Category: Community tourism

Lonavala As We Remember It: A Nostalgic Escape With Modern Comforts

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Community tourism, Corporate Offsite, Darjeeling, Home Acquisition, Home stay reviews, karjat, Maharashtra, SaffronStays Diaries, SaffronStays Sundays, Signature by SaffronStays, Uncategorised, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Few destinations spark memories the way Lonavala does. For many of us, it was our first real hill-station trip, the place where childhood holidays blurred into monsoon drives, foggy viewpoints, roadside chikki, family picnics and that unmistakable cool breeze. Today, as Lonavala evolves with new restaurants, smooth roads and better stays, it still retains the old charm that makes people return year after year.

If you are searching for the best places to stay in Lonavala, planning weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune, or simply longing for a peaceful villa in Lonavala, this guide brings together nostalgia, things to do and the new-age experiences waiting for you.

A cozy outdoor dining setup with a round table surrounded by four chairs, set in a lush green garden. The table is adorned with fresh fruits and orange drinks, creating a welcoming atmosphere in nature.

The Nostalgia of Lonavala: Why It Still Feels Like Home

There is something incredibly comforting about Lonavala. As you drive up the winding ghats, memories resurface. School vacations spent looking out at the mountains, pit stops for hot vada pav, eating fudge from roadside shops, and buying boxes of chikki for everyone back home.

For decades, families have treated Lonavala as their quick escape into greenery, fog and quiet. Today, the experience remains just as heartwarming, but with more thoughtful stays, curated activities and scenic spaces that honour the Lonavala we grew up with.

Childhood Memories That Still Define Lonavala

Ask anyone what Lonavala means to them, and you will hear versions of the same stories
• Buying Lonavala chikki in every flavour
• Fudge shopping on the main market road
• Playing car games on misty ghats
• Eating steaming hot bhutta after a long walk
• Looking for waterfalls along the highway in monsoon
• Watching the clouds roll into Tiger Point

These small rituals are part of the collective memory of generations. Lonavala is not just a destination. It is an emotion.

Two people enjoying a relaxing moment in an infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery in Lonavala.

Top Things To Do in Lonavala: A Complete Guide

Whether it is a nostalgic revisit or a first-time trip, these activities bring alive the classic Lonavala experience.

1. Buy Chikki and Fudge in Lonavala Market

A must-do, especially the iconic peanut and chocolate varieties. This is one of the highest-searched terms for tourists looking for what to buy in Lonavala.

2. Explore Bhaja and Karla Caves

Perfect for history enthusiasts and photography lovers. These ancient Buddhist caves are top queries under places to visit in Lonavala.

3. Visit Tiger Point and Lion’s Point

These viewpoints offer sweeping valley panoramas and dramatic monsoon skies. They remain Lonavala’s most searched tourist attractions.

4. Try Authentic Maharashtrian Food

Especially the famous Buvachi Misal, comfort meals at local joints, and fresh thalis that remind you why Maharashtrian cuisine in Lonavala remains unmatched.

5. Visit Narayani Dham Temple and Other Jain Temples

Spiritual seekers often look for temples in Lonavala; these spots offer serene experiences away from the crowd.

6. Walk Along the Bushi Dam

An iconic Lonavala landmark, especially during monsoons. Searches for Bushi Dam timings, how to reach Bushi Dam and best time to visit Bushi Dam peak every year.

7. Try New-Age Restaurants and Cafes

Lonavala’s food scene now includes gourmet spaces like Fiorii, special experience-led kitchens, and boutique cafes where you can enjoy fresh bakes, modern cuisines and scenic dining.

The Old-World Charm of Lonavala Villas

One of the biggest shifts in recent years is the rise of private villas in Lonavala that honour the nostalgia of the region while offering modern comforts, beautiful architecture and privacy.

SaffronStays preserves this charm with villas that feel like heritage homes, warm holiday retreats and fresh-air escapes. Think vintage architecture, verandahs overlooking greenery, outdoor decks for slow mornings, and mountain breezes drifting through open courtyards.

If you are searching for the best luxury villas in Lonavala, private pool villas near Mumbai, or family-friendly villas in Lonavala, this is where the experience becomes personal and unforgettable.

A couple standing near a swimming pool, overlooking a flowing river and rocky terrain surrounded by lush greenery.

A 50th Birthday Celebration in Lonavala: A Guest’s Perspective

Picture this
A family celebrating a milestone birthday in the cool Lonavala weather. They arrive at SaffronStays Windermere, greeted by quiet surroundings, pet-friendly spaces, warm food and mountain air.

The day moves from a leisurely brunch to a scenic drive and ends with a relaxed dinner under open skies. The villa becomes the perfect blend of privacy, celebration and comfort.

