harvest, is a must-do before departure. Rooms are available from Rs.10,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast, a jeep tour of the estate, home theatre access, pool use, and coffee tasting.
Restored Indo-Portuguese Villa in Goa
Verve Estate, a meticulously restored century-old Indo-Portuguese bungalow in the tranquil village of Guirim, offers a serene escape from Goa's bustling north. Once part of a renowned surgeon's estate, the property, restored by Rubeena Singh, her husband Vivek Soni, and their daughter Valeska, showcases classic Portuguese-Goan architecture with its sloping tiled roof and grand balcão. Architect Paul Rodrigues ensured the restoration harmoniously blended vintage elements like hand-laid mosaic floors and colonial-style furniture with modern comforts across its six majestic suites. The bungalow features expansive common areas, including a grand hall with a sunlit lounge, a colonial club-style library bar, and a large dining table. Thoughtfully designed for accessibility, Verve Estate includes gentle slopes, an easy-access pool with seating steps, and spacious suites catering to senior citizens and guests with mobility challenges. The entire villa can be booked for Rs2,00,000.
Tropical Rebirth in Kerala
Greenara, once a degraded laterite mining site near Calicut, has been transformed into a vibrant tropical food forest by landscapist Mustafa PA. Through years of dedicated rewilding using Miyawaki and permaculture techniques, over 2,000 trees have been planted, revitalizing eight water sources. Guests can swim in two of these crystal-clear ponds or enjoy a tranquil ride on a bamboo raft. The accommodations, two mud cottages with bamboo walls, grass-thatched roofs, and open-to-sky bathrooms, along with a 12-bed community dorm, are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings. Mustafa leads daily guided walks, highlighting rare plant species and diverse bamboo varieties. His wife, Shabja, prepares nourishing Malabari meals, incorporating 60-70% ingredients sourced directly from the on-site farm. Doubles are priced from Rs.7,500, including breakfast.
Secluded Serenity in Goa
Olaulim Backyards, situated in the peaceful village of Olaulim, a short drive from Panjim, offers a distinct Goan experience away from the usual tourist paths. This retreat comprises five unique cottages that appear organically integrated into the landscape, featuring bathrooms with open-air sections, beds set against natural rock formations, and large windows. Modern amenities like air conditioning, tea/coffee makers, and hot water are provided. A central pool area is surrounded by hammocks and deck chairs, complemented by an on-site café/bar. The property overlooks a tranquil water body known as Manos. Guests are encouraged to relax by the pool with a book or observe the diverse birdlife, with around 120 species visiting the backyard daily. Kayaking and cycling are complimentary activities offered at the property. Doubles are available from Rs.5,000 during the off-season.
Idyllic Riverside Retreat in Himachal
Raison D’etre, a tranquil homestay in Himachal Pradesh, offers a unique riverside experience on the banks of the Beas River. Shalini and Nitin Beri's property, designed to accommodate up to 12 guests, features four guest bedrooms named after the seasons and boasts a 250-foot waterfront with stunning views of orchards and snow-capped mountains. The heart of the property is a perennial artesian spring, which also feeds the captivating infinity pool overlooking the river, offering a refreshing dip during the summer months. The two expansive two-bedroom guest suites include large glass-fronted living rooms and pantries, while meals are served in a separate guest lounge and kitchen. Breakfast is typically enjoyed alfresco under an ancient apricot tree, with a menu featuring unique dals, regional chicken curries, Pahadi-style mountain goat meat-chawal, and international dishes like Thai curries and Korean Bibimbap. The surrounding area is ideal for village walks, visiting a nearby waterfall, or exploring the Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery. Guests can also arrange river rafting, paragliding, ziplining, and other adventure sports, or rent motorbikes to explore the valley. Bonfires by the river can also be arranged. Doubles start from Rs 11,000, inclusive of breakfast.
Coorg's Coffee Estate Charm
Amni, situated a few kilometers from Mercara in Coorg, offers a captivating homestay experience within a sprawling 75-acre coffee estate. Host Abraham Jose personally ensures guests navigate the sometimes challenging roads, leading to a destination of remarkable beauty. The estate features charming stone cottages nestled amidst grassy mounds, with chimneys peeking through the foliage, evoking a timeless, storybook atmosphere. The Jose family's multi-generational ownership is evident in the collection of antique cast iron pieces, Victorian lamp posts, and railway sleepers that imbue the property with a distinct character. The Paati Polé river flows through a check dam in front of the home, leading to a picturesque stone pool located on a lower level of the estate. Guests are treated to authentic Syrian Christian culinary delights prepared by Abraham's mother, Rosy, including Surmai fry, prawn gassi, and rasam, often finished with fresh strawberries from the farm. This two-bedroom accommodation, suitable for up to six guests, includes all meals, BBQ nights, treks, birdwatching, and stargazing sessions, with jam-making also on the agenda. Doubles are priced from Rs12,000 per night, all-inclusive.
Tranquil Goan Hideaway
Parijaat in Goa offers a distinctive stay, eschewing the typical Portuguese-style villas often associated with homestays in the state. Inspired by the fragrant Parijaat flower blooming in its front lawn, this retreat provides a peaceful ambiance. The entrance opens into an open-to-sky courtyard, with the main family residence to the right and a guest cottage on the left. The cottage's facade is a captivating mosaic of old windows, housing two double rooms, 'Magpie Robin' and 'Drongo', available individually or together. These rooms artfully blend vintage charm with modern comforts, featuring king-size beds, writing desks, air conditioning, premium bathroom amenities, curated teas and coffees, and a selection of books. The en-suite bathrooms, with their vibrant hexagonal tiles and cool grey stone finishes, are particularly appealing. Both rooms open onto a garden lined with palm trees, a bird bath, and a swimming pool, extending towards paddy fields. Guests can relax on garden loungers or enjoy the swings under a large Fernandes Mango tree. Parijaat encourages guests to immerse themselves in activities like pottery, pepper harvesting, outdoor yoga, or simply enjoying numerous dips in the sizable pool, making it easy to spend a weekend without leaving the property. Double accommodation starts from Rs10,900.
