Kerala's Plantation Paradise
Nestled near Thekkady, Coffee and Pepper Homestay offers a tranquil six-room retreat spread across four acres of lush plantation. Guests can choose from
four room categories, including a private pool option. The homestay thoughtfully integrates sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and organic waste composting. The family's culinary expertise shines, with meals prepared using fresh produce from the garden, complemented by estate-brewed coffee. Visitors can embark on guided plantation tours, learning about coffee, pepper, cardamom, and various fruit trees, with opportunities for seasonal harvesting of coffee cherries and pepper pods.
Himachal's Heritage Pools
Kashi Villa in Himachal Pradesh, an 180-year-old mud-and-stone ancestral home, has been lovingly transformed into a heritage homestay by Rachna Tandon and her husband, Kapil. Spread over eight acres, it comprises three distinct villas, each offering privacy and retaining its old-world charm. The property boasts a sparkling pool, perfect for beating the summer heat. Guests can explore Kasauli's attractions like Christ Church and the Mall Road, or embark on hikes along the Gilbert Trail and visit the Kasauli Brewery for a glimpse into Asia's oldest Scotch whisky distillery.
Goa's Unique Retreats
Praijaat, a homestay in Goa named after the Parijaat flower, offers a unique alternative to traditional Portuguese villas. It features a guest cottage with two double rooms, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. The property includes a beautiful garden with palm trees, a bird bath, a swimming pool, and a vegetable garden leading to paddy fields. Guests can enjoy activities like pottery, pepper harvesting, yoga, or simply relax by the pool. The property also offers a charming garden with swings under a large mango tree.
Riverside Tranquility
Raison D’etre, situated by the Beas river in Himachal Pradesh, offers four bedrooms themed around the seasons. This homestay accommodates up to 12 guests and provides stunning views of the orchard and snow-capped mountains. The property features an infinity pool fed by a perennial artesian spring, offering a cool dip during summer. Meals are often served alfresco, with a menu featuring regional chicken curries, Pahadi-style goat meat, and Southeast Asian dishes. Nearby activities include forest walks, visiting a monastery, river rafting, and quad biking.
Rajasthan's Royal Stays
Shahpura Bagh, the former summer residence of the Shahpura rulers, is the sole accommodation in Shahpura, located four hours from Jaipur and Udaipur. The estate features two grand mansions, Nahar Niwas and Umaid Niwas, set on 45 acres. Umaid Niwas offers nine suites with luxurious amenities and a heated swimming pool. Guests are hosted by the former royal family and can enjoy activities like boat rides for birdwatching on the estate's lakes and sundowners at Dhikola Fort.
Goa's Forest Sanctuary
Capella Forest Retreat and Homestay in Goa is a sanctuary built from the ground up by Ayesha and Jamshed Madon. Surrounded by dense greenery, it provides a peaceful escape with opportunities to spot diverse birdlife. The retreat offers four guest rooms, each uniquely named after flowering trees. Guests can unwind by the infinity pool, enjoy chai on the verandah, or read in the sunlit living room. Capella also provides a full suite of spa services for ultimate rejuvenation.
Restored Indo-Portuguese Charm
The Verve Estate in Goa is a meticulously restored century-old Indo-Portuguese bungalow situated amidst paddy fields and jackfruit trees. Designed to be wheelchair-friendly, it offers six majestic suites with a blend of vintage and modern comforts. The estate features a grand hall with a lounge, library bar, and a dining area, along with common spaces adorned with antique mirrors and botanical prints. The property includes a pool with easy ingress and seating steps, catering thoughtfully to senior citizens and guests with mobility concerns.
Goa's Idyllic Cottages
Olaulim, a charming retreat near Panjim, offers a different side of Goa with its collection of five unique cottages. Each cottage is designed to blend with the natural surroundings, featuring bathrooms partially open to the sky and beds integrated into rock outcroppings. The property includes a pool area surrounded by hammocks and deck chairs, a café/bar, and a serene water body. Guests are encouraged to unwind by the pool or observe the rich variety of birdlife that frequents the backyard.
Nathdwara's Hillside Escape
The Hill House, located in the quiet village of Modwa near Nathdwara, Rajasthan, is nestled on 12 acres of lush hillside with uninterrupted views of the Aravalli hills. This homestay combines heritage elegance with modern luxury, offering eight suites, expansive terraces, manicured lawns, and a stunning infinity pool. The family's private quarters showcase ancestral portraits and statement furniture, offering guests a glimpse into their rich history and connection to tradition and art.
Jungle's Spotted Owlet
The Spotted Owlet Farm House, situated near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, is a jungle retreat surrounded by thousands of trees and abundant birdlife. This property offers three cottages and a bungalow, each with air conditioning and heaters. Amenities include a dip pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas with a barbecue, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a bonfire pit. The farm house practices agricultural water harvesting, recycling water from the dip pool for its plants.