This is exactly why many travellers now choose private villas in Lonavala for celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to weekend reunions.

Foggy Roads, Scenic Drives and the Magic of Weekday Lonavala

Weekend Lonavala is iconic, but weekday Lonavala is pure magic
• No traffic
• Clear roads
• Empty viewpoints
• Mist rolling across the ghats
• Peaceful cafes
• A sense of old-school charm you rarely find anymore

Searches for best time to visit Lonavala consistently show travellers want quieter, more immersive stays. Weekdays offer that nostalgia we all crave.

Why Lonavala Remains India’s Favourite Getaway

Whether it is nostalgia, food, caves, scenic roads or private villas, Lonavala remains timeless. It adapts, yet holds onto the memories that shaped it. And today, with better stays, curated experiences and thoughtful hospitality, the Lonavala experience feels richer than ever.

For families, couples, road trippers, and travellers searching for luxury villas in Lonavala, pet-friendly stays, or weekend getaways near Mumbai, Lonavala continues to be the hill station that never loses its charm.

Villa Wedding vs Hotel Wedding: What’s Better for an Intimate Celebration in India?

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Community tourism, Drestinations, Goa, Himachal, Home Acquisition, Home stay reviews, Hometown tales, Introduction, Jammu & Kashmir, karjat, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, Pool Villas, Rajasthan, SaffronStays Diaries, Signature by SaffronStays, Sikkim, Travel Information, Uncategorised, Uttarakhand, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

A new wave of celebrations is sweeping through India. Smaller guest lists, longer stays, relaxed itineraries and weddings that feel more personal than performative. As families shift from scale to sentiment, the big question emerges:

For an intimate wedding in India, what works better: a hotel or a private villa?

Hotels have long been the standard choice, but couples today are gravitating toward private homes. Beautiful villas where everyone stays together and the celebration unfolds over days instead of hours. Here is a thoughtful, brand-appropriate look at why the villa format is becoming the preferred backdrop for intimate weddings across India.

An outdoor wedding setup featuring a white altar adorned with flowers and drapes, surrounded by chairs on a green lawn with a beach and water in the background.

Understanding the Intimate Wedding Mindset

Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate together. They want:

  • A curated guest list
  • Two or three days of relaxed, meaningful time
  • Privacy instead of crowded public spaces
  • A seamless blend of stay, rituals and celebrations
  • A setting that feels personal, natural and close-knit

In this context, the venue becomes more than a location. It becomes the heart of the celebration.

The Case for Hotels: Structured, Familiar, Convenient

Hotels offer familiar conveniences that work well for large-scale weddings:

  • Standardised service
  • In-house catering
  • Reliable infrastructure
  • Accommodation and venue under one roof

These benefits matter when you have hundreds of guests and need structure.

But as weddings get smaller and more experience-led, the format shifts. A banquet hall built for 250 guests rarely feels intimate when your list is 80. Public lobbies, fixed meal slots and parallel events create a rhythm that does not align with the warmth couples now seek.

A bride and groom exchanging vows during an intimate wedding ceremony outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

Why Private Villas Are Emerging as the Preferred Choice

1. True Exclusivity

In a villa, the entire property becomes your family’s home for the days you celebrate.
No shared lawns, no other events, no divided focus.
It is just you, your people and your celebration.

2. A Natural Multi-Day Flow

An intimate villa wedding is not boxed into event slots. Guests arrive, settle in, reconnect and move naturally through mehendi, cocktails, pheras and brunches.
Every corner of the house is part of the celebration.
Lawns, verandahs, courtyards and terraces create a fluid experience.

3. Elevated Design Possibilities

Villas offer design and decor flexibility that hotels often cannot.
Imagine:

  • a haldi by the pool
  • sunset pheras on the lawn
  • long-table dinners under the stars
  • a sangeet in the courtyard
  • a relaxed day-after brunch on the verandah

Villas allow creativity without the limits of preset layouts or vendor restrictions.

4. A Photogenic, Character-Rich Setting

A villa brings personality to the celebration.
From riverside verandahs to heritage stone walls to dense green gardens, the setting elevates both the experience and the photographs.
The home becomes a part of your wedding narrative.

5. Thoughtful Use of Budget

Intimate weddings are not about cutting back but about spending with intention.
When you choose a villa, your investment goes toward stay, food, decor and shared experiences.
You pay for what you personally use and value, not for excess capacity.

6. A More Relaxed Guest Experience

In a villa, guests stay together, linger longer and actually unwind.
They are not shuttling between rooms and venues.
They share breakfast, enjoy the pool, take mid-day naps and have long conversations.
The celebration becomes a holiday that everyone remembers.

