Category: Hosts

Mountain or Beach? Pet-First Villa Destinations for a Perfect Festive Season Escape

Posted in Celebrate Togetherness, Coastal Maharashtra, Community tourism, Drestinations, Drestinations, Goa, Himachal, Hosts, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Pool Villas, Promotions, Rajasthan, SaffronStays Diaries, Signature by SaffronStays, Uttarakhand, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Every December, families across India ask the same question, where should we go for Christmas and New Year? But if you have a pet, the decision becomes a little more complicated. Do you really want to leave your furry friend at a boarding centre while the rest of the family celebrates elsewhere, or travel somewhere that makes your pet anxious or restricted?

This year, it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re dreaming of misty mountains or sun-soaked beaches, there are pet-first villas that let families celebrate the festive season together. Spend your mornings wandering forest paths, watch your pet enjoy a splash in the villa pool, cozy up with hot chocolate as the hills come alive, or welcome the New Year from a quiet beachside deck with fireworks overhead.This guide will help you find the perfect festive escape, mountain or beach, with villas that make every member of your family feel at home.

A person sitting by an infinity pool at a pet-friendly villa, playing with a small dog, surrounded by scenic mountainous landscapes.

Celebrate the Festive Season with Pets: Mountain Retreats & Beach Villas

Why Choose a Mountain Villa for a Pet-Friendly Festive Getaway?

  1. Space to Explore– Mountain villas usually come with private lawns, gardens, and forest trails, perfect for high-energy pets who love new scents and open spaces.
  2. A Calmer Setting for Pets– Compared to city celebrations filled with noise and crowds, the hills offer a peaceful environment where pets feel safe even during New Year fireworks.
  3. Winter Weather That Pets Love– Many pets thrive in cooler weather. Watching them run freely on dewy grass on Christmas morning is pure joy.

Mountain villas offer a unique festive vibe, with private lawns and gardens for pets to roam, quiet surroundings, and cooler weather that many pets enjoy. Some top picks include:

  • SaffronStays JungleBrooke (Kolad), Situated in the greenery around Kolad, this pet-first villa sits on an 11-acre estate with spacious lawns, a private pool, and nature trails. Perfect for a relaxed countryside escape where pets roam freely and mornings begin with birdsong instead of traffic.The estate is home to rescued animals, giving pets and families a chance to interact with friendly wildlife and enjoy a truly immersive countryside experience.
  • SaffronStays Mont Tierra (Dehradun), A 4-bedroom villa with a large private lawn, cosy interiors, and a game room, ideal for families wanting comfort and nature both. Pets can roam freely, and evenings by the fireplace make the holiday extra special.
  • SaffronStays Jerdon’s Perch (Sakleshpura), Built in a quiet, forested area, this villa offers serenity and green surroundings, perfect for tranquil hill mornings and scenic nature walks with your pet.

Popular mountain destinations for pet-first Christmas include Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani, Lonavala & Khandala, and Himachal & Uttarakhand, all offering scenic trails, quiet surroundings, and villas with space for pets to explore safely.

A dog standing in a snowy landscape, surrounded by snow-covered trees, enjoying the winter scenery.

Why Choose a Beach Villa for a Pet-Friendly New Year?

  1. Open, Relaxed Atmosphere, Pets feel calmer when they can roam freely, follow scents in the sand, and nap by the sea breeze.
  2. Perfect for Long Walks, Morning and evening beach walks with your dog become the highlight of your New Year itinerary.
  3. Great Weather, December by the coast offers pleasant, breezy days, ideal for outdoor meals, bonfires, and poolside relaxation.

As the festive season continues, families can head to the coast to welcome the New Year. If you can’t imagine the holidays without waves, sand, and sunsets, a beach villa is the perfect choice. India’s coastal destinations are increasingly pet-friendly, letting dogs enjoy beaches, gardens, and pool decks alongside their families.

Morning and evening beach walks, open spaces for pets to explore, and breezy December days ideal for outdoor meals, bonfires, or poolside relaxation make the beach a perfect way to celebrate. Top pet-first beach destinations include:

A group of three dogs sitting by a swimming pool in a pet-friendly villa, surrounded by lush greenery and a modern architectural structure in the background.

