Fernandeswadi's Coastal Charm
Nestled amidst a serene coconut grove by the sea in Uran, Fernandeswadi offers a unique coastal retreat. This homestay, envisioned by Rohan Fernandes'
grandfather, provides a tranquil escape with its three well-appointed bedrooms, including a pet-friendly master suite and rooms with views of the South Mumbai skyline and Dronagiri mountain. The property boasts a balcão wrapping around the house, leading to a screened dip pool, and a lush garden with 120 named coconut trees, alongside mango, banana, and tadgola varieties. Jharna Thakkar's culinary expertise shines, drawing from her Kutchi heritage, Rohan's Goan roots, and the local Maharashtrian flavours. The menu is seasonal, often featuring ingredients from their own farm, with highlights like homemade Gujarati pickles, Goan curries, fresh pav, bhakris, usal, kadhis, and laddoos. Accommodation options range from the entire bungalow starting at Rs25,000 to the Private Balcony Suite from Rs9,000 on weekends.
Maachli's Rural Serenity
Named after the temporary resting shelters for farmers, Maachli is a tranquil haven situated on a 10-acre farm along the Malvan coast. It features six charming cottages, each topped with sloping thatched roofs and named after constellations to symbolize abundance. Guests are enveloped by the lushness of betelnut, mango, and coconut trees, along with fragrant spice plants. Hosts Pravin and Priya Samanth, along with their son Prathamesh, offer guidance for local treks. Meals are prepared traditionally, focusing on authentic Malvani dishes made with locally sourced organic vegetables, cooked on a mud stove and served on leaf plates. The cottages are designed for natural cross-ventilation, ensuring a cool ambiance without air conditioning. To encourage a digital detox, there's no Wi-Fi or television, and mobile network can be unreliable. Guests can immerse themselves in guided plantation walks, observe food preparation in the kitchen, or visit a nearby potter's village. Bhogwe, Khavane, and Kille Nivate beaches, as well as the historic Sindhudurg Fort, are accessible for day trips. Double rooms start from Rs8,500, inclusive of breakfast.
The Fragrant Sun's Eco-Retreat
Perched on a hill with an uninterrupted panoramic view of Mulshi Lake, The Fragrant Sun offers a secluded eco-friendly escape. Developed by owners Kavita and Sanjeev Berry, this property is constructed from natural materials like mud, bricks, and wood, reflecting a 16-month-long labor of love dedicated to sustainable living. The retreat comprises three cozy cottages, each suitable for two guests, and a family room that can accommodate up to seven people, all equipped with attached bathrooms. The hosts reside in a separate cottage on the premises. The dining area is a unique space centered around a large, leafy tree, perfect for enjoying tea while watching the sunset or for starlit, candlelit dinners. Kavita, Sanjeev, and their attentive staff engage warmly with guests, encouraging activities such as swimming in the lake and joining them on night treks, hikes to cave waterfalls, nature walks, and lake swims. Accommodation for an entire cottage begins at Rs9,000, and booking can be done via WhatsApp.
Parekh Farm's Rustic Luxury
Parekh Farm in Nashik presents a delightful six-bedroom homestay, blending natural materials and handcrafted textiles with contemporary comforts and ample space, making it an ideal weekend escape from Mumbai. Each room features an ensuite bathroom with an outdoor shower and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The large windows offer the perfect vantage point to witness breathtaking sunsets, with a gentle breeze often seen gracefully rustling the delicate cotton curtains. The hosts, Anjali and Sumit Parekh, reside on the farm with their two college-aged children, Ved and Devika, and Sumit's parents, Kamala and Vinod. This is Sumit's ancestral home, where he and Anjali chose to return to raise their children away from city life. While Sumit has a background in publishing, he is now deeply involved in managing the farm and homestay. Anjali, an architect, focuses on designing environmentally conscious spaces. The couple dedicates significant time to cultivating various fruit trees on the farm, including Kesar mangoes, bananas, papayas, guavas, and jamun. For those seeking external excursions, the renowned Sula Vineyards are a mere 20-minute drive away. During winter, the Parekhs recommend visiting the Nandur Madhyameshwar bird sanctuary for birdwatching enthusiasts, and for history buffs, heritage walks along the Godavari in Panchwati are a must. Double rooms are priced from Rs6,000, including breakfast.