Addressing Planning Logistics

Celebrations in a private villa do require attention to detail.
This is where curated villa brands add real value.

SaffronStays ensures that homes suitable for intimate celebrations have:

  • Verified infrastructure
  • Professional housekeeping and service staff
  • Local teams for decor, food and vendor coordination
  • Backup systems
  • Clear guidelines for sound, setup and capacities
  • Proximity to additional rooms for extended guest lists

The joy of a villa wedding is in its warmth and personalisation, and the right hospitality partner ensures the logistics remain effortless.

An intimate wedding ceremony set in a beautifully decorated outdoor space, featuring a floral backdrop adorned with pink and white flowers. The bride and groom, dressed in traditional attire, are seated in front of a small altar, surrounded by family members participating in the rituals.

Choosing the Right Venue for Your Celebration

A hotel may still make sense if:

  • your guest list is very large
  • you prefer a fully standardised, preset format
  • convenience matters more than ambience

A villa is the better choice if your celebration is meant to be:

  • close-knit
  • immersive
  • design-forward
  • multi-day
  • emotionally meaningful

The Verdict: For Intimate Weddings, Villas Have a Distinct Advantage

A hotel gives you efficiency. A villa gives you soul.

For couples dreaming of a celebration that feels personal yet luxurious, unhurried yet elegant, intimate yet unforgettable, the villa format is not just an alternative.
It is a better fit.

And when that villa is curated, serviced and celebration-ready, the experience becomes effortless, elevated and entirely your own.

How to Choose a Truly Pet-First Holiday Home: 5 Essentials Owners Should Ask

Posted in Celebrate Togetherness, Coastal Maharashtra, Community tourism, Corporate Offsite, Goa, Himachal, Home stay reviews, Hosts, Introduction, Jammu & Kashmir, karjat, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, pet friendly, SaffronStays Diaries, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The car is packed, the playlist is ready, and somewhere in the back seat, a pair of curious eyes watches the trees go by. For most families, a holiday begins the moment they hit the road. But for pet parents, that joy often carries a question: will our furry friend be welcome too?

Finding a stay that truly puts pets first isn’t easy. Many homes promise to be pet-friendly, but few actually feel that way. A real pet-first holiday home understands that your pet isn’t “extra luggage”, they’re family. It’s a space where design, warmth, and thoughtfulness come together for both paws and people.

Here are five signs that tell you you’ve found the right one.

1. A Stay That Feels Effortlessly Inclusive

The best kind of holiday homes are those where your pet feels at ease the moment you arrive. There’s no awkward hesitation, no sense of restriction, just the quiet assurance that everyone belongs. In a truly pet-first space, comfort flows naturally. Doors open to green lawns, verandahs feel like extensions of the outdoors, and every corner invites relaxation. It’s a kind of welcome that can’t be faked; you sense it the moment you walk in.

2. Space to Run, Play, and Simply Be

Every pet parent knows that joy looks a lot like a wagging tail and muddy paws. Open lawns, shaded trees, and wide courtyards turn a getaway into an adventure. The ideal holiday home gives pets room to explore safely, to chase after butterflies, roll on the grass, or nap under the sun. A secure, natural space isn’t just about freedom; it’s about trust. When your pet can simply be, the entire holiday slows into a gentler rhythm.

A happy dog walking along a green pathway surrounded by lush plants and bushes.

3. Comfort That Extends Beyond Humans

It’s the little things that make a stay memorable. A clean bowl of water after a long drive. A shaded spot on the porch. A fresh patch of grass to roll on. True comfort lies in thoughtful details that include every member of your family. The best homes don’t just accommodate pets they embrace them. The air feels fresh, the furniture forgiving, and the surroundings calm. When your pet settles in peacefully, you can too.

4. Where Families Grow Closer

When children and pets share the same space, something beautiful unfolds. They play together, learn patience, and discover care in its purest form. A pet-friendly home nurtures this connection. Watching your child feed a pet or curl up beside them under a sky full of stars is a quiet reminder that empathy isn’t taught,  it’s experienced. Family holidays like these create memories that shape values for years to come. 

Two people relaxing in a hammock with a golden retriever in a lush, green outdoor setting.

5. A Stay with a Purpose

The best travel stories are the ones that give back. Choosing a pet-friendly stay that supports animal welfare adds depth to your journey. Some retreats, like SaffronStays Junglebrooke in Kolad, weave compassion into every detail, where your stay contributes to the care and rehabilitation of rescued animals. When a holiday aligns with purpose, it transforms from an escape into a gentle act of kindness. You don’t just relax; you make a difference. 