Mountain or Beach — Which Pet-First Villa Should You Choose?

If you’re still deciding between the two, here’s a simple guide:

Choose a Mountain Villa If…

  • Your pet enjoys cold weather
  • You love cosy Christmas mornings
  • You want peaceful surroundings
  • You prefer forest trails and open lawns

Choose a Beach Villa If…

  • You love sunsets and sea breezes
  • Your pet enjoys long walks
  • You prefer pool villas
  • You’re planning a celebration with a beach access villa
A woman interacting playfully with a large dog in a garden setting, surrounded by greenery and sunshine.

No matter which one you choose, your pet should feel as welcomed as you do. That’s exactly what pet-first villas are designed for: comfort, space, safety, and real family bonding.

This festive season, let your pet hop into the car with you, not watch you leave. Whether you’re ringing in Christmas in the mountains or watching fireworks reflected on the sea, a pet-first villa ensures your holiday feels complete.

Start planning your getaway now. Explore beautiful pet-friendly villas that let your whole family celebrate together, tails wagging, hearts full, and festive memories beginning from the moment you arrive.

Book your pet-first festive escape today. Your perfect Christmas and New Year holiday awaits.

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.

SaffronStays Cowboy Castle: A Wild West-Style Escape in the Heart of Panchgani

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Home stay reviews, Hometown tales, Hosts, karjat, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, Responsible tourism, SaffronStays Diaries, Travel Information, Weekend getawaysTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Perched high on the scenic hills of Panchgani, SaffronStays Cowboy Castle feels like a slice of the Wild West, not in Texas, but right here in the Western Ghats. With its rugged hilltop location, warm wooden interiors, and wide-open valley views, this 7-bedroom villa brings the spirit of cowboy living to India’s countryside. Open terraces invite you to linger over sunrise coffee, bonfires glow under starlit skies, and spacious common areas bring friends and family together after a day of adventure, creating a ranch-style retreat wrapped in the charm of Panchgani’s rolling hills.

Exterior view of Cowboy Castle, a rustic villa in Panchgani, showcasing its wooden architecture, terracotta steps, and scenic valley backdrop.

A Rustic Retreat with Valley Views All Around

Cowboy Castle is more than just a place to stay. It is a home designed for unwinding. Built across multiple levels, each of its seven bedrooms comes with an en-suite bathroom and a view worth waking up early for. The spacious terrace offers 270° panoramas of the valley, making it the perfect spot for slow mornings or monsoon cloud-gazing.

Inside, the double-height living room welcomes you with earthy tones and a cozy feel, while a dedicated entertainment lounge downstairs keeps the fun going with a projector, pool table, and even gym equipment. Whether you are singing along at a late-night karaoke session or simply relaxing in a quiet corner, there is room here for every mood.

Spacious and cozy interior of Cowboy Castle, featuring wooden accents, comfortable seating, and large windows showcasing valley views.

Nature, Trails, and Panchgani’s Best Experiences

From the villa’s doorstep, the outdoors is yours to explore. A short 20-minute jungle trail leads you to Triveni Point, where sweeping 360° valley views make the trek worthwhile. If you prefer a mix of nature and activity, head to Table Land, just 12 km away, for horse rides, cave visits, and breezy viewpoints.

For something gentler, Mapro Garden is a quick 1 km drive and offers fresh produce, a café, and a tranquil walk through the greenery. Art lovers can spend time at Devrai Art Village, known for its workshops and handcrafted pieces. And if you are up for a full-day outing, Mahabaleshwar is just 13 km away, ideal for boating at Venna Lake or exploring the local markets.

Back at the villa, countryside trails and a jungle safari ride are perfect ways to enjoy the surrounding landscape without going far.

A scenic balcony view from Cowboy Castle in Panchgani, featuring a wooden chair and table set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky.

The Story Behind the Castle

Over a decade ago, the owner of Cowboy Castle came across an untouched cliffside plot while exploring the region on horseback. With nothing but rugged terrain and mango trees in sight, he imagined a retreat where people could escape city life and breathe in the mountain air.

