North India’s Coolest Homes for Large Family Gatherings or Corporate Retreats

Spending time together, whether at a family reunion, a big wedding, or a work retreat, helps to strengthen the bonds in relationships. Vacation rentals provide a comprehensive experience for big groups by offering amenities such as relaxing on a property with an expansive deck and pool, gazing at the stars in a jacuzzi, or eating chef-prepared meals over a campfire. Here is a list of North India’s coolest homes for your next celebration, gathering or corporate retreat. Residences range from casual and opulent to classic and modern. However, the experience at any of these homestays is fantastic in terms of facilities and offers a sense of relaxation to the visitors.


SaffronStays Persimmon House, Raison, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays Persimmon House, Raison is a 4-bedroom, two-storey luxury homestay in Himachal Pradesh, with many persimmon fruit trees on the property. This property is located near Manali, an hour’s drive from Bhuntar. This vacation rental is ideal for large families or groups of friends. The beautiful lawn of the property is perfect for holding BBQ sessions or a small corporate party. The patio on the ground floor and the balcony on the first floor are ideal for taking in the breathtaking valley and mountain views. For bonding, the group can also go for a short nature walk on the neighbouring trail at sunrise while adventure seekers can enjoy a scenic paragliding experience near the home.


SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali, Himachal Pradesh


SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali is the perfect mix of modern, vintage and beautiful. The home is very well equipped with everything you need for a vacation with a large group. The acres of lovely green lawns, teakwood and walnut wood furniture, and sit-out balconies are all great aspects that add to this home’s beauty. With 6 bedrooms, 6 ensuite bathrooms, and an outdoor fireplace, this private cottage near Manali market is perfect for a retreat or a fun experience with family and friends.

The house’s front door is noteworthy as it is said to be the tallest main door in Manali. To enjoy the property, spend a quiet evening with your group, play soft music on the music system and relish some delicious barbecue prepared by the chef.


SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali, perched on a hilltop, is only 15 minutes from the main Manali Market. In the middle of beautiful green mountains, it is a wonderful setting to spend time with your loved ones. The holiday home is a 6-bedroom homestay with fully furnished rooms, wooden and stone architecture, and modern facilities. The stunningly constructed living area, which is completed with a balcony and outdoor seats, offers breathtaking views of the hills. The villa comfortably sleeps 15-18 guests. A gazebo on the lawn is also available for those evenings with a campfire and chef-prepared dishes. Hike to Jogni Falls if you’re looking for some excitement. If you’re travelling with a large party, SaffronStays The Amlyn (Duplex Suite), Manali and SaffronStays The Amlyn (Couple Suites), Manali can be booked together.


SaffronStays The Mont Arcadia, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays The Mont Arcadia, Manali is a stunning home option. It is a 4-bedroom wooden chalet hidden in the Manali highlands. This homestay in manali is excellent for big families or business getaways, as snow-capped mountains surround it in the winter and green plains in the summer. Every room in the mansion has breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Hampta. Wake up with a cup of tea and a view of the beautiful hills. For entertaining evenings, the large group can play games in the yard or gather around the campfire, telling tales or singing Bollywood songs.


SaffronStays Grandview Haven, Barog, Himachal Pradesh

Are you looking for a peaceful location to host your family reunion? One such area that isn’t commercialised and isn’t constantly crowded is Barog in Himachal Pradesh. For a small gathering of 8–9 people, SaffronStays Grandview Haven, Barog, a private 3-bedroom homestay near Shimla, that welcomes pets, provides the perfect setting. A sizable living room welcomes you as you enter the villa, where the party can be held. If you prefer the outdoors, your loved ones will be closer together to watch the breathtaking sunset over the mountains on the lush lawn with a spectacular valley view. You can set up a BBQ and a bonfire, and have music arrangements later in the evening. Dolanji Bon Monastery is an hour away from the vacation rental if you prefer sightseeing.


SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

This two-storey home features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, making it ideal for a big family or a corporate team. SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali is an hour’s drive from Bhuntar Airport and is surrounded by deep forest and Himalayan mountains. The home’s most notable features are its apple orchard, natural water spring, and a book café outside the living room. For enjoyment, the caretaker can light a bonfire in the garden, and the in-house chef can cook a great feast for the gathering. Don’t forget to try the original ‘pahadi’ cuisine, which includes Dham, Sidus and sweet Gichas made with locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, your four-legged companions are also welcome in this cottage.


SaffronStays Hardy’s Hideaway, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays Hardy’s Hideaway, Shimla is a classic ‘pahadi’ mansion that can comfortably accommodate 2-3 families in its ancestral 4-bedroom abode. The property is located three hours from Shimla Airport and above Shimla’s hills, surrounded by beautiful orchard views. This property is ideal if you want to get away from monotonous city life. The homestay in Shimla is also excellent for a corporate retreat because the Wi-Fi connection throughout the residence will keep your work uninterrupted. In the evening, the team can unwind as the in-house chef prepares excellent mud oven pizzas for the evening celebration. End the day with dancing and singing songs on the karaoke machine.


SaffronStays Fourest, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

SaffronStays Fourest consists of eight stylish and exquisite individual cottages, namely SaffronStays Fourest (L-Shaped Chalets), SaffronStays Fourest (Stargazer Chalets), SaffronStays Fourest (Forest-View Chalets) and SaffronStays Fourest (A-Shaped Chalets). All the cottages are in the same region in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, nestled in a deep forest with endless beauty. These chalets welcome pets and are spacious enough for a large family gathering or corporate occasion. The in-house chef will make meals using mud stoves to offer you a taste of Kumaon cuisine.


SaffronStays Glasshouse Celeste, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand


SaffronStays Glasshouse Celeste, Ranikhet is an eco-friendly luxury glasshouse which is solar-powered and contains a 56,000-gallon rainwater harvesting tank. The stunning homestay in Uttarakhand provides unobstructed views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is located in the lovely village of Ranikhet, close to Nainital. The property includes three bedrooms, all of which have ensuite bathrooms. The rooms are ultra-luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, marble bathtubs, and radiant skylights. The in-house chef can prepare a feast for the group, complete with tandoori delicacies. If you’re searching for something more, try a yoga class, spend some time in the glass steam room, or pick fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden.


SaffronStays Kenny’s Kove, Nainital

SaffronStays Kenny’s Kove is a nature lover’s paradise overlooking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and 360-degree views of the lush-green valley! The fully-staffed 4-bedroom private homestay in Nainital is the perfect haven for large groups to enjoy a tranquil retreat and indulge in adventurous activities such as treks, outdoor games, yoga on the lawn or simply unwind in the private balconies, cosy up with a book and repose in the comfy bedrooms. Adding to the charm of the stay will be the staff onsite who prepare home-fresh pahadi delicacies that soothe your soul.
Not only is the home a majestic marvel in itself, but so is the location! The quaint town is a home to beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, adventure sports and stargazing spots.


SaffronStays Doon Hideout, Dehradun

Like the name suggests, the 4-bedroom pool cottage is a hidden gem in Dehra-doon (pun intended) covered by the shingled slant roof and overarching trees. Located on the ground level, it’s the ideal ‘do-nothing’ vacation home for families with grandparents, friends or even kids. From making a splash in the pool, enjoying bonfire nights and board games, gorging on home-fresh meals to frolicking on the lawn and unwinding to the serenity around, the homestay in Dehradun truly leaves you spoilt for choice!


When choosing a place for large family gatherings or business retreats, there are several things to take into account. You want the visitors to cherish the occasion and have fun. SaffronStays homestays near Delhi & Chandigarh are always a good choice. The meals cooked by the in-house chef and the modern conveniences add to the group’s enjoyment.

Need some more options? Click on the link below to plan your next company retreat with SaffronStays: SaffronStays For Corporates

12 Offbeat Weekend Getaways from Delhi

By Alaric Moras &  Sarita Santoshini 

Life in Delhi can be tough. And with the Himalayas just a short drive away and the many pristine hill towns, lakes and valleys to explore, the wait for a weekend can get really tiring. It is only fair that you spend the weekdays planning your next mountain escape. SaffronStays gives you 12 Cottages, Homestays and Guest Houses that lie a drive away from Delhi and make for the perfect weekend getaway to reflect, rejuvenate and recoup.