A truly pet-first holiday home isn’t defined by rules or restrictions, but by how it makes you and your pets feel. It’s the place where they can run free, where families reconnect, and where every small act of care feels intentional. So, when you plan your next getaway, look for more than a pet-friendly tag. Look for the heart. Because the best holidays aren’t just shared  they’re lived together, paw by paw.

Celebrating Navratri: A Journey Through India’s Festival of Light

Posted in Community tourism, Himachal, Karnataka, Uncategorised, Uttarakhand, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Navratri is more than a festival; it is India’s living epic. Rooted in the story of Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, it carries the eternal reminder that light will always overcome darkness. For nine nights, the country comes alive in devotion, dance, and celebration of resilience. Families fill their homes with prayers, communities gather in song and rhythm, and entire cities transform into glowing stages of faith. While Gujarat’s Garba may be the most renowned face of Navratri, the magic of these nights spills far beyond its borders, carried in whispers, chants, and colors across the length of India.

Every autumn, as the air turns crisp and the nights stretch longer, the story begins to retell itself in countless forms. In Varanasi, lamps drift across the Ganga like a million tiny suns, while the Ramnagar Fort transforms into a grand stage for the Ramayan, performed under the open sky. Here, Navratri is not only prayed, it is enacted, lived, and remembered as Rama’s triumph retold through centuries. Journey east and the scene changes. In Kolkata, Navratri fuses with Durga Puja, where the goddess is not just a warrior but a daughter returning home. Streets bloom with towering pandals, artists sculpt her face with reverence, and the beat of dhak drums turns the city into a theater of joy.

Further north in Rishikesh, the festival softens into silence and song. Ashrams light their courtyards with diyas, monks chant by the river, and seekers gather by the Ganga to release their prayers into the current. Here, Navratri becomes an inward journey, a reminder that the fiercest battles are the ones we fight within. Then, as you move south, grandeur greets you once again. Mysuru dazzles like a dream, its palace strung with thousands of glowing bulbs, while the goddess Chamundeshwari rides through the streets in processions that carry elephants, dancers, and music. It is history alive in the present, a spectacle where devotion meets pageantry.

In Tamil Nadu, the festival steps indoors, into the intimacy of family courtyards. Clay dolls are carefully placed on wooden steps, hymns float through homes, and neighbors gather to exchange gifts and stories during Bommai Golu. The goddess here is not just a protector, but a nurturer, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati celebrated together as strength, prosperity, and wisdom. Even the Himalayas embrace her tale differently. In Uttarakhand, small mountain temples glow with devotion as Durga Puja blends into local Kumaoni traditions, the chants echoing through valleys as though the hills themselves were singing. And in Hyderabad, Navratri blooms into Bathukamma, a riot of color and fragrance as women gather to create flower towers and circle them with songs, even as the city opens its arms to Garba and Dandiya, embracing traditions from afar as its own.

A vibrant aerial view of a large group of people dancing in traditional attire during Navratri festivities, forming a circular pattern around a decorated stage in the center.

Nine nights. Countless cities. Infinite stories. Wherever you go, Navratri reveals itself as more than a festival, it is a story retold through generations, each retelling shaped by the land, the people, and the faith they carry. It is a reminder that the goddess resides not just in temples but in every home, every courtyard, every gathering where devotion lives.

And when you set out to witness these living traditions, where you stay matters. Festivals are not meant to be observed from a distance, they are meant to be lived. Imagine beginning your mornings in homes where the kitchens are entirely vegetarian, clean, and rooted in purity, letting you experience the festival in its truest essence. At SaffronStays, our curated collection of pure veg-only homes across India allows you to carry the sanctity of Navratri into your meals, your rituals, and your stay. These are not just spaces of comfort, but sanctuaries where hospitality aligns with heritage, and where every detail respects the values of devotion.

Because Navratri is not one story, but many, and the best way to honor those stories is to live them fully, in the places that sing them, and in the homes that keep their spirit alive.

Take A Gay-Cation With SaffronStays

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Stay with us as you experience the rich history, culture, and nightlife of top gay destinations across India.

India is not just about diverse landscape or cultures, but about the options available for individuals from all walks of life who wish to come together and celebrate their love. As a member of the hospitality industry, we at SaffronStays want everyone to have a great holiday wherever they go.

For years, we have been the destination of choice for romantic getaways and leisure vacations for numerous lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender couples, friends, and families. And we shall continue to maintain our long-standing culture of equality and inclusiveness in the aftermath of the recent decriminalization of Section 377 by the Supreme Court.

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Right from the start, SaffronStays has honoured its commitment to creating outstanding experiences regardless of a visitor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

By agreeing not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in our employment practices and to strive to create a gay-friendly experience for our guests we strive to send a strong message of unity, strength, and above all, love.