The first version of the home was simple, with a gazebo for friends, open land, and the beginnings of a cowboy-inspired dream. After a jungle fire destroyed that early structure, the villa was rebuilt with even more heart. Using reclaimed wood and stone, it was designed to blend with the hillside, offering both open gathering spaces and private corners to retreat to.

Today, Cowboy Castle stands as a place to slow down, take in the views, and feel at home in the wild.

A rustic dining area in Cowboy Castle with a wooden table set for a meal, panoramic windows showcasing valley views, and warm wooden interiors.

Why Cowboy Castle Works for a Panchgani Weekend

  • Unique Vibe: Rustic interiors with a cowboy-inspired touch
  • Plenty of Space: 7 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom
  • Views You’ll Remember: 270° panoramas from the terrace and valley-facing rooms
  • Activities Onsite: Entertainment lounge, pool table, karaoke, gym, bonfires
  • Close to Top Spots: Triveni Point, Table Land, Mapro Garden, Mahabaleshwar
  • Easy Getaway: Just a few hours from Mumbai and Pune
A person standing on the balcony of Cowboy Castle, overlooking the scenic hills and valleys of Panchgani, with a beautiful sky in the background.

Plan Your Stay

Whether you are here for a family holiday, a group trip, or simply to switch off for a few days, Cowboy Castle offers the perfect mix of comfort, privacy, and adventure. It is where the cowboy spirit meets Panchgani’s peaceful hills and where every stay feels like your own private getaway.

Book your weekend at Cowboy Castle and let the hills work their magic.

How Private Villas in Alibaug are perfect venues for special celebrations

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Hosts, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, Pool Villas, SaffronStays DiariesTagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Intimate Celebrations

Beaches, World-Class Meals with Lip Smacking Food and the Finest Arrangements

Post-pandemic, celebrations have shifted from enormous gatherings to small, intimate get-togethers. From exciting bachelor/bachelorette parties to the big D-day and even special milestones and occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, every occasion has gained a new meaning. 

Alibaug, a stunning sand-soaked destination, best known for it’s quaint and homely vibe, is the new attraction for those who desire remarkable celebrations. Given its untouched beauty and generosity with spacious private estates, Alibaug is now becoming the most sought-after destination for intimate celebrations, parties and get-togethers.

Here’s how your special occasions can be immortalised in the finest private villas in Alibaug.

Need some tips on organizing the best intimate celebrations? Read how exceptional celebrations happen when exclusivity weds inclusivity!

Everything for everyone for every occasion: Private event spaces in Alibaug

Brunch parties by the pool

Celebrating the milestone birthday of a loved one? Let it be just like the movies! Heart pleasing, soul satiating and pictures of which will make you smile years later. Top it off with personalised, curated meals  served by our in-house chefs. Raise your glasses and clink them for the loudest cheers as SaffronStays helps you  with reliable liquor partners.
Planning a brunch party soon? Definitely check out SaffronStays Osaree, a 5-bedroom pool villa in Alibaug with colonial-style furnishings. 

Romantic dinners overlooking picturesque views

Comfort and romance are so magical, it doesn’t feel any less than a fairy tale. Make each moment count with your special one at a personalised dinner set-up. You tell us the occasion – anniversary, a much-needed romantic dinner date or whether you’ve decided to go down on one knee – we’ll make the time and space just right for you.
Have you been on the lookout for a space and setting as such? Glance through SaffronStays Masaya, a private villa in Alibaug nestled in the lap of nature.

Know 5 romantic getaways for your anniversary celebrations.

Much-awaited reunions and get-togethers


When friends and family meet after ages, it is only fair to forget the world and get nostalgic together. Travel back in time to those days of notorious high fives, unforgettable memories and the happiest times while we pay extra attention to all the details to make you smile. Sing your hearts out and rejoice amidst the euphonious melodies of nature with our one-of-a-kind karaoke arrangements.
Let’s make that overdue reunion finally happen, shall we? Have a look at SaffronStays 7 Seas, a 7-bedroom pool villa in Alibaug that boasts of contemporary furnishings and a spacious lawn. 