(Go ahead, bookmark it already!)

#1: A Beautiful Holiday Home overlooking Naukuchiatal Lake, Uttarakhand

Homestay in Uttarakhand

Homestay in Uttarakhand

If you’re one for scenic mountain lakes, then this is the perfect stay option for you. The Holiday home lies 15 minutes away from Bhimtal and a short hike away from the serene Naukuchiatal Lake. There are three well designed rooms which come with bay windows overlooking the lakes. There’s a living room to lounge in, a dining hall where you can tuck into delicious local meals, and outdoor seating space where you can soak up nature at leisure.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#2. Luxurious mansion in the hamlet of Bhowali in Nainital, Uttarakhand

Luxurious homestay in Bhowali, Uttarakhand

Homestay in Bhowali, Uttarakhand

This luxurious mansion is a labour of love and it’s evident in the architecture, the interiors and the gardens. Built mostly by local craftsmen, the property achieves a unique character that seamlessly meshes a traditional country style with modern comfort – drawing its inspiration from the past, living in the present, and looking into the future. In the hosts’ own words, “We created this place to be, to pause and to reflect, to meditate, to remember and to forget, and to bring back the balance in our lives that is all too lost. It is often described as a place with soul, and with a spiritual, meditative quality – we believe this quality comes from the ancient temple that exists under a large oak tree on the premises, dedicated to the Earth God.” Need we say more?

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#3. Snow-kissed Cottage in the apple town of Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Homestay in Kotgarh

Homestay in Kotgarh

Located in the midst of an apple orchard in Kotgarh, the cottage makes for a quiet and scenic getaway. The rooms are simple but offer breathtaking views of the mountains. The hosts readily organise bonfire nights and orchard tours for no additional charge and also ensure that you have a taste of the local cuisine during your stay. Guests can plan trips to the nearby Saint Mary’s Church and Sadhu Singh Caves or visit Shimla that lies just 75 km away from the cottage.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#4. A Beautiful Cottage in the Himalayan Hamlet of Nathuakhan, Uttarakhand

 

Weekend Getaway from Delhi

Cottage in Uttarakhand

Securely located atop a small knoll, this little cottage provides a glorious view of the nearby hill ranges, with lush greenery and forest cover on all sides. Pass through a small garden bursting with flowers of all shapes and sizes to the quaint front portico with outdoor seating, perfect for evening tea. For lunch, enjoy traditional vegetarian meals that are home cooked and delicious, making this property your ideal home away from home. A kilometre’s walk from the homestay is the very quaint Nathuakhan Market, from where you get a spectacular view of the Himalayan range in its entirety. End the day with bonfire, barbecue and a few drinks before tucking yourself to sleep in the heated room.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#5. Homestay in the beautiful village of Majkhali in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Homestay in Uttarakhand

Homestay in Uttarakhand

Tucked away in the beautiful village of Majkhali in Ranikhet, surrounded by lush green forests, chirping birds and a spectacular view of the snowy Himalayan peaks, this homestay has it all. It provides a welcome break from the scorching summers of the plains, and since each floor of the cottage comes with two bedrooms, a lounge area and a kitchen, it is perfect for a groups of friends or a large family. If you’re a nature enthusiast or birder, the nearby pine and deodar forests will keep you enchanted for hours.

Click here to learn more or to book. 

 

#6. Homestay near Valley of Flowers in Joshimath, Uttarakhand

Homestay near Valley of Flowers

 

Homestay near Valley of Flowers

If you plan on spending a few days in a beautiful Himalayan village in Uttarakhand then this is the place for you. A short distance from the famous Valley of Flowers, this homestay is nestled in the beautiful village of Marwari in Joshimath. Each room comes with a private balcony that offers a stunning view of the Himalayas and the sparkling Alaknanda river, far from the distractions of modern life. In addition to the queen sized bed and cosy coffee table with chairs for two, the rooms come with a plush divan. It makes for a perfect base to explore and experience life in the Garhwal region.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#7. Luxury rooms with private balconies in Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Cottage near Shimla