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Holiday With Pride

With a host of properties across Goa, Maharashtra, North India, and South India, SaffronStays offers a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort at every turn. Ignite your own memorable moments, discover top gay destinations and experience the most exciting Pride celebrations and LGBTQ events in the world.

LQBTQ community, Sex discrimination, Section 377, Gay decriminalization, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer

Goa, is one of India’s friendliest LGBT destinations, with an overall attitude of openness not often seen in other states. Mumbai offers the hustle bustle of a 24-hour metropolitan city, plus numerous places of historical interest concerning our community’s fight for recognition and equality. The Mumbai Queer Film Festival is one such example of the city’s solidarity. Jaipur as well is slowly but surely making its voice heard. The city’s first ever Pride Parade was held this year on 1st March.

Irrespective of whether you’re on a sales trip, taking part in a pride event or just here to relax, you’ll find the ultimate in comfortable surroundings, convenient amenities and gracious hospitality at SaffronStays. So the next time you and your loved one are planning a trip, make sure you put our homes on your radar.

For bookings call us at +91-8424040040 or drop us an email: book@saffronstays.com.

200 Years of Glory: From A Fort-House to A Boutique Homestay

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Discover a fascinating past and an enchanting present at SaffronStays Jaipura Garh.

For long now, Jaipur has been a paradise for history lovers. Its historic forts, spectacular monuments, and various UNESCO World Heritage Sites are imbued in history and SaffronStays Jaipura Garh is replete with examples of the same.

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Winner of the Best Heritage Home at the VFS Global Times Travel Awards 2018, SaffronStays Jaipura Garh is Jaipur’s piece de resistance that epitomizes 17th-century magnificence. It is handsomely located amidst fields of gold in the village of Jaipura, around 40 km away from Jaipur city. SaffronStays Jaipura Garh is quintessentially Indian in its fabric.

This land was gifted to the  Jagir of Jaipura by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I in 1800’s. The current owner Mr. Amit Rajendrakumar Gupta bought this heritage property in 1991 and since then has meticulously invested in restoring it to its former glory. The enchanting haveli has been tastefully built upon the original structure.

Ardent to its pristine historic architecture and interior design, this fort-house has been soulfully renovated to preserve its supreme level of comfort and flair. Aesthetically-pleasing interiors, courteous staff, and delectable food make a stay at this 200-year-old palace a trip to remember.

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This ornate mansion retains the luxuriousness of the past combined with all creature comforts that city slickers are used to. The rambling courtyard at the entrance serves as a dining space while the other is surrounded by rooms on all the sides. Inside, the walls are peppered with centuries-old padlocks, fans, shields, and swords reminiscent of the days of the past. Partake of a wealth of experiences through the curios and artifacts that had been made long ago by the masters of the craft. The hallways echo with whispers of history and there are stories weaved in every painting, photo frame, chandelier, and silverware.

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Experiences at Jaipura Garh

Live the Royal Rajasthani moments within the walls of this majestic heritage home. Devote mornings to walking through mustard fields or going on camel cart rides, afternoons for feasting on traditional Rajasthani delicacies, and leave the serene evenings to stargazing under the open skies. Indulge in activities like pottery making workshop, bird watching, cook along sessions etc. Get blown away by the local musicians and dancers who come together to show you a culturally rich side of Rajasthan.

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The timeless grandeur of this magnificent and stately setting, promises a magical experience of the bygone regal era of Rajasthan. Come experience history, and live within it…

For bookings call us on: (+91) 84240 40040 or mail us at book@saffronstays.com or visit our web-link: https://goo.gl/pcLX7g

Here’s Why Sao Joao Is Much More Than Downing Feni And Jumping In Wells

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Remember the  time your parents asked if you’d jump in a well if your friends did? Here’s how and why you could actually hop in..

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One needs no reason or season to visit Goa. With the arrival of the monsoons, this place has a lot more to offer than the conventional beach parties. Rice paddy fields stretch before your eyes like a great quilt of verdant squares stitched together by hedgerows. Storks and cranes dot the landscape, playful streams make their way to overflowing rivers, trees dance in the wind and the state comes alive with a plethora of vibrant festivals that celebrate monsoon showers in all its glory.

One such festival that is celebrated annually on 24th June with utmost pomp and fervor is Sao Joao. It is a cultural festival wrapped up in Christian beliefs. The biblical story goes that St. John the Baptist leaped in joy in his mother’s womb on hearing the news of Christ’s impending birth. In imitation of St. John’s reaction of ecstasy, tipsy, flower-bedecked revellers jump into the village wells, rivers and ponds.