Engagement and roka ceremonies like no other


Give your destination wedding in Alibaug a joyous start with unique engagement and roka ceremonies. Perfect settings, spot-on arrangements, the best DJ in town, live music and a happy vibe all around, customised to be chic, contemporary and aesthetic, just like you want it to be.
Want your engagement/roka to catch eyeballs on the internet? You must absolutely consider SaffronStays 9 Palms, a 5-bedroom pool villa in Alibaug best known for its Frangipani-laden lawns. 

Pre-wedding photo shoots at unexplored locations


Virtually exploring unexplored locations for your pre-wedding photoshoot in Alibaug? Capture beautiful landscapes of green at our 6-bedroom private pool villa in Alibaug, SaffronStays Crimson Lagoon!
This location is so exquisite, that when you take pictures from your pre-wedding photo shoot to the internet, people will slide into your DMs asking you about all the details.
Turns out, your wedding is going to be on the top of everyone’s mind. Right from introducing you to picturesque locations to getting all licenses and permissions, we’ve got everything covered for you.
Let your pictures do the talking when it comes to celebrating the love between you two. 

Extravagant cocktail parties

No matter what the mood of your celebration, we make it happening and memorable with our celebratory arrangements. Enjoy endlessly at unforgettable cocktail parties organized at private beach villas in Alibaug and get them talking! Take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride and enjoy happy hours that never end to the fullest with our exceptional BBQ and bar set-ups.
Are you imagining yourself under the blue sky with sunglasses in an outfit you’ve recently fallen in love with at a place that exudes vibrancy? SaffronStays Thalassea is that place! Set up your cocktail party close to the beach in the middle of soaring coconut trees. Get neverending fun and soothing beach breeze for the win. 

Heartfelt mehendi and sangeet functions

Looking for wedding venues in Alibaug? Special occasions demand special arrangements. Cease such moments with your loved ones while we take care of everything for you in our villas with wedding lawns in Alibaug. Bring everyone on the floor and dance to your heart’s content. Groove endlessly in the company of your loved ones because the DJ simply won’t stop!
Want a space that gives you all the ethnic vibes? Wish to organize your mehendi and sangeet functions amidst the generous bounty of Mother Nature? SaffronStays Villa Bosky is the place you’re looking for! Intimate, with an outdoor bar and a beautiful garden embellished with jhulas. 

Intimate weddings and celebrations

Love doesn’t lose its meaning even if it’s a pandemic. Why should celebrations then? We make your big day wholesome with one-of-a-kind curations and arrangements that enable comfortable accommodation and include door-to-door travel.
On a quest to find a space that you can actually own and celebrate your big day just beside those who matter? You must opt for SaffronStays 8 NM, a cluster of 10 separate villas that can accommodate up to 80 guests. Be on the lookout for zodiac-themed mural art on walls where you can click Instagram-worthy pictures in your stunning wedding outfits. 

Alibaug – The ultimate paradise for celebrations, now accessible more than ever! 

Amid the pandemic, tourism in Alibaug has gained momentum. More and more people have travelled to this beauty situated right in the lap of nature and have continued to stay here either in quarantine or to work from home or to just treat themselves with an escape.

Picking a venue? Get a head start with 10 things you must check before picking a venue.

With the initiation of roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) in August 2020, travelling to Alibaug is now a matter of just 60 minutes instead of 3 hours. 

So, whether it is a wedding, an anniversary, a milestone birthday or simply a party in the company of your loved ones, trust us when we say this, Alibaug is the destination you’re looking for. For arrangements up and about, SaffronStays has got you covered with private villas for celebrations in Alibaug.

Know more about how we make your celebrations memorable here and fill this form to tell us what you need. We’re already on it!


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!

Memories of a dreamy village

Posted in Darjeeling, Hosts, Ninja Diaries, Responsible tourismTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

We stood there gaping at the bird’s-eye view of the rivers Teesta and Mahananda , patches of inhabited land that was Siliguri and its neighbouring towns, and a clear strip of land that we were told was Bagdogra airport. The wind continued to blow us over but we were too adamant to take pictures which could come close to replicating what we were observing with our naked eye.