Cottage near Shimla

Sit out at the homestay

A great stay option in the apple town of Kotgarh is this cottage that offers a luxury retreat to travellers. Located in a quiet corner overlooking the mountains and the valley, the spacious rooms come with private balconies and outdoor decks where you can enjoy your meals. Here, you can enjoy long strolls and picnics in the orchard in the day and indulge in barbecues and bonfires at night. The tariff includes guided walks through the forests of Saroga and to Tani Jubbar Lake.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#8. A Lavish Cottage in a hilly oak forest near Nainital, Uttarakhand

Cottage near Nainital

 

Homestay in Uttarakhand

A few minutes’ walk through a large oak forest, with treetops seeming to reach the sky, will bring you to this lavish hillside cottage; a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Nainital. With its stunning interiors, this homestay is a haven for those of you looking to soak up nature – laze, read, write, practice yoga, indulge in photography or go for long scenic walks through the forest. There are two cosy bedrooms and a common living area which features an antique fireplace, perfect for those chilly winter evenings when the landscape beyond the closed drapes is covered in a thin coat of snow.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#9. Heritage Haveli in Shivalik Hills near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Heritage bungalow at Beli

Room in heritage bungalow

Located in the Shivalik Hills near Sirsa river, this beautiful Haveli was built by Raja Joginder Singh of Nalagarh and has now been converted into a homestay by his grandson. There are two spacious suites, complete with a fireplace and seating space, a large garden area and a living room available for guests. Other than the delicious local meals, you can enjoy the famous kiwis and mangoes from the farm. There’s plenty to do here – opt for a Jeep Safari or go for walks in the forest nearby, pay a visit to Rajendra Gardens or the many temples in the area, and take a day trip to Shimla if you like.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#10. A charming room for two in Bipasha Valley near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Homestay in Manali

Homestay in Manali

Located in Bipasha Valley near Manali, this charming cottage lies nestled by apple trees and offers a scenic escape from the chaos of city life. The bedroom comes with a number of windows and a small personal balcony overlooking the hill station of Manali. There is a small garden outside where you can spend time enjoying the view, writing or sipping a cup of hot tea. The friendly hosts also whip up a delicious meal using fresh organic produce from their garden. During your stay, you can go for short treks around the cottage, on a trail leading to the Some River and another to a beautiful waterfall.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#11. Homestay in a quaint Village near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Cottage in Manali

Cottage in Manali

Escape the crowd in Manali by choosing to stay in this lovely homestay in a quaint Village that lies surrounded by green fields, apple orchards, forests and wild vegetation. Enjoy the great view from the comforts of one of the three rooms or place yourself in the garden area or terrace with a hot cup of tea and book. There’s a living room, fireplace and a kitchen that serves out delicious local meals (the Lindi curry is highly recommended) inclusive of the tariff. The property is pet friendly as well so take your pet along to enjoy the hospitality and vistas.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

#12. Rustic cottage in the heart of Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Cottage in Corbett National Park

Cottage in Corbett National Park

Now, this property isn’t in the hills but it’s offbeat and one we would highly recommend. Situated on the banks of the Ramganga River in Corbett National Park, and accessible on foot, it is a stay option for true forest lovers and those that seek the wild in its original, pristine form – away from the crowds, the vehicles and heightened human activity. The cottages here are beautiful and have been constructed with locally sourced clay, savannah thatch and wood inspired by traditional Vangujjar tribal style. While here, soak up the wilderness from your verandas, enjoy some delicious meals, explore the forest on foot, enjoy birdwatching, butterfly spotting, or look for signs of the big ones.

Click here to learn more or to book.

 

Click here to visit SaffronStays and choose from over a 1000 homestays across India.

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Which of these retreats would you like to getaway to during the coming weekends? Share with us in your comments. 

 

About the authors: 

Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog- http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.

Alaric Moras spends most of his time reading, writing and interning with industries that read and write. He aims to become a clinical psychologist, providing therapy and catching Freudian slips during the day, writing and reading through the night. He likes all manner of animals, the smell of books, and the oxford comma.