In times when wells were the only source of water, the tradition also served as a thanksgiving to the Gods. Before sao joao, goa, festival, dance, musictaking the plunge locals break coconuts and pray for a good monsoon. They sing mandos (Konkani folk songs), join in peppy dances and down feni in liberal quantities. Newly wed brides take back large baskets of fruits and goodies for their husbands as a gift from their mother-in-laws.

Sao Joao is also called the Festival of Fertility. Young to-be mothers make offerings to God for a child. The artistically inclined weave crowns of fresh and fragrant fruits, wild flowers and leaves. Brightly painted boats shaped as various mythical and sea creatures float down the Anjuna river where judges evaluate the entries on a grand stage set up along the river side. The after party of the Sao Joao celebrations go late into the night with groovy music, snack and beer counters.

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sao joao, goa, festival, dance, music, floats, boats

If this vivacious carnival-like atmosphere entices your spirits then head over to our magnificent 350 year old Portuguese-styled home to experience the exhilarating Sao Joao energy and discover an opulent vacation in South Goa.

Enjoy Sao Joao at SaffronStays Nossa Bela Casa, Cuelim

SaffronStays Nossa Bela Casa, Cuelim is a gorgeous space with a rich history and such character that you feel it immediately upon entering. The landmark property has been recently restored to its former glory by famed architect Dean D’Cruz. The minimalist modern design accentuates the elegance of the details and workmanship employed while drawing out the interiors. The entire property is fully furnished with richly decorated interiors and has tasteful accents lining the home. It houses 6 tastefully furnished bedrooms, a ballroom, a badminton court and a massive swimming pool (with a sit-out cabana) encased in a well maintained lawn. SaffronStays Nossa Bela Casa can comfortably accommodate up to 18 adults at a time.

 

This exuberant setting coupled with the melodic serenity brought by the rustic tunes of the ghumott and kansallem (local Goan musical instruments) is sure to convince you that monsoon may be the best time to visit Goa. Slip into your swimsuit and dive into the Goan culture of fun, food and festivities. Gorge on a delicious spread of lip-smacking Goan-Portuguese specialties such as samarachi kodi, ambotik, stuffed calamari, patoleos, sannas, folles and sip on home grown kaju feni. Adorn colorful coronets (called copel) and yell Viva Sao Joao. Capture the true essence and the spirit of Goa and leave it up to SaffronStays Nossa Bela Casa to etch your monsoon wanderlust diaries.

The Sao Joao festival gives you just the perfect reason to take a trip to Goa during the off-season.

Get in touch: book@saffronstays.com | (+91) 8424 040 040

5 Ways Your Vacations Can Benefit The Environment

Posted in Community tourism, Goa, Hosts, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Weekend getawaysTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Are you a nature lover? Wish to contribute to environment protection? Well, there is an exciting way to do that – make your holiday eco-friendly. How? On World Environment Day we show you how to contribute to the environment while enjoying the abundance of nature.

Plant Saplings: One Seed Bears Many Fruits

Whether by a beach or in the mountains, everyone loves to rest and relax amidst abundant flora. For those escaping the crowded metros of our country, a dash of green is always more soothing than the dull greys that surround us. So, while armchair activism about fewer trees in the vicinity may provide temporary respite to the weary mind, planting saplings, especially of indigenous plants, would be a perfect long-term answer for the greater good. Take Kurinji Estate, Kodaikanal for example: This lovely heritage property sits nestled in the midst of an award-winning garden, a percentage of which is the fruit of all its guests. How, you ask? Every guest SaffronStays hosts is gifted a sapling before check-out and can place it anywhere they like on the 9-acre property. Inclusion at its best, innit?

Harvest Water: Each Drop Counts

The fact that our country has to face water scarcity every summer is no news. Interior Maharashtra, the Himalayan region and Central India are some of the worst hit. But you can do your bit by saving your usage of water, and recycling what you can. While lush lawns may look visually appealing, sometimes less is more, and in case of water scarcity, absence can be sweet. The charming owner of L’attitude, Kamshet forfeit the traditional water-guzzling, ecologically disruptive short-grass lawn and planted 108 drought-tolerant trees around the home. Practicality and presentation can always go hand-in-hand. After all, 8th Grade Environmental Studies was taught for a reason, right?