Tejas and I had just about managed to get ourselves into the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for Kurseong that morning. After what had been an extremely slow and scenic ride, with the sight outside our window never falling short of pine and juniper trees, we’d reached the small hill town of Kurseong. There on, we’d taken a shared taxi to reach Chimney, a village that lay a rugged drive away. Other than the half-baked information about the village deriving its name from a 23-foot tall abandoned Chimney that dated back to the British era, there was little else we knew about the place. We weren’t expecting much, until our cab screeched to a halt outside a beautiful house with yellow washed walls and a blue roof, and the driver called out for Amal, our host.

 

Bird's-eye view from Chimney
The stunning bird’s-eye view from Chimney

Chimney
The Chimney that the village is peculiarly named after

 

Hugging ourselves against the strong wind and the biting cold, we made our way into the cosy house that had the prettiest attic room I’ve ever seen. Old classics and a few travel magazines lay scattered about the living room and guest room, both made partially of wood, and there was a certain old-world charm to the place. We spent the next few hours taking short walks around the village, gazing at the bird’s-eye view and watching the sky burst into shades of pink and orange during sunset. A short walk downhill from the home stay, kids ran about in the make-shift football field that stretched in front of the juniper forest, while uphill, the chimney lay hidden by tall wild grass in a small patch of land.

 

Attic room, Chimney
The pretty attic room in the home stay

Victoria on her way to school on a rainy morning
Victoria smiles her way to school on a rainy morning

 

Later that night, we accompanied Amal’s daughter, Victoria, as she made drawings of little princesses on her notebook, a talent she’s picked from her painter dad whose framed religious and landscape paintings adorned the walls. Minutes later, over a delicious dinner of chicken curry and rice, Mr. Amal Rai also modestly showed us a copy of a travel magazine dating back to 2010 where the writer wrote fondly about the very same home stay and their excellent hospitality.

I particularly remember the lines about their terrace. It made us tip toe up the stairs ourselves. It was cold and windy and a few stray clouds obstructed our view. But it was clear enough for us to spend a while watching the night sky flicker with a million bright stars and in the distance, the urban lights flickered in unison. I have been recalling that moment every now and then. In my head, I retire to the night in that beautiful village, and for the moment, it’s all okay.

 

Chimney
Tejas captured this beautiful view from the terrace.

Find more about Mr. Amal’s listing:

https://www.saffronstays.com/view/romantic-getaway-in-a-hill-top-home-stay-OaZGrf294H482ICK

 

About the Traveller: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. You can read more of her travelogues in her blog- http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com .

Empowered in a beautiful tea estate

Posted in Community tourism, Darjeeling, Hosts, Ninja Diaries, Responsible tourismTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Makaibari home stay

Born and raised in the tea gardens of Assam, I’ve always related home to the sight of dark green leaves glistening in the sun, the sound of large dryers whirring in the factory, and the smell of garden fresh tea lingering in the house. Habituated to the flat plains though, this was the first time that I was laying eyes on tea plantations that stretched across vast slopes of hills with greener mountains at their backdrops. In Darjeeling, the tea gardens provided a more dramatic and stunning sight than I was used to and I definitely wasn’t complaining.

 

Makaibari
The beautiful expanse of Makaibari Tea Estate

On a rainy morning, Tejas and I reached Makaibari Tea Estate, our last destination in Darjeeling. Famed for producing the finest quality of organic tea and also the most expensive Silver tips tea, Makaibari hosts travellers and tea enthusiasts from across the globe every year. Seven villages and a dense forest cover characterise the tea estate.

As we zigzagged our way through narrow lanes of the villages that day, visiting the houses of the tea pluckers on our way, we noticed a pattern more striking than that of multiple cups of flavorful tea. The tea estate, through its various little policies over the years, had given rise to an empowered women population. Other than encouraging women to set up responsible home stays so they could generate extra income for their household, Makaibari had also begun the trend of electing female garden supervisors. In fact, our host, Mrs. Maya Devi was a garden supervisor herself, with a sizable number of tea pluckers under her, whose work she inspected and managed on a daily basis.  We met Mrs. Bhumika, who actively took part in garbage management in the area, and Mrs. Verbina who encouraged her children to improve their English and learn about different regions and their cultures from her guests.