Yeto: A Promise to Return
Yeto, meaning 'I'll be back' in Marathi, embodies the spirit of returning to a welcoming haven. This homestay in Uran, conceptualized by host Gaurav Shah, is designed for city dwellers seeking a weekend getaway that transcends typical tourist spots. The property features two bedrooms on the first floor, with a shared living, dining, and entertainment area downstairs. Gaurav Shah and Simrata Oberoi, the hosts, moved to Uran from Bandra seeking a lifestyle change and live on the property with their young son Yuki, three cats, and two dogs. To ensure guest privacy, they reside in a separate living space. Yeto offers a diverse culinary experience, with options ranging from traditional Konkani preparations to elaborate three-course Japanese meals, an Irish menu, and an experimental five-course tasting menu. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool or relax in the gardens amidst the trees and birdsong. Double rooms start from Rs8,000, inclusive of breakfast.
Ayra Farms' Agricultural Escape
Ayra Farms, located in Guhagar, emerged from a serendipitous extended stay for Toronto-based chef Noopur Chaughula during the 2020 lockdown. Witnessing her daughter's first year on her parents' farm inspired Chaughula to transform it into a homestay, naming it after her daughter. The farm offers two cottages, with one featuring two guest rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and queen or king-sized beds made from reclaimed materials. Guests are welcome to use the open kitchen, but are highly recommended to try Lata Tai's special fenya (rice batter steamed in leaves over a chulha) and Rajan Chaughule's chulhi varche pohe. Visitors can actively participate in farm activities, harvesting mangoes, coconuts, pepper, bay leaves, turmeric, pineapples, chikoos, kokum, and jackfruit. For an adventurous experience, the hosts organize night safaris in the nearby forests, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like grey langur, snakes, bison, jackals, wild dogs, crocodiles, and even a leopard. Double rooms start from Rs5,000.
Ferreira House: Heritage Charm
Ferreira House, located in the historic Khotachiwadi, is a testament to old-world charm, offering a glimpse into a Mumbai of bygone eras. Fashion industry veteran James Ferreira transformed his home and studio into a cultural hub, drawing the city's glitterati. This 19th-century bungalow, built in the Portuguese architectural style with vibrant exteriors and tiled roofs, has been thoughtfully renovated to incorporate modern amenities while preserving its historical essence. Ferreira's passion for antiques is evident throughout the house, with carefully sourced decor from around the globe. The living area flows into a lounge, leading to three guest bedrooms, two within the main house and a larger, private room in the garden with a separate entrance. Each guest room exudes period charm with vintage furnishings, mahogany cupboards, terracotta-hued walls, and delicate lace curtains. The garden, cultivated over 50 years, is a vibrant, eclectic space filled with potted plants and unique art installations. The dining area and kitchen are among Ferreira's favorite spaces, where staff can prepare a variety of cuisines. Beyond the house, Khotachiwadi offers architectural marvels and heritage establishments, with guided walks by residents like Dr. André Baptista providing deep insights into the neighborhood's history and stories. Double rooms with a shared bathroom start from Rs9,000.
Atithi Parinay's Culinary Delights
Atithi Parinay, a charming boutique homestay situated between Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule, is run by a warm mother-daughter duo known for their exceptional hospitality and authentic Chitpawan Brahmin cuisine. Tucked away in the serene village of Kotawade, this two-acre property is surrounded by hills and the gentle flow of the Kusum river, amidst mango, coconut, and banana plantations. The homestay offers 10 individually decorated guest rooms, available as tents, cottages, or a unique treehouse, all featuring ensuite bathrooms. Two rooms are located on the first floor of the hosts' main residence. The property is particularly noted for its Swiss tents with Indian patent stone flooring and its quirky treehouse, offering distinctive experiences. While the Konkan coast is famed for seafood, Atithi Parinay specializes in vegetarian Chitpawan Brahmin dishes. Vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking a meat-free experience will delight in the unlimited thali meals served on fresh banana leaves. During the summer season, guests can indulge in Ratnagiri's renowned Alphonso mangoes with an 'All you can Eat' breakfast policy. Double rooms start from Rs5,500, inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