Create Indoor Gardens: True Beauty Is On The Inside

Remember when your mother said ‘Looks don’t matter till you are actually beautiful from the inside’? While an acne-ridden face could not digest this statement, there is no truer line for a home. Imagine waking up to a stunning garden inside your home, rather than just around it? Fresh air, cool ambiance, branching shade and gorgeous flowers, literally at your doorstep is a perfect setting to grab your morning cuppa. While Master’s Coutryard, Gholvad has a central aangan with bed of trees, the various indoor plants sprouting within Cabo de Goa make both these holiday destinations

Source Locally: Nobody Likes A Foreign Body

Being different and trying to push an exotic concept, be it through architecture, materials or plants may not be the best approach to creating a home. Villa 270°, Dapoli is the epitome of inclusive creation: terracotta tiled roofs, structures made of local laterite stone, vernacular architecture that make the cottages charming, yet conserve the environment.

Ventilate Organically: Natural Is Normal

Summers in India are nothing short of harsh. Imagine planning a getaway and then facing the horrid heat, where even an Air-Conditioner is a mere tool against the forces of nature? But, there is a way to beat the blues organically: Create using the natural pattern of wind to maximise the breeze through windows, and curate using natural plant-based materials like Vetiver (Khas) that can provide a day’s cooling on a few drops of water. Simple and easy, right? The owner and the architect at Maya, Khadakvasla got this formula absolutely bang-on.

 

So get going, and let’s save the environment!

Gharwale-Baharwale: Families That You Did Not Know Existed

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Have you ever seen someone’s name flash on your phone and wondered how that person became such an integral part of your life? We all have these friends who walked into our lives unexpectedly and stayed on to become much more. On this International Day of Families, we want to shout out to those ‘families’ who may not be related by blood or name, but those groups whom we cannot imagine our lives without.

  • Bridge-playing buddies

seniors playing cards bridge
Friends get better with age.

Those Sunday afternoons seem so boring without the gang, eh? Ask your parents or your grandparents who their closest pals are and they’ll most likely mention the gang they play cards with at the neighbourhood club. In fact, why limit it to only a gymkhana? This International Day for Families calls for an outing with this bunch, and don’t the weekday prices at most our properties sound lucrative too?

  • Social Work Club

social workers take a break
A little breather from work can work wonders.

So you and a bunch of mates rally together to produce some socially relevant difference to the world? Why not get together today and chill out over a drink. For all the work you guys have done, ya’ll deserve a little break, no? So meet up, discuss the week that was and just unwind after that last piece of activism.

  • MBA group

suit drinking working
Drinks on?

If you’ve spent 2 gruelling years with a bunch of individuals who were equally intent on finding themselves and building up their careers, you will know that you all know match on that same wavelength. They say friends made during an MBA course are friends for life. Here’s your chance to put that saying to test: Make sure you and your entire gang land up at a designated bar tonight. Drinks on the last one to arrive!

  • Co-Teachers

Nobody gets teachers the way teachers get each other.

Squabbling kids, botched education systems and immense knowledge are such a great link to connect with others. If you’ve ever been a teacher, you know exactly how important your colleagues from work are. Gather up your co-teachers and head for a relaxing weekend (sans the noise and stress) at Parsi Manor, Matheran. Consider it as a vacation for those who truly deserve it.

  • Train travellers

Who said train journeys have to be bad and boring?
Who said train journeys have to be bad and boring?

Always catch that 9:14 local, do you? You’ll surely have a train gang then. Given this new age digital boom has left very few people getting their heads out of their devices, but when they do, you’ll see how friendly your train buddies can be. Try exchanging numbers and meeting up outside, and you now have a new group to hang out with!

  • Hobby class gang

Birds of a feather fly together.

Have you and your significant other signed up for a hobby or health class together? High chance is that you’ll have already formed a clique within the class. Why not plan a trip around the said hobby or health fad? Like practicing some yoga out on the porch at Verandah by the Valley on an early monsoon morning?

  • Kid’s friend’s parents

Why should kids have all the fun?
Why should kids have all the fun?

This gang of people is one you definitely will not be able to do without. If you’re a kid reading this, you’ll know how close your parents have become. If you’re in your mid-20s, it’s quite possible that you have been out of touch with your school pals, but your parents still get together like a house on fire. And if you’re a parent, the fact that your respective kids spend some 8 hours together, get along perfectly and won’t trouble you while on vacation makes these co-parents just the best travel buddies. Right?

  • Kitty Party

Head out of the city for your next kitty party!
Head out of the city for your next kitty party!

From husband-bashing to ranting against your ma-in-law to discussing the kid’s college and your world tours. Your gang of gal pals is extremely critical for your monthly gossip sesh, and none may deny that. So after all the home and hotel kitty parties you have hosted and attended, it’s time you stepped up your game and stepped out of the city. That’s right! Host a party in a hill station or just take a vacation together. And in case you are looking at ideas for fun games and activities at your do, look no further. We’ve got you, girl.