The most inspiring person we met, however, was Mrs. Ranju. Guiding us to her village of Phoolbari that lay a scenic walk way, she introduced us to home stay owners there. She constantly asked us for our suggestions and feedback, and advised families on ways to improve their service and hospitality. We learnt how passionate she was about propagating her culture to people from different parts of the world. In fact, she had been organising and taking part in local cultural shows out of the same passion. It was evident how the position of power, the ability to be entrepreneurs and contribute to the family income, had encouraged these women to be fearless and confident.

 

Makaibari home stay
Mrs. Maya Devi with her grandson

Makaibari home stay
Following Mrs. Ranju to her scenic village

Before we said said goodbye, Mrs. Ranju left us with a beautiful Nepalese song and told us how much these interactions with working women encouraged her. I hope she realises that women like her inspire us way more.

 

 

About the Traveller: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. You can read more of her travelogues in her blog- http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com .

 

A wonderful place to stay in Goa – Divar island

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Bedroom

Divar island – It was an exciting trip to the house, with the ferry over river Mandovi. The kid loved the 15 minute ferry ride. On our arrival, we were very warmly welcomed by Arti and her husband. The house had a Portuguese touch to it and is clean, comfortable and totally relaxing. The place offers great peace and scenic views and is far away from crowded Goa.

The family were very friendly; staff a delight, and the food – absolutely delicious. Luku – the Manager is amazing. He comes up with the magic tricks to entertain you through the afternoon and also acts as your personal guide for the island. In the evening he took us to the beautiful Catholic Church on the top of a hill. Luku, prepared the food as per our liking, with the perfect blend of spice for the kid and me. In the evening we played badminton on the new court and sat by the pool.

This is a beautiful guest house on a beautiful island with beautiful people.

We’re blown away by your response!

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It’s all about human experience, that’s what SaffronStays really aims to deliver on. Like every business idea, there is no guarantee that our’s will be successful. However, we’ve got an amazing response ever since our Facebook page and website went live.

Our typical Homestay Hosts
SaffronStays Hosts

We worked on an idea, poured our passion and effort into it and then we put it out there with our fingers crossed. We knew that the market would either accept it or it wouldn’t.

And thankfully, SaffronStays has received an overwhelming response with home owners like you who want to list your apartments, villas and rooms. Every day, there are requests and queries coming in from homestays and B&Bs. Everyone who got in touch with us had one thing in common – a need to be part of this travel community and be part of SaffronStays.

We are really thankful and humbled by your response.

You are taking us all over the country!

SaffronStays’ website is already being populated with listings from all over the country. So far, we are getting responses from homeowners in Sikkim, Gujarat, Maharashtra and more.

What is interesting is the idea of an Indian-home-hospitality that comes along with each of these hosts. The Indian spirit of ‘atithi devo bhava’ shows in your posts on our Facebook page.

While you may find hotels or motels escaping with terrible service, our hosts are willing to put their best foot forward. Your responses have shown that you want to revive our cultural and traditional idea of hospitality.

You have surprised us

A lot of you responding to SaffronStays are senior citizens with an extra room or a vacant house and a large heart. Your enthusiasm and willingness to use technology to spread the warmth is really amazing!

To the rest…

The market has given us a very unique response. We’ve got travellers who are already trying to get in touch with us. To them we say – Wait a bit longer, we’ll start our booking soon.

There have also been a bunch of curious people who have been enquiring about us. They have provided plenty of encouragement to us. This is a bunch that believes that SaffronStays is a unique idea and with their best wishes, we are sure to be successful!

If you are interested in being a host with SaffronStays, we’d love to help you set up your listing. If you’re a DIY person, go to List My Place and follow our easy interface. If you’d want more assistance, email us at host@saffronstays.com.