  • Neighbourhood Pals

You know those familiar faces in your galli that don’t have names yet whose smiles prove to be just the best pick-me-ups after a long day at work? Next time stop and have a chat with them. Who knows you’ll probably make a new BFF and that smile could mean so much more then!
Here’s to all the small families we build outside our etched ones. Here’s to those who matter too!

5 Incredibly Easy Kitty Party Ideas You Can’t Believe You Haven’t Tried

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Hosting a great kitty party is a lot harder than one would think.

It’s not just gathering together a bunch of friends every month but choosing the perfect venue, finding the right food and taking care of a million other details that take a kitty party from ‘Fun’ to ‘Can we do that again?’

If you’ve been desperately scouring websites for fresh inspiration for your party, we’ve lined up some incredible ideas for you.

1.Host A Poker Party

We bet you didn’t see this one coming!

What better way to spice up your next kitty party than with a quick round of poker? Incredibly easy to put together, all you need is a box of poker chips, non-messy finger food and some willing friends. Fun and snappy, poker’s one activity that’s guaranteed to leave an impression on your guests!

2. Pick Up A New Skill

Workshops can be a great way to make your party memorable while keeping it fun. It doesn’t have to be something technical. It could be something as simple as a handwriting analysis workshop or even a dance class.  Some incredible workshop options to check out: 

  • Food Workshop: What if there was a workshop that could make cooking fun? Imagine a party where you could learn how to make fresh jams, flavoured butters, artisanal breads, cakes and even fresh cocktails! Sounds quite perfect to us!
  • Recommended: Food consultant and author Saee Khoranne-Khandekar
  • Contact Details: 98702 43193
  • Wine Tasting & Workshop: For all the wine lovers out there, Vaniitha Jaiin hosts an amazing workshop demystifying different types of wine and unique customs across the world.
  • Recommended: The Perfect Pour
  • Contact Details: Vaniitha Jaiin (+91 99300 08400)
  • Dancing Lessons: How cool would a private salsa lesson for your group be? Or a stylish ballroom dance session? Talk to nearby dance studios to see if they’d be interested in organizing a beginner’s workshop for your group.
  • Recommended: Dance Central Mumbai / Baile-de-Salon / Tanz Verden Ballroom International
  • Contact Details:
  • Vineet Bangera (Dance Central) – 98206 14253
  • Diageo (Tanz Verden Ballroom) – 98213 27535
  • Baile-de-Salon – 098339 73669
  • Art Therapy: Call the creative folks at the Bombay Drawing Room to help you host an evening of socialising over paintings. Learn how to paint or doodle together as they hand hold you into the world of art.
  • Recommended: Bombay Drawing Room
  • Contact Details: Snehal (+91 98335 26557)

3. Host A Food Pop-Up

Imagine hosting a pop-up of your favorite cuisine. You could finally introduce all your friends to the delicious wonders of a perfectly prepared 6-course Bohri meal or watch them savor a series of Lebanese hummus platters. Here are some of our favorite food pop-ups:

  • Recommended: The Bohri Kitchen for a Bohri spread
  • Contact Details: Munaf Kapadia (+91 98199 08095)
  • Recommended: COMMEAT for all types of exquisite and exotic cuisines
  • Contact Details: Ruchika Mehta (+91 84470 90008)
  • Recommended: Spitfire BBQ –  India’s first-ever barbecue food-truck
  • Contact Details: Gauthami Shankar (+91 90365 11769)

Alternatively, you could skip the main course altogether and host a dessert pop-up. Just imagine the brownie points you’ll score…

4. Put Together Your Own Luxury Spa

Why wait months for an appointment at an exclusive spa when you can surprise your girl gang with the same luxury treatment at a destination of your choice? Surprise your gang with a special afternoon of poolside pampering, courtesy of a mobile spa nearby and we guarantee you’ll be the talk of the group for months.

Pampering Petals (based in Mumbai), a mobile spa, promises great massages and manicures right at your doorstep. You can connect with them at 098920 63208 for more details on special offers and bookings.

 

Last but not the least…

5. Surprise Them With A Fresh Venue

If you’re looking for something incredible to set your party apart, how about a destination kitty party? A luxury weekend outside of the city where you and your friends can relax and get pampered.

Escape the city with your kitty party group and find a stunning villa where you can lounge in all through the weekend. Sounds quite ideal, doesn’t it?

If you absolutely adore this idea but can’t think settle on a destination, we highly recommend Alibaug. 20 minutes from Mumbai, Alibaug has a lot of upscale villas that one can easily rent for a weekend. Come Monday, we promise you’ll be the kitty party to beat!

Already thrumming with excitement for your next kitty party? We’ve got just the destination to get you started!

What was your favorite idea? Did we miss out on a great #kittyparty hack? Tell us in the comments